9 Amazing Buenos Aires Cafés You Must Visit
Nestled at the end of a colorful side street rests Libros de Pasaje, a charming bookshop that doubles as a café. By far one of my favorite cafés in Palermo, walking in feels as though you've been inducted into a secret literary community. Complete with stacks of classic novels and lively conversation centered on authors and writing, Libros de Pasaje is the ideal place to lose track of time with a good book. Order a cappuccino and the Torta Antonia, the café's homemade specialty dessert of assorted nuts, red fruit, and chocolate.
Ninina Bakery
With its minimalist décor and communal seating, Ninina Bakery has the speed and efficiency of a New York restaurant on a Friday night. The recently opened café offers an extensive list of teas and unique juices as well as sandwiches and salads. For vegetarian travelers looking for a safe haven in a meat-obsessed city, Ninina Bakery also offers a popular vegetarian burger option.
Bartola
Step into Bartola and it feels as though you've wandered into the eclectic living room of a cool aunt. The walls are covered with photos and knick-knacks, the tables and chairs are mismatched, and the café is painted in an eye-catching pastel pink. Bartola's lemonade — a mix of blueberries and lemons — is the go-to drink; "The Jersey" sandwich is highly recommended by staff and locals alike. For the calorie-conscious, Bartola has an array of fresh salads to choose from. Those with a heartier appetite can indulge in a juicy hamburger or one of the many sandwiches offered.
b-Blue
Owned by a blueberry farmer, b-Blue looks like a Pinterest board come to life complete with chalkboard signs, jars of organic honey, and other rustic accents. With a slogan of "be natural, be simple," the café serves up healthy breakfast options and fresh smoothies. Go for The Berry Young Smoothie, which is made with freshly picked blueberries and is a refreshing and sweet way to jumpstart your day.
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Café Lattente
While cafés are a popular staple of the Buenos Aires food scene, interestingly enough it is hard to find a fantastic cup of coffee. The owners behind Café Lattente saw an opportunity to bring good coffee to Buenos Aires by importing coffee beans direct from Colombia. The result? Phenomenal coffee and a café that gives a nod to Colombian culture by offering arepas on the menu.
Mama Racha
Stroll by Mama Racha on a weekend morning and you'll spot locals seated outdoors, basking in the sun and enjoying breakfast over the morning newspaper. Mama Racha is an excellent café with outdoor seating to relax and watch as the Palermo neighborhood wakes up to a new day. Order the breakfast special #4, which comes with café con leche, huevos revueltos con jamon (scrambled eggs with ham), and tostadas and jugo natural de naranja (freshly squeezed orange juice).
Oui Oui
As if Buenos Aires alone wasn't enough of a nod to European culture, there's the French-inspired Oui Oui café. With baby pink tables and chairs, delicate pastries, bouquets of roses, and low lighting, Oui Oui has romantic ambiance to spare. Light jazz plays softly in the background and comfortable armchairs beckon guests to sit and stay awhile. Brunch is undeniably the most popular meal at Oui Oui offering reasonably priced eggs Benedict, French toast, and assorted pastries.
Pani
Featuring an ocean motif, Pani is painted in shades of blue and serves an assortment of eye-catching desserts, a variety of salads and sandwiches. Like many of the other cafés in Palermo, Pani throws its hat in the ring for having "the best limonada" in town.
Coco Marie
When one thinks of bikinis, one hardly thinks of pastries; that is, until Coco Marie opened its doors. This swimsuit and lingerie boutique turned its back patio into an ivy-covered oasis that is now a popular café. Shoppers can enjoy an array of pastries while languidly sipping on fresh smoothies such as the recommended apple, coconut, and almond smoothie.