Café Tortoni

A classic Buenos Aires institution, Café Tortoni is all about history and atmosphere. The interior feels like stepping back in time, with its old-world charm, wooden details, and vintage décor. The coffee and pastries are solid—especially the hot chocolate and churros—but the real draw is the experience of sitting in such an iconic place. It can be busy and touristy, with lines at peak times, but it’s still worth a stop to soak in the culture and tradition.

I usually don’t visit cafe’s and restaurant’s recommended by travel guides, but this time, the recommendation was spot on! I didn’t know what to expect. A grande entrance with 2 large doors. When you walk in, it feels like you are walking into an opera house. The lighting, ambience, people talking, laughter, and staff moving between tables whilst smiling. Organized chaos and feel good environment. I have never seen or experienced a cafe in such a grande scale. It was like watching live drama unfolding in reality. I was looked after by Yamii. Great service from her and a very pleasurable person to converse with. It was a highlight of my trip to Buenos Aires! Please do visit this place even if you have to queue up outside for some time. It will be worth it!

I went to this historic place and the line was about a 30 minute wait. They told me there is always a line. I went past there again today and the line was half of when I was there. So I recommend going during the day on a weekday. The food is ok, nothing special. I might not have ordered that well. It seems like most plates around me were sandwiches. The building is phenomenal. Very beautiful and historic. The chairs were really comfortable. For me, it is a one and done. I'm glad I went, but I would try other places for the food. Service was good and professional. I like the uniforms. Must try it at least once!

The atmosphere here is truly charming — cozy, historical, and full of character. I had to wait in line for about 45 minutes, but in the end it was definitely worth it to check out this must-visit spot. The bakery items were freshly made, and the coffee was decent as well, making for a nice combination. The staff impressed me with how professional, organized, and fast they were, even with so many people around. And of course, the highlight was the tango show — absolutely impressive, full of passion and energy, and something that perfectly captures the spirit of Buenos Aires. Overall, a memorable experience that I would recommend despite the wait.

Wait for lunch hour was 20 minutes. Pressed sandwiches were very good with a hot chocolate. Price is fair for the generous portion. Dont go if you are in a rush.

Established in 1858, the cafe indeed has an old school vibe. Churros is the best I’ve ever tasted. Coffee with milk is average. Service is very average as reflected by others I was told there isn’t a menu in English? Sadly! There’s a room at the back of the cafe where you can learn more about the history. Yes pls do visit the cafe for the vibes. Queues can be long.

For a very popular and touristy place, we were impressed. There was a brief but efficient queue to get in and we were soon seated in a nice place. The layout and vibe are very cool and you can sense the history. The churros, hot chocolate and coffee we got were all lovely and not bad value for a place like this (c$40,000). While they have separate tango shows downstairs for a cost, they also put on a mini free performance in the cafe at one point. Well worth a visit.

Café Tortoni is not just a coffee house but a beautifully preserved portal to Buenos Aires's storied past, making it an essential destination for any visitor. Its history begins in 1858 when Jean Touan, a French immigrant, opened the original establishment; it later moved to its iconic, current address at Avenida de Mayo 825 in 1880, establishing itself as the cultural heart of the city. The moment you step through its doors, you are immersed in belle-époque splendor, surrounded by dark polished wood, marble tables, stained glass, and evocative portraits of Argentine cultural legends who once frequented its halls. While enjoying a classic café con leche and churros, the atmosphere itself - filled with the echo of poets, tango masters, and intellectuals - provides a uniquely romantic and historically resonant experience. It successfully maintains its century-old elegance and charm, offering delicious treats and a vibrant evening tango show, cementing its status as a living cultural monument and a delightful place to pause and soak up the city's spirit.

The oldest cafe in Buenos Aires! Founded in 1858, it is the oldest café in Buenos Aires and worth a visit. The lines are long to get in but moves very fast. They welcome about 15 people at a time so worth the wait. Hot chocolate was the best. Mix equal parts of Hot milk with hot melted pure chocolate with a side of churros was simply perfect. Great cafe straight out of the 1800s and totally worth a visit.

