Confitería Torres

Confitería Torres is a historic downtown cafe-restaurant on the Alameda, at Avenida Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins 1570 in Santiago Centro, and is regarded as one of the oldest restaurants in the Chilean capital. It is credited with the origin of the Barros Luco, a sandwich of thinly sliced beef and melted cheese named after a Chilean president who regularly ordered it, and this sandwich remains the house signature. The menu is classic Chilean cafe fare: the chacarero with green beans, tomato and chilli; pastel de choclo, a baked corn and beef pie; and pastries such as torta de mil hojas, a layered cake with dulce de leche. Coffee, tea and cakes are served throughout the day, and traditional lunch plates follow the pattern of Santiago's older confiterías. The interior preserves a period character, with high ceilings, dark wood, mirrors and a formal feel that sets it apart from the city's modern bars. The atmosphere is quiet to moderate, the service attentive and traditional, and the dress code is casual to smart casual. Prices sit at a mid-range level, reasonable for a historic venue in the centre, and a sandwich with coffee fits a modest budget. Hours are reported as weekdays from about 10AM until 8PM or 9PM, with the venue closed at weekends, though visitors should confirm before going. Reservations are not needed on weekdays, and the venue can be reached by phone at +56 2 2688 0751. The restaurant lies on the Alameda, within walking distance of the Plaza de Armas, the La Moneda palace and the Universidad de Chile, so it is a convenient pause during a day of sightseeing in the civic centre.