Elqui Valley
Two blocks east of the plaza, Chivato Negro has a bohemian, vintage vibe with a spacious patio hidden in back. There's a wide-ranging menu of sandwiches,…
Must-see restaurants in Norte Chico
-
Norte Chico
A surprising find in the small town of Chañaral, this exceptional restaurant serves excellent fish (try the pejegallo with capers and beurre blanc) as…
-
Norte Chico
On a leafy block a 10-minute walk east of the plaza, this bohemian bar and eatery has earthy decor of wood and adobe, snacks, and pizzas with unusual…
-
Norte Chico
Head to this cute little cafe with old posters and newspaper clips, adjacent to Casa Tornini, for its delicious cakes, sandwiches and real espressos on…
-
Elqui Valley
An enchanted setting for a meal, El Bosque ('the forest') lives up to its name with outdoor tables surrounded by greenery beside a gurgling river — indeed…
-
La Serena
Tucked away in a residential neighborhood 1.5km south of the plaza, Lemongrass has a loyal local following for its delicious pan-Asian cooking – a rarity…
-
Elqui Valley
Don't miss lunch at this restaurant 5km southeast of Vicuña, where a group of women discovered a groundbreaking way to cook with sunrays instead of hard…
-
Elqui Valley
In an airy upstairs space across from the plaza, Govinda's serves up delicious and hearty vegetarian fare, with a menu that changes daily. Spaghetti with…
-
La Serena
One of La Serena's best restaurants, Donde el Guatón has a covered courtyard with beautifully tiled floors and an aesthetic of rustic elegance – a fine…
-
Norte Chico
Across from the waterfront, this popular spot serves up some of the best grilled fish in town. There's a happy buzz to the place, with locals and out-of…
-
Elqui Valley
For a memorable night out, head to this polished restaurant on the main road leading south of town. Grab a fireside seat in the courtyard and linger over…
-
Elqui Valley
Amid lush foliage beside the gurgling Rio Cochiguaz, this entirely outdoor spot has the most enchanting setting for kilometers around. Start with ceviche…
-
Norte Chico
The best-loved dining spot in town is this laid-back, art-filled dining room right on the main street. The wide-ranging menu features Thai-style seafood…
-
Norte Chico
In the tiny village of Barraza, Cabildo Abierto serves up delicious home-cooked Chilean fare, which you can enjoy in the rustic back garden. Afterward, be…
-
La Serena
This polished, high-ceilinged space is a great spot for pizzas, panini, gnocchi and other Italian fare; or you can stop in for an afternoon pick-me-up …
-
La Serena
Out on La Serena's oceanfront, La Mia Pizza has a solid reputation among locals for its excellent Italian fare (pizzas, pastas), plus top-notch seafood…
-
Elqui Valley
Sample the tasty tapas, pizzas and interesting mains, like quinoa risotto, in the all-natural interior of this restobar full of wood, bamboo, clay and…
-
Norte Chico
Chic choice tucked inside a side street just off the waterfront, this place specializes in sushi and sashimi. It also has some beautifully executed cooked…
-
Norte Chico
Copiapo's best restaurant for a splurge, Legado serves up beautifully grilled black steaks, creamy scallop and shrimp risotto, and mouthwatering fresh…
-
Norte Chico
A short stroll from the plaza, Diventare is a charming, sun-drenched cafe with outdoor tables perfect for enjoying quality espressos, yogurt with granola,…
-
Norte Chico
A lively spot for a meal or a drink, with various art-filled rooms and an inviting back terrace. Three-course daily lunch specials (CH$5000) are good…
-
La Serena
A short walk from the plaza, this little vegetarian oasis serves some fantastic set lunches, delicious fresh juices and innovative sandwiches and salads…
-
La Serena
Ceviche and sushi are served with a does of heavy metal at this small, friendly eatery. The creative ceviche combos are named after music legends such as…
-
Norte Chico
Set with eye-catching tile floors and black-and-white photos on the walls, this casual restaurant serves up Chilean, Peruvian and Italian fare with a dash…
-
Norte Chico
Ovalle's most charming eatery serves up a mix of Mexican, Peruvian and Chilean dishes amid rustic wood furniture, a thatch roof and upbeat Latin grooves…
-
Norte Chico
This unfussy place is a local favorite for grilled fish and filling lunch specials. It's above the fish market, and the big windows offer fine views over…
-
Elqui Valley
Vicuña's most colorful cafe is whimsically decorated with Mexican knickknacks and serves up spice-lacking goat's-cheese sandwiches, quesadillas and…
-
Elqui Valley
This is your best bet for late-night eats – otherwise problematic in sleepy Vicuña. Service is warm, the wine list is impressive and there's a good range…
-
La Serena
Perched up on a hillside, this large indoor/outdoor setup serves up some tasty pizzas along with sandwiches, steaks and tablas (sharing platters). Food…
-
Elqui Valley
Opened by a professional chef, this cozy spot with a backyard, two small dining rooms and tables on the patio serves up regional specialties, with…
-
Norte Chico
The fish market, located along the bay, offers a wealth of fresh seafood, and it's the best place to be around lunchtime.
-
Elqui Valley
On the north side of the plaza, La Bilbaina is a local favorite for its delicious and creative varieties of ice cream (try regional flavors such as copao,…
-
Norte Chico
The best option of the beachfront restaurants, La Bahia whips up a wide variety of fish and seafood plates. The lenguado (sole) is quite good. Go early to…
-
Norte Chico
Just below the lighthouse, El Faro offers the best views in town and a big menu of seafood hits, including eight types of ceviche and a wide variety of…
-
Norte Chico
Perched right over the sea, this ramshackle place serves up delectably fresh ostiones (scallops). It's located at the southern end of the beach. During…
-
La Serena
Inside an old beer factory, this high-ceilinged steakhouse with a glassed-in garden oozes ambience and packs in meat-loving locals for its good-value…
-
Norte Chico
The best place for a post-trip meal is this airy, hilltop eatery with excellent seafood and efficient service. There are outdoor tables in front (facing…
-
Norte Chico
One of a half-dozen casual seafood stalls in the lively fish market, this is the go-to spot for fresh catch of the day. Grab a table near the end for the…
-
Norte Chico
Right on the main plaza, this is a good choice for real coffee and snacks (sandwiches, crepes, desserts). Great people-watching from the sidewalk tables.
-
Norte Chico
A somewhat-upscale restaurant on the seafront, with lots of windows offering beach and harbor views, dependable seafood mainstays and a decent wine list.
