Top 12 Cafes in Palermo, Buenos Aires

The word "Palermo", believe it or not, may refer not just to Sicily, Italy, but also to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Indeed, this neighborhood (barrio) is largest in the city and is trendy and bohemian, renowned for its boutique shopping, cafes, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Oftentimes, it is compared to Greenwhich Village and Chelsea of New York, but it has a truly unique character of its own. This, in turn, makes Palermo rather popular an area with tourists and locals, and earns it a reputation of the "heart and soul of Buenos Aires". Similar to caf茅 society in Vienna, Portenos - as the lifetime residents of Buenos Aires are affectionately referred to - enjoy relaxing at sidewalk cafes which is, perhaps, their greatest pastime. Throughout Palermo you will find a great variety of cafes offering beverages, pastries, light snacks, and great atmosphere. Wait no longer and explore the scene well-worth being discovered!

(To visit the venues mentioned in this article, check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Buenos Aires)

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1. Tonno Soho

This corner caf茅 is renowned for its thin crust pizza, pasta dishes, empanadas, sandwiches, and more. It is reasonably priced with a diverse menu and is suitable for everyday snacks and relaxing moments. The staff are friendly and most speak some English. It is located close to Plaza Italia, the Palermo Woods and La Rural Exhibition Grounds. Here you will find locals and tourists coming together to enjoy simple dining out. There are a few outdoor tables, but this can be a noisy street corner during rush hour traffic times. The food is never disappointing for quality and value, plus their pizza is a definite must!

Where to find it:

Address:
Charcas 4400
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tel.: +54 11 4779-9398

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2. Porota - Cocina de Herencia

This tiny caf茅 may be small, but you鈥檇 be surprised to see the wide selection of delicacies that come out of Porota鈥檚 efficient kitchen. Sandwiches, tartas, amazing lunch specials, creamy soups, salads, muffins, cupcakes, breads, scones, cakes, fresh fruit juices - there鈥檚 nothing missing at Porota. Owner, Miren Alga帽aras, cooks very rich fare according to her grandmother's recipes, occasionally adding a personal touch to make them unique. Offerings include daily hot lunch specials.

However, this cafe is renowned for the rich, sweet desserts and cakes served in an atmosphere that brings back childhood memories of birthday parties from the homemade truffles in little colored paper cuffs to the classic glasses of chocolate milk. There鈥檚 a mouth-watering selection including banana and dulce de leche muffins, chocolate raspberry cupcakes and sprinkle-covered truffles. With a huge menu of excellent freshly brewed teas, it鈥檚 a perfect place for an afternoon break. Inside is intimate and pretty, while at the outside tables you can enjoy the sidewalk action. Popular with locals and tourists alike, this gem is sure to please any palate.

Where to find it:

Address:
Gorriti 5881
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tel.: +54 11 4770-9234

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3. Sans

Located in the heart of Palermo Soho on the edge of the very popular and touristy Plaza Cortazar, the Sans cafe is a pleasant surprise. The inside is charmingly decorated with cheerful colors and wooden furniture, plus the sunny upstairs terrace has a great view of the Plaza. The clientele includes tourists and plenty of local Argentines. As the name suggests, their specialty is sandwiches and beers, but the menu offerings include much more. Unique breads include Baguettin Mini (mini French baguette bread), Baguettin integral (Rye mini French baguette bread), Pan de molde multi-cereal (Mixed grain loaf) Focaccia de hierbas, olivas negras y romero (Herb, black olives, and rosemary focaccia), Pan r煤stico de espinaca (Spinach homemade bread), Pan de queso parmesano y albahaca (Parmesan cheese and basil bread), Pan de campo (Country style bread), Pan 谩rabe (Pitta bread), and Pan ingl茅s (English style bread). Of course, the list of sandwich fillings is even more extensive. Relax and enjoy a simple lunch or dinner beside the Plaza Cortazar - sure to please.

Where to find it:

Address:
Serrano 1595
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tel.: +54 11 4832-7266

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4. Libros del Pasaje - Bookstore and Cafe

Libros del Pasaje epitomizes Buenos Aires like few other places. Located in Palermo in a historic building, this charming bookstore and Antonia Caf茅 boasts high ceilings and massive wooden bookshelves showing carefully selected literature. As you walk in, you are overcome by the bohemian atmosphere. This is undoubtedly one of Buenos Aires' best bookshops, but it also has to be included in this list because the cafe is one of its main features. It鈥檚 at the back of the shop, next to a small music section, so you can sit there surrounded by books and music. It鈥檚 wonderfully cozy and a favorite place for many in the city to sit and read overlooking a bright patio courtyard. The menu is quite extensive with traditional Argentine breakfasts of pastries and coffee, lunch sandwiches and salads, plus daily specials. The pastries and desserts are all home-made and their cheesecake with berries is amazing.

