Punta Arenas Food: Top 5 Eats & Drinks You Can’t Miss!

So, you’re planning a trip down to Punta Arenas, huh? Very exciting! And, it’s almost certain you’re going to want to know where you can get the very best food and drink once you arrive. It’s really very important to have a game plan, that is, when your stomach starts to rumble, and the Patagonian winds start to bite! Actually, the city isn’t just a gateway to Antarctica. It can be very easy to find some absolutely yummy eats that will have you warmed up and ready for anything. After all, this article highlights the top five food and drink experiences you simply cannot miss in Punta Arenas. That said, prepare your taste buds for an awesome ride!

1. Savoring the Southern King Crab (Centolla)

Frankly, you simply can’t head that far south without trying Centolla, aka Southern King Crab! Really, this crustacean is a local celebrity. Actually, its sweet, tender meat makes it one of those things to truly experience. So, you will typically find it prepared in a number of truly delightful ways. It could be in pies, salads, or straight out of the shell. We really recommend heading to a local restaurant where, I mean, the crab is kept alive in tanks. Really very fresh indeed. One particular place that some tourists enjoy a bit is Restaurant Santolla. I mean, you might find it hits the spot, so you may as well see!

2. Delight in Patagonian Lamb (Cordero al Magallánico)

For instance, if seafood isn’t really your thing, then you might just love some Patagonian Lamb! Seriously, the vast, open grasslands of Patagonia provide the best grazing lands for sheep, and it could be that the lamb here is so unique. First, the traditional method involves roasting the lamb over an open fire, arguably imbuing the meat with a smoky flavor that’s seriously unforgettable. The restaurants that cook Cordero al Magallánico just may add only simple seasonings. Like, these let the quality of the lamb really shine, so you get to taste what is nearly perfection. For an authentic taste of this, check out La Estancia, or like, a similar type of restaurant.

3. Sip on Calafate Sour

Next, after all that hearty food, you are probably very likely going to be looking for something truly refreshing. Is that right? Naturally, that’s when you can very happily discover the Calafate Sour! Actually, this delightful drink uses the Calafate berry, seemingly a Patagonian gem. Basically, this berry has a tart-sweet flavor that adds an absolutely unique twist to the classic Pisco Sour. Legend has it that anyone who eats a Calafate berry is bound to return to Patagonia. So, sampling this cocktail will only increase your chances of coming back to the south! Anyway, most bars in Punta Arenas mix it up, but we advise Hotel Dreams del Estrecho.

4. Warm Up with Magellan Coffee (Café de Magallanes)

When those icy winds blow a bit stronger, and there is no denying that they will at times, there’s almost nothing that feels as good as wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of coffee. You may as well get a very unique Magellan Coffee. After all, this isn’t just any ordinary coffee; it is a concoction that seems to include a shot of local liquor or perhaps even a very nice splash of cream. You might find it served at most local cafes. That is, you can choose your favorite flavor. Like, this is that one beverage to give you the energy to explore. You can also enjoy some local delicacies such as empanadas! Why not check out Cafe in Hotel Rey Don Felipe.

5. Indulge in Chilean Sea Bass (Mero Chileno)

Now, last but by no means least, those with even a slightly sophisticated palate really, very probably might want to savor Chilean Sea Bass. This very delicious fish is known locally as Mero Chileno! That is, it’s celebrated for its rich, buttery flavor and flaky texture. The flavor that it provides could be why so many tourists decide that it’s worth the visit alone. Actually, you could find it prepared in various ways. For example, grilled, baked, or pan-seared. Restaurants may serve it alongside local vegetables and herbs. That way, those people get a proper Chilean meal that makes the most of locally available goods. Again, we recommend heading back to Restaurant Santolla to test this dish for sure.