La Mar

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.