Galindo

Galindo is a long-running picada, a casual local eatery, on the corner of Dardignac and Constitución in the Bellavista neighbourhood of Santiago. It is known for generous plates of home-style Chilean food and has been a fixture of the district's dining scene for decades, drawing a mix of local families, office workers and visitors. The menu concentrates on national classics: pastel de choclo, a baked corn and beef pie served in a clay dish; lomo a lo pobre, a steak topped with fried eggs and served over chips and onions; cazuela de vacuno, a beef and vegetable soup; and pernil, roast pork leg. Portions are large and meant to satisfy, so many diners share or skip starters. The wine list is straightforward and focused on Chilean bottles, and a pisco sour or terremoto is a common accompaniment. The dining room is busy, informal and noisy at peak times, with a casual dress code and quick, unfussy service. Tables spill onto the street in warm weather, which makes the corner a convenient place to watch Bellavista's evening activity. Prices sit in the mid-range for Santiago, considerably below the fine-dining restaurants in Vitacura, and a main course with a drink fits a modest budget. Hours are listed as long, running from lunch at about 12:30PM until 1:30AM on most nights and later on Fridays and Saturdays, so the restaurant works equally for a late lunch or a post-bar supper. Walk-ins are usually possible at lunch, while groups can phone +56 2 2777 0116 to arrange a table, and Friday and Saturday evenings are the most crowded. It is a practical first meal for visitors who want to try the staples of Chilean home cooking in a single sitting.