You're probably wondering what they eat all the way down here at the end of the Earth. Meat, lots and lots of meat. Magallenic lamb (cordero magallenico) is a staple in the region. If you're a conscientious meat eater, you've come to the right place to indulge, as you'll be hard-pressed to find happier, more free-range lamb than around Punta Arenas. Be sure not to miss out on the king crab (centolla), another delicious specialty of the region. Most restaurants also serve typical Chilean fare such as pastel de choclo (maize pie) and charquican (minced meat pie).

Just about everything comes with meat, so if you say you're a vegetarian and they suggest ham, don't be surprised. Though it's not the easiest place to be vegetarian, most restaurants do offer a couple of veggie options. El Living serves 100% vegetarian fare, as organic as you can be in this far part of the world, with several options for special diets.

If you're just looking to duck in for a quick bite to eat, most café-restaurants serve churrasco, a large sandwich, usually consisting of a slab of beef, mayonnaise and whatever else you ask to put on it (tomato, lettuce or avocado, for example). These sandwiches can be made vegetarian, though your server may give you a funny look when you ask them to hold the meat. A lo pobre means your sandwich will be served with a fried egg and sauteed onions.

Magallenicos are also known for their fondness of sweets. In the center of town, there are several places to stop for a quick chocolate. Be warned that the cappuccinos in this part of the world typically come with a heaping dollop of whipped cream, often instead of milk. Submarinos are basically steaming hot milk with a whole piece of chocolate at the bottom, which melts as you stir and sip your drink.