7 Best Restaurants in El Norte Grande, Chile

El Nuevo Arriero

$$$$ Fodor's choice

Popular with locals, this unassuming restaurant may have simple decor, but the food is excellent. The serving staff bring out endless plates of steaming seafood and barbecue delights. The fettuccini a la mancha is as good as anything you'd get in Italy (perhaps a little spicer though!). Prices are a little steep but fair for Antofagasta, which is a pricey town. 

Amares Costafusion

$$$
This trendy bistro is a top spot for fusion food that mixes local seafood with different international cuisines. Try the crab lasagna, grilled octopus, Asian-style tuna, or tempura shrimp. Ceviche is also a staple of the menu, and the young owners always recommend you start your meal with a classic pisco sour.

Delicias de Carmen

$$

Owner Carmen has managed to attract locals and tourists alike with her immensely popular restaurant that serves affordable, typically Chilean home-style dishes, ranging from soups and stews to roast meats and fish. Warm bread is served with a killer pebre (spicy salsa), and the lunch specials are the best value in San Pedro.

Calama 360, San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta, 1410000, Chile
9-089–5673
Known For
  • Chilean comfort food
  • local favorite
  • affordable lunches

Recommended Fodor's Video

El Pomelo

$
You'll find simple, homemade food at good prices here at El Pomelo. The fresh juices are particularly worth trying.
Maipu, Pica, Tarapacá, Chile
9-9894–3134
Known For
  • tasty fresh juices
  • good value Chilean food
  • large portions

Kunza

$$
This might be a bit out of town, but the volcanic views and delicious Chilean cuisine are worth the trip. Part of the Cumbres Hotel, Kunza is open every day so you can enjoy interesting dishes like guanaco carpaccio, llama jerky, and fish cooked in Atacama salt served with a traditional corn tamale. The bartenders make a wicked pisco sour, perfect for enjoying by the outdoor fire pits under the stars.
Cumbres, Las Chilcas s/n, San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta, Chile
55-285–2136
Known For
  • local cuisine that takes risks
  • tasty pisco sours
  • outdoor fire pits great for star-gazing

Patagonia

$$$

Decked with historic memorabilia, Patagonia is best known for its steak—large slices of steaming beef, cooked on the grill. Most people don't stray too far from the classics and it's probably best not to, as this is what Patagonia does best. Order a bottle of good Cabernet and a steak, and experience a carnivore's dream.

Granaderos 2549, Calama, Antofagasta, 1390000, Chile
55-234–1628
Known For
  • huge, juicy steaks grilled to perfection
  • wooden decor
  • nice wine and beer lists
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: No dinner Sun.

Yatiri

$$
Abundant dishes of northern Chilean cuisine at Yatiri make for a great and affordable meal in Pica. Expect roast meats, colorful salads, and fresh seafood.
Balmaceda 319, Pica, Tarapacá, Chile
9-743–0097
Known For
  • standard northern Chilean cuisine
  • rich stews
  • friendly service