El Norte Chico Restaurants

We’ve compiled the best of the best in El Norte Chico - browse our top choices for Restaurants during your stay.

Sort by: 10 Recommendations {{numTotalPoiResults}} {{ (numTotalPoiResults===1)?'Recommendation':'Recommendations' }} 0 Recommendations
CLEAR ALL Area Search CLEAR ALL
Loading...
  • 1. Fuente Toscana

    $$$

    One of the most exciting gastronomic opportunities anywhere between Santiago and Lima, Fuente Toscana has quickly established itself as one of Chile's best restaurants. Offering Mediterranean foods made with local products, the family-run restaurant serves affordable and delicious dishes such as gnocchi with pesto; only here, it's made with local almonds instead of pine nuts and local cilantro instead of basil. The dish is held together with generous amounts of goat cheese. Produce is sourced from more than 70 local providers. Wine is sourced from the most exciting surrounding vineyards, and the owner drives to the coast on an almost daily basis to source his fresh fish. Don't miss out on the goat cheese starter (prepared four ways), the river shrimp, or the house special dessert, Corazón de Café. 

    Independencia 146, Ovalle, Coquimbo, Chile
    9-3411–0588

    Known For

    • Italian recipes with Chilean ingredients
    • Wine from nearby vineyards
    • Alfresco dining

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 2. Delicias del Sol

    $$

    Just outside of Vicuña is the small settlement of Villa Seca that has attracted attention in Chile due to their use of solar-powered ovens. Delicias del Sol is one such restaurant serving Chilean-style lunches and desserts all cooked outside beneath the sun's rays. While the meals themselves can be a bit hit-or-miss, it's a worthwhile experience see how Chile is embracing the region's overabundance of sun in eco-friendly ways. Desserts are especially good here. Try the ice-cold papayas in their juice, leche asada (a roasted and toasted milk flan) and the ultra-Chilean classic mote con huesillo (dried peaches cooked in sugar, water, and cinnamon with husked wheat).

    Chiloe 164, Vicuña, Coquimbo, Chile
    51-198--2184

    Known For

    • Ice-cold papaya juices
    • Sun-baked fudge brownies
    • Unique, eco-friendly dining experience
  • 3. Domo Lounge

    $$$

    The most happening spot on the waterfront, this sprawling restaurant serves fresh seafood, pizzas, and shared plates of various European-inspired cuisine. It also transforms into a great spot to enjoy a few drinks, regular live music, and DJ events.

    Av. El Morro 610, Bahía Inglesa, Atacama, Chile
    9-6573–9100

    Known For

    • Live music and late-night events
    • Freshly caught seafood
    • Delicious drinks and desserts
  • 4. Donde el Guatón

    $$

    Popular with locals, this rustic restaurant is housed in a building from 1840 and today serves delicious Chilean food. The early republic-themed decor and waiters clad in the traditional garb of the Chilean cowboy, or huaso, narrowly avoid coming off as contrived, but ultimately present a fitting backdrop for the plethora of hearty local fare. With its several intimate dining areas off the main salon and good selection of wines from the nearby Elqui Valley, this is a good place to enjoy a romantic, candlelit meal. 

    Brasil 750, La Serena, Coquimbo, 1720014, Chile
    51-221–1519

    Known For

    • Sweetcorn pie
    • Barbecued meats
    • Romantic ambience

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner Sun. Closed after 8 pm.
  • 5. Drive In

    $$$

    Located inside a former gas station, this restaurant has seafood, Chilean classics, and pizza on the menu. While the overall experience here can be hit-or-miss, Drive In remains one of the more popular lunch and dinner spots for Copiapó locals.

    Pan America Norte 107--115, Copiapó, Atacama, 1530000, Chile
    52-221–1535

    Known For

    • Local hangout
    • Big pizzas
    • Former gas station location
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. El Durmiente Elquino

    $$$

    Just off the main square is this popular restaurant that serves delicious lunches and early evening meals, including meat entrées, pizzas, and vegetarian options. Be sure to try the costillar de cerdo al horno (pork ribs), and if you can, nab a table in the pleasant courtyard with its excellent view of the surrounding hills. Prices are reasonable, service is good, and there is an impressive wine list.

    Las Carreras s/n, Pisco Elqui, Coquimbo, 1770000, Chile
    9-8906--2754

    Known For

    • Alfresco dining in a spectacular setting
    • Impressive wine list
    • Friendly staff

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. from Mar.–Dec.
  • 7. El Plateao

    $$$

    This bohemian bistro with ocean views is a must for anyone staying in the area. The innovative, contemporary menu lists such culinary non sequiturs as curry dishes and tallarines con mariscos (a pan-Asian noodle concoction served with shellfish and topped with cilantro). On the sand-covered, two-tiered porch, you can sit in a comfy chair and watch the sunset.

    Av. El Morro 756, Bahía Inglesa, Atacama, 1570000, Chile
    9-6677 –5174

    Known For

    • Late-night events
    • Spicy, eclectic dishes
    • Sunsets from the terrace
  • 8. La Mía Pizza

    $$$

    Just across the road from the beach and with great views across the bay, this restaurant serves a range of renditions of Italian classics appealing to holidaymakers and the business lunch crowd alike. The extensive menu includes locally sourced delights such as cordero Sebastián (lamb in a red wine and mushroom sauce, served with potatoes and polenta), as well as traditional Italian staples. For dessert, try the papaya split.

    Av. Del Mar 2100, La Serena, Coquimbo, 1710347, Chile
    51-221–2891

    Known For

    • Family-friendly setting
    • Outdoor terrace
    • Beach views

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner Sun., Reservations not accepted
  • 9. Rukalaf

    $

    This eatery is a vegan-friendly oasis in the Atacama Desert. Open only for lunch, it serves unpretentious, hearty food like Indian-style rice, dahl, and vegetable dishes or a classic Chilean empanada made from soya. The homemade bread is great. You can also arrange delivery by Instagram.

    Colipi 262, Copiapó, Atacama, Chile
    51-222–4289

    Known For

    • Family-friendly atmosphere
    • Indian flavors
    • Great homemade bread

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sat. and Sun., no dinner
  • 10. Terracota Café

    $$

    Conveniently located near the La Serena bus terminal, this smart café is ideal for grabbing a snack before continuing your journey. It has good coffee and a selection of desserts, including homemade gluten- and lactose-free ice creams. Breakfast is also available at 9 am.

    Las Rojas Oriente 1642, La Serena, Coquimbo, Chile
    9-9761–4550

    Known For

    • Small bites
    • Breakfast and soups
    • Peace and quiet

No Restaurants Results

Please try a broader search, or expore these popular suggestions:

There are no results for {{ strDestName}} Restaurants in the searched map area with the above filters. Please try a different area on the map, or broaden your search with these popular suggestions:

Recommended Fodor’s Video