Seafood and desserts are among the gastronomic attractions of the Chilean capital

But perhaps it is an exaggeration to say that Santiago is in fashion, with Brazil’s best performance at the Pan American Games (more than 200 medals, a third of them gold) held there until November 5, and with the number of Chilean wine labels in the domestic market, the city is always a travel option.

From Sao Paulo to the capital of Chile there are daily flights lasting 4h15 and, round trip, for around R$ 1,000 – which often do not cover the air transfer let alone a trip to Buenos Aires, today the favorite destination for Brazilians . .

That said, travel aside, the Chilean capital is expensive. On the other hand, it’s the gateway to stunning destinations like Atacama, Patagonia and Easter Island and, yes, it has its own charms, including unique seafood and eye-catching desserts. Here are the 5 mandatory stops for any itinerary.

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Hotel W

The first thing is to settle in, right? If it’s somewhere comfortable, well located and, as a bonus, has a heated pool overlooking the Cordillera, the best restaurant in town and a Nababesque breakfast, so much the better.

The W offers this combination (daily rates from US$303): it has the subway at your fingertips, an antiques and crafts fair on weekends, it is close to parks, shopping centers and trendy restaurants. It also hosts the unmissable Karai.

On the 4th floor, the Chilean address of the 6th best chef in the world (Peruvian Micha Tsumura), shines with niguiris, ravioli, yakitoris and tempurás. “We still have a lot to discover about Chilean products, but the seafood is proof of this,” explains Gérson Céspedes, Micha’s right-hand man and daily commander of the house.

Among the highlights of the menu is xiao long bao, a dumpling filled with shellfish broth and local shells (about $21.50).

Isidora Goyenechea 3000, Las Condes. Telephone: +56 2 2770 0000

Pulpería Santa Elvira

More than welcoming, the over-a-century-old house translates Javier Avilés’ affectionate cuisine into its rooms. Mixed warehouse and restaurant, the family spirit is reflected in a streamlined menu, with four starters, four main courses and two desserts made with the best seasonal ingredients. Or the day.

So there are recipes that come and go, some giving an air of grace for a very limited time. However, you are guaranteed to experience Chilean classics revisited with respect. An example is “la volta”, an interpretation of the national snack, which no, is not eaten only at 11 in the morning.

In this appetizer the chef brings a basket of freshly baked and fried artisanal mini breads. Nothing is random, the most popular are: dobladitas, amasados ​​​​and soupipillas, which accompany a terrine (can be rabbit or “pork cheese”) and an egg (which can hide some native mushrooms, crabs and even truffles ).

After that, it’s worth ordering the cream of the day (and praying that it’s made with clams), the octopus with olives, the flan… You can have a complete meal, with glasses of wine and fond memories, for around 40 dollars . , which is not easy in Santiago.

Sta. Elvira 475, Matta Sur. Wednesday, from 7pm to 11.30pm; Thursday, Saturday, from 1pm to 3.30pm and from 7pm to 11.30pm; Sunday, from 1pm to 4pm. Telephone: +56 9 4111 6000

La Popular Pizza e Pan

The city’s most advertised baker is not from Santiago, but from Buenos Aires, so hits like the croissant with plenty of dulce de leche and walnuts (US$4.40) and the medialunas (Argentinian, sweet version of the croissant, US$3) .

But Tadeo Castelvero, a specialist in natural fermentation and dedicated to organic flours, doesn’t stop at buttery doughs: he offers more than 15 varieties of bread, a dozen pizzas, as well as sandwiches, generous salads and “bollería” desserts, such as ginger galletón (one German-style gingerbread, $2.25).

José Manuel Infante 1232, Providencia. from Monday to Friday, from 8:00 to 23:00; Sat. from 9:00 to 23:00; Sun., from 9:00 to 16:00. Telephone: +562 3339 2109

Casa Las Cujas

In hell, embrace the devil; in Santiago, you forget the currency converter and fish for the best the sea has to offer. Or go to Casa Las Cujas.

About to celebrate its 10th anniversary, the restaurant displays oysters, centellas, scallops and other less famous shells in a tank in the center of the room and receives fish every day. At the table you can breathe the sea air in what the owner, Max Raide, nicknames “cocina de playa”.

Among the main dishes, the caleta las, which brings together different cuts of fish and seafood with fresh sauces (about 45 dollars), but there are also ceviches, tiraditos, oysters and scallops au gratin, sea urchins with green sauce and even a luxurious giant crab splash. (US$100).

Alonso de Córdova 2437, Vitacura. from Monday to Wednesday, from 1pm to 10pm; Thursday, Saturday, 1pm to midnight; Sun., from 1pm to 6pm. Tel.: +56 9 3734 2439

Sweets Fiol

For Camila Fiol, desserts don’t have to be limited to cakes and chocolate, nor do they have to ooze vanilla. She then has raspberry gummy bears with basil, guava with passion fruit, strawberry with red wine and pumpkin with cinnamon ($0.35 each).

There are also almond, hazelnut, goat cheese and peach macarons; sesame, white chocolate, apricot and yuzu; poppy with lavender and other bold combinations ($1.70 per unit).

The balance between sweetness and acidity is equally visible in ice creams. Among vegans, yellow watermelon and plantain with tangerine and chocolate chips ($3.95 for a 250-gram jar) are currently popular.

Av. Condell 1065, Providencia. Every day from 12:00 to 20:00. Telephone: +56 9 5325 5670

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.