Looking to indulge in the finest specialty coffee in Buenos Aires? This guide by ExpatPathways showcases the 10 best signature coffee shops in Buenos Aires, where you can enjoy top-notch specialty coffee.
The “wave” of specialty coffee shops has swept through the city, bringing high-quality brews to every street. These cafés adhere to strict preparation, grinding, and extraction processes, ensuring a perfect cup every time.
From tiny, intimate spots to larger, more spacious venues, these coffee shops offer not only exceptional coffee but also a range of delectable food options, including pastries, breads, toasties, and sandwiches.
Discover the ultimate coffee experience in Buenos Aires with our carefully curated list!
The Best Signature Coffee Shops in Buenos Aires
1. Evaristo Café
Location: José A. Cabrera 3975, Palermo.
Nestled in the heart of Palermo, Evaristo Café is a hidden gem renowned for its specialty coffee, craft beer, vermouth, and delectable pastries, including vegan, keto, and gluten-free options. The café’s relaxed ambiance, adorned with books and industrial-style decor featuring bikes on the walls, provides a cozy retreat for coffee enthusiasts.
Evaristo’s two floors offer ample seating, including a unique bar area where patrons can interact with the barista, adding a personal touch to their coffee experience. The cafe’s menu features a variety of expertly crafted coffee drinks, and the food offerings, such as the chipa and cinnamon roll, are praised for their taste and quality.
Customers consistently highlight the excellent service, noting the staff’s friendliness and willingness to personalize orders. The café’s atmosphere is further enhanced by the quality of its pastries, like the croissants and pain au chocolat, which are both visually appealing and delicious.
Whether you’re stopping by for a quick coffee break or a leisurely afternoon with a book, Evaristo Café promises a delightful experience that stands out in Buenos Aires’ vibrant coffee scene.
2. Kaldi
Location: Nicaragua 4604, Palermo.
Kaldi, located near Plaza Serrano in Palermo, is a cozy and comfortable specialty coffee shop with a unique story linked to the legendary African goat herder who discovered coffee. This welcoming café boasts ample seating, including outdoor options, making it a perfect spot for breakfast or a casual coffee break.
The café’s inviting atmosphere is complemented by its delicious coffee and a diverse menu that includes items like the tasty avocado sandwich and fresh smoothies. While some patrons found the waffles a bit too sweet, the overall food and beverage offerings receive high praise.
Visitors appreciate the top-notch service at Kaldi, with staff providing excellent recommendations and maintaining a friendly, pet-friendly environment.
The café has become a go-to spot for many, thanks to its consistently good coffee, delightful pastries reminiscent of those found in Paris, and reasonable prices. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, Kaldi’s blend of quality, comfort, and charm makes it a must-visit destination in Buenos Aires.
3. Rondó Café
Location: Uruguay 1048, Recoleta.
Located in the upscale neighborhood of Recoleta, Rondó Café is a specialty coffee shop that pays meticulous attention to detail, offering patrons a unique and delightful experience. The café boasts a menu filled with artisanal pastries and expertly brewed coffee.
Popular choices include the avocado toast with scrambled eggs, cappuccino, and a generously sized pistachio cake, perfect for sharing. The ham and cheese sandwich on sourdough bread and the standout pistachio alfajor are highly recommended, making Rondó a must-visit for pastry enthusiasts.
The friendly and efficient service, provided exclusively by women, enhances the cozy atmosphere of this somewhat small yet charming café. Guests appreciate the rapid service and the fresh, high-quality food, such as the American breakfast with hot scrambled eggs and toast, cheese scones, and perfectly brewed café con leche.
Discovered by many through Google Maps, Rondó Café consistently meets and exceeds expectations, offering a warm and welcoming environment where every visit feels special.
4. Bicho Café de Especialidad
Location: Agüero 2039, Recoleta.
Bicho Café de Especialidad, nestled in Recoleta, is a hidden gem for specialty coffee lovers. The café offers a tranquil and relaxed ambiance, making it an ideal spot for a coffee break.
With a wide array of delicious vegan and gluten-free options, Bicho Café ensures there’s something for everyone. The menu features unique treats like the pistachio, coconut, and banana truffle, and citrus espresso options, all served with beautiful tableware that enhances the overall experience.
Customers rave about the friendly and courteous staff who create a welcoming atmosphere in this small yet cozy café. Inside, patrons can sit at tables and stools, while outside seating allows for enjoying the charming neighborhood views.
The fast service and excellent coffee, paired with good prices, make Bicho Café a top choice for coffee enthusiasts. The café’s delightful decor and inviting environment ensure that once you visit, you’ll want to return again and again.
5. DOC Café
Location: Aráoz 645, Villa Crespo.
DOC Café in Villa Crespo is more than just a place to grab a coffee—it’s a community hub built around a shared passion for specialty coffee, good food, and a love for life. Known for its specialty coffee, homemade pastries, and a wide range of vegan and gluten-free options, DOC Café offers an inviting atmosphere perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a relaxed lunch.
Located in a quiet area, it provides both indoor and outdoor seating, catering to those who prefer to enjoy their coffee on the go or in a cozy setting. The café’s offerings, such as the lemon cake and matcha tea with milk, are highly recommended for their exceptional taste and quality.
Customers appreciate the spacious and comfortable environment, ideal for meeting friends or working remotely. The staff is attentive and willing to accommodate special requests, ensuring that every cup of coffee is served to perfection.
