Are you on the hunt for the perfect cup of coffee in Buenos Aires, a city renowned for its vibrant café culture? Whether you’re a digital nomad in need of a cozy spot to work, a traveler seeking to indulge in local flavors, or an expat looking to discover your new favorite hangout, Buenos Aires offers a plethora of specialty coffee shops that cater to every taste.
From quaint cafés nestled in the heart of Belgrano to trendy spots in Palermo Soho, each location promises an unforgettable experience, blending exquisite coffee with unique atmospheres and mouth-watering pastries.
This guide by ExpatPathways is not just about pointing you to places where you can get your caffeine fix; it’s an invitation to explore the city’s rich café culture, meet friendly locals, and perhaps find a new workspace or a cozy corner to relax.
As you venture through Buenos Aires, let this article be your compass to the finest coffee experiences the city has to offer, where every visit leaves you eager for the next.
The 10 Best Specialty Coffee Shops in Buenos Aires
1. The Shelter Coffee
Location: Arroyo 940, Retiro.
The Shelter Coffee, nestled in the serene neighborhood of Retiro, close to major embassies, offers a unique blend of a British pub’s charm with the tranquil ambiance of a Parisian café.
This spot has become a sanctuary for those seeking a cozy place to enjoy a hot infusion on a rainy day or to indulge in a quiet moment with a newspaper outdoors. The coffee shop is acclaimed for its excellent coffee, a selection of vegan options, and a concise yet perfectly curated menu featuring delights like pear and blueberry loaf.
The location, deemed the most beautiful street in Buenos Aires by visitors, adds to its appeal, making it an ideal destination for specialty coffee aficionados.
The interior’s speciality café vibe, combined with a diverse offering of coffee, natural juices, and delicious snacks, including a highly recommended vanilla Iced latte, ensures a memorable experience for anyone looking for quality in both beverage and atmosphere.
2. Café Registrado
Location: Tte. Gral. Juan Domingo Perón 4211, Almagro.
Café Registrado stands out in the heart of Almagro, right across from the Italian Hospital, embodying the essence of a coffee laboratory, school, shop, and specialty bar all in one.
With a focus on selecting, roasting in sight, preparing through various methods, and serving, it represents the Specialty Coffee Association. The café wins hearts with its exceptional ambiance, high-quality coffee, exquisite pastries, and chocolates.
It offers affordability in line with the premium quality of its offerings, including diverse breakfast and snack combos that feature delectable yogurt with granola and fruits, and outstanding croissants.
The spacious and thoughtfully decorated venue, spanning two floors with ample space for working or studying, creates a haven away from the hustle and bustle, highlighted by its coffee varieties, making it a must-visit spot for anyone seeking a great cup of coffee in a beautiful setting.
3. Amelia Café Tostadores
Location: Rojas 702, Caballito.
Amelia Café Tostadores, located at a charming corner in the Caballito neighborhood of Buenos Aires, presents an incredible gastronomic experience that goes beyond the expectations of its visitors.
The café impresses with its exquisite coffee, diverse menu options ranging from savory dishes to sweet delights like the marquise cake, which is rich yet not overly sweet—a rare find.
The ambiance of Amelia Café is as inviting as its food, with a beautiful interior that complements the friendly and swift service, even when bustling with customers.
The varied menu and the practical location, easily accessible by multiple public transport routes, make this café a neighborhood favorite, promising a cozy, familial atmosphere that beckons for repeated visits.
4. CIC Buenos Aires Coffee
Location: Av. Corrientes 930, San Nicolas.
CIC Buenos Aires Coffee stands out for its exceptional coffee and beloved walnut alfajores, making it a beloved spot among locals. The café’s design, with thoughtful attention to detail from the arrangement of its space to the color scheme, creates a welcoming environment at any time of the day.
Situated just steps away from the iconic Obelisco on Avenida Corrientes, CIC Buenos Aires not only serves up exquisite café fare but also hosts barista training and courses within its unique space, blending a café with an educational twist.
The place is celebrated for its barista and management courses, highly rated for their comprehensiveness and quality, delivered by SCA-certified professionals.
With its perfect blend of ambiance, service, and high-quality offerings, from the best caprese toast to the best mocaccino ever tasted, CIC Buenos Aires Coffee provides a perfect setting for coffee enthusiasts and aspiring baristas alike, though it might come with a premium price, it’s deemed well worth the investment.
5. PADRE Panadería & Cafetería
Location: Honduras 4184, Palermo.
PADRE Panadería & Cafetería, nestled in the bustling streets of Palermo on Honduras Street, marries exquisite culinary craftsmanship with a warm and inviting ambiance.
The café stands out for its unparalleled pastry selection, claimed by many as the best they’ve experienced, and its dishes that cater to both sweet and savory preferences, including a must-try for pistachio lovers.
PADRE’s offerings, from the flavorful Bagel Salmon to the unique Eclair de Pistacho, are celebrated for their generous portions and high quality, ensuring that every visit is a delightful indulgence.
