Rancagua's restaurant scene is functional rather than exciting — central Chilean food, served fast and cheap. The best meals tend to be either at the Mercado Central lunch stalls or in the wine country just outside town.
In the centre, Bavaria on the plaza is a long-running steak and German-Chilean restaurant — solid roast meats, good pisco sours, generous portions. El Sayonara is an unlikely but established Japanese-Chilean hybrid serving sushi alongside Chilean classics. For breakfast or a quick lunch, Café Mokka and Café Carmelitas are the two reliable cafés around the plaza.
For something more memorable, drive 30 minutes into the Cachapoal Valley vineyards. Casa Silva at the entrance to the valley has one of the best restaurant terraces in the central valley, overlooking horses grazing in the polo paddock.