Beautiful historic cafe in the center of Buenos Aires. The ambiance is terrific with lots of paintings, historic pictures and artworks. It's over 175 years old and was frequented by the likes of Borges and Neruda. There's always a line out front, but it moves fast. The service is good. The food is overpriced and terrible, but you are not there for the food.

The oldest cafe in the whole country--we waited in line for 40 minutes at 11am on a Saturday morning. The decor and ambiance inside is stunning, and I can definitely tell why this cafe is so iconic. Service was on the slower side but friendly. We came for submarinos, coffee, and hot chocolate, as well as churros and chocolate cake. Churros were top tier--crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Hot chocolate and submarinos were decadent, and the coffee was decent too. Worth visiting for the impressive interior and sweet treat if you have the time!

Came here for breakfast around 9:30AM on a weekday, and there was no wait. Got the picada para 1 (charcuterie board with meat, cheese, olives, tomatoes, walnuts, and bread). This was plenty to share with my boyfriend. It was beautifully presented, but wasn't anything extraordinarily special. The inside of the cafe was beautiful

The oldest cafe in Buenos Aires. Not originally on the list to visit, but when they constantly have a line outside, ya squeeze in a quick visit. Our tour guide suggested coffee and churros, so that's what this review is based on. The coffee & churros were average. I expected so much more from.the churros. Unfortunately, they were dry, the chocolate inside was minimal, and weirdly flavorless. I missed the fluffy softness, with a not to sweet flavor I enjoy of a churro. After waiting outside in line for about 15 mins (this was short as we heard many waited 45 mins or more), service was relatively fast. The restaurant was quiet for its size. For nostalgic purposes, it's cool, but for a meal or snack, I'd go elsewhere. They supposedly have a Tango show a couple nights a week in a separate area, but inquiring about it from the staff and how it works wasn't too helpful.

Uno de los cafés más emblemáticos de la ciudad que conserva su historia. Para poder almorzar aquí, tuvimos que esperar en la fila afuera durante 1,5 horas. Es un lugar bastante popular entre los locales y los turistas. Si vienes para el desayuno, probablemente no habrá tanta espera. Dentro hay varias salas: La principal, donde todos comen y conversan; Una sala donde, cada noche, se realiza un show de tango (es necesario hacer una reserva); Una sala donde puedes conocer la historia del lugar y leer sobre las personas famosas que han visitado el Café Tortoni. El menú es bastante simple y accesible. No dejes de probar el churro de aquí.

Ordered the hot chocolate and 3 churros. The hot chocolate comes separate in a small milk pitcher and a chocolate pitcher. You pour them together at the ratio you like. The churro is stuffed with chocolate and was a little on the harder side and not so doughy.

This is a tourist trap if I've ever eaten at one. You won't get good food here. Only the chocolate used with the churros and the cider are solid. It's a frustratingly bland menu given the huge popularity. The churros are famous but we were given a clearly stale or bad batch. I shouldn't have to fight a churro. It should be soft inside, slightly crisp outside, and not a combative stick. Any American dad could make you a better burger on their backyard grill. The potatoes were, well, potatoes. I heard a tour guide outside say this is where you find locals. Everyone inside was speaking English, Mandarin, and broken Spanish. Americans, let me translate: this is the Mi Tierra for Texans, the Katz Deli for New Yorkers, the original Starbucks location for Washingtonites, the Boudin Bakery for Californians, and all minus good food. Service is slightly slow but that's understandable given the popularity. Restrooms are very poorly marked. Facing the bar, the women's restroom is on its right side and the men's is on the left. Expect to wait in line outside at least 30 minutes for a table on a weekday, likely more on a weekend. Too many people visit here for a photos and to say "we've been here" when they should get cheaper, better food faster at many other establishments around town. This is a skip for food. It's a pretty building that's probably fine to see a tango show inside of, but the food is disappointing.

Culturally rich restaurant that features a tango venue and was pleasantly surprised by its ambiance. The decor gave the impression of stepping back in time, and the space was clean and comfortable. Our party of nine was seated quickly, and the service was excellent. The waiter spoke English, which was a plus. While the food was generally underwhelming, I opted for a cheeseburger due to my overload of empanadas. However, the papas bravas were a highlight and quite delicious. The Irish coffee was a standout, rescuing my meal from being too bland. For dessert, the fresas con crema was a delightful treat with high-quality whipped cream, and my friend's prosciutto sandwich looked incredible, sparking some serious food envy. Although I didn't have room for the churros, they looked tempting. I'd definitely return for a tango show and to further explore the menu.

