Where to Eat in Santiago, Chile: Best Budget-Friendly Spots for Spring 2023

I never imagined I’d be dining so well in Santiago, Chile! Every restaurant I stumbled upon was a culinary delight, and I’m pretty sure I’ll be packing on a few extra pounds before even setting foot on the cruise 🤪 Here are my top 3 picks!

1️⃣ 99 (p4)
This was hands down the most impressive meal in Chile. With a vibe reminiscent of a speakeasy, 99 offers a 9-course fine dining experience that showcases an array of local Chilean seafood and ingredients. The menu features a lot of pickling and smoking techniques, and I genuinely believe it rivals, if not surpasses, some Michelin-starred restaurants in New York!

The wine pairings, sourced from local vineyards, perfectly complement each dish. It’s so exceptional that I would return to Chile just for another taste of 99!

2️⃣ Bocanáriz (p3)
This trendy wine bar is always buzzing, especially on weekends or during dinner hours, with queues often forming outside. Boasting a selection of 250 local wines, you can choose between 50 ml tastings or 150 ml full glasses. The menu offers a variety of tasting options, and our group sampled several, all of which were incredibly distinctive!

Given Chile’s extensive range of latitudes, it produces a diverse array of red wines. A visit to Bocanáriz for a wine tasting session is an absolute must when in Chile! 🍷

3️⃣ Osaka (p1-2)
Osaka is a Japanese restaurant with a South American twist, using high-quality ingredients and bold flavors. While no single dish was mind-blowing, every one was consistently excellent. The ambiance and service were top-notch, making it a truly enjoyable dining experience.

I spent three nights in Santiago before embarking on my cruise, giving me just a taste of the city and the country. I will definitely return if I get the chance! Next time, I plan to explore some vineyard tours, visit the seaside, and marvel at the natural beauty of Patagonia ✨