A Neighborhood Guide to Barrio Italia, Santiago

Barrio Italia is arguably Santiago’s most charming neighborhood, full of independent businesses, artisan shops, and gourmet restaurants and cafes. Centered around Avenida Italia, the neighborhood is made up of one-story houses called cités, with long, central hallways that formerly served as homes and workshops but now hold all manner of shops and cafes.

With its colorful facades and wide array of businesses to explore, this is a fantastic area for a sunny afternoon of shopping or a lively evening of dinner socializing over dinner and drinks. Read on for a guide to some of the best places to visit in Barrio Italia.

Singular Coffee Roasters

This is the flagship location of one of Santiago’s best coffee shops. The beans are roasted on site, and they have all manner of specialty brews that the baristas will be happy to tell you about.

Doña Empanada

Just down the street from Singular, this hole-in-the-wall spot serves up some of the city’s best empanadas. My personal favorite is the mechada con queso (slow-cooked shredded beef with cheese), but you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. The empanadas are large and cheap, and they pair well with a coffee for a light lunch or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Mistura del Perú

Chileans tend to prefer Peruvian cuisine over their own, and there is no shortage of Peruvian restaurants around Santiago. But there is no better place to try the food of their northern neighbors than here.

Go for a classic dish like lomo saltado (above), ceviche, or arroz chaufa—the food is delicious and the portions are huge. Pair it with a pisco sour or a bottle of Cusqueña beer depending on your preference. And don’t miss the heavenly tres leches cake for dessert.

El Fogón de Momo

Chileans also love their asado (grilled meat), and this is the best parrilla in the city.

Try to get a table in the back room if possible to watch the asador at work. Choice cuts here include the lomo vetado (ribeye) as well as the flat iron—be sure to order them a punto (medium rare) and make liberal use of the chimichurri on top. Don’t miss the provoleta to start, as well as the warm and fluffy sopaipillas that they give for free as a cortesía. They also have an extensive wine list from Chile and Argentina.

Pizzeria Alleria

This pizzeria usually has a long line, and for good reason—it’s been recognized as one of the best in Latin America. The owner has brought his family’s legacy across the Atlantic, and the result is a mouthwateringly authentic Neapolitan pizza with incredible dough and toppings. The calzones are also a highlight, as are the angioletti fritti (fried dough) topped with Nutella for dessert.

Bar de René

A staple of Barrio Italia’s nightlife since the 1990s, this rock bar is famous for live music performances from the late night until the early hours of the morning. It’s also a great place to grab a table outside and soak up the atmosphere on the lively Avenida Santa Isabel.

In Pasta

A wonderful pasta restaurant located right next to Bar de René on Avenida Santa Isabel. Another great place to spend an evening outside over food and drink.

Chachan

Chachan is home to some of the best burgers in the city. They also have plenty of craft beers on tap and a lively atmosphere, particularly on the weekends. This is a great place for dinner and drinks after, too.

Cachapas Don 70

Chile has had a large influx of Venezuelan migrants in recent years, and they have brought with them their rich cuisine, which you can try here at Don 70. As the name of the restaurant indicates, their signature dish is the cachapa, a sweet corn pancake folded over with queso de mano (hand-stretched cheese). They also have other classic dishes like tequeños (imagine Venezuelan mozzarella sticks) and pabellón criollo, the national dish of shredded beef, white rice, black beans, and tajadas (fried plantains).

Siria Arabian Food

Delicious Middle Eastern food in an atmospheric setting. The shawarma mixto is a delicious mix of chicken, beef, and falafel with tabbouleh and garlic sauce; be sure to try their iced tea, too.

Bar Cerros de Chena

Located in the heart of the neighborhood, this craft brewery has a wide variety of beers produced in house. It’s a lively spot inside and out, and it’s a perfect stop while bar-hopping through the neighborhood.

Madeleine Panadería

An excellent French-inspired bakery with fresh-baked bread and fluffy croissants, perfect for a snack as you stroll around the neighborhood.

Looking for more tips on what to see and do around the city? Visit our Santiago page here.