Five Unmissable Restaurants in Santiago, Chile (Plus a Wacky Speakeasy in the Sky!)
Santiago, Chile, is a city where culinary creativity meets bold flavors, global influences, and a deep respect for local ingredients. From high-end tasting menus to traditional Chilean comfort food, the dining scene here is as diverse as it is delicious.
And let’s not forget the wacky, jaw-dropping speakeasy hidden at the top of the Renaissance Hotel—where cocktails and mystery collide in one of the city’s most unforgettable bars.
Whether you’re a foodie looking for fine dining or a traveler in search of Santiago’s best local eats, here are five not-to-miss restaurants that will have you booking a return trip just for the food.
1. Boragó – The Ultimate Chilean Fine Dining Experience
What Makes It Special? Ranked among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Boragó is the Michelin-starred crown jewel of Santiago.
If you want to experience Chile on a plate, Boragó is a must. Chef Rodolfo Guzmán takes an avant-garde approach to traditional Chilean ingredients, using rare native plants, seafood from Patagonia, and wild herbs from the Andes. Every dish tells a story about the land, history, and culture of Chile.
Must-Try Dish: The tasting menu—because choosing just one dish would be a crime. Expect things like Patagonian sea urchin, Andean tubers, and desserts made with rare Chilean fruits.
Pro Tip: Book months in advance—this place fills up fast.
2. Peumayén – A Deep Dive into Indigenous Chilean Cuisine
What Makes It Special? It’s one of the only restaurants in Santiago that celebrates pre-Hispanic indigenous cuisine.
If you’re looking for a truly unique Chilean dining experience, Peumayén takes you back in time with a menu inspired by the Mapuche, Rapa Nui (Easter Island), and Aymara cultures. Every dish is made using ancestral techniques and native ingredients, giving you a taste of Chile’s deep-rooted traditions.
Must-Try Dish: The Tasting Menu, which includes grilled llama meat, crispy fried seafood, and handmade corn-based breads.
Pro Tip: Go for the wine pairing menu—the staff knows exactly what Chilean wines enhance these flavors.
3. Aquí Está Coco – Sustainable Seafood Meets Stylish Vibes
What Makes It Special? A Santiago institution, famous for its fresh seafood and sustainability-driven menu.
For a chic yet cozy spot that specializes in Chilean seafood, Aquí Está Coco is the place to be. With a maritime-inspired interior (think fishing nets, vintage diving helmets, and recycled wooden furniture), the restaurant celebrates the ocean in both design and cuisine.
Must-Try Dish: King Crab "Machas a la Parmesana" (razor clams with parmesan cheese).
Pro Tip: Order a pisco sour to start—it’s one of the best in Santiago.
4. Liguria – The Quintessential Chilean Cantina
What Makes It Special? It’s where locals, artists, and intellectuals gather for authentic Chilean comfort food, great conversation, and strong drinks.
If you want to eat like a true Santiaguino, Liguria is your spot. With its vintage décor, old-school wooden bar, and walls covered in funky Chilean memorabilia, this place oozes character. The food? Classic, hearty, and full of bold Chilean flavors.
Must-Try Dish: Pastel de Choclo (a baked corn pie with beef, chicken, and olives).
Pro Tip: Pair your meal with a bold Chilean Carménère or go classic with a terremoto cocktail (a dangerously sweet combo of pipeño wine, pineapple ice cream, and grenadine).
5. 99 Restaurante – Cool, Creative, & Totally Unexpected
What Makes It Special? A laid-back fine dining experience that feels more like a chef’s personal dinner party.
With a casual, hipster-meets-gourmet vibe, 99 Restaurante focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and an ever-changing menu that blends Chilean flavors with modern techniques.
Must-Try Dish: The Tasting Menu. It changes daily, but you can expect things like ceviche with sea asparagus, rabbit stew, and handmade ice creams made from Patagonian berries.
Pro Tip: Sit at the chef’s counter to watch the magic happen.
Bonus: The Wacky Speakeasy at the Top of the Renaissance Hotel
Secret Location: The Renaissance Hotel, Santiago
What Makes It Special? A hidden secret bar with bizarre decor, surprise cocktails, and an entrance that feels straight out of a spy movie.
After indulging in Santiago’s best food, you need a nightcap. But why settle for an ordinary bar when you can enter a hidden speakeasy through a sliding bookshelf at the top of the Renaissance Hotel?
The bar itself is surreal, featuring wacky furniture, neon signs, and a drink menu that changes based on the bartender’s mood.
What to Order: The bartender’s surprise cocktail. No menu—just tell them your vibe, and they’ll craft something unexpected.
Pro Tip: Ask about the VIP “locked room” experience for an even wilder adventure.
Final Thoughts: Eat, Drink, and Indulge in Santiago’s Culinary Magic
Santiago’s food scene is one of the best-kept secrets in South America—a perfect blend of heritage, innovation, and bold flavors.
🥂 Whether you’re craving fine dining, local Chilean classics, or a cocktail in a speakeasy that looks like a Salvador Dalí fever dream, this city delivers.
