Must-see restaurants in Chile

  • Monorganiko

    Iquique

    This tiny cafe secreted away inside a surf shop serves some of Iquique's best coffees. The barista will prepare it any way you like – V60, Aeropress,…

  • Cabildo Abierto

    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…

  • Tataku Vave

    Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

    Tucked behind the Caleta Hanga Piko, Tataku Vave is that easy-to-miss 'secret spot' that locals like to recommend, with a delightfully breezy terrace that…

  • Tio Jacinto

    Norte Grande

    One of Antofogasta's best places for a meal, the family-run Tio Jacinto serves mouth-watering plates of locos (Chilean abalone), erizos (sea urchin) and…

  • La Terrazza

    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 …

  • Palacio del Vino

    Santiago

    This down-to-earth ‘wine palace’ gets high marks for both atmosphere and price. Not only is it located in a character-rich heritage building in Barrio…

  • Café de Mayo

    Coyhaique

    A meeting spot specializing in espresso drinks, farm-egg breakfasts or filling staples like pastel de choclo (maize casserole). There are also sandwiches,…

  • Lucano

    Arica

    A bit outside the center, open-sided Lucano has an easygoing charm with checkered tablecloths, outdoor tables and a soundtrack of American soul, funk and…

  • Holm

    Santiago

    Santiaguinos flock to this homey Providencia cafe each weekend for the best brunches in town. Fresh-baked breads and jams, yogurt and granola or scrambled…

  • La Guanaca

    Puerto Natales

    From crisp oven-fired pizzas to crepes and marinated mushroom appetizers, this homespun restaurant delivers warming and satisfying meals. Oversized salads…

  • La Mia Pizza

    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…

  • Au Bout du Monde

    Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

    Stellar cuisine is the star of this somewhat bland-looking restaurant run by a Belgian woman. Every visitor ought to try the tuna in Tahitian vanilla…

  • Adobe

    San Pedro de Atacama

    Popular with travelers for its studied rusticity, rock-art decor, bench-like seating and smoky fire in the alfresco dining room. Adobe serves tasty but…

  • El Durmiente Elquino

    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…

  • Mata-Rangi

    Arica

    Superb seafood is served at this adorable spot hanging over the harbor by the fishing jetty. A wooden shack-style place packed with wind chimes, it has a…

  • Etniko

    Santiago

    With an airy transcendental energy, gigantic sushi platters and a sprinkling of other culinary offerings from Japan, Thailand and Chile, this hip eatery…

  • La Mulata

    Iquique

    Some of the best cooking in town is served at this lively Peruvian-Japanese restaurant. Service is snappy but personable, portions are well-sized without…

  • Punto de Referencia

    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…

  • Fauna

    Valparaíso

    One of the best decks in town is found at this hip lounge and restobar (with a sophisticated attached hotel). It's a top spot for locals to suck down…

  • Legado

    Norte Chico

    Copiapo's best restaurant for a splurge, Legado serves up beautifully grilled black steaks, creamy scallop and shrimp risotto, and mouthwatering fresh…

  • Afrigonia

    Puerto Natales

    Outstanding and wholly original, you won’t find Afro-Chilean cuisine on any NYC menu. This romantic gem serves up fragrant rice, fresh ceviche and mint…

  • Apice Cocina De Mar

    Valparaíso

    Just 20 people per night have the privilege of dining in this exclusive low-lit seafood den on Cerro Alegre. The fish is caught the same day you eat it,…

  • Todo Natural

    San Pedro de Atacama

    Local ingredients like quinoa, plus Asian influences, whole-wheat sandwiches, good salads and other healthy offerings fill out the lengthy menu here. The…

  • La Picada de los Veleros

    Puerto Williams

    Family-style dinners are served to a menagerie of travelers. Patty is a genius with fresh seafood preparations. The jovial environment is best enjoyed if…

  • Cantaverdi

    Norte Grande

    Two rustic rooms with contemporary artwork and a fireplace right off the main plaza. The menu features a few Andean staple dishes as well as crowd…

  • Diventare

    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,…

  • El Guru

    Iquique

    Locals flock to this homey spot for its good-value, classic cooking. Come early for changing lunch specials of grilled fish, steak or pork served up with…

  • La Canasta

    Middle Chile

    You will feel as though you've entered into a woodsy wonderland when you walk through the doors of this quirky restaurant; its 2nd-floor terrace offers…

  • La Chingana

    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…

  • Ayawasi

    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…

  • Fuente Suiza

    Santiago

    Seriously good lomo (pork) sandwiches and flaky deep-fried empanadas make this simple family-run restaurant the perfect place to prepare for (or recover…

  • Salon de Te 890

    Arica

    Come to this cheerful teahouse for pizzas, sandwiches and heavenly sweet cakes served in a pair of pastel-colored rooms with old-timey decoration. Don't…

  • Pizzas de Fabio

    Northern Patagonia

    There's no going wrong with these thin-crust, gooey pizzas made by Argentine chef Fabio, who gave up cooking haute cuisine to open his own grungy-fun…

  • Maracuyá

    Arica

    Treat yourself to a superb seafood meal complete with snappily attired servers and sea views at this villa-style restaurant next to Playa El Laucho…

  • Pasta e Vino

    Valparaíso

    If you want to compete with local foodies, it's worth reserving ahead. You'll be dining on inventive seasonal pastas in a sleek, intimate atmosphere with…

  • Santiago Fish Market

    Mercado Central

    Santiago

    Santiago's wrought-iron fish market is a classic for seafood lunches (and hangover-curing fish stews like the tomato- and potato-based caldillo de congrio…

  • Latitude 39°

    Pucón

    California-transplant owners fill a clearly appreciated gringo niche at this homesick-remedy of a restaurant. Juicy American-style burgers are a huge hit:…

  • Sandwichería Mitos

    Chiloé

    For a dash of local color, this charming restaurant one street above the waterfront is dressed in cozy hardwoods and wool-trimmed accents. Patrons settle…

  • Feria Pinto

    Sur Chico

    Feria Pinto is a colorful Mapuche produce-and-food market taking up several blocks along Barros Arana. Along the streets more practical wares are sold,…

  • Glorymar

    The Lakes District

    A step up above the competition in food quality and professionalism, classy Glorymar boasts bay views to accompany its satisfying menu of sea delights…

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