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Pérgola de la Plaza
The Chilean seafood and meat dishes are well prepared at Pérgola de la Plaza, but it's the impressive range of cocktails that makes this place stand out. The patio is ideal for people-watching on a lazy sunny day.
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Plaza Garibaldi
This warm, atmospheric restaurant packs out even on week nights. Decked out like an old Veracruz hotel (you need to walk through saloon doors to take your table), the food is puro Mexicano and errs a little on the pricey side.
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Poema Café
You come to this café in the Biblioteca Nacional more for the grand surroundings than the food - it's like having lunch on the set of Dangerous Liaisons . The dishes all have literary themes and it is equally good for a caffeine pit stop and a relaxed read.
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R
The owners of R showed a certain economy of effort with the name, but thankfully don't do the same with the menu. A classy candlelit setting and original dishes (mainly fish) with a Peruvian twist make for a great romantic night out that won't crunch your credit card. There's a reasonable set lunch menu, but it's better in the evening.
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Restaurant Centre Catalá
Critics rightfully fawn over this sophisticated but informal venue (recently voted one of Santiago's top three restaurants by food journalists). Its lovingly prepared dishes are inspired by Catalonia. The paella catalana, combining rabbit and pork in an exquisite juice, is a highlight.
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Restaurant Majestic
Indian food is a rarity in Chile - almost nonexistent - but this excellent restaurant is the genuine article. Exquisite dishes, including tandoori and curries, are served in the opulent setting of the Majestic Hotel. It's a real treat.
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Rincón Español
It's almost unnoticed in a tucked away cul-de-sac, but classic Spanish dishes draw a loyal clientele to this intimate, pleasant restaurant, complete with the obligatory stuffed bull's head within. The chef's recommendation? Why, paella, of course.
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Shoogun
A Mecca for lovers of Japanese cuisine, this daring under-appreciated restaurant has a homely, elegantly modern interior - traits that are shared in the style of its cuisine. Its menu goes well beyond sushi, although those taking the lunchtime set menu will find that is the main offering.
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Tavelli Café
Tavelli has bagged a prime location in this opulent high-ceilinged venue right next to the Teatro Municipal in a well-heeled, cultural pocket of downtown. Its prices are steep, but the cakes are quite scrumptious.
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Tiramisú
Unusually for Las Condes, this pizzeria comes with warmth and character, created by its wooden interior and bright murals. Its thin-crust pizzas are among the best in town, and it has a choice as long as your arm with good vegetarian options.
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Venezia
Although just about every place in Bellavista claims to have been a favorite of Neruda, Venezia genuinely was. This is one of the few places in the main Pío Nono hub that is worth visiting. Classic Chilean dishes and faded bohemian decor provide a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere.
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Veracruz Cosas del Mundo Café
Veracruz Cosas del Mundo Café fosters about as cultured an atmosphere as it's possible to get inside a shopping mall. Coffees and a slice of mouthwatering pastel (cake) are a bargain.
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Zen
Other Bellavista places may think they can serve sushi, but only this unostentatious minimalist restaurant, situated in one of the neighborhood's more tranquil pockets, really knows how. It's quiet and unassuming, and its wooden panels and typical Japanese tables offer an intimate environment for some memorable dining.
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Zhi Dong
Frills are sparse, but servings are anything but stingy in this exceptionally cheap Chinese restaurant. Chop suey lunches are a steal for just over US$2.
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Zully
Situated in the beautiful, ornate Concha y Toro square, this new restaurant has reaped the plaudits among the city's restaurant critics. One meal in its packed, stylishly colorful rooms and you understand why - its excellent international cuisine will satisfy the most demanding of palates. The grilled yellow fin tuna is exquisite.
