Eating an abundant breakfast or indulgent brunch is just about everyone’s favourite weekend treat, so here are the top spots for the best brunch in Santiago. Saturdays and Sundays are of course the go-to days, but some of these will serve up breakfast during the week for those of us who just can’t resist Eggs Benedict on a Tuesday, and Eggs and Bacon on a Thursday.
The W Hotel (NOSO)
The king of all brunches in Santiago, you’ll pay the price but if you are a brunch extrovert – this is your castle. For around $50USD you’ll get a buffet of waffles, sweet treats, fresh fruit, sauteed shrimp, ceviche, an oyster bar, cheese and cold cuts, a salad bar, freshly-baked breads and muffins, muesli, cereals, yoghurt, and of course eggs exactly how you like them. Wash it all down with unlimited sparkling wine, Bloody Marys, juice and coffee. Brunch heaven. The W gets crowded so book ahead, and if you have come with a thumping hangover you might not take too kindly to the DJ.
Best Brunch for: Boozy gluttons and the ‘it’ crowd.
Stay in bed: If you don’t really have an appetite, or are broke.
Details: NOSO in The W Hotel, Isidora Goyenechea 3000, Los Condes. (2 2770 0000).
Coquinaria
This neat little chain serves up a good breakfast menu every day till 11.30am, with a set brunch menu at the weekends rolling out till the afternoon. The extensive menu has eggs done most ways, Croque (both Monsieur and Madame), a Full English Breakfast, waffles, croissants and smoothies. They have a good tea selection and decent coffee to boot. If you are brunched out you can pop in for lunch, afternoon tea and dinner or check out their deli filled with imported foodie goodies.
Best Brunch for: Yummy mummies, and serial brunches who need a good breakfast everyday.
Stay in bed: If you are indecisive, there are way too many options for you.
Details: Coquinaria, Isidora Goyenechea 3000, Local S101 (next door to The W Hotel), Las Condes; Alonso de Córdova 2437, Vitacura; Mall Vivo Los Trapenses in Lo Barnechea. Everyday.
The White Rabbit
If you’re coming down from a healthy Sunday-morning hike up Cerro San Cristóbal, or perhaps just finishing partying in the lively Bellavista neighbourhood, The White Rabbit is a cosy stopoff tucked in a pretty corner in this colourful barrio. On the weekends the brunch menu offers an attractive array of dishes from grilled artichokes and fresh oysters, to fancy BLTs and posh burgers, waffles, steak and chips, and Eggs Royale. There’s no set menu and the price quickly creeps up as you add coffee, bubbly or juice, but if you are looking for a chic brunch spot – this is your place.
Best Brunch for: Hipsters and those that like cocktails at Brunch
Stay in bed: If you can’t stomach the sight of oysters or well-heeled beautiful people.
Details: The White Rabbit, Antonia Lopez de Bello 0118, Bellevista/Providencia. (2 2503 4246). Sat & Sun 12 till 4pm.
Tea Connection
If you are more into your leaves than your beans, Tea Connection will be the winner in terms of what’s filling your cup. This South American chain has its outpost here in Santiago in Providencia and serves breakfast every day with brunch at the weekend. Think more scrambled eggs and toast with some inventive toppings, warm sandwiches, yoghurt and fruit, and a fridge filled with cakes to tempt you to finish on a sweet note. An adequate brunch, but a great cuppa.
Best Brunch for: British expats who just need a good tea please!
Stay in bed: If you are too hungover to sit straight and raise that pinky.
Details: Tea Connection, Av. Pedro de Valdivia 0129, Providencia. Open everyday from 8.30am till late, except Sundays when it opens at midday. (2 2234 0047).
Holm Ensaladeria
If you prefer your brunch to be on the healthy side, Holm will be your new home at the weekends. You can pick between the vegetarian and meat-eater Brunch menu, but either way you’ll get tons of fresh fruit, muesli and yoghurt, crusty bread, a salad, and fresh juice alongside your eggs. Coffee even comes separately, just to give you an indication of how healthy this pushes you to be. During the week it is a top salad bar and sandwich spot.
Best brunch for: Lively weekenders on a health kick
Stay in bed: If you were just looking for a greasy fry up
Details: Holm Ensaladeria, Padre Mariano 125, Providencia. Sat & Sun 10am till 4pm. (09 4227 4411).
Colmado Coffee & Bakery
As the name suggests, the focus here is on the coffee but on the weekends, this hidden away cafe in the centre pulls together a Brunch menu with scrambled eggs, doorstop toast, tomatoes and local cheese, chocolate eclairs and papaya juice, as well as their top coffee. If you are still a bit peckish, you can dig into one of the big muffins and order another one of the fab coffees. This is a top spot for real coffee in Santiago.
Best Brunch for: Bean addicts.
Stay in bed: If you don’t like coffee.
Details: Colmado Coffee & Bakery, Merced 346, local E2, Centre/Lastarria. (09 5734 3962).
