comida buena

Travel Guide

Part 2

I consider myself to be a semi-foodie as I like to cook and know what I like to eat. Good food is hard to come by and although I have been called "bougie" I think that it's better to take your time to find something really tasty then settle for something that is just okay. Chile is not known for its food (though wine is nothing short of amazing!) and it took a bit of work to find the scrumptious gems in Santiago. Interestingly many Chileans have told me that in the Pinochet Era curfew was enforced and thus not many restaurants or bars were open to the public. Most restaurants are relatively recent and therefore it is still an emerging business here.

The first restaurant I ate at in Chile and one of my tried and true favorites is Emporio la Rosa. This cafe has been open since 2000 and is known for their homemade ice cream. Located across from Parque Forrestal this cafe has a combination of indoor and outdoor patio seating. They have delicious salads and sandwiches as well as cafe and tea. Smoked salmon with avocado salad is perfect on a hot day! The ice cream really is amazing..including their most famous rose flavor! Prices are moderate and its a really nice place for quality food.

Emporio La Rosa

Merced 291 (Metro Bellas Artes/Baquedano)
Open 8am-10pm every day

Next, if you are looking for a very cheap meal (a position in which I most often find myself) head to Mercado Central. Located in Centro--this fish market is the place to get fresh fish at bargain prices. If you continue to walk into the center (past the fish stalls) there are several restaurants of pretty good quality. The middle is very touristy and therefore pricey but the side alley way restaurants are less expensive. Paying more for the middle restaurants seems to pay off as its more risky for your health to try the side stalls. I have tried the side stalls and they aren't bad. I've heard the best center restaurant is Don Augusto. Regardless, you are sure to get some fresh seafood!

Mercado Central

Enter on Ismael Valdés Vergara between 21 de Mayo and Puente (Metro: Punto Cal y Canto)

Open everyday except Sunday 10am-9pm

Another ice cream must is Sebastian. Located in Providencia this cafe has tasty treats as well--similar to Emporio's tastes..salads and sandwiches. In bustling and trendy Providencia this cafe is a great place for the late Chilean lunch. Plus the ice cream is to die for! With flavors like Swiss Chocolate and nutella. It's most definitely a must try spot! Cortney and I had quite the addiction going on for a while. They also have bana de chocolate which is a hard chocolate shell covering option. Que rico!!

Sebastian

Andres de Fuenzalida 26 (Metro: Los Leones)

Open everyday except Sundays 11am-11pm

Another one of our favorites is Sushi! Sushi is pretty popular here in Santiago because it is the new "in" fashion food. Our dear friend Sandra took us to this sushi place called Miyako located in Centro that quickly became our favorite. After 5pm its a 50% discount and the sushi is always fresh and tasty! The discounted price makes this sushi place a great bargain as well!

Miyako

Moneda, 856 (Metro Santa Lucia)

In reviewing my food selections I noticed that most of my favorite places focus mostly on seafood, salads, and ice cream..whoops! Oh well! I will expand my horizons and get back with some more variety for you..This is not all I eat I swear! But bear in mind I cook more frequently than I eat out because its cheapest and fun. :)

Next up on the guide: Bars and Clubs

Besos a todas!

ps. I have been receiving notice that is difficult to comment (Mom and DAD!) so I tried fixing a few things to make it easier. Click POST A COMMENT. C'mon you can do it!