Best Cazuela in Santiago

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A favorite for first-time visitors; their Pastel de Choclo is served in massive clay bowls and is known for its high-quality beef and fresh basil. The atmosphere is loud, high-energy, and filled with roaming musicians. — Centro Histórico

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1:30 PM; the most famous and largest restaurant in the Mercado Central.

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$$$

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This is the most authentic way to eat a hot dog; look for the "Completos" signs in the smaller outer stalls where the locals eat, away from the tourist-focused seafood restaurants in the center. — Centro Histórico

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11:30 AM; small stalls along the perimeter of the historic fish market.

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The name translates to "Where the Fat Man Is"—a classic Chilean indicator of a place that serves enormous, calorie-dense meals for a low price. Their Completos are notoriously "oversized." — various (Centro / Rancagua)

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1:30 PM; a "people's restaurant" known for its massive portions.

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Famous for its "Terremoto" drinks, but their Chorrillana is the essential "fuel" for the night; it is cheap, massive, and served on communal wooden tables in a chaotic, historic atmosphere. — Centro Histórico

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6:00 PM; a legendary and gritty "republican" bar near the Mercado Central.

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Offers a "classic" Chorrillana in a wonderfully bohemian and quiet setting; it is a favorite for local artists and writers who want a traditional meal without the noise of the city center. — various (Providencia)

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1:30 PM; a historic club with a beautiful garden terrace.

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$$

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This is where you find the "worker's" Chorrillana; it is simple, honest, and served with a side of "pebre" and fresh bread. — Recoleta

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12:30 PM; the second-floor food court is a hub for authentic local food.

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Their empanadas are characterized by a very thin and crispy dough that allows the flavors of the filling to shine; it is the choice for those who find traditional empanada dough too bready. — various (Vitacura)

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12:30 PM; a high-end traditional bakery known for its quality and consistency.

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$$

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Their empanadas are kept fresh and warm in ceramic pots, allowing you to sample them alongside other Chilean classics in a single sitting without committing to a full-sized turnover. — various (Providencia)

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1:00 PM; massive and high-quality buffet featuring dozens of dishes.

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$$

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Offers a "premium" Chorrillana using high-end tenderloin (lomo) and hand-cut artisanal fries; it is the most expensive version in the city but also the most technically perfect. — various (Providencia / Lastarria)

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1:30 PM; a legendary and very stylish restaurant filled with Chilean pop culture artifacts.

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$$$

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A favorite of Anthony Bourdain; their Pastel de Choclo is the definition of "soul food." It is large, messy, intensely flavorful, and served in a setting that hasn't changed in a century. — Estación Central

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1:30 PM; a legendary and very unpretentious "Picada" operating since 1912.

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Their empanadas are notorious for their size and weight; one is a full meal. They are baked throughout the day, ensuring you almost always get one that is still warm from the oven. — various (Las Condes / Vitacura)

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1:00 PM on a Sunday; a premier bakery chain that is a staple for local families.

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$$

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Offers a "home-style" Completo that feels less like fast food and more like something a Chilean grandmother would make; the bread is fresh from a local bakery and the mayo is whipped by hand. — Ñuñoa

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1:30 PM; a classic neighborhood lunch spot with a very traditional menu.

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This is the most "elegant" way to eat the dish; while the recipe is strictly traditional, the service is formal and the setting is grand. Their corn topping is famously smooth and delicate, appealing to those who find rustic versions too chunky. — various (Centro / Alameda)

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1:00 PM; the city's oldest restaurant (operating since 1879), once a favorite of presidents.

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$$$

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As the name suggests, it is built for speed; the waiters are famous for shouting orders and the hot dogs appear almost instantly. It is a quintessential part of the downtown office-worker culture. — Centro Histórico

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12:30 PM; a historic standing-room-only spot in the heart of the city's pedestrian district.

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This is where the city’s working class eats; look for the "Empanadas de Pino" stalls where the turnovers are served on plastic plates with a side of "pebre" (Chilean salsa). — Recoleta

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12:30 PM; the second-floor food court is a hub for authentic local food.

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Known for its "Mega Chorrillanas"—plates that are designed to feed an entire family or a group of office workers. It is fast, affordable, and very unpretentious. — various (Centro)

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1:30 PM; a popular "people's restaurant" on the city's main avenue.

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Offers a "safe" and very affordable introduction to the Completo; it is a popular choice for those who want a sit-down meal with a cold beer without spending much. — various (Ubiquitous)

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1:00 PM for a reliable family lunch with beer (Schop).

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One of the most famous "Picadas" in Santiago; their Chorrillana is a favorite for tourists and locals alike, known for its generous amount of beef and its perfectly caramelized onions. The atmosphere is vibrant, loud, and quintessentially Bellavista. — Bellavista

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8:00 PM; a very popular and historic corner restaurant in the bohemian district.

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Offers a more refined and technically perfect empanada; they use premium cuts of beef and artisanal olives, providing a "fine-dining" version of the humble snack. — various (Vitacura)

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1:30 PM; a modern "gourmet" take on traditional Chilean food.

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$$$

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This is the "raw" street experience; while not for the faint of heart, eating a Completo from a street cart while standing on a busy corner is the most authentic connection to the city's working-class food culture. — various (Santiago Centro)

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6:30 PM; the name refers to the "Uncle of the Oil"—a humorous nod to street food culture.

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$

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