While Santiago has been afflicted, as much of the world has, with fast-food joints like McDonalds and Kentucky Fried Chicken, you'll have far more to choose from if you abandon your food roots and quickly become loyal to Santiago's. Given Chile's more than 2,500 miles of coastline, seafood stands out as the region's most spectacular fare. Restaurants serve every type of seafood you could imagine-from shrimp, salmon, sea bass and squid, to abalone, sea urchin, octopus, king crab, tuna and eel.

Most of the seafood is cooked in a 'traditional' way, which involves seasoning of lemon, vinegar, and salt. But don't hesitate to be adventurous-if you're looking for something more, you'll find it.

While Santiago's seafood is a true delight, the ripples from a wave of European immigration have affected the cuisine. The empanada has its roots in the pastry shops of Europe- it's a cheese or meat-filled pastry that, like a calzone, is folded in half, creating a pocket of cheese, meat, chicken, seafood or vegetables. Santiago's restaurants are also keen on their hearty, country-style dishes - the pastel de choclo, containing corn, mince meat and chicken, is like a Chilean Shepherd's Pie.

Food isn't the only aspect of Santiago's local flavors to reflect a European influence-a variety of grapes native to Europe have been planted in Chile's fertile valleys over the past 150 years, and a number of varietals have flourished. From Merlot, Semillon, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir, to Syrah and Carmenere, Chile's known for its inexpensive reds. And while Chile's red wines steal the spotlight, white wines have come a long way in the past few decades as the centuries-old Chardonnay, Reisling, and Sauvignon grapes mature at some of the newer vineyards, less than 50 miles south of Santiago.

Wine is usually, if not always, part of the mid-day meal. Many restaurants in Santiago, especially in the trendy Providencia, Las Condes, or Bellavista areas, boast dazzling wine lists - order any glass or bottle and you can't go wrong.

 Santiago Overview

   Highlights:
   Neighborhoods
   Museums
   Architecture
   City Tours

   The Necessities:
   Lodging
   Shopping
   Dining
     Local Food
   Entertainment
     Nightlife

   Travel Info:
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     Car Rental

   Weather

   Side-Trips