My favourite cafes in Santiago

Life abroad isn’t all sipping coffee with fellow expat mums. But ummm… well… sometimes it is. I spend a good part of my life drinking tea waiting for a visa, a child or internet access. Here’s my round up of the best cafes in Santiago.

Alas, some areas downtown have seen a lot of damage after the recent protests. Yes, there is a lot of graffiti round and about, but these small cafes are still just as lovely on the inside.

Lastarria district

Wonderland

I’ve blogged about how much I love Wonderland before. It serves hands down the best English breakfast in town. This Alice in Wonderland inspired cafe is perhaps the cutest in Santiago too.

Providencia district

Original Green Roasters

Coffee geek? Original Green Roasters serves the best coffee in town. Or so I’m told by my lovely latte loving friend Ria (I prefer tea).

Las Condes district

Starbucks Reserve

I’m not normally a fan of chains but Starbucks Reserve is worth a look in. There’s loads of space if you’re coming with kids and a buggy, as well as a zillion coffees to choose from including chemex, filtered and french press. If you need a quiet space to work there’s a work office space and plenty of outdoor seating too.

Pain Quotidien

Yep, another chain, but this place is great for coffee, tea or juice in a group. There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options and the bakery sells pretty decent bread too. There are a few Pain Quotidiens dotted around town, but this one on Isisdora Goyenechea is my favourite.

Tea Connection

I love Tea Connection because well… I love tea. There is a great tea menu here and the matcha lattes are awesome. There is also a cute outdoor seating area at the front of the Isidora Goyenechea locale.

Boa

Hidden up some very steep stairs is a delightful bistro called Boa. Brunch and lunch options are wonderful and it’s lovely and light. This one is perhaps best for adults only – the staircase isn’t suitable for buggy toting parents.

VOP

If you’re looking for a vegan detox, VOP (Very Organic People) is a good choice. Cafe prices are reasonable and the shop sells all sorts of vegan and organic goodies.

Vitacura district

Cafe Caju

Cafe Caju is a very large, chic, vegan cafe in an upmarket area of Vitacura district. It’s all plant based and mostly organic. The interiors are wonderfully light and airy and the outdoor terrace is lovely too.  I could eat my weight in cake at this place.

The Cake Club

As the name suggests, this is a great place to come for cake. If you’re craving cheesecake, sponge cake or a mid morning treat, this place is a good find.

Quinoa

Quinoa was the first eatery I discovered in Santiago and one which I come back to time and again. This beautiful, healthy cafe has lots of indoor seating and a lovely courtyard area at the back. It’s a great place for visiting in a group as there is something (healthy) for everyone on the menu. The tortillas de maiz available at brunch are especially good.

Etienne Marcel

If you’ve got small kids in tow or you just like macarons, then Etienne Marcel is a must. The outdoor playground is a great place for a kids while parents take a breather in the sunshine. (For more great restaurants and cafes with a play area, see this post).

Vinoteca

OK, strictly speaking Vinoteca isn’t a coffee shop, it’s a wine bar. But they also serve good coffee and a very decent, well priced breakfast. While it’s generally packed on an evening, for those in the know it’s a great place on an morning too.

Lo Barnechea district

Oyku

Tucked at the back of Mall Paseo Los Trapenses is a delightful cafe called Oyku. They serve all sorts of coffees and a really, really good matcha latte. Staff are wonderfully kind and ridiculously patient with kids. I love it here.

Mangi

Set within the Mall VIVO Los Trapenses is a little cafe called Mangi. It’s a cute Italian style cafe and serves the best focaccia bread in town. While there are a few cafes, this is certainly the best coffee shop in this particular mall.

Any more I should add to my list? Let me know in the comments below so I can check them out.