Welcome to a highly-caffeinated PhD student’s guide to the best coffee shops in Palermo and all of Buenos Aires.
In this post, I’ll cover some of the best cafes to get work done in Palermo and Buenos Aires, as well the cafes with the best food and pastries.
I’ll also share some of the advantages and disadvantages of each coffee shop, and key information to help you decide what your next favorite coffee shop in Palermo will be!
Let’s jump right into it!
The Best Coffee Shops in Palermo, Buenos Aires
In the brief review of each coffee shop in Palermo, I’ll cover several main points. These include affordability, what separates the cafe from the others, how easy it is to get work done in the coffee shop, and why it is worthy of being on the list of the best coffee shops in Palermo. In addition, I’ll share a little bit about what my experience has been like in each cafe.
**Keep in mind, the prices you see below are at the time of writing (July 2023). Due to the economic situation in Argentina, the prices may be different when you visit.**
Nieva Cafe (Nieva en Cameros)
Address: Julián Álvarez 1711, C1414, Buenos Aires
Nieva Cafe is one of only two coffee shops on this list that does not have more than one location (the other is Scarlett). This is obvious in the way it is run.
There’s a max of 4 employees in total at Nieva and the owner is always there at the window. This small-business feel is exactly what makes Nieva one of the my favorite coffee shops in Palermo!
The vibe comes through in the design and layout of the cafe. There’s small tables that look like they belong in someone’s home. There’s also a nice book collection with lamps and other decorative items. It all feels really cozy and comfortable.
This might be advantage for some and something that’s not so great for others. For me personally, I love the small coffee shop vibe. But I can see how not having the best light, for example can make it difficult to get work done.
In terms of affordability, Nieva isn’t expensive, but it’s not cheap, either. Definitely not as affordable as Cafe LePa, for instance (more on this below).
I do think that the prices you get at Nieva cafe are on par with the value of each of the items. Please, please do yourself a favor and get a piece of cake. Though they can be on the pricier side, creeping up to 2000 ARS (4 USD), they are definitely worth it. Think home-made, and with plenty of love!
The tostones (one-side pieces of bread with other food on top) at Nieva cafe make the coffee shop compete with some of the best in all of Buenos Aires.
This is especially true of the toston Nieva. Prosciutto, cherry tomatoes, figs, and arugula on a multi-grain piece of bread. Definitely my favorite item on the menu!
Cons to this coffee shop are few and far between. The size can be a disadvantage for some folks. As well, the seats can be a bit uncomfortable, which make some of the other coffee shops on this list a little better to work in.
Still, the cakes, service (shoutout to Samuel!), and small feel of Nieva cafe make it one of the best coffee shops in Palermo.
Cafe LePa
Address: Julián Álvarez 2094, C1425, Buenos Aires
Cafe LePa, at least their location in Palermo Soho, is even smaller than Nieva Cafe. However, they have some of the best facturas (pastries) in Palermo! They have these red (cherry) and green (pistachio) colored croissants that you can recognize from a mile away.
Yummmm!
Cafe LePa is also the cheapest cafe on my list of some of the best coffee shops in Palermo. Look to spend 700 ARS for a cappuccino or latte, whereas the cost of those same coffees in other cafes in Palermo can get up to ARS 1100-1400.
While it’s the most affordable, in my opinion, it also has the highest quality coffee. It’s apparent the owners really care about the coffee beans here!
Because of its size and feel (a better coffee shop for takeaway), Cafe LePa is not high on the list of the best coffee ships to work in Buenos Aires. This is the biggest con here.
But, in addition to the affordability, Cafe LePa makes really good bread that you can buy by the loaf. The company also has stores throughout Buenos Aires where (Le Panem) their bread and pastries can be bought. You can also buy the same coffee beans they use in their coffee shops throughout Buenos Aires!
Cafe Matteo
Address: Honduras 3902, C1180ACF C1180ACF, Buenos Aires
Cafe Matteo might just be my favorite of all the coffee shops in Palermo, maybe even Buenos Aires.