Opened in May 2004, this is more than just a bookstore because it hosts cultural events, children's activities, gallery showings, photographic exhibits, and recycling opportunities. Slip into the store鈥檚 sun room and settle in at one of the many tables with a good cup of coffee or tea. The bar also has a well-priced, but basic alcohol and food menu.

Where to find it:

Address:
Thames 1762
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tel.: +54 11 4833-6637

Opening Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Sunday: 03:00 pm - 10:00 pm

5. Baraka

This quaint Palermo caf茅, located a few blocks away from the hustle and bustle of Plaza Cortazar, offers a much-needed break with a good choice of empanadas and jam贸n y queso (ham and cheese) sandwiches. The space is one of many unique things about this cafe. Situated on a street corner, the cafe sits right by a beautiful colorful wall mural, which fits perfectly with the ambiance of the cafe itself. The interior with large windows is bright and vibrantly decorated, with sofas in the rear, and has an open terrace upstairs. Delicious organic coffee and made-from-scratch desserts accompany the filling sandwiches and salads. The multi-grain home-made bread is among the best in the city, and can be purchased by the loaf. Sample their extensive menu including tortillas, bruschetta, soup of the day, wok dishes, sorrentinos, noquis, fish, lamb, beef, and chicken dishes. It should be noted that no alcoholic beverages are served. The inside is a bit sparse, but the terrace (if it's not too hot outside) is a nice spot to settle in after a hard day's shopping.

Where to find it:

Address:
Gurruchaga 1450
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tel.: +54 11 4834-6427

Opening Hours:
Tuesday - Friday: 09:00 am - 09:00 pm
Saturday: 09:00 am - 11:30 pm
Sunday: 10:30 am - 09:00 pm

6. Q Rest贸 Bar

This charming cafe and bar is located in the heart of Palermo Hollywood on the quiet, tree-lined Humboldt Street. Inside, the wooden tables and chairs or alcoves provide ample seating in a bright atmosphere due to the large floor to ceiling windows looking out onto the street. The outside patio accommodates about 40 people at tables and chairs, plus a few benches with padded seats. The large mature trees provide plenty of shade on the hot Buenos Aires summer days. An extensive menu affords many choices for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or anytime snacks. Try the traditional Croque Monsieur sandwich or even the Croque Madame with an additional fried egg. A wide range of salads, quiches, pizzas, Milanesas, tortillas, sandwiches, and pastas are available all day long and desserts include a cheesecake or lemon pie. Every day there are special promotions for hot and cold items. This cafe is extremely popular with Argentines on the weekends and is always very busy at brunch times. It is a quiet and relaxing venue away from the noisy Palermo main streets.

Where to find it:

Address:
Humboldt 2125
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tel.: +54 11 4899-1908

7. Oui Oui

Oui Oui is a corner caf茅 that is almost entirely pink, with the menu spelled out colorfully on chalkboards around the restaurant. Specialties include fresh-baked pastries of every size and shape imaginable 鈥� from waffles to medialunas (Argentina's popular croissants) plus pan au chocolat. A good brunch choice any day of the week, this charming cafe seems perfect for weekend mornings. It鈥檚 the ideal place to enjoy a breakfast of eggs and coffee amid the bustling Palermo streets. It serves the best submarine (a glass of hot milk with chocolate to melt into it) with lots of crumbly chocolate.

Oui Oui offers honest, down-to-earth Gallic fare of the kind the French actually eat rather than just talk about. Chef, Roc铆o Garc铆a Orza, works magic in the kitchen with his filled croissants, fresh baguettes, vichyssoise, and pan au chocolat. All of this is served amidst a colorful environment of dried flowers and pastel pink picnic tables, which is strangely apropos for this restaurant.

Where to find it:

Address:
Nicaragua 6068
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tel.: +54 11 4778-9614

Opening Hours:
Tuesday - Friday: 08:00 am - 08:00 pm
Saturday, Sunday: 10:00 am - 08:00 pm

8. Pani

This elegant cafe is a rare design and culinary success story. The owner's attention to detail in every way makes heading out for a coffee or croissant an actual delight. Faultlessly chosen furnishings and knicknacks create a majestic high tea feel, with abundant classic floral upholstery. There is a variety of seating options starting with a unique use of ironing boards at the caf茅 entrance. The long narrow caf茅 affords traditional tables and chairs or comfortable sofas. To the rear, a spacious rooftop area allows for the enjoyment of a Gatsby-style garden party atmosphere, or makes a perfect place for working during the hot Argentine summer months. Finally, the rear garden patio is a breath of fresh air. This is a great example of imported style well executed.

