Elqui Valley
Two blocks east of the plaza, Chivato Negro has a bohemian, vintage vibe with a spacious patio hidden in back. There's a wide-ranging menu of sandwiches,…
Must-see restaurants in Norte Chico
Norte Chico
A surprising find in the small town of Chañaral, this exceptional restaurant serves excellent fish (try the pejegallo with capers and beurre blanc) as…
Norte Chico
On a leafy block a 10-minute walk east of the plaza, this bohemian bar and eatery has earthy decor of wood and adobe, snacks, and pizzas with unusual…
Norte Chico
Head to this cute little cafe with old posters and newspaper clips, adjacent to Casa Tornini, for its delicious cakes, sandwiches and real espressos on…
Elqui Valley
An enchanted setting for a meal, El Bosque ('the forest') lives up to its name with outdoor tables surrounded by greenery beside a gurgling river — indeed…
La Serena
Tucked away in a residential neighborhood 1.5km south of the plaza, Lemongrass has a loyal local following for its delicious pan-Asian cooking – a rarity…
Elqui Valley
Don't miss lunch at this restaurant 5km southeast of Vicuña, where a group of women discovered a groundbreaking way to cook with sunrays instead of hard…
Elqui Valley
In an airy upstairs space across from the plaza, Govinda's serves up delicious and hearty vegetarian fare, with a menu that changes daily. Spaghetti with…
La Serena
One of La Serena's best restaurants, Donde el Guatón has a covered courtyard with beautifully tiled floors and an aesthetic of rustic elegance – a fine…
Norte Chico
Across from the waterfront, this popular spot serves up some of the best grilled fish in town. There's a happy buzz to the place, with locals and out-of…
Elqui Valley
For a memorable night out, head to this polished restaurant on the main road leading south of town. Grab a fireside seat in the courtyard and linger over…
Elqui Valley
Amid lush foliage beside the gurgling Rio Cochiguaz, this entirely outdoor spot has the most enchanting setting for kilometers around. Start with ceviche…
Norte Chico
The best-loved dining spot in town is this laid-back, art-filled dining room right on the main street. The wide-ranging menu features Thai-style seafood…
Norte Chico
In the tiny village of Barraza, Cabildo Abierto serves up delicious home-cooked Chilean fare, which you can enjoy in the rustic back garden. Afterward, be…
La Serena
This polished, high-ceilinged space is a great spot for pizzas, panini, gnocchi and other Italian fare; or you can stop in for an afternoon pick-me-up …
La Serena
Out on La Serena's oceanfront, La Mia Pizza has a solid reputation among locals for its excellent Italian fare (pizzas, pastas), plus top-notch seafood…
Elqui Valley
Sample the tasty tapas, pizzas and interesting mains, like quinoa risotto, in the all-natural interior of this restobar full of wood, bamboo, clay and…
Norte Chico
Chic choice tucked inside a side street just off the waterfront, this place specializes in sushi and sashimi. It also has some beautifully executed cooked…
Norte Chico
Copiapo's best restaurant for a splurge, Legado serves up beautifully grilled black steaks, creamy scallop and shrimp risotto, and mouthwatering fresh…
Norte Chico
A short stroll from the plaza, Diventare is a charming, sun-drenched cafe with outdoor tables perfect for enjoying quality espressos, yogurt with granola,…
Norte Chico
A lively spot for a meal or a drink, with various art-filled rooms and an inviting back terrace. Three-course daily lunch specials (CH$5000) are good…
La Serena
A short walk from the plaza, this little vegetarian oasis serves some fantastic set lunches, delicious fresh juices and innovative sandwiches and salads…
La Serena
Ceviche and sushi are served with a does of heavy metal at this small, friendly eatery. The creative ceviche combos are named after music legends such as…
Norte Chico
Set with eye-catching tile floors and black-and-white photos on the walls, this casual restaurant serves up Chilean, Peruvian and Italian fare with a dash…
Norte Chico
Ovalle's most charming eatery serves up a mix of Mexican, Peruvian and Chilean dishes amid rustic wood furniture, a thatch roof and upbeat Latin grooves…
Norte Chico
This unfussy place is a local favorite for grilled fish and filling lunch specials. It's above the fish market, and the big windows offer fine views over…
Elqui Valley
Vicuña's most colorful cafe is whimsically decorated with Mexican knickknacks and serves up spice-lacking goat's-cheese sandwiches, quesadillas and…
Elqui Valley
This is your best bet for late-night eats – otherwise problematic in sleepy Vicuña. Service is warm, the wine list is impressive and there's a good range…
La Serena
Perched up on a hillside, this large indoor/outdoor setup serves up some tasty pizzas along with sandwiches, steaks and tablas (sharing platters). Food…
Elqui Valley
Opened by a professional chef, this cozy spot with a backyard, two small dining rooms and tables on the patio serves up regional specialties, with…
Norte Chico
The fish market, located along the bay, offers a wealth of fresh seafood, and it's the best place to be around lunchtime.
Elqui Valley
On the north side of the plaza, La Bilbaina is a local favorite for its delicious and creative varieties of ice cream (try regional flavors such as copao,…
Norte Chico
The best option of the beachfront restaurants, La Bahia whips up a wide variety of fish and seafood plates. The lenguado (sole) is quite good. Go early to…
Norte Chico
Just below the lighthouse, El Faro offers the best views in town and a big menu of seafood hits, including eight types of ceviche and a wide variety of…
Norte Chico
Perched right over the sea, this ramshackle place serves up delectably fresh ostiones (scallops). It's located at the southern end of the beach. During…
La Serena
Inside an old beer factory, this high-ceilinged steakhouse with a glassed-in garden oozes ambience and packs in meat-loving locals for its good-value…
Norte Chico
The best place for a post-trip meal is this airy, hilltop eatery with excellent seafood and efficient service. There are outdoor tables in front (facing…
Norte Chico
One of a half-dozen casual seafood stalls in the lively fish market, this is the go-to spot for fresh catch of the day. Grab a table near the end for the…
Norte Chico
Right on the main plaza, this is a good choice for real coffee and snacks (sandwiches, crepes, desserts). Great people-watching from the sidewalk tables.
Norte Chico
A somewhat-upscale restaurant on the seafront, with lots of windows offering beach and harbor views, dependable seafood mainstays and a decent wine list.
