Santiago's food scene has become one of the best in South America, driven by a generation of Chilean chefs who are taking native ingredients seriously. The Mercado Central is the classic lunch destination; the Barrio Italia and Barrio Lastarria neighbourhoods have the densest concentration of good contemporary restaurants.
Chilean staples to try: congrio frito (fried conger eel), pastel de jaiba (crab pie), cazuela (meat and vegetable broth), and empanadas de pino (beef, olive, and egg pastries). Lunch is the main meal of the day; most restaurants offer a prix-fixe menú del día that is excellent value.