San Pedro de Atacama's lure lies not only in its historical and geographical beauty, but also in its rich and varied gastronomy, mixing Andean and Hispanic traditions.
This heritage is easily visible in dishes such as patasca, a fabulous recipe using husked corn and mutton or beef, or the aromatic picante de conejo, cooked with plenty of hot pepper and served with rice or quinua.
To quench the "desert thirst" what could be better than a glassful of aloja, chicha de algarrobo, or a simple but refreshing chicha de maiz.
And if it's a "proof of the pudding" you're after, nothing can be more highly recommended than anche, a pudding made with yellow corn flour.
In addition to these local dishes, one can sample typical Chilean delicacies such as empanadas (meat pies or pasties), humitas (corn paste), porotos granados, charquican (a kind of pemmican), corn pie, etc.
For those who are not fond of regional foods, San Pedro de Atacama has restaurants, pubs and coffee houses, some of them specializing in international and fast food. In any case, Chilean wines, of international fame, are always tempting.

RESTAURANTS

Adobe
Specialty: typical Chilean and international cuisine
Address: Caracoles 211, San Pedro de Atacama
Phone: (55) 851-132

La Casona
Specialty: typical Chilean cuisine
Address: Caracoles 195, San Pedro de Atacama
Phone: (55) 851-004

Casa de Piedra
Specialty: typical Chilean cuisine, barbecues and international cuisine
Address: Caracoles 225, San Pedro de Atacama
Phone: (55) 851-271

Cafe Export
Specialty: pasta, pizza, Brazilian and Mexican cuisine
Address: Tocanao corner of Caracoles, San Pedro de Atacama
Phone: (55) 851-547

Restaurant Chiloe
Specialty: typical Chilean cuisine
Address: Domingo Atienza, San Pedro de Atacama
Phone: (55) 851-017

Café Al Paso Etnico
Specialty: typical Chilean cuisine, naturist cuisine and pasta
Address: Tocopilla 432, San Pedro de Atacama
Phone: (55) 851-377

La Estaka
Specialty: vegetarian cuisine, crepes and sushi bar
Address: Caracoles 259 B
Phone: (55) 851-201

Aylllu
Specialty: Mediterranean cuisine, pasta, "humita" ("corn stew"), fast food
Address: Toconao 544, San Pedro de Atacama
Phone: (55) 851-814