Though it’s a big tourist town, pickings are slim when it comes to restaurants in La Serena. With a few exceptions, you’ll mostly find a huge selection of average Chilean food in the center of town. Balmaceda has some pleasant cafes with outdoor patios, and you’ll find a few ethnic restaurants on Prat and O’Higgins.
Your best bet for a good meal is to head out to Avenida del Mar, where you’ll find quite a few memorable mid-range options like the historic Porotas restaurant, and La Pizza Mia—a popular staple of the town with tasty pizzas, pasta and meats, or Huentalequea, which is open late and offers delicious cheese empanadas and live music. Keep in mind, however, that some restaurants keep irregular hours during the winter, and others close altogether till summer comes and floods the area with tourists.