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Emporio La Rosa
Opened in 2001 as a corner grocery on Merced near Parque Forestal, Emporio La Rosa is a well-known artisan ice-cream shop, also serving Chilean lunch dishes.
At a glance
- Type
- Ice-cream parlour and café
- Area
- Lastarria, Santiago, Chile
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Official site
- emporiolarosa.cl
Good to know
- Artisan ice cream
- Sugar-free flavours
- Lunch dishes
- Sandwiches
Why we recommend it
Emporio La Rosa is a well-known Santiago ice-cream shop, and the original branch on Merced is the one to visit. It opened its doors in 2001 on calle Merced, a few steps from Parque Forestal, as a neighbourhood grocery, or emporio. The ice-cream recipes came later, followed by more branches, and in 2025 the business celebrated 25 years.
The flavours are the main reason to come, and many use Chilean ingredients. Look for lúcuma, miel de ulmo, made with ulmo honey, and chocolate araucano. Fruit combinations such as raspberry and mint, lemon with mint and basil, and orange with ginger are refreshing on a hot day, while manjar blanco chocolate, dulce de leche, pistachio, raspberry cheesecake and suspiro manjar lúcuma are richer. There are sugar-free options too, such as sugar-free chocolate and strawberry. Beyond scoops, the shop sells bonbons, ice-cream desserts and paletas, ice lollies.
It is not just for dessert. The kitchen serves savoury lunch dishes including pastel de choclo, lentils, porotos granados, quiche and lasagne, as well as sandwiches such as salmon and lomo italiano, and desserts like churros and brownie with ice cream. That makes it a practical stop for a light lunch when you are exploring the centre.
The Merced shop at number 291 opens from 09:30 to 20:30 on weekdays and on Sundays and public holidays; check Saturday hours with the shop. If you are coming on a Saturday, it is worth confirming opening times in advance. Emporio La Rosa also runs a separate ice-cream counter on José Victorino Lastarria street, at number 71, a short walk away, which is handy if the main shop is busy.
The location makes it an easy stop between sights. Cerro Santa Lucía, Barrio Lastarria and the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes in Parque Forestal are all close by, so you can pick up a cone and walk into the park. The shop suits families, couples and anyone with a sweet tooth, and it is an easy way to try Chilean flavours like lúcuma and ulmo honey for the first time.
Other branches include Plaza Egaña in Santiago and Pinares in Concón, but the original corner on Merced is where the story started.
Emporio La Rosa FAQs
When did Emporio La Rosa open?
In 2001, as a neighbourhood grocery on calle Merced, near Parque Forestal.
Where is the original shop?
At Merced 291 in central Santiago.
What are the opening hours?
Weekdays and Sundays and holidays from 09:30 to 20:30; check Saturday hours with the shop.
Which flavours should I try?
Chilean flavours such as lúcuma, miel de ulmo and chocolate araucano.
Are there sugar-free options?
Yes, including sugar-free chocolate and strawberry.
Can I have lunch there?
Yes, the kitchen serves dishes such as pastel de choclo, lentils and porotos granados, plus sandwiches.
Is there another branch nearby?
Yes, an ice-cream counter at José Victorino Lastarria 71.
What is nearby?
Parque Forestal, Barrio Lastarria, Cerro Santa Lucía and the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes.