The moment you get off your cheap flight to Santiago you are greeted by a dry breeze and once you reach the main streets the scent of herbs, spices, fish, gasoline, rubber and dirt fills up your nostrils and you realize you have reached a place of heritage and rich culture, the capital of Chile.
Speaking of fish and herbs the best seafood can be found right here in Santiago. Everything from traditional Chilean dishes to Japanese sushi. Here is a list of the top spots with unique cuisines:
Azul Profundo: A hidden secret treasure of a restaurant with the best traditional Chilean dishes for miles and most authentic wooden interiors and fishnets hanging from the walls and nautical items that provide the absolute traditional fishing boat experience. Their top dishes include the king crab soufflé, fish soup, ceviche of sea bass and many more.
Squadritto: Situated in the centre of Santiago this small Italian restaurant is run by original Italian settlers. The décor is elegant with traditionalist views of brick pillars, paintings of Pompey motifs on the ochre painted walls. Their top recommended dishes include Carpaccio di Parmigiano with Melanzane Alla Parmigiana or Aceto Balsámìcobut the reason why most people prefer this place is due to their special home-style Italian pastries and desserts.
El Madroñal: As the name implies this is a Spanish restaurant and is considered one of the best in Spanish cuisine. With large beautiful windows and large tables, this provides a very homely experience. Even the bar has comfortable sofas. The matching tablecloths and walls add to the homely touch. Best dishes include for starters the stuffed peppers or as on the menu; Pimientos Rellenos, Enslada de Marinados con Palta. And top recommendations for the main course are the Lomo Grill a la Robespierre and the Congrio Mediterraneo.
Puerto Peru: If you are in the mood for some Peruvian styled seafood then this is the place for you. Situated in the centre of Providencia it is considered a hangout for most young adults.
Antojo de Gauguin: They specialize in Mediterranian, North African and Middle Eastern cuisine. Top picks include the hummus, bab ghanoush, manitaria afelia, kubbe. The dessert menu is superb too with unique picks like Crepe Gauguin with caramelized oranges and chocolate accompanied with Turkish coffee.
Ethniko: This is a post-modernistic restaurant that specializes in Asian, Japanese and Thai cuisine. Situated in the famous Bellavista district this attracts the most fashionable of crowds. The top pick is sushi.
Como Agua Para Chocolate: The name means ‘Like water for Chocolate’ and the name and interior is completely inspired by a novel by the same name. It recreates from the story a colourful Mexican ranch, with exposed bricks, wood and stone and wrought iron balconies and railings. With solid wooden tables, oil lamps and musical instruments it poses for a very romantic environment. They specialize in Mexican cuisine and top dishes are the saffron chorizo soup, prawns, Veracruz rice with squid rings, and other oyster and prawn dishes. The dessert menu includes traditional desserts such as sweet potatoes with custard and ice-cream.
Enjoy the flavours of Chile in Santiago this year and plan your visit with friends or family now.
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