Food has become such an important part of tourism nowadays that an entirely new kind of tourism called food tourism now exists. But even for “normal” tourists, who travel not in search of the ultimate food or simply to taste the local cuisine of places they go to, food has become an important part of the whole trip that encountering good or bad food can influence the trip’s success.
Chile is known for its good food so that finding good restaurants to eat isn’t a problem. Step into one with lots of people and more likely than not the droves of people frequenting the place are not wrong in choosing that place to eat. However even in places where good food is a matter of fact there are still a few establishments that stand out and offer the kind of food that transports you and makes you forget all your other reasons for traveling.
The list of restaurants listed in this section is in no way exhaustive or exclusive for fantastic eating in Chile but according to food and wine connoisseurs are among the best. However, if you want to be sure to get a taste of Chile’s best you’d better head to one of the restaurants mentioned below. Of course I undoubtedly there’s a little kitchen tucked somewhere which could probably beat the pants off these restaurants if you find a kitchen like that get yourself invited to their family dinner and feel blessed for you not only got the best but the pure and authentic fare that food lovers seek.
Cocoa – For the best pisco sour experience visit Cocoa at El Rodeo. You can get pisco sour anywhere in Chile but they don’t make it like they do in Cocoa. Ironically the pisco sour served in this place is made in Peru and not in Chile. But who cares since it’s still the best you can find in the country.
Address: 12850 El Rodeo, Santiago
Phone: +56 2 216-4833
Guila – Chosen by Food and Wine as one of the two best new restaurants in all of Santiago, Guila’s Chef Jaime Landerer churns out the best Northern Italian dishes in this small but very tasteful dining room cum restaurant.
Address: Avenida Vitacura 3879, Santiago
Phone: +56 2 228-0023
Restobar Ky – The other winner of the two best new according to Food and Wine, Restobar Ky photographer chef Pablo Izquierdo is a hit with his Southeast Asian inspired menu. The restaurant is located in a converted old house decorated with the chef’s very own flea-market finds making for a very distinct and tasteful setting. Food and wine recommends the Easter Island tuna with pistachio crust although anything on the menu sure looks and definitely tastes great.
Address: Avenida Perú 631, Santiago
Phone: +56 2 777-7245
Website: www.restobarky.com
Puerto Fuy – One of the hottest if not the hottest place to eat in Santiago nowadays. A new restaurant but definitely sizzling with the seafood chef Giancarlo Mazzarelli prepares. Make sure you get reservations well in advance since getting one in this place is notoriously hard to do.
Address: 3969 Nueva Costanera , Santiago
Phone: +56 2 208-8908
Website: www.puertofuy.cl
Other restaurants you might want to visit are: 034, Blackburn Café, Confiteria Torres, El Chiringuito, House of Morande, Infante 51, Petagonia, Piola, Santabrasa, and Zully all to be found in Santiago.