This is a must-see if you're going to Buenos Aires. Affordable and incredibly delicious. The atmosphere feels like you're back in the 18th century. Beautiful art adorns the walls with Edison styled lighting. The vibe is not doubt Buenos Aires and tango. In the back, they have a tango salon where they still perform. It's crude and simplistic, as it should be. The food is delicious. I had a cheeseburger and it was incredible. Not over seasoned and a perfect size. They don't skimp on the serving size. I also paired it with a cider and a Malbec, and now I'm drunk. #worthit The service is good and you won't regret coming to this location. I'm truly glad we visited this historic restaurant.

We wanted to try a traditional Argentine breakfast, so we want to the famous Cafe Tortoni for it! There was a slight wait (like 20-30 minutes), that wasn't worth it in my opinion. The service was really, really slow and rude and the food was standard. We had lattes and coffee with orange juice and toast, complete with a spread of jams. The toast was like anything you could find literally anywhere else. The jams were really, really good though! Especially the dulce de leche one! The interior of this place was breathtaking. It was grand/elegant and the high ceilings gave the illusion of space, even though we were all crammed into the space together. In my opinion, there are better places to find breakfast, but this was fun to experience because it is such a staple!

Came here on a weekday morning and expected a line but thankfully not! There were only two groups in front of me at around 8:45AM but while I was waiting, the line grew to probably 25 people and when I left around 10AM, the line had probably doubled. Get here early! It probably helped that when I was walking there, it was raining which likely deterred people as well. In any case, menu items are expensive as expected, go there for the historical building and ambience I suppose. I got a hot chocolate with the churros, and my order came out really quickly. Churros weren't hot but they were crunchy and filled with dulce de leche, hot chocolate came with milk that you pour by yourself which I thought was neat. Hot chocolate was way too sweet, really didn't like it very much. Building is nice, good spot to hang out for a while, free wifi. My food came out to be 7200 ARS which is super pricey for what I got but it's a tourist place so it's expected.

Oldest Cafe in Buenos Aires, check. Beautiful interior, check. Good coffee? No bueno. But being a huge coffee fan with a fondness of decore, I am glad I made the visit. It started with a 20-minute wait, but the line does move fast. The inside and ambiance was really nice and the details were wonderful. The menu was ... well... average. And the service was quick but apathetic. I ordered 2 churros and a Cafe with Baileys. I was hoping to make it ice but the waiter either wouldn't modify it OR I was communicating poorly. Both could be the case. I enjoyed the churros and it was the best I have ever had. (BTW, that's not saying much as my experience is limited in a region with bad churros). The cafe, though, was not drinkable. Actually, worse Baileys coffee I have ever had. It tastes as if they forgot to add milk? I don't know, but it is very bitter.

My recent visit to Cafe Tortoni left much to be desired. The cold brew was undrinkable due to an overwhelming amount of coffee grounds sediment. Additionally, the churros were disappointingly hard, almost as if they had been sitting out for far too long. To top it off, the orange juice was so diluted that it lacked any semblance of flavor. The overall quality of the items was well below acceptable standards. It's disheartening to experience such a letdown, especially considering the reputation of Cafe Tortoni.

Worth the wait! Long line to stand in, but it moves fairly quick. We were in Argentina mid Oct. 2023 and we stopped at this place twice. The food and drinks were so good. Prices were great! Definitely a good place to enjoy some yummy food and treats!

Best cafe in town. Love it such a history and also the tango dance. A+ I will go there again for sure

Ok.. so yes this is touristy.... but for good reason. Definitely a good place to stop for a coffee and snack. I could literally eat and drink my way around Buenos Aires, but for breakfast or a sweet tooth - this is the place to go. This history is fantastic and don't forget to check out the old stage/theatre.

When we saw the line out front, we knew that this was gonna be good. It was ok. Ya, just ok. The food was average, the service was ok. The bathrooms were disgusting. What this place did have going for it was its nostalgic beauty as an old fashioned cafe. Truly gorgeous on the inside. Good place to maybe just have a coffee and a piece of pie...

