4 Best Restaurants in Lastarria and Bellas Artes, Santiago

A haven with wine aficionados, trendy Bocanariz in Lastarria has Chilean fare, but it's best known as a superior place to sample vino chileno. Waitstaff at this tastefully designed and somewhat romantic venue are all sommeliers, and they serve 300 wines on any given evening, many by the glass or small pour. Sample a themed flight of wine, such as huaso named for the Chilean cowboy. The menu separates out food types by notes such as smoky, spiced, citrus, light, creamy, herbed, and sweet. Ask to see the cellar.

One of Santiago's original quality coffee purveyors, Colmado is where you order a Colombian Chemex teamed with gourmet bites such as Spanish sausage and cheeses, regular and gluten-free sweets or tasty vegan sandwiches. Tucked inside a leafy courtyard, Colmado attracts local caffeine addicts and visitors alike; brunch is especially popular.

French fare is on the menu at this spacious national heritage converted castle with a turret room and gorgeous terrace. At lunch, sample the set brasserie menu with seafood tartare and duck, or for something lighter and also less expensive, try a turkey club or Mediterranean sandwich on focaccia with fresh Chilean mozzarella. It attracts a well-heeled clientele, so you'll want to make a reservation.

Although at first glance this appears to be a rather somber bistro, nothing could be further from the truth. The service is friendly and the Provence-influenced food---such as the mouthwatering steak au poivre and beef Bourguignon---is first-rate.