With excellent prices and a welcoming vibe, DOC Café stands out as a favorite in Villa Crespo. The café’s dedication to quality and community spirit makes it a must-visit spot for coffee lovers seeking a blend of great taste and friendly service.
6. CASA Café de Especialidad
Location: Aguirre 509, Villa Crespo.
CASA Café de Especialidad, also located in Villa Crespo, is a small but delightful coffee shop that distinguishes itself with its high-quality coffee and artisanal pastries. Known for its excellent service and fresh, daily-made products, CASA Café offers a cozy environment where every detail is carefully attended to.
Popular menu items include the ham and cheese toast, avocado toast with tomato and cheese, and the flavorful café con leche. The café’s almond milk, made in-house, is particularly noted for its rich and creamy texture, surpassing industrial alternatives.
The fresh and delicious pastries at CASA Café are a highlight, often selling out quickly due to their popularity. The vegetarian bagel and vanilla cookie with chocolate chips are crowd favorites. Despite the competition among coffee shops in the area, CASA Café’s commitment to quality and freshness sets it apart.
The friendly staff, reasonable prices, and charming ambiance make it a top choice for those seeking a memorable coffee experience in Buenos Aires. Whether you visit in the morning for a freshly baked pastry or in the afternoon for a perfect latte, CASA Café promises a delightful and satisfying visit.
7. PURO Café de Especialidad
Location: Av. Córdoba 359, Retiro.
Located in the Retiro neighborhood, PURO Café de Especialidad is a charming spot known for its high-quality coffee and delightful ambiance. This specialty coffee shop has quickly become a favorite in the city center, offering a cozy atmosphere and excellent service.
PURO’s menu features a wide variety of coffee options, with their Colombian coffee being a standout. Customers rave about the café con leche and the warm cheese scones, making it an ideal spot for breakfast or a light lunch. The dedication of the staff is evident in every cup, ensuring that each visit is a pleasant experience.
The café’s inviting environment is perfect for a relaxing coffee break, with a menu full of delicious options to complement their smooth, specialty coffee. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, PURO offers a satisfying experience.
The location’s recent opening has already garnered a loyal following, thanks to its exceptional coffee, delicious food, and friendly service. For those seeking a quality coffee experience in Buenos Aires, PURO Café de Especialidad is a must-visit.
8. Legado Café
Location: Viamonte 1649, Retiro
Since 2018, Legado Café has been serving exceptional specialty coffee in the Retiro and central areas of Buenos Aires. This small yet cozy café is known for its meticulously prepared coffee and welcoming atmosphere. Customers frequently praise the quality of the coffee, with many considering it the best in the city.
The menu, while focused on coffee, also offers delicious treats like the highly recommended cinnamon roll and coconut alfajor. Despite the limited savory options, the café’s pastries and desserts are top-notch, with the carrot cake being a particular favorite.
Legado Café’s intimate setting and superb service make it a beloved spot for both locals and visitors. The café’s attention to detail extends to its decor, cleanliness, and overall presentation, creating a pleasant environment for enjoying a cup of coffee.
Patrons often highlight the friendly staff and reasonable prices, which contribute to the café’s popularity. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee to go or enjoying a leisurely morning, Legado Café offers a memorable and satisfying coffee experience in Buenos Aires.
9. FRANCO Specialty Coffee
Location: Pres. Luis Sáenz Peña 18, Congreso.
FRANCO Specialty Coffee, with locations in Congreso and Recoleta, is celebrated for its exceptional coffee and inviting atmosphere. The café offers a serene environment with trees and convenient access to public transportation, making it a perfect spot for a coffee break.
Known for its high-quality beans and expertly brewed drinks, FRANCO’s menu features a variety of delicious pastries, including a standout cheesecake and a savory parmesan bread sandwich. Customers appreciate the friendly service and the perfect temperature of the coffee, whether hot or cold. The flat white, macchiato, and cheese croissant come highly recommended, ensuring a delightful start to any day.
Despite its small size, FRANCO Specialty Coffee provides a cozy setting for enjoying a cup of coffee. The café’s commitment to quality is evident in every cup, and the attention to detail extends to the beautifully presented food.
With its excellent location and superb offerings, FRANCO has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re looking for a quick coffee to go or a relaxing spot to unwind, FRANCO Specialty Coffee delivers a memorable experience.
10. TOTEM
Location: Cabello 3266, Palermo.
Located in Palermo Chico, TOTEM Café de Especialidad stands out for its expertly crafted alfajores, delicate cookies, and savory croissants. This specialty coffee shop offers a wide range of sweet and savory options, making it a popular spot for breakfast and snacks.
The pistachio alfajor and avocado toast with hummus are particularly noteworthy, providing a delicious complement to their excellent coffee. The café’s friendly staff, including Mati, Ceci, and Juli, ensure a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, making every visit enjoyable.
TOTEM is praised for its perfectly brewed coffee, served at the ideal temperature and often accompanied by beautiful latte art. The café’s cozy, pet-friendly environment is perfect for a morning coffee after a workout or a midday break.
Customers appreciate the attention to detail in both the food and service, with recommendations often guiding new visitors to the best choices on the menu. With its excellent coffee, delicious food, and warm hospitality, TOTEM Café de Especialidad is a top destination for coffee lovers in Buenos Aires.
(Featured Image Source: Andres Ignacio/flickr.com)