This is one of those places that you visit because: IT IS. This 160-year old business functions primarily as a coffee shop in an historic old building in downtown Buenos Aires. Just about anytime of day you'll find a long line outside of the main entrance of those waiting to enter and find a place to sit down. Frankly, other than "it is", I can't figure out why this is the case. The coffee is OK, but not first rate, as are the pastries but there's nothing superlative about this place other than the fact that it's old, in historic building, represents some of the "old days look and feel" of Buenos Aires of yesteryear. Go and enjoy if you're curious. But I can't say We will never return again.

The interior design of this shop was stunning. My friend and I waited in line for ~15 minutes to enter at 8:30p. We ordered a cafe frios (like an affogato except the coffee brew was also cold) and a strawberry smoothie as we both were pretty full and did not want a heavy dish. Both drinks were good, but not earth shattering. There is a mark up for the food given the reputation and name this shop has. It's a nice experience to go once while in BA, but I would not say it's a deal breaker should you skip it. There is a way to reserve and schedule ahead for tango viewings on their website, but there was no tango show the day we went. I think it would be more worthwhile if you were interested in viewing tango along side a quick bite/nice drink.

So... Café Tortoni is historic and elegant, very Instagram worthy. The tango room, photos, statuary, art, stained glass ceilings, and tuxedoed waiters all make this an elegant place. But, the actual food leaves much to be desired. After a 15-20 minute wait in line outside, we hungrily ordered. I got the pre fixe of a ham and cheese mixto sandwich, torte of my choosing, fresh orange juice, and café con leche. My partner got the hamburger. The hamburger was overcooked and not very good, although the rosemary potatoes accompanying it were decent. My ham and cheese mixto sandwich was cold and not cooked enough, like no effort was put into this quite simple item. The lemon pie was good and the orange juice was fresh. If you are looking for coffee or a pastry and don't mind a line, you might find Café Tortoni to your liking. If you are looking for anything more, Buenos Aires has many great restaurants with better food.

I wouldn't say this cafe is amazing but it is a must visit due to its history. We ordered the hot chocolate, alfajores, and the churros - which are must orders in this place. The inside is cool for sure but I was a bit underwhelmed. The service was good and the place was pretty busy. There is definitely a wait at the door so you have to strategize what time you should come and be in line. If the line is too long, it's almost not worth it in my opinion. I think the prices are reasonable. One rule of thumb, if you are coming from the States, please beware of the tap water and ice. My husband who has lived in BA before got major diarrhea because he drank tap water. The tap water/ice is clean but they have a lot of minerals in their water that can affect your stomach if you are not used to their water so just be mindful when ordering cold drinks. We ordered bottled water just to make sure.

Get the the hot chocolate! The service is very good. The interior takes you back to another era. The churros were ok, but I have had better. My daughter ordered the carrot cake. It was good but not special. My hot chocolate was wonderful. They bring a dense and rich hot chocolate out in a tiny stainless steel pitcher and bring you an equal portion of steamed milk. You pour the milk and chocolate into your cup until you reach your desired chocolate and milk mix. This is a special space and worth a visit.

Café Tortoni has been around for about 160 years, so on that point alone it deserves 3 stars. But better than that, the place exudes old world charm, grace and elegance. It has the best atmosphere of any café to be found in Buenos Aries. But it does get overly crowded with lines often extending out onto the sidewalk. Café Tortoni is really all about coffee which is very good, sort of a super elegant nut with the flavor of a Starbucks. They also serve cakes, pastry and breads. I had their "Array of select cheeses for two people" and my friend had their "Tenderloin steak au gratin with cheese and tomato." Both were very good but nothing superlative.

Sorry to say but this is definitely a tourist trap! Waited on line for nearly an hour in the cold and then got seated literally at the table closest to the door that was continuously being open and shut. We requested to move tables but we're told no which was reflective of the attitudes of the hosts. Our waiter was very nice and attentive on the plus side but at the end of the day it was average at best coffee and food. Interior and ambience was super nice but not worth the hype and would look to try local cafes instead.

Great Tango Show while enjoying cafe Vienas. Need to make reservations for the show on weekends.