The café’s commitment to excellence extends to its service, with friendly staff and speedy table service in a pet-friendly environment, enhancing the dining experience.
Despite its popularity leading to potential waits, customers agree that PADRE is worth the patience, highlighting the exceptional coffee served at perfect temperatures and a menu that boasts fresh ingredients and comprehensive options, with the lemon pie receiving special acclaim for its creamy perfection.
6. Kaldi
Location: Nicaragua 4604, Palermo.
Kaldi, a specialty coffee shop located close to Plaza Armenia in Palermo, offers a distinctive café experience with its high-quality coffee and a variety of fresh, delicious offerings.
This café has quickly become a favorite for both locals and visitors, offering a welcoming atmosphere with ample seating inside and out. Praised for its excellent coffee, Parisian-level pastries, and fresh smoothies, Kaldi is celebrated as a go-to spot for breakfast and coffee enthusiasts.
The café’s attention to detail is evident in every aspect, from the exquisite coffee and freshly prepared food to the prompt and friendly service, even during busy times.
Kaldi’s ambiance is enhanced by its tasteful decor and clean environment, making it not only a great place to enjoy a meal but also a convenient location for those looking to work remotely, thanks to the availability of power outlets throughout.
Special mentions include the best Carrot Cake some have ever tried, marked by its perfect sweetness and moist texture, and the unique experience of tasting exceptional Peruvian coffees, recommended by the knowledgeable barista staff.
7. Evaristo Café
Location: José A. Cabrera 3975, Palermo.
Evaristo Café distinguishes itself as one of Buenos Aires’ premier coffee destinations, la fruit of its superior coffee, exceptional service, and a diverse array of delectable cakes and pastries.
The café’s unique ambiance, characterized by an industrial chic vibe, bikes, and books decorating the walls, invites patrons into a space where coffee is not just served but celebrated.
Here, customers can enjoy a personalized coffee experience, thanks to the attentive and upbeat staff who are eager to tailor each drink to individual preferences.
The commitment to quality extends to the café’s offerings, with customers having the option to purchase the same excellent Puerto Blest coffee varieties served in-house, freshly ground to suit various brewing methods.
Evaristo’s charm is further amplified by its savory selections, such as freshly made scrambled eggs, and a setting that fosters both productivity for those wishing to work and relaxation for those gathering with friends, making it a comprehensive haven for all coffee lovers.
8. Cuervo Café
Location: El Salvador 4580, Palermo.
Cuervo Café, nestled on a picturesque corner in Palermo, exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere that resonates with both locals and visitors. This friendly coffee shop is celebrated for its quick service, innovative drinks like the lemon cold brew, and a cozy outdoor area that enhances the café experience on sunny days.
Beyond its delightful coffee, Cuervo offers an array of snacks, including the crowd-pleasing avocado smash, and caters to a diverse clientele with amenities like a bike rack for cycling enthusiasts.
Each of Cuervo’s four locations maintains a consistent vibe, filled with urban art and an infectious positivity that reflects in the happy and kind staff.
Whether you’re looking for a space to work, accompanied by great wifi and comfortable seating, or simply a spot to enjoy good music and the sun, Cuervo Café stands out as a social hub where the essence of urban artistry and good vibes converge to create an unforgettable café experience.
9. Bee Coffee
Location: Echeverría 2923, Belgrano.
Bee Coffee, nestled in the heart of Belgrano, presents itself as a genuine haven for specialty coffee enthusiasts, continuously impressing its patrons with its high-quality brews and delicious menu items.
The café has established itself as a favorite spot for those seeking a cozy place to enjoy an avo toast, touted as a must-try by regulars, alongside a cup of beautifully crafted coffee, whether it be a latte or flat white.
The variety of iced teas offers a refreshing alternative, adding to the café’s appeal. Bee Coffee’s atmosphere is characterized by friendly service and a tranquil setting, making it ideal for both quick stops and longer visits.
The space may be compact, but it compensates with a welcoming vibe, attentive staff, and a second-floor seating area perfect for enjoying a leisurely coffee break or getting some work done on a laptop, all while enjoying excellent coffee and pastries, including a highly praised ham and cheese croissant with a unique pesto twist.
10. Kajue Café
Location: Guatemala 4665, Palermo.
Kajue Café, located in the vibrant Palermo Soho near Plaza Armenia, stands out in a bustling area known for its plethora of cafés, bars, and restaurants. It offers a delightful experience with its friendly service, extensive menu, and ample portions that promise satisfaction for every taste bud.
The café has quickly become renowned for its exceptional food, spectacular service, and overall inviting atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination for anyone in the area.
Patrons rave about the delicious coffee drinks, particularly the mokaccino, and the wide selection of juices, coffees, and food, all served in a setting that caters to both individuals looking to work with the convenience of free Wi-Fi and groups gathering for a social outing.
Kajue Café’s extraordinary coffee, expertly prepared by barista Miguel, and its cozy ambiance ensure a memorable visit, highly recommended for coffee aficionados seeking quality in both their beverage and café experience.
(Featured Image Source: Julian Hilale/flickr.com)