Pani is a delicate delight, full of pretty crockery, and even prettier cakes. The pink lemonade even comes in a pink jug in the shape of a penguin. When you visit this cafe, it is a must pleasure to try something sweet, like one of the tempting macaroons. There is a also a menu of savory dishes, such as pizza, wraps, and salad. The inside seats are placed beside shelves full of cute teapots. There is also a deli counter for take-out or home delivery of their wonderful home-cooked menu items.

Where to find it:

Address:
Nicaragua 6044
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tel.: +54 11 4772-6420

Opening Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 09:00 am - 09:00 pm

9. Voltaire Coffee & Deli

This petite, cozy deli and country kitchen, located on the corner of its namesake street, serves up simple, tasty and reasonably priced items for breakfast and lunch. The staff are attentive and the fresh pumpkin salad with poached egg and sun-dried tomatoes might just be one of the best light meals in the city. Also, the popular Pepepe sandwich - contains chicken, bacon, and avocado on ciabatta bread. Plus, in the deli section, you can buy local products, like olive oil and salts, to take home with you. Ask for a table outside and watch Palermo's hipsters parade by as you sip a freshly squeezed juice. This is a small place and you need to get there early, especially on weekends. Sitting here on a sunny day is a wonderful way to appreciate Palermo鈥檚 charms. Outside the cafe, the lamp posts and trees are typical of Palermo and inside is snug and inviting.

Where to find it:

Address:
脕ngel Justiniano Carranza 1946
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tel.: +54 11 4777-4132

Opening Hours:
Tuesday - Friday: 09:00 am - 07:00 pm
Saturday, Sunday: 09:30 am - 07:00 pm

10. Eterna Cadencia

Located on a quiet tree-lined street is another cafe within a traditional bookstore, named Eterna Cadencia, in Palermo Hollywood. This classic bookstore, offering hundreds of titles, is small with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, and the cafe feels rather grander with high ceilings and a glass roof. Light lunches and pastries are offered with good service in a unique, relaxed atmosphere. A favorite place to sit is at the back, on the sofas, where you can peek into the bookshop and stare up to the sky.

Where to find it:

Address:
Honduras 5574
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tel.: +54 11 4774-4100

Opening Hours:
Monday - Friday: 10:00 am - 08:30 pm
Saturday, Sunday: 11:30 am - 08:00 pm

11. bBlue. Deli & Natural Bar

Located close to the popular Plaza Cortazar, b-Blue is very popular with tourists and locals. The light filled, yet cozy, place is owned by a blueberry farmer and serves a delicious crumble. The breakfasts are huge, and there鈥檚 also a great tea menu. Specialties include the b-Salmon salad (leaf lettuce, French endive, candied citrus slices, red onions, slices of smoked salmon and cream cheese with toasted sesame seeds) and the Lemon Cream Cake (mass sabl茅e on limes and cream condensed milk). b-Blue has a great menu of home-made lunch items and fresh squeezed juices, as well as an array of natural products for purchase. The ambiance is calm, and they offer indoor and outdoor seating on their lovely patio. Their menu has an extensive array of fresh salads, tasty sandwiches or wraps, several varieties of bruschetta, stir-fried 鈥榳oks鈥� and baked goods. They have a good variety of vegetarian options as well. In the center of Palermo, this is an excellent rest stop.

Where to find it:

Address:
Armenia 1692
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tel.: +54 11 4831-7024

Opening Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 09:00 am - 09:00 pm
Friday, Saturday: 09:00 am - 01:00 am
Sunday: 09:00 am - 09:00 pm

12. El Franc茅s

Reminiscent of a French corner store, this unpretentious Palermo bistro, operates as a caf茅 during the day, serving up excellent genuine French food at reasonable prices. The menu is long, French, and covers everything - from snacks and (creative) sandwiches to cocktails and specialty coffees. Typically French and rare in Buenos Aires, the house p芒t茅 is coarse and meaty, served with fresh dill and a piquant tomato relish, or the cognac pate served with fresh fruits. Light fluffy omelettes are available with a variety of fillings. The lomo bourguinon, which involves chunks of tender fillet steak in an oregano pastry basket, are superb. Sample the bondiola de cerdo in a citrus fruits sauce and, for vegans, the raviolis de queso de cabra (goat's cheese) are an excellent choice. Indulge in heavenly cr猫me br没l茅e de Bailey's dessert, which is a creamy, liqueur filled delight large enough for any big appetite and can easily be shared between two. Whatever time of day, this is a cozy French delight in the heart of Palermo. Dine al fresco on the quiet street corner or enjoy the white and bright interior tables with chairs or sumptuous booths.

Where to find it:

Address:
Gorriti 5099
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tel.: +54 11 4833-0022

Opening Hours:
Monday - Friday: 09:00 am - 08:30 pm
Saturday: 09:00 am - 02:00 am

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