This café has been open for more than 160 years, it is a BIG name in Buenos Aires. We came for "snack", what they call "Merienda" in Argentina. A lady was at the door and kinda didn't let us in... she jumped on us trying to convince us to go to the tango show. We were not sure whether we wanted to watch the show or not so she closed the door on our noses until we decided. Finally my group convinced me to go to the tango show and she let us in. We paid $15 dollars each to watch the show. Can't say it was bad but it was definitely not the best. While we were watching the tango show, we tried to order something to drink but the waiter refused, he stated he wasn't going to take an order for us to have drinks because the show finished in about 45 minutes and there wasn't enough time for them to bring them down to the basement, where the show takes place. It was, honestly, the most absurd excuse I have EVER heard of. He was at the back of the salon, texting the whole time while our throats were dry as the summer breeze. 45 minutes later and the show was FINALLY over... it was like we were in the dessert, where there was not even water for us to drink. We came up to the Café and another waiter came to us and gave us some menus. We ordered really fast and got some coffees and sandwiches cause it was not dinner time yet. The coffee was good but not the best I tried while in Buenos Aires. It's an old cafe but I didn't find it as special as it should be. It was all a combination of service, tastes, time taken, etc... You can go and rate yourself but to me, Cafe Tortoni was not what I was expecting. They failed my expectations.

No visit to Buenos Aires is complete without a visit to Cafe Tortoni. Truly a local institution. Be prepared to wait in line, but it is worth it. Waiters are attentive, with standard fare..both simple, but reliable..

This place is absolutely beautiful, and worth the visit - but don't expect food that will knock your socks off. It's all good, don't get me wrong - but pretty much every other Argentinian cafe in the area is pretty good, so that doesn't stand out much. You're definitely paying for the ambiance, and it's worth it.

Came here in the afternoon for a coffee break. There was a line out the door but don't let that deter you. It actually went by pretty quick and the café itself is huge inside, plenty of seating. I got the chocolate con leche and churros. The chocolate milk was amazing. Silky, chocolatey, creamy. The churros were disappointing. I thought they were known for it but the churros we got were stale. I had to drown it in my chocolate milk to eat it. Overall, a good break to sit and relax while visiting a historic café of Buenos. The cafe was pretty, had an old school vibe and they accept credit card. Maybe just skip the churros.

Touted as the oldest cafe in the city, its gorgeous with the architecture and vibe that they set. I went during the day so I missed out on the tango shows that they're known to do at night. This is the perfect place to go if you want to see some history and be treated like royalty, as all waiters are in tuxedos. The food tho leaves much to be desired. Cafe con leche was ok, nothing spectacular, honestly for Americans it reminded me of McDonald's coffee . They're known for their churros, but y'all could crack a tooth on how hard it was, and they're made fresh. The medialunas were the best thing I tried, and the standard order with the coffee is they bring you 3. All the prices are inflated from nearby cafes because of the name, and it was busy. The line outside also moved pretty quickly. Moral of this saga is go here for the vibe, and that's it. You're paying essentially just for that.

This place is known for their hot chocolate drink made with real melted chocolate and their churros. What I actually liked the most was just being inside the cafe...it's gorgeous! That alone made the trip worth it. Our waiter didn't speak much english but we managed to communicate what we wanted. After we were seated, a really nice lady who could speak english came to check on us. She wasn't our waiter - surprise, she was trying to sell us tickets to their tango night. How about taking my order too? After 5 or so minutes, the waiter finally came. It didn't take long to get our order. This was a nice break from all the sight seeing. There is usually a line out the door. The line was pretty fast though. When I went, there was maybe 10 people in front (this is considered short) and we were seated in about 10-15 min. There' someone outside who manages the line and tells you when to go in and where to sit. A nice cafe in Argentina and I'd go back.

Great atmosphere and service for an average cup of coffee so that equals 4 stars. Lots of history and you can feel it. Enjoy that cup.! Don't worry about the line if your standing next to me tortoni Then you're 15 minutes from getting in.

