Hasta Que te Encontré: Vintage food for vintage souls
If you're thinking of exploring Santiago and want to discover places that aren't in the typical travel guides, then this is the recommendation you need.
Hasta que te Encontré is one of those spots that leaves you speechless— a 1920s house turned into a dining space, known for its eclectic decor that evokes the best memories and nostalgia of the mid-20th century.
The story of Hasta que te Encontré began 5 years ago when Fran Vilches and Fer Dominguez (a Chilean-Argentine couple) who owned a rental business for film and TV set props, also called Hasta que te Encontré, began dreaming of opening a restaurant— a space to welcome friends, family, and anyone who wants to share a pleasant moment. At the same time, a neighbor from the Barrio Matta, just a few meters from their home, sadly decided to close her family business: a community dining spot that had been serving workers in the area for over 20 years.
Once Fran and Fer learned of this, they took action and successfully convinced the owner to sell them the restaurant. When they took over, they realized the tremendous challenge it would be to run such a business, but with the support of friends, family, and neighbors, they breathed new life into this community space.
Hasta que te Encontré started as a rental for movie and TV sets
The first thing they did was likely the biggest change—giving the place their own unique stamp. This family, passionate about antiques, transformed the space into a "vintage museum," filled with memories, images, decorations, toys, and accessories reflecting Chile’s pop culture throughout history. From the famous "Helados York" ice cream boxes from Valparaíso, to a life-size photo of Elvis (who guards the bathroom— a part of the restaurant you must explore yourself, as we’ll give no further details!), to the British royal family, the iconic Chilean comic Condorito, and the classic "Media Hora" sweets (which take 30 minutes to disappear from your mouth).
The decor at the restaurant evokes the best memories of Chilean pop art
Everything in Hasta que te Encontré is there for a reason— whether to educate, share a fun fact, or simply entertain. This display of national memorabilia is just the starting point for an experience that, from the first dish, will take you on a nostalgic journey.
A full menu consisting of a soup or consomme, salad, main dish, and dessert is the backbone of the kitchen here.
And these dishes are no ordinary fare...
The food here stands out for being homemade— dishes you would enjoy if you were visiting your grandparents’ house or a relative who prepares food with love. From classic baked cannelloni, fried fish, stuffed zucchini, to "caldillo de congrio" (a traditional fish stew), these are just a few of the rotating dishes offered at this restaurant. However, the crown jewel, the house specialty, is their exquisite Argentine-style beef milanesa, made with beef sourced from another typical business in Barrio Matta: Carnes Musso, located just across the street from the restaurant.
A “mariscal”, one of the many homemade preparations at “Hasta que te Encontré”
The desserts are another marvel: flan, leche asada (baked milk pudding), tiramisu, or simply a York ice cream bar from Valparaíso. Tea and coffee are always available, and even the "digestive" drinks are offered, ensuring you enjoy your meal from start to finish.
Hasta que te Encontré is open only on Fridays and Saturdays, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, or until the food runs out. You can find them on Instagram at @hastaqueteencontre.
Pucara Travel offers private tours of Barrio Matta Sur, including lunch at this beautiful restaurant. Reach out to us to visit this special place with us.
The eclectic space of “Hasta que te Encontré” in Matta Sur.
