The Ultimate Food & Wine Guide to Santiago, Chile

ByKim & Erran

Santiago is hands down one of our favorite cities! Nestled between the snow-capped Andes Mountains, this city is a perfect mix of stunning views, incredible food, world-class wine, beautiful parks, and all the fun vibes.

And since we’re all about the food and wine, this mini foodie travel guide will take you to the best places to eat, drink, and explore in Santiago!

Where to Stay in Santiago

Santiago is super walkable, making it easy to explore the city on foot. We stayed in Providencia and absolutely loved it! This area is centrally located, full of amazing restaurants, cute cafés, green parks, and great local spots—perfect for soaking up Santiago’s energy.

The Best Wine Experience in Santiago

Little Wine Bus – A Day of Wine, Fun & Adventure

If you’re in Santiago and love wine (which, obviously, you do!), you MUST book a tour with Little Wine Bus. We had the most fun-filled day exploring the Maipo Valley, a gorgeous wine region just outside the city.

✅ Start the day with breakfast at an artist’s house
✅ Visit multiple wineries and taste incredible local wines
✅ Enjoy lunch at a family-run vineyard—authentic and delicious
✅ Learn about Chilean wine while drinking a lot of it 🍷😉

This was hands down one of our favorite experiences in Chile—a perfect mix of culture, nature, and (lots of) wine!

You Have to Try Carménère – Chile’s Signature Wine!

If there’s one wine you absolutely must try in Santiago, it’s Carménère! 🇨🇱🍷

Originally from France, this grape variety was thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered in Chile in the 1990s. Now, it’s Chile’s signature wine, and we are obsessed!
Carménère is like a Pinot Noir but with a buttery, silky smooth finish. It’s light, easy-drinking, and packed with deep red fruit flavors, subtle spice, and just the right touch of earthiness.

We completely fell in love with Carménère when we were in Chile, and now it’s our go-to wine—especially when we want something elegant but not too heavy.

Café Burgundy

Where to Try Carménère in Santiago:

🍷 Bocanáriz – The ultimate wine bar, perfect for tasting Carménère alongside an amazing meal.
🍷 Little Wine Bus – Take a day trip to Maipo Valley and taste Carménère straight from the source!
🍷 Any local wine shop – Buy a bottle to bring home (trust us, you’ll want to!).
Once you try it, you might never go back! 😉

Where to Eat & Drink in Santiago

  • Antique Fuentes Sandwiches – Chilean sandwich heaven! Try the lomito or chacarero—big, juicy, and packed with flavor.
  • Liguria – A legendary, lively Chilean restaurant known for local dishes, classic pisco sours, and a super fun atmosphere.
  • Demencia – A hip, stylish bar with amazing cocktails and creative small plates—perfect for a night out.
  • La Calma – The ultimate seafood experience! The seafood tower is an absolute showstopper—fresh, delicious, and Instagram-worthy!
  • Dondoh (Our Absolute Favorite!) – A Japanese-inspired restaurant with mind-blowing flavors, fun cocktails, and a high-energy vibe. Every bite here was next level!
  • Bocanáriz – The ultimate wine lover’s paradise. Pair their incredible wine selection with a perfectly curated tasting menu for a dreamy dinner.
  • Ambrosia – A charming bistro with sidewalk seating—perfect for a cozy, relaxed meal with a glass of Chilean wine.

Foodie Markets & Plant-Based Spots

Central Market – A must-visit foodie market for fresh seafood and local specialties! If you’re into ceviche, this is the place to be.

Best Plant-Based Restaurants

Vega Chica Food Market (Recoleta Neighborhood) – Amazing variety of local plant-based eats.
El Naturista – A delicious plant-based spot near Plaza de Armas.
El Huerto – A cozy vegetarian café with fresh, flavorful dishes.
Verde Sazón – A modern plant-based restaurant with creative, healthy dishes.

Breathtaking view of Santiago, Chile's skyline framed by mountains at sunset.

Other Fun Things to Do in Santiago

  • Hike Cerro San Cristóbal – Trek to the top for stunning panoramic views of the city. If you’re not in the mood to hike, take the funicular for a scenic ride!
  • Wander Through Barrio Lastarria – A bohemian dream with charming streets, amazing restaurants, cute cafés, and boutique shops. Perfect for an afternoon stroll.
  • Do a Food Tour – If you love trying all the things (like we do), a guided food tour is a great way to discover hidden gems, local flavors, and the best Chilean bites!
  • Our Food Tour Recommendation: We love With Locals for private, customizable tours where you pick your guide based on interests and vibes—or check out a foodie adventure on Airbnb Experiences!

Travsessed Tip: When on a food tour, ask your guide where they take their friends to eat. That’s where the real magic happens!


Fun Food & Wine Facts About Santiago

  • Chile is one of the world’s top wine producers, and Santiago is surrounded by some of the best wine regions—Maipo, Colchagua, and Casablanca Valleys.
  • Pisco Sour is the national cocktail! It’s made with Pisco (grape brandy), lime juice, sugar, and egg white—so smooth and refreshing.
  • Chilean sandwiches are massive—one is usually enough to share, but they’re so good you won’t want to!
  • Chilean beef is some of the best in the world—so if you love a good steak, you’re in the right place!

Tip: Restaurants don’t always bring the check right away. When you’re ready to pay, ask for “la cuenta, por favor.”

How to Get Around Santiago

Santiago is a big, bustling city, but it’s super easy to navigate with plenty of transportation options. Here’s how to get around:

Metro (Subway) – The Fastest Way to Travel

Santiago’s Metro system is clean, safe, and super efficient. It’s the best way to avoid traffic, especially during rush hour.

  • Buy a “Bip!” card at any metro station (you’ll need this to ride).
  • Lines 1, 2, and 5 cover most major areas, including Providencia, Bellavista, and Barrio Lastarria.
  • Trains run from 6 AM – 11 PM (Mon-Sat) & 8 AM – 11 PM (Sun).

Uber & Rideshares – Easy & Affordable

Yes, Uber, Cabify, and Didi all work in Santiago! Uber is our go-to because it’s cheap, reliable, and safer than hailing a street taxi.

Pro Tip: Always check that the driver matches the app info before getting in.

Taxis – Available, But Be Cautious

Official black and yellow taxis are all over the city, but some drivers overcharge tourists—so we prefer Uber instead.

If you take a taxi, agree on a price before starting the ride.

Walking – The Best Way to Explore

Santiago is a super walkable city, especially in neighborhoods like Providencia, Bellavista, and Barrio Lastarria.

  • Always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
  • Watch your bag in crowded areas (like any big city).

Buses – Cheap, But Can Be Confusing

Buses are part of the Transantiago system and work with the Bip! card. They’re affordable but less tourist-friendlythan the metro.

  • Only take buses if you’re comfortable with local routes.

Bike Rentals – A Fun Way to See the City

Santiago has bike-friendly streets and parks, and you can rent bikes at places like La Bicicleta Verde.

  • Perfect for exploring parks, riverside paths, and fun neighborhoods like Bellavista!

Ready to Eat & Sip Your Way Through Santiago?

This city is packed with amazing food, wine, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re sipping Cabernet Sauvignon in the Maipo Valley, devouring a seafood tower at La Calma, or hiking up San Cristóbal for epic views, Santiago is a foodie paradise you won’t want to leave!

Cheers to all the delicious adventures ahead! 🍷✨

Similar Posts