[Review is based on the nightly Tango show] Cafe Tortoni has a lot of history as being one of the first original modern day cafes of Buenos Aires. Even on our walking tour, we stopped by this place. They are known for their cafe drinks as you can tell by the constant line. So be prepare to wait anywhere from 20 - 45 mins. However, we didn't sit in the cafe part, we instead decided to buy tickets to their local show. The show is a quick one hour set of the local flavor of dancing and singing. But to manage your expectations ( I didn't) it's just a sample showcase of Tango and singing. However, for the prices of 800 ARS or $14 USD, it's the cheapest ticket in town. Then you can go home and brag to your friends that you went to a local show and saw the locals Tango.

Can take a while to get a seat in at the restaurant and the service is usually quite slow. The ambience is really nice. It's fully decorated although somewhat run down. The food isn't poorly priced, but it doesn't taste all that. Amazing... Pretty average at the best.. If you go away, know ahead of time that it is a major tourist spot with lots of Americans and people taking photos and selfies around the place. Worth stopping by if you're in the area or have the time to come take a visit

My tour guide recommended this place because it's the oldest cafe in town. He said to try their double hot chocolate. Unfortunately I don't speak Spanish yet so I didn't know how to ask for it. I ended up just getting the regular hot chocolate. I thought it was ok. My friend got churros and I tried a bite and thought that Disneyland's one was better. They apparently also have tango shows downstairs at night.

This was a great spot to stop! I'll start off by saying I've given them 4 stars due to the outside line (you line up on the sidewalk for a table) and for the small tables. This is unmistakably a cafe, though they have a very diverse menu with many offerings. They're famous for the Chocolate con Churros and I have to say they didn't disappoint! I received a very cute cup, and small cups of cocoa & steamed milk to craft my very own hot chocolate blend. I like that they give this option! Many times got chocolate can be too rich or too milky but this allows the guest to choose the perfect pairing. In addition I had the toasted ham and cheese sandwich (comes without crust) and it was average. The sandwich and bread we're both quite thin and the flavor was there, but nothing to write home about. Our group of 9 waited in line for about 15 minutes which is to be expected. Their sidewalk line had nearly 30 people in it the entire time we waited, ate, and left. This is a very popular and well known tourist attraction so be prepared to wait. We let the waiter know we had 9 when we joined the line and by the time we were up, they had our tables grouped and ready to go which was nice! I probably won't be back to this spot even though it didn't necessarily fail me, just didn't do anything to make me want to return.

Simply amazing. This cafe has that old look you are going for ! I got the cafe con leche and we also go a typical cafe and some alfajores

A historic cafe in Buenos Aires that claims to be the oldest cafe. It has the original design inside and really takes you back to that era when you enter. They have a good selection of drinks and food and it comes quickly. Service is also fairly good but a bit odd that you don't get a proper bill- the waiter basically adds it up on a tissue and gives it to you. I do recommend going in for a drink just to feel the historic vibe.

Step Back in Time in This Classic Cafe Beautiful historic cafe that has hosted writers, politicians and artists since the 1850's. Loved hearing stories from our waiter Leo. The cafe is a must see for the stained glass, marble, and photos on the walls. The hot chocolate is amazing, but don't get the churros after breakfast because they are not very fresh. Tango shows are also available although we did not have time to go. No wait in the evening.

Filled with tourists? 90%. We had to wait outside until a table became available, wish they had a dress code for guests to play the part within this gorgeous establishment that transports you back in time to the late 1800s. Original detailing is still in place, even the staff are dressed in tuxedos. Gorgeous tiling, mahogany tables, stained glass windows, it almost feels like a church - sacred. The food and drink were just okay. I recommend a coffee and croissant or a light pastry. Would definitely return because it's so experiential.

Classic cafe in buenos aires. People said it's touristic but I think it's worth visiting. Cafe con leche was rich and creamy. The medialuna was soft and fresh with the right amount of sweetness. Churro was delicious. The prices are a bit higher than other cafes in the area but totally worth it.

I mean , it's famous , it's touristy , but it's still kinda classic. Food was solid , decor was beautiful. Would I come back ?!?! Not sure , but it's worth it to go once.

