Six Chilean restaurants have been recognized by the international food, bar, and hotel listing site, ’50 Best Discovery.’ This platform highlights establishments that are making waves in the global culinary scene. According to La Tercera, these restaurants are part of an exclusive gastronomic guide that features 240 restaurants, 100 bars, and 170 hotels across 260 locations worldwide.
These establishments have been chosen by expert critics, writers, and chefs who also contribute to the prestigious “50 Best” rankings. This ranking system identifies the best restaurants, bars, and hotels around the world. To be featured in 50 Best Discovery, these restaurants must have received a significant number of votes in recent editions of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, The World’s 50 Best Bars, The World’s 50 Best Hotels, or have been included in their regional rankings, such as the Latin America list.
The Chilean Restaurants Recognized in 50 Best Discovery
Fukasawa
Fukasawa is a Japanese cuisine restaurant that has been hailed as one of the finest in Chile. Located on the fourth floor of Casa Costanera in Vitacura, Santiago, it is owned by Chilean chef Marcos Baeza and his sons, Marcus and Lucas. According to 50 Best Discovery, the menu “combines Japanese tradition with Chilean ingredients.” Signature dishes include the soft-shell crab temaki, which offers a delightful combination of crunch, saltiness, and wasabi heat, as well as the uni ikura risotto, a luxurious dish topped with creamy sea urchin and delicate salmon roe.
DeMo
While chef Pedro Chavarría recently launched a new concept of DeMo at Hotel Magnolia, the 50 Best Discovery guide recognizes the original DeMo, located inside the Persa Víctor Manuel in the Franklin neighborhood. DeMo specializes in brunch and weekend lunches, serving unique dishes such as “confit popcorn with seafood and anchovy sauce” and “mini brioche filled with cured and smoked sea bass tartare.”
Siam Thai
Located in Barrio Italia, Santiago, Siam Thai is celebrated for its unforgettable Thai cuisine. Beyond the food, the restaurant stands out for its “signature cocktail selection,” as well as non-alcoholic drinks and fresh juices. One of its distinguishing features is that it is pet-friendly, making it a welcoming spot for animal lovers.
Mestizo Restaurant
Mestizo, located at the southern end of Parque Bicentenario, is another Chilean restaurant that has earned a place in the 50 Best Discovery guide. Its menu features standout dishes such as “clam risotto infused with rosé wine, lobster tartare on corn toast, and the catch-of-the-day ceviche with a simple lemon dressing.” The dessert menu is equally enticing, offering “tres leches cake with passion fruit sauce and a molten manjar (dulce de leche) cake made with goat’s milk.”
Casa Las Cujas
Casa Las Cujas operates two locations, one in Zapallar and another in Vitacura. The Vitacura location has been recognized for its fusion cuisine, featuring dishes like “crab cheese empanadas, abalone croquettes, clam chowder with goat horn oil, and garlic-infused white rice.” The restaurant is also noted for its coastal ambiance, which incorporates nautical-inspired decor with white and blue tones and an airy patio setting.
Buriana
Buriana is the final Chilean restaurant highlighted in 50 Best Discovery, serving authentic Italian cuisine. Located in Vitacura, this restaurant was founded by entrepreneur Francesco Vannucci and chef Stefano Ligori, who have created a “modern and stylish dining experience.” The menu includes Italian classics such as “vitello tonnato, veal tartare, cacio e pepe, and Wagyu beef with fries.”
Chile’s Culinary Scene Gains Global Recognition
The inclusion of these six Chilean restaurants in the 50 Best Discovery guide is a testament to the country’s evolving gastronomic landscape. Chilean cuisine is becoming increasingly recognized for its innovation, high-quality ingredients, and diverse culinary influences. The fusion of traditional flavors with modern techniques is attracting both locals and international food enthusiasts.
As Chile continues to gain prominence in the global culinary scene, more restaurants are expected to follow in the footsteps of these six establishments. Whether it’s the refined flavors of Japanese-inspired dishes at Fukasawa, the bold brunch creations of DeMo, or the coastal elegance of Casa Las Cujas, Chilean gastronomy offers a unique and exciting experience for food lovers worldwide.
