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Santiago food guide
Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to Santiago.
Photo by Rebecca Hausner on Unsplash
What to eat in Santiago
6 signature dishes, 4 food-forward neighborhoods, and the etiquette you actually need to know.
Must-try dishes
Pastel de Choclo
$8–$15
A hearty, savory corn casserole baked with a ground beef filling, olives, and hard-boiled eggs, topped with a sweet corn crust. It's a comforting and iconic Chilean comfort food.
Where to try: Traditional Chilean restaurants and 'picadas' (small, casual eateries) throughout the city, especially in neighborhoods like Providencia and Ñuñoa.
Empanada de Pino
$2–$4
A baked pastry filled with a mixture of ground beef, onions, hard-boiled egg, olives, and raisins. The 'pino' filling is classic and found in various street food stalls and bakeries.
Where to try: Street vendors and bakeries, particularly around the Mercado Central and in the Bellavista neighborhood.
Cazuela
$9–$16
A rich and flavorful stew typically made with chicken or beef, potatoes, corn on the cob, green beans, and pumpkin, served in a large bowl with broth. It's a deeply satisfying and traditional meal.
Where to try: Found in most traditional Chilean restaurants and 'fuentes de soda' (diner-style establishments) across the city.
Chorrillana
$12–$20
A massive platter of French fries topped with stir-fried beef, sautéed onions, and fried eggs. It's designed for sharing and is a popular, indulgent dish.
Where to try: Bars and casual restaurants, especially in the Bellavista and Lastarria neighborhoods, often ordered with beer.
Completo Italiano
$2.5–$5
A Chilean-style hot dog piled high with chopped tomatoes, mashed avocado (palta), and mayonnaise. The colors evoke the Italian flag, hence the name.
Where to try: Street vendors and 'shoperías' (hot dog stands) throughout the city, particularly on pedestrian streets like Paseo Ahumada.
Sopaipillas con Pebre
$1–$3
Fried pumpkin and flour flatbreads, often served as a snack or appetizer. They are best enjoyed warm with 'pebre', a fresh salsa made from chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and chili.
Where to try: Street food stalls, especially on cooler days, and as an accompaniment in many traditional restaurants.
Where locals eat — best neighborhoods
Bellavista
Bohemian and lively, known for its colorful architecture, street art, and vibrant nightlife.
Street foodCasual diningNightlife
Providencia
Upscale and modern, with a mix of trendy cafes, international cuisine, and sophisticated restaurants.
BrunchFine diningCafes
Lastarria
Charming and historic, with cobblestone streets, boutique shops, cultural centers, and excellent restaurants.
Cultural diningPatio diningArtisan food
Barrio Italia
Eclectic and artisanal, a hub for antique shops, independent boutiques, and a growing number of independent cafes and eateries.
Independent cafesBoutique restaurantsAntiques and food
Dietary notes
Chilean cuisine is traditionally meat-heavy, with beef and chicken featuring prominently. Vegetarian options are becoming more common in larger cities, especially in cafes and international restaurants, but can be limited in more traditional establishments. Gluten-free options may require careful communication with servers.
Local etiquette
- •Tipping is customary in restaurants, typically 10% of the bill, and is often included as 'propina voluntaria' (voluntary tip) on the receipt.
- •While credit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, it's always good to have some cash for smaller vendors or markets.
- •Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekend evenings.
- •Lunch is typically the largest meal of the day, eaten between 1 PM and 3 PM, while dinner is usually later, from 8:30 PM onwards.
Plan the rest of your Santiago trip
Food guides elsewhere