It has everything. It’s pretty affordable, has plenty of seating (both outdoors and in), solid coffee, plenty of food and pastry options, and is a really good coffee shop to work in. While the other coffee shops on this list have advantages in 1 or a few of these areas, Cafe Matteo gets a thumbs-up in each.
One important thing to emphasize: you will not have a lack of options at Cafe Matteo. From their amazing breakfast, lunch, and brunch options, to their countless types of scones and cakes, there’s something for everyone and every time of day.
My favorite is the chicken sandwich! The fries that it comes with on the side are hands-down the best fries I’ve had in Buenos Aires. And the best thing, the whole plate costs ARS 2600, or roughly USD 5!
The vanilla, and cheese scones are pretty amazing, too. (Is anyone else getting hungry?)
Aside from the food, I would highly recommend Cafe Matteo as one of the best places to work in Palermo and all of Buenos Aires. You can find outlets pretty much everywhere and the seating is far enough from folks to be in your own work-bubble, but close enough to feed off of others’ energy.
Mawii (Best Coffee Shop to Work in Palermo)
Address: Gral. Lucio Norberto Mansilla 3799, C1425 CABA
Mawii is another really great coffee shop to get work done in Palermo.
The way the cafe is set up makes it really easy to get in a productive flow. There’s outlets at every table, plenty of light coming in, and relaxing jazz playing through the speakers. There’s also some comfortable seats that are easy on your back.
One of my favorite things about Mawii is that it’s located right across the street from Plaza Güemes. This small plaza is exactly what is meant by the European feel in Buenos Aires.
Nestled in front of the beautiful and massive Guadalupe Church, you’ll find children playing, dogs running, and older adults sitting in the plaza. Grab one of the many window or outdoor seats at Mawii and you can see it all unfold in front of your very eyes.
I also like the breakfast options at Mawii. For anyone from the United States who misses their waffles, French toast, and pancakes, Mawii is the cafe to go to get your fix!
In terms of affordability, Mawii is most expensive on this list of the best coffee shops in Palermo, but not by very much. USD 7 will get you a filling meal and almost any coffee on the menu.
Another advantage to Mawii is the impeccable service. The servers are really nice, attentive, and are happy to get you whatever you need.
Scarlett
Address: Uriarte 2027, C1414BVC CABA
Last but certainly not least is Scarlett.
Located near the border of Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood, Scarlett is one of those hidden gem coffee shops in all of Palermo.
While Nieva Cafe’s cakes give it a run for its money, you come to Scarlett for the cake! In fact, I’ve seen countless people even order it online and pick it up for takeaway. There’s a wide selection of cakes, with every flavor you can think of being available.
Another thing I like about Scarlett is the view from the window. It’s on a quieter street with incredibly tall trees, making it nice to just look out and daydream.
The actual coffee at Scarlett could be better, but it’s not bad. Definitely nothing to write home about.
In terms of coffee shops to work, Scarlett is okay. Though you can find outlets everywhere, it doesn’t have that same “productive, get-work-done” vibe of Cafe Matteo or Mawii.
In general, Scarlett is small and pretty low-key, making it a great coffee shop to just sit and hang out for a bit before exploring more of Palermo and Buenos Aires.
Conclusion of the Best Coffee Shops in Palermo
And there you have it!
Again, my list of some of the best coffee shops in Palermo is by no means exhaustive. There are others that are definitely worthy of checking out, but this list serves as a great starting point.
I have personally visited each coffee shop on this list several times and would highly recommend you do, too!
Whether you’re a digital nomad or remote worker in Buenos Aires looking to get work done, wanting to eat delicious pastries, or simply enjoying great coffee, or all three, each cafe on this list has something great to offer.
Have you visited any of these coffee shops in Palermo?
Which coffee shops did I miss?
Let me know in the comments below!
Till Next Time, Travel Friends!
