Are you ready to explore the charming cafés of Recoleta, where specialty coffee shops compete delightfully with historic bars? Café and Recoleta are inseparable terms in Buenos Aires, offering an array of spots where tradition and history blend seamlessly with the art of coffee making.
Whether you’re a digital nomad, a traveler, or an expat, the cafés in Recoleta are must-visit destinations for enjoying anything from breakfast to brunch or a delightful afternoon tea.
Dive into our curated list of the 10 best cafés in Recoleta, brought to you by ExpatPathways, and discover the perfect places to relax, work, and indulge in the vibrant coffee culture of this iconic neighborhood.
The Best Cafés in Recoleta (Buenos Aires)
1. La Biela
Location: Av. Pres. Manuel Quintana 596.
Located at the picturesque corner of Junín and Av. Quintana, La Biela is a historic eatery known for its light-filled ambiance and classic Argentinean cuisine, including salads, sandwiches, and traditional mains.
A favored meeting spot for generations, this café has hosted renowned intellectuals like Jorge Luis Borges and Adolfo Bioy Casares, whose life-sized statues by sculptor Fernando Pugliese can be seen at the café. Visitors appreciate the ample indoor and outdoor seating, excellent service, and the vibrant atmosphere that makes La Biela a beloved spot for both locals and tourists.
Despite its popularity among tourists, La Biela maintains a strong connection to Argentine traditions, offering a taste of local culture through its abundant and well-prepared dishes. From hearty breakfasts to delightful afternoon snacks of coffee and croissants, the café ensures a memorable dining experience.
Located near key landmarks like the Recoleta Cemetery and artisan market, it provides a perfect spot to relax and soak in the historic charm of Buenos Aires. The friendly waitstaff and reasonable prices further enhance its appeal, making it a must-visit destination in Recoleta.
2. MULA
Location: Av. Gral. Las Heras 2061.
MULA is a specialty café in Recoleta that stands out for its excellent coffee, delicious pastries, and inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for both relaxing and working.
With good pricing and high-quality food and drinks, it caters to a diverse clientele looking for a cozy and productive environment. The friendly staff and reliable WiFi add to the café’s appeal, making it a favorite among digital nomads and locals alike.
The café offers a variety of sweet and savory options throughout the day, with standout items like their highly praised chicken wrap and caramel latte. Customers appreciate the small yet cozy space, where they can enjoy a flat white or latte with freshly baked croissants.
The combination of great coffee, delectable pastries, and a warm atmosphere ensures that MULA remains a top choice for those seeking a pleasant café experience in Recoleta.
3. Bicho Café de Especialidad
Location: Agüero 2039.
Bicho Café de Especialidad offers an authentic specialty coffee experience in Recoleta, perfect for those looking to enjoy high-quality brews in a relaxed setting. The café is known for its friendly and attentive staff, making each visit enjoyable.
With a wide variety of delicious treats like pistachio coconut and banana truffles, along with expertly crafted coffee drinks, Bicho Café has become a favorite among coffee enthusiasts.
The cozy and inviting atmosphere, combined with beautiful décor and comfortable seating, makes Bicho Café an ideal spot for a quiet break or a casual meeting. Whether you choose to sit inside or enjoy the sidewalk seating, you’re sure to have a delightful time.
The café’s large flat white and citrus espresso options come highly recommended, offering a perfect way to savor the flavors of Recoleta while exploring this charming neighborhood.
4. Usina Cafetera
Location: Beruti 2751.
Usina Cafetera is a charming and warm café, perfect for enjoying a peaceful afternoon in Recoleta. Known for its high-quality products, the café offers a pleasant atmosphere and well-decorated space that appeals to a wide range of customers.
Despite the small portions and somewhat high prices, the food and drinks are exceptional, making it a popular choice for breakfast, snacks, and brunch.
The heated internal patio provides a cozy spot to enjoy a variety of delicious dishes, such as fit breakfasts with scrambled eggs, toast with beet hummus, and omelets with cheese and mushrooms.
Customers rave about the abundant and well-prepared meals, including the highly recommended iced coffee. Usina Cafetera’s quick service and flavorful offerings ensure that every visit is satisfying, making it a must-visit café in Recoleta.
