In general, Chilean food tends to be simple, but Santiago boasts some of the best seafood, national, international and vegetarian dishes in Chile. Those looking for a romantic dinner won’t be disappointed by the capital’s selection of fine foods. At the same time, cafés provide affordable, local meals for about $6.

A meal-of-the-day usually comes with a main dish such as fried fish, a side such as rice, plus a beverage and small dessert. At night, instead of eating Italian or Mexican, opt for Chile’s light specialty, once, served at most cafés in Santiago. (Once consists of a sandwich or bread, a type of cake, and coffee or tea.)
 
Groovy jazz, live music and laid-back atmospheres add to your meal experience in the restaurants around Barrio Bellavista and Barrio Brazil. Many locales with live music charge an entrance fee and require reservations on Friday and Saturday nights.

On the east end of town, elegant restaurants accompany expensive hotels. In Providencia and Las Condes neighborhoods, the high-end restaurants offer top-notch Italian cuisine, fish and seafood. Don’t underestimate some restaurants’ classy air, either. At one hot spot you can sample delicious duck from atop a revolving 16th floor. The eastern sections of town also have French, Thai, Chinese and contemporary restaurants.

For those with less tolerant stomachs, many of Chile’s sit-down franchises, such as Tip y Tap, Buffalo and Cuernavaca, offer standard sandwiches for reasonable prices, such as a large beef sandwich with French fries and a pint of Escudo, a national beer. McDonalds, Burger King and other fast-food restaurants are also available in most commercial areas.