Restaurants in Santiago

This outstanding place in Providencia, with a Basque chef, is stylish yet intimate, serving delicious seafood and other dishes (not to mention some particularly fine pisco sours).

Choice is not a problem at this wrought-iron fish market and cheap restaurant enclave in central Santiago. You may well be overwhelmed by enthusiastic waiters hawking their particular seafood eatery. Either go for the atmosphere (and higher prices) at Donde Augusto ( ) under the high ceilings at the heart of the market, or barter a better deal at one of the smaller places around the periphery. Mercado Central

El Huerto is generally regarded as the best vegetarian restaurant in Santiago. Its Providencia location means it is popular day and night with customers who are either committed vegetarians or just want a break from the relentless meat fest of the Chilean diet. Even dedicated carnivores are seduced by the menu here. There is also a cheaper adjoining café for a quick bite at lunchtime.

It's difficult to pick out one single reason why this is one of Santiago's most popular eating venues. But the good value, the throng of contented diners in the cavernous eating area, the excellent pisco sours (the nation's favourite cocktail - a sweet, lemon-infused brandy) and the sizzle of fresh meat barbecued on the grill at the front all combine to make this one of the city's most memorable meals out.

Make no mistake - global cuisine has arrived in Santiago, not least at this exotic restaurant. Decked out like a Bedouin tent, this is a fun place for friends to meet and eat before they head out to the bars and clubs. It's located in Vitacura, a bit of a trek from the city centre, but it's worth it to witness the chef's world food creations.

Perhaps the best restaurant in the financial district of Las Condes, Akarana specialises in dishes from the Pacific Rim. This means seafood, clearly, but the style varies from Chilean style to seared tuna from New Zealand (where the owner is from). It's all served in understated, unpretentious surroundings, often to the backdrop of some discrete live music.

The real draw of this well-located Providencia restaurant is the view - unless the smog is particularly bad, you'll be able to see right across the city as you tuck into your meal. The high-rise restaurant also rotates so your outlook will change between courses. Business types come here at lunchtime while couples tend to head here in the evening for the fine panorama over Santiago's twinkling night lights.