5. Ambar Café
Location: Arenales 2984.
Ambar Café offers exquisite breakfasts and afternoon teas to start your day or take a break, as well as gourmet lunches and brunch options. Located in Recoleta, this café is praised for its delicious food and reasonable prices considering the area.
The carrot pudding is a standout item, and the variety of gluten-free options is impressive. The quick service, friendly staff, and cozy atmosphere make it a favorite spot for both locals and visitors.
Patrons appreciate the beautiful ambiance and the extensive selection of sweet treats that come with a complimentary cookie.
Whether you’re enjoying a coffee or indulging in a savory-sweet brunch, the experience is delightful. The café quickly fills up, but the quality of service remains consistent, making Ambar Café a highly recommended spot for a satisfying meal in Recoleta.
6. Delicious Café
Location: Laprida 2015.
Delicious Café, located on Laprida Street, offers a diverse menu of savory and sweet dishes, all complemented by their own flavored waters, Illy coffee, or tea. Known for its freshly made savory items and homemade pastries, the café has become a go-to brunch spot.
The portions are generous, and the staff is exceptionally friendly, often assisting English-speaking customers with a smile.
This café stands out for its excellent breakfast and snack options, catering to all tastes with healthy and indulgent choices. The Arabic bread toast and the pear dessert are particularly noteworthy.
While the prices are on the higher side, the quality and presentation of the food make it worthwhile. Delicious Café offers a welcoming environment, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy a delicious meal in Recoleta.
7. Tónico Café
Location: Riobamba 1173.
Tónico Café is a specialty coffee shop, wine store, and restaurant that offers excellent coffee without the high prices, inviting you to return weekly.
Known for its delicious sweet options, such as sablé dough alfajores, the café provides a comfortable setting with good music and friendly service. The well-lit and spotless interior, along with clean and comfortable bathrooms, add to its appeal.
Customers rave about the high-quality coffee, with the double shot latte being a standout. The relaxed ambiance and attentive baristas enhance the experience, making Tónico Café a top choice for both coffee and food. With spacious seating and a cozy aesthetic, it’s an ideal spot for a leisurely coffee break or a tasty meal.
8. Harper Juice & Coffee Store
Location: Av. Pueyrredón 1782.
Harper Juice & Coffee Store offers freshly prepared fruit juices and specialty coffee in a relaxed environment. Located on Avenida Pueyrredón near the German Hospital, the café is known for its excellent service and friendly staff.
The comfortable and quiet setting makes it an ideal place to work or relax, with a variety of healthy and tasty snacks available.
Frequent visitors appreciate the high-quality coffee and organic products. The fresh juices and lemonades are prepared on the spot, ensuring maximum freshness.
Harper Juice & Coffee Store stands out for its gluten-free options and delicious cookies, providing a great place to enjoy a nutritious meal or a refreshing drink in Recoleta.
9. Gontran Cherrier
Location: Pres. Roberto M. Ortiz 1815.
Gontran Cherrier is a French-style café specializing in bakery and pastry, with a location in Recoleta across from the cemetery. The café offers a variety of typical French pastries for breakfast or a snack, as well as savory options for lunch.
The high-quality ingredients, such as Label Rouge flour and Isigny Sainte-Mère butter imported from France, ensure an authentic taste.
Customers enjoy items like cappuccino with chocolate éclairs, crème brûlée, and almond chocolate bread.
The meticulous presentation and excellent quality make each visit memorable. The friendly service and reasonable prices for such high-quality products make Gontran Cherrier a standout café in Recoleta.
10. La Tolva
Location: Av. Córdoba 3499.
La Tolva offers excellent service and a cozy atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for coffee and meals. Known for its good quality and variety, the café provides a typical Buenos Aires bar experience with a modern twist.
The friendly staff and quick service enhance the dining experience, with many customers praising the delicious cakes and coffee.
With multiple locations in Palermo and Recoleta, La Tolva ensures a consistent quality of food and service. The comfortable seating and relaxed vibe make it an ideal place to enjoy a meal, whether you’re in the mood for a simple coffee or a full restaurant-style experience.
