When Bocanaríz opened in 2012 in the charming Lastarria neighborhood, it was immediately apparent what the Santiago dining scene had been lacking all along: a wine bar celebrating the vast variety of Chilean wines, including boutique labels and little-known varieties from regions not normally promoted or known by foreigners. Bocanariz, which translates as "mouth-nose," is ideal for travelers who lack the time to visit Chile's wineries, or for those who want to sample a variety of wines in one go: order a bottle, glass or one of the restaurant's flights of four tastings grouped by region or wine variety. The food is fresh and creative, with a menu divided into nine categories (smoked, sweet, and light, for example) that are designed as main courses or small plates to be shared. English-speaking sommeliers are on hand to help you choose.

Located above sister restaurant Opera, Catedral is a livelier, mid-range eatery and bar on the second floor of the same building. With gun-battle grey walls and minimalist décor, the restaurant turns out simpler but equally delicious food, and is a good spot for a drink.

Kitchen Club is both a cooking school and event space, allowing guests to take part in an interactive lesson followed by a meal. The unique culinary experience offers more than 20 participatory courses with options that range from classic to innovative cuisine. Offered in both Spanish and English, Kitchen Club caters to visitors and locals alike in this chic industrial space.

La Mar is part of Peruvian Chef Gaston Acurio's culinary empire (La Mar is also found in Miami, San Francisco and elsewhere in the Americas). While the menu is absolutely Peruvian, this is nonetheless a superb place to sample a variety of fresh local seafood. La Mar, or The Sea, is not a place for carnivores. The restaurant is a "cebicheria," and as such there are numerous preparations of ceviche and "tiraditos" on the menu, along with paella-like arroz criollo, seafood stews, and classic potato-based appetizers like causas. La Mar's lively and light ambiance, with excellent sidewalk-facing al fresco dining, is social meeting place for Santiago's elite.

Osaka, located within the W Hotel in the El Golf neighborhood, is the Santiago outpost of the popular Lima-based Nikkei restaurant serving Asian-Peruvian cuisine. The ambiance is sleek and stylish, yet relaxed, and service can be hit-or-miss, like most Chilean eateries. Yet the freshness of Osaka's seafood and the flavor combinations are superb -- this is a place for diners who do not like their cuisine to be constrained by geographical borders (Chef Ciro Watanabe is himself Japanese-Peruvian). Try the duck confit, the tiradito with citrus and chili, or the mini octopus potato causas.

This folksy, wood-and-brick restaurant is located within a century-old home in lively Bellavista, with indoor and outdoor seating. Peumayen is popular with travelers for its "Ancestral Food," which is better described as cuisine using traditional and indigenous Chilean food products as varied as quinoa, alpaca, Araucaria pine nuts, Easter Island seafood and Patagonian lamb. If Boragó is high concept, Peumayan is decidedly earthy and low-key, and while service is pleasant it is definitely languid. The wine list highlights little-known vintners, and serves regional craft beers.