In Buenos Aires, coffee is more than just a drink; it’s a daily ritual and a reason to connect with friends, woven into the city’s social fabric. Recently, speciality cafés have added a fresh, modern twist to this beloved tradition, eagerly embraced by locals. These aren’t just spots for a quick cortado on the way to work; they offer a rich, immersive experience with each cup.
Baristas here, practically coffee artisans, share the origins of each bean, highlight the subtle flavour notes, and explain why temperature can be critical for certain brews. Cafés like Cuervo Café, Blanca, and Togni’s blend coffee with a touch of style and design that captures the spirit of Buenos Aires.
Speciality coffee has become a global trend, and Buenos Aires is no exception. Here, these cafés are now an integral part of the city’s lifestyle. Join us as with our official list for the most trendy and must-visit coffee spots:
OLI CAFÉ
Oli Café has become a staple in Buenos Aires. Owned by Oli Saal, a well-known chef by Forbes, the café in Costa Rica near Arévalo brings her vision to life. With an open kitchen, plenty of natural light, a menu split between savory and sweet, a two-meter pastry counter, speciality coffees with different flavours and minimalist decor with eye-catching details, this place it's perfect for tourist.
- Recommendation: Book ahead via WhatsApp to try the grilled cheese and chocolate cookies with iced coffee.
- Location: Costa Rica 6020, Palermo Soho
BLANCA DECO CAFÉ
In Las Cañitas, Blanca Deco Café is Buenos Aires’ first concept store that blends decor for a typical living room, art, wellness, and speciality coffee. Opened in 2020 by the owners of Louis & Lewis, a decor brand, Blanca offers a unique experience—enjoying quality coffee while browsing through design objects. Its cosy ambiance is perfect for unwinding, reading, or soaking up some peace. The menu includes delights like almond milk matcha lattes, sourdough bread, and luscious cakes.
- Recommendation: Go before noon to try the Danish pastry with a good coffee and milk.
- Location: Sinclair 3136 and Soldado de la Independencia 1177, Las Cañitas
TOGNI’S CAFÉ
This café brings together coffee and pastries in an experience that feels like a journey. Owner Máximo Togni, inspired by his grandmother’s love for cooking, offers everything baked fresh—from Paris-inspired croissants and cannelés to bagels reminiscent of New York. You can also buy their products and pick them up through their famous window by their website.
- Recommendation: Iced latte with their iconic petit chocolate cookies, a favorite at Togni’s.
- Location: Blanco Encalada 1675, Belgrano
LA FILIAL CAFÉ
Located in Caballito, La Filial Café captures the essence of traditional Buenos Aires cafés with a modern, sustainable twist. Designed by Grizzo Studio, the space features recycled materials like railway sleepers and amber glass, creating a rustic yet contemporary atmosphere. The coffee is taken seriously, with specialty blends and tempting dishes like toast with stracciatella, sun-dried tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, and pesto, along with hearty cookies and pistachio alfajores.
- Recommendation: Try the flat white or espresso tonic with a ham and cheese croissant.
- Location: Olaya 1023, Caballito
CUERVO CAFÉ
A pioneer in Buenos Aires’ specialty coffee scene, Cuervo Café has attracted visitors like Cara Delevingne and Margot Robbie. Some of its branches have a New York-inspired, edgy vibe, while others feel like cosy Scandinavian hideaways. But the real magic at Cuervo is in the coffee, with options ranging from classic espressos to pour-over methods.
- Recommendation: Visit their Juramento location for a great cup of coffe with whipped cream.
- Location: Juramento 1284, Belgrano
CUADRA
A go-to spot in the city for coffee and food, Cuadra is welcoming and dependable. Starting in the vibrant neighborhood of Nuñez, Cuadra has grown to include four branches. Its speciality lies in its in-house laminated pastries and bread, displayed at the counter for the great coffee pairing.
- Recommendation: It's a great spot for remote work; enjoy the lunch or tea menu with a lemon syrup cold brew.
- Location: O’Higgins 3202, Núñez.
MALCRIADA CAFÉ
Once a neighbourhood café, Malcriada café has become a must-visit for sweets and quality coffee. Recently relocated to a larger space, it still fills up quickly. Their selection includes cheesecakes, extra-large alfajores, cookies, and perfectly brewed coffee that brings out its complex flavors.
- Recommendation: Arrive early, as they don’t take reservations. For a sweet treat, try the dulce de leche cheesecake. If you like citrus, try the lemon and white chocolate alfajor with pistachios.
- Location: Dr. Emilio Ravignani 1338, Palermo
LAS VIOLETAS
Serving traditional Argentine tea time dishes since 1884, Las Violetas is a notable bar and historic cafes that worths a visit for its beautiful architecture and elegant ambiance, featuring stained-glass, marble, bronze chandeliers, wooden tables, and white linens. Their menu offers a wide range of options for any time of day. The best? Nearby, you can visit Plaza de Mayo.
- Recommendation: Try a sample of traditional Argentine cakes with a cortado.
- Location: Av. Rivadavia 3899, Almagro
BARRAGÁN CAFÉ
Barragán brings a fusion of Mexican and Argentine flavors to Buenos Aires, with locations in Caballito and Palermo offering all-day brunch. In the menu you can find chipa, burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and specialty coffee like the spiced moca mole (with chocolate) or a refreshing cold brew.
- Recommendation: Try the waffle chipá stuffed with crispy bacon, confit tomatoes, and fried egg with tajín, or the brioche French toast with fruit and lime chantilly.
- Location: Cabrera 3697, Palermo, and Nicasio Oroño 1195, Caballito
CASA NUEZA
A vegan café created by two pastry chefs sisters, Casa Nueza specializes in breakfast, lunch, and tea withclassic pastries like alfajores, brownies, medialunas, cinnamon rolls, and rich chocolate and raspberry cakes. Beverage options include kombucha, kefir, passion fruit lemonade, fruit infusions with spices, and coffee from selected Latin American beans and almond milk.
- Recommendation: We suggest trying the Torta Real, which is made with chocolate, raspberry and pistachio praline and tostones with vegan tofu cheese.
- Location: Gorriti 3681, Palermo and Migueletes 1762, Belgrano.
A Thriving Coffee Culture
What started as a trendy addition to Buenos Aires’ coffee scene over a decade ago has now taken root in its culture. Speciality coffee shops are far more than a passing fad; they’ve become enduring staples that continue to attract a fan base of coffee enthusiasts eager to explore new brews. Each café offers a city's culture a specific array of drinks and dishes, so whether you’re looking for a simple espresso or a full brunch experience, these cafés invite you to dive into a one-of-a-kind coffee culture in Buenos Aires.