I originally chose to visit Santiago after a quick browse on Happy Cow. I discovered that the city is something of a hotspot for vegan food, which really is all the motivation I need to book a flight somewhere.
My experience there certainly did not disappoint. It was refreshing to visit a city where the vegan scene is thriving so much, especially whilst some other major cities are seeing a bit of a plateau. I had a similar feeling when I visited Mexico City, and it is wonderful to see that same energy in Santiago (although not so great throughout the rest of Chile).
The restaurants here are always bustling with a diverse mix of people, and almost every coffee shop has a vegan pastry or two on offer. It felt incredibly easy to be vegan here, which isn’t always the case when you are on the road.
Beyond the food, this city has so much to offer in terms of culture and atmosphere, which you can read more about in my Santiago travel guide.
This is by no means a definitive list, as there are over 40 vegan establishments across the city. I certainly tried my best to eat my way through as many as possible, and the spots below are the ones I enjoyed most during my stay. And they are all 100% vegan!
Sapiens
- Location: Barrio Italia
- Price: Around 10.000 CLP per dish
- Dish recommendation: Pastelera de Choclo
Sapiens was the first place I ate at during my trip to Santiago. My taxi driver had already told me all about pastel de choclo (a traditional Chilean corn pie usually filled with meat and olives), so when I saw a gourmet vegan version on the menu here, I knew I had to try it.
I am so glad I did, as it was the perfect introduction to the country’s cuisine. Their pastelera de choclo is essentially a creamy, savoury corn pudding that was incredibly hearty yet refreshing at the same time.
This version was crammed full of flavour, with edamame beans added into the corn for an extra protein hit. It came surrounded by tasty house-made sauces and topped with fresh tomatoes, which really lifted the whole dish.
I had the opportunity to go back here another time during my stay and also tried their pizza and beetroot carpaccio. Both of which were also delicious. The pizza came without any vegan cheese, which was actually really enjoyable.
Vegan Mobile Pizza
- Location: Providencia
- Price: 10.000 – 14.000 CLP per pizza
- Dish recommendation: Poyo Garlic Pizza with Chipotle Salsa (for dipping)
When I was looking for some comfort food after my 14.5-hour flight to Santiago, Vegan Mobile Pizza provided! I ordered this via Uber Eats when the jet lag really started to kick in, and it was exactly what I needed.
The pizzas are very large and filling, so much so that I couldn’t actually finish a whole one by myself. I went for the Poyo Garlic, which was incredibly flavourful, though I should note it was a little on the salty side due to the mock meats.
The quality of the ingredients was great, with a chewy dough and a crust that had a lovely bite to it. Most importantly, the vegan cheese was spot on and had melted perfectly, which we all know can be a bit hit-or-miss with plant-based pizzas.
Whilst it might not be the single best pizza I have ever had, it is high-quality, reliable comfort food.
Gata Negra
- Location: Barrio Italia
- Price: 4.000 – 5.000 CLP for a sandwich and 3.600 for flat white
- Dish recommendation: Flat white and cake
Gato Negro is a lovely, fully vegan coffee shop and bakery that quickly became one of my favourite morning spots. It has a wonderful outdoor seating area right next to the park, which makes it a perfect place for people watching. I spent my first morning here soaking up the sun and a gentle breeze whilst enjoying a creamy oat flat white and a slice of their delicious cake.
Beyond the sweet treats, they also do fantastic savoury options. You can grab a coffee and a sandwich to take away, which is ideal if you are heading out on a day trip and need to pack a reliable vegan lunch.
If you want to see where else I found my caffeine fix, you can check out my full guide to the best oat flat whites in Santiago here.
Katako
- Location: Barrio Italia
- Price: 10.000 – 20.000 CLP per main dish
- Dish recommendation: Yinsi (A take on the Peruvian dish, Lomo Saltado)
Katako is a lovely space with a really varied menu, ranging from fresh salads and sandwiches to their famous chorrillanas (loaded fries). One thing you should know before ordering is that the portions here are absolutely huge. I really wanted to try the chorrillanas, but as a solo diner, I was fairly certain they would be the end of me!
Since I was keen to try their seitan, I opted for the Yinsi instead. This is Katako’s take on the classic Peruvian dish, Lomo Saltado, which is traditionally made with strips of beef, onions, tomatoes, and chips, served with a side of rice.
Even though I skipped the loaded fries, the Yinsi was still an enormous portion! It was well worth it, though, as the seitan was perfectly seasoned and very satisfying. I paired it with a refreshing espresso tonic, which was a lifesaver and helped me avoid a total food coma afterwards.
Horus Vegan
- Location: Bellavista
- Price: Around 11.000 CLP for sushi, 12.000 – 14.000 CLP for main course
- Dish recommendation: Sushi
Horus Vegan is a slightly fancier spot with a vibrant Asian-inspired menu. They offer everything from sushi and ramen to more experimental plant-based creations like vegan salmon and caviar. If you have a sweet tooth, they even do a vegan tiramisu.
The location is quite unique, situated on a street covered in colourful graffiti with a view of San Cristóbal Hill. It is just a short walk from the beautiful Parque Metropolitano and the lovely, winding streets of Lastarria.
I ordered the Muelle, which was flavourful and featured some delicious mushrooms and a really great plant-based cream cheese. I personally found the amount of seaweed mixed in a bit overwhelming, but if you are a fan of those ocean flavours, you will likely love it. I also highly recommend trying their mocktails. I thoroughly enjoyed the Elixir de Iris whilst I was there.
There used to be another popular vegan sushi place in Barrio Italia (called Kambo Vegan Sushi), but that appears to have closed down recently. If you find yourself craving high-quality sushi in Santiago, Horus is definitely the place to go instead.
Vegan Drugstore
- Location: Providencia
- Price: 4.000 – 9.000 CLP per dish
- Dish recommendation: Completo Italiano (hot dog)
I stumbled upon Vegan Drugstore after a long walk over San Cristóbal Hill. As you come out of the park, you are greeted by lovely tree-lined streets in a charming area right next to a shopping centre. I couldn’t resist trying a plant-based version of the completo Italiano, a classic Chilean dish named for its avocado, tomato, and mayo toppings that mirror the colours of the Italian flag.
The completo was incredibly filling and flavourful, paired perfectly with a refreshing mint limonada. Whilst the vegan sausage was a little bland on its own, the texture was great and was more than made up for by the generous, fresh toppings.
The bread was high-quality and fresh, which really makes or breaks a good hot dog. It was exactly the kind of satisfying meal I needed after a day of exploring the city on foot.
Saoco Vegan Bakery
- Location: Providencia
- Price: 3.000 – 5.000 CLP per pastry
- Dish recommendation: Pistachio Croissant
Saoco is a cute vegan bakery tucked away on a peaceful side street near Barrio Italia and the park. They have a fantastic variety of treats on offer, ranging from classic pastries and cookies to more indulgent cakes. If you are after something savoury, they also do options like brioche hot dogs and savoury tarts.
I tried the pistachio croissant, and it was honestly one of the highlights of my trip. It had just the right amount of sweetness, topped with a lovely, creamy pistachio mousse that felt incredibly indulgent.
Pairing one of these pastries with an iced latte on a hot summer day is an absolute must. I was very impressed with the overall quality and the tranquil atmosphere of the shop, making it a perfect little escape from the busier parts of the city.
Vegan Bunker
- Location: Barrio Italia
- Price: 6.000 – 10.000 CLP per main dish
- Dish recommendation: AS de Seitan (‘beef’ hot dog)
Vegan Bunker is a cute cafe hidden away down a residential street in Barrio Italia. The staff are lovely and friendly, and the whole place has a really welcoming, community feel. Since I had already tried a completo Italiano elsewhere, I knew my next mission had to be an As, which is essentially the ‘beef’ version of the classic Chilean hot dog.
The As de Seitan was absolutely huge. It was wonderfully messy, tasty, and so filling that I honestly went into a bit of a food coma afterwards! The chips deserve a special mention too, as they were comfortably the best I have had in Santiago. Hand-cut and perfectly cooked.
If you find yourself with a craving for even more vegan burgers or fast food, you can also check out Gato Negro Vegan nearby. There are plenty of other options on Uber Eats too.
TierraLibre
- Location: Ñuñua
- Price: 4.000 – 6.000 per dish, pastries under 1.000 per piece
- Dish recommendation: Medialunas
TierraLibre is an airy vegan cafe and bakery that was recommended to me as a top spot for breakfast or brunch. I decided to follow that advice and headed over one morning to try their fresh juice and a medialuna, a crescent-shaped pastry that is a bit like a smaller, sweeter, and more syrupy version of a croissant.
The setting here is incredibly relaxing, making it a great place to start your day. Whilst I stuck to the lighter breakfast options, they have a massive variety on the menu, including quiches, sandwiches, and empanadas. They even have a handy mini-shop inside where you can stock up on plant-based essentials for your travels.
Not only is TierraLibre really cheap, but it is also one of the few places in the city open as early as 8:30 am, which is a lifesaver if you are an early riser. La Conversería nearby is another solid early option, opening at 9:30 am.
More vegan food
If you want to stock up on essentials for your accommodation or find a few extra gems that didn’t quite make my top list, here are some other spots worth checking out.
Shops
- Hi Veggie: This is a great place to stock up on plant-based staples. They have a good selection of fake meats, spreads, milks, and cheeses, which is perfect if you are planning on cooking for yourself whilst in the city.
- La Bodeguita Verde: Located in Providencia, this fully vegan shop is a real lifesaver for pantry items. They stock everything from empanadas and pastries to useful vegan baking ingredients and supplements.
More restaurants
- La Conversería: I ordered some breakfast items from here one morning, including a croissant with vegan cheese and ham. Plus an empanada and an Alfajor. The Alfajor was the star of the show, and the rest of the food was pretty decent, just not my favourite!
- Bueno Ya: This is a good option if you need a quick bite in the morning and nothing else is open. Whilst the empanadas weren’t quite as standout as some of the others I tried, with a very thick dough, it is a convenient spot in Barrio Italia.
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