Last weekend we enjoyed our best brunch in a long, long time here in Santiago. Quite simply, Wonderland Cafe is wonderful.
Very loosely modelled on the children’s classic Alice in Wonderland, it’s as much about the adventure as the food.
Alice in Wonderful
Stepping inside this iconic Santiago cafe is like burrowing down the rabbit hole. Lights are dimmed, and then as your eyes adjust you’ll spot strange little bottles, antique trinkets and leather bound books.
As well as the central cafe, there’s a charming outdoor patio and a cute reading room, all buzzing with hipster locals, Expaters and travellers from afar.
Playful jazz mingles with the aroma of fresh coffee, laughter and giggles.
A menu fit for a Queen of Hearts
We enjoyed one of the best brunches ever in Santiago.
Plates piled high with (real) bacon, (proper) sausages, (freshly) scrambled eggs and (authentic British) baked beans. The full English indeed. Hoorah!
Brunch includes all the trimmings, plus juice, tea or coffee and a small bowl of porridge.
Staff were so incredibly patient, adapting the menu to a veganish fusspot (me) and a child with allergies (my son). In my case, they switched the meat for grilled aubergine and the cow’s milk for soya.
Childish fun, date nights and visits from afar
Wonderland Cafe is a fantastic venue for a date, to meet up with girlfriends or catch up with friends visiting from overseas.
With so many things to destroy touch, you might be wary of visiting with kids. Perhaps the cafe is more suited to children over eight, but we came with our three monsters aged under five and had a fabulous time. There are baby high chairs, the staff gladly heated baby Annabelle’s food and we adored every part of the adventure.
Afternoon tea
Alas the brunch was such a feast that Mr Expater didn’t have space for the Wonderland Cafe speciality, a hot chocolate brimming with indulgence: cream, chocolate and sugary sprinkles. Neither did we have any room for their famed cakes, many of which are vegan and gluten free.
Wonderland Cafe is such a treat and we’ll be sure to be back again soon for ‘onces’ or afternoon tea. After all, in the words of the Mad Hatter, “It’s always tea-time”.
Wonderland Cafe, Rosal 361, Barrio Lastarria, Santiago. Open from Monday – Friday from 8:30 to 22:00 and on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 to 22:00. No reservations taken, just show up. Tel +569 6543 2404 / +562 32824327. wonderlandcafe.cl
