There’s something inherently captivating about Santiago, be it the otherworldly feeling lent by the omnipresent Andes, the kind and beautiful locals, or the abundance of visual art and culture squeezed into the city. The capital city of Chile has something for every traveler–and Santiago food and wine is definitely world-class.  

When seeking food and wine, you can’t go wrong with the classics—fine-dining spots Boragó and Ambrosia have been named to the list of Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants for a reason. But if you really want to get into the meat of the city and dine where the locals dine, you’ll want to look beyond the places a standard guidebook might lead you.

To help you do that, we tapped three top Santiago food and wine experts: Cristian Vallejo, winemaker at Viña Vik; Angello Vallejos, acting director of food & beverage at The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago; and Eduardo Yoshimoto, general manager at W Santiago, to get their insights on Chile’s bustling capital.

Morning

Vallejos: “Wonderland Café is situated in the Lastarria neighborhood, and themed around Alice in Wonderland. Its specialty lies in its breakfasts, brunches, and afternoon tea, all accompanied by an ambiance and tableware reminiscent of the classic novel and film.”

Yoshimoto: “My wife loves breakfast, so our cherished destination is Malva Loca. It sits within a stunning architectural gem in Vitacura and has an array of culinary delights that blend local treasures with international ingredients. Their selection of juices stands out—a particular delight for my son. A heads-up for those accustomed to early starts: it opens at 10:30 AM!”

Vallejo: “The Ritz-Carlton’s superb brunch specialties are worth waiting for, particularly paired with a glass of La Piu Belle Rosé. Brunch is only offered on weekends but it’s worth carving out the time for.”

Lunch & Afternoon

Vallejos: “Zanzibar, located in the gastronomic hub of Borderio in Vitacura near the Cerro Manquehue, offers dishes from around the world. It has a Moroccan-themed terrace and has been named the best rooftop in Latin America. Try the classic Moussaka with feta, a spectacle of Mediterranean flavors and aromas. For something lighter, their generous poke bowl with tuna is exquisite. Don't forget their signature cocktails featuring local ingredients.”

Yoshimoto: “I derive immense pleasure from savoring my daytime moments in Lastarria, an enchanting neighborhood adorned with a rich history and breathtaking architecture. In the heart of the neighborhood is the charming restaurant, Bocanariz. It has an extensive array of wines available by the glass and offers unique tasting experiences that traverse the diverse landscapes of Chile.”

Vallejo: “I strongly suggest Barrica 94. The best time to go is around 1:30 p.m. to enjoy the vibe of the area. It’s in a small shopping mall, so you can combine great food and shopping. Start with the scallops with Pisco sauce and the empanadas de loco [Chilean abalone onion pie].”

Yoshimoto: “My favorite place to go shopping is Casa Costanera Mall. It’s beautifully designed with open spaces and has high-end shops and restaurants. It’s also the home of Artesanias de Chile, my favorite shop in Santiago. It's an elegant, sophisticated shop with upscale handicrafts from artisans from all over the county. Across the street from Artesanias de Chile is La Vinoteca, the biggest wine shop in the city, with a countless variety of Chilean wines and spirits.

Vallejos: “Casa Costanera also has the art of muralist Coni Lars, which features three-dimensional geometric motifs. Los Dominicos Craft Center is an excellent choice for purchasing gifts and exploring local and traditional Chilean craftsmanship. They have ornaments, jewelry, clothing, wines from small entrepreneurs, crafts with Lapis Lazuli, Chilean condiments, and a world of native trees and plants. While there, you can also visit the Los Dominicos church, a cultural heritage site and national monument.”

Dinner & Evening

Vallejo: “It’s talked about a lot, but Boragó really is the best restaurant in Santiago and worth checking out. It’s located in Borderío, the Vitacura district’s gastronomic center. The tasting menu features the best seasonal, endemic products from across the country.”

Yoshimoto: “What I like about Boragó is that instead of a fixed wine menu, they feature a pool of wines that reflect the expansive vineyards Chile has to offer—they also tend to feature smaller, family-run projects.”

Vallejos: “Los Canallas stands out for French cuisine. It’s a youthful, dynamic restaurant that pays homage to seasonal products with a robust French influence, as exemplified by their Escargots Au Persil. Don't miss the Molleja Canalla—sweetbreads and marinated shrimp with parsley, accompanied by a gratin of mushrooms and potatoes and a sweet and sour sauce of pearl onions. Los Canallas takes pride in their house wine they craft themselves.”

Yoshimoto: “For a taste of renowned Chilean seafood, my top choice is La Calma. With an emphasis on exceptionally fresh ingredients and expertly executed plates, it’s a fantastic option if you want to savor the authentic flavors of Chile. Try the exquisite La Calma dish paired with a glass of Las Pizarras Pinot Noir.”

Late Night

Vallejo: “La Vinoteca in Vitacura has a beautiful terrace, great food and a variety of Chilean wines. It also has great cocktails and the best filet tartare.”

Yoshimoto: “For fellow wine enthusiasts, Baco is an absolute gem. They have a very fine selection of ever-changing wines by the glass, featuring wines from small producers. My go-to dish is the Confit de Canard.”

Vallejos: “I highly recommend Nkiru Bar, the first zero-waste bar in Latin America. The whole bar is inspired by one of Brooklyn's oldest bookstores, Nkiru Books, which was purchased by hip hop artists Talib Kweli and Mos Def. It’s adorned with graffiti and street art and situated in Las Condes, close to numerous architecturally stunning buildings. They’re famous for their thematic drinks, like the Tupac drink made with Hennessy and Absolut Vodka. The menu specializes in Japanese cuisine, particularly sushi. Nkiru also has a shop with 3-D designs and Tupac-themed decor made by the world's best resin artist.”

Vallejos: “El Galpónis located in Barrio Italia and has now opened another location in the Alonso de Córdova neighborhood—both are renowned for their vibrant nightlife. The bar has magnificent mixology—the bartender at the Barrio Italia branch won second place in the prestigious World Class bartending competition. It tries to capture the feeling of going to a barbecue with friends and family. The name, El Galpón, pays homage to its location in an old mechanic's workshop in Barrio Italia.”

Yoshimoto: “To dance the night away, go to La Feria Club. It’s the best electronic music spot in Santiago!”