Santiago de Chile, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, has positioned itself as one of the most interesting gastronomic destinations in Latin America. On its streets you will find restaurants that range from traditional Chilean dishes to cutting-edge international offerings, with chefs who have gained recognition both locally and internationally.
1. Boragó: A Journey through the Flavors of Chile
Boragó is undoubtedly the most renowned restaurant in Santiago, and one of the most prominent in the entire continent. Its chef, Rodolfo Guzmán, is famous for his focus on indigenous Chilean cuisine, using native ingredients that are often unknown even to locals. With a tasting menu that changes according to the season, Boragó offers a unique experience that connects diners with the geography and biodiversity of the country.
Guzmán works closely with local foragers, farmers and fishermen, allowing him to create dishes that tell a story. From desert produce to ingredients from Patagonia, each dish is a window into the vast Chilean landscape. In addition, Boragó has been included on several occasions in The Worlds 50 Best Restaurants list, a recognition that underlines its excellence and relevance on a global level.
Recommended dishes:
Patagonian lamb with wild mushrooms.
Rock fish with algae from southern Chile.
2. Liguria: Chilean Tradition with a Modern Touch
If you are looking for a place that combines the best of traditional Chilean food with a lively and friendly atmosphere, Liguria is an excellent choice. With several locations spread throughout the city, this restaurant-bar has managed to become an icon of Santiago's social life.
Liguria is known for its bohemian atmosphere, eclectic décor, and a menu that celebrates local flavors. They offer a wide selection of classic Chilean dishes such as caldillo de congrio, empanadas de pino, and pastel de choclo, all prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Plus, their wine list is one of the most comprehensive in the city, with a special focus on Chilean wineries.
Recommended dishes:
Conger eel stew.
Baked pine empanadas.
Corn cake.
3. Ambrosia: Contemporary Cuisine in a Cozy Setting
Ambrosía, run by chef Carolina Bazán, is another of Santiago’s most notable restaurants. Renowned for her focus on contemporary cuisine, Bazán has managed to fuse international influences with Chilean ingredients to create creative and sophisticated dishes.
Ambrosía is located in an old house in a residential neighborhood, giving it a cozy and relaxed atmosphere. Here, diners can enjoy a menu that changes frequently, depending on the seasonal ingredients. With excellent presentation and a perfect balance between flavor and texture, each dish at Ambrosía is a work of art. The chef has received several awards, including being recognized as the best female chef in Latin America in 2019 by the Latin Americas 50 Best Restaurants organization.
Recommended dishes:
Grilled octopus with rustic potatoes.
Crab ravioli.
4. 99 Restaurant: Innovation in Every Dish
Located in the heart of Providencia, 99 Restaurante is known for its innovative cuisine and emphasis on local and sustainable ingredients. This small restaurant has gained popularity thanks to the creativity of its chef, who uses modern techniques to highlight the authentic flavors of Chile.
With a regularly changing tasting menu, 99 offers unique and surprising dishes that combine flavors and textures in unexpected ways. The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious, allowing diners to focus on the food. Despite its size, 99 has been included on several lists of the best restaurants in Latin America.
Recommended dishes:
Southern trout with celery puree.
Local mushroom risotto.
5. Bocanáriz: The Paradise of Chilean Wine
For wine lovers, Bocanáriz is a must-see. This restaurant-wine bar located in the Lastarria neighborhood has become one of the favorite places for both tourists and locals looking to enjoy the best of Chilean wines.
Bocanáriz boasts one of the most extensive wine lists in Santiago, with over 300 labels representing Chile’s diverse wine regions. They also offer the option to order wines by the glass, allowing diners to try different varieties without committing to a full bottle. The food here is designed to perfectly complement the wines, with dishes that stand out for their simplicity and quality.
Recommended dishes:
Chilean cheese and sausage board.
Shrimp ceviche with yellow chili.
6. Naoki: Japanese Haute Cuisine with Chilean Influences
In an increasingly globalised market, Japanese cuisine has found a privileged place in Santiago, and Naoki is an excellent example of how influences from other cultures can be fused with local ingredients to create something unique. Chef Mauro Matsunaga has managed to combine traditional Japanese techniques with quality Chilean products, such as sea urchin, southern hake and Pacific seafood.
Naoki is an elegant venue, perfect for a special occasion or an intimate dinner. Each dish is carefully presented and the flavours are precise, demonstrating the chef's rigour and technical skill. In addition to premium sushi and sashimi, the menu includes hot dishes that highlight the chef's creativity.
Recommended dishes:
Tuna sashimi with sesame oil.
Sea urchin tartare with egg yolk and miso.
7. Here Is Coco: Marine Tradition with History
Aquí Está Coco is a restaurant that has been in the heart of Santiago for over 40 years and is a benchmark when it comes to seafood and fish. Founded by the iconic chef Jorge “Coco” Pacheco, this restaurant has managed to reinvent itself over the decades, maintaining its reputation as one of the best places to enjoy seafood cuisine in the city.
The atmosphere is welcoming and full of details reminiscent of the sea, from the décor to the presentation of the dishes. Here, diners can enjoy classics such as conger eel stew, mussels a la marinera, and a variety of fresh fish prepared on the grill.
Recommended dishes:
Conger eel stew.
Crab in butter.
8. Forest Castle: French Elegance in the Forest Park
Located in a beautiful historic building within the Parque Forestal, Castillo Forestal offers a French culinary experience with a Chilean twist. This restaurant is perfect for a relaxed lunch after touring the nearby museums or for a romantic dinner in a lovely setting.
Castillo Forestal's menu includes French classics such as duck breast and filet mignon, but also incorporates local ingredients to give traditional recipes a Chilean twist.
Recommended dishes:
Duck magret with apple puree.
Filet mignon with red wine sauce.
Santiago de Chile has become a city that celebrates gastronomic diversity, offering culinary experiences for all tastes.