Their foods are not so special (I can find much delicious brownies in other cafes) but the atmosphere of this cafe is really nice. Elegant, historical and friendly. Their churros were very crispy and go well with Dolce de Leche! ブエノスアイレスで一番古いカフェという謳い文句に納得できるクラシカルで上品で、だけど活気があって賑わってる親近感のもてる素敵な空間です！ ブラウニーやリンゴのクランブルは特筆するほど美味しいわけじゃないけど、人気メニューのチュロスは揚げたてでカリッとしており、名物のドルチェデレチェと相性抜群で、ディップして食べるとすごく美味しかったです。

You know how they say when you go to Vienna you must go to the Hotel Sacher to try the Sacher Torte? And everyone goes, but no one actually thinks that cake is that good? (Or so they say.) That's kind of the story with Cafe Tortoni. It's absolutely beautiful and old worldly inside of the cafe, but it's just a tourist trap. We ordered the two house specials. First the meringue ice cream, which wasn't anything that excited me by the description, but it's the house specialty, so why not? And it wasn't all that special. Had a bit of freezer burn, actually. The second was the true disappointment, because their other specialty is a churro dish with hot chocolate. The hot chocolate was standard and came with a separate dish of milk/cream so that you could control the level of chocolatiness. I appreciated that. What I didn't appreciate were the terrible churros. I've had better churros at a roadside gas station. Come walk in, check it out. Maybe take a load off with a tea or hot chocolate, but don't expect anything from the churros. Definitely stop by El Ateneo down the block though. Definitely worth it.

I really like the set up of this restaurant, quite similar to the Cheesecake Factory in Toronto. Old looking light fixtures, wooden bars, and servers wearing a tuxedo and bowtie. They have several statues in the restaurants. The significance of this restaurant is it is the oldest cafe in Argentina. Many famous poets, writers, musicians have eaten in this cafe before while coming up with their greatest art work / literature. Fun fact: Hilary Clinton ate here before in 1997 and really enjoyed her time. In terms of food, you are expecting the regular cake, pizza, bread, sandwich etc. Though we do see other people ordering steak. The submarino (hot chocolate) was very tasty. The chocolate just melt inside the milk. The pizza wasn't bad either. Decent size for one person. You could also talk to the server in English, and pay your bill separately with VISA. Anyway, this place deserves a four.

My friend and I visited around 11am on Monday and waited outside for about 10 minutes. The line seems long but went pretty fast. There are plenty of options on the menu, but I ordered a salad (a bad decision) cuz it had very simple ingredient (canned peach, raw tomato, slices hard-boiled egg, and palm-heart). The salad can get boring after several bites. And I found a small dead bug on a piece of palm-heart. I also ordered the cheesecake and almost finished it. It's soft, and has a different texture compared to cheesecake in the US. This place has very nice decor and apparently lots of local people like it.

Great place. Stepping back a century. Old wood everywhere. Stained glass. Excellent service. Huge menu with very good prices. You'll find anything that you want on the menu. Had dinner there with friends and enjoyed the atmosphere and food. Great service and a very pleasant environment for dinner. A great historic location. Café Tortoni was voted as one of the ten most beautiful cafes in the world by many. In addition to coffee and some wonderful pastries, it also offers tango shows and poetry recitals at night. Locals still outnumber tourists, who especially love the "chocolate con churros" specialty surrounded by the timeless atmosphere. This was my 3rd visit to Buenos Aires. I could not wait to revisit this amazing coffee house & one of the oldest. The service is just amazing & the waiters dressed impeccably. Its just a delight to sip coffee here & savour the afternoon tea delights. Its almost like time has stopped since it first opened its doors. A must for a traveller and you won't be disappointed. Denis "ruso" is my favorite waiter there. Tango is big in Buenos Aires, so it's an important and fun cultural event for the trip. Cafe Tortoni is the perfect place to experience and enjoy the Tango. Forget the large halls/shows with hundreds of folk. This place s perfect. The Cafe itself is constantly patronised with queues outside. The Dance exhibitions are held down stairs under the main cafe. Fantastic we loved it. The cost is only a third of the price of the large shows and the food from reviews is very much better. Show has to be booked which we did at the cafe. 2 shows a night, stop by or call in advance.

Seven of us had dinner there last Friday evening. The food was good, not outstanding. Although the ice cream desserts looked yummy, but I was too full for dessert. I thoroughly enjoyed the decor of stained glass, paintings and other unique items. The staff was courteous and available when needed. We went back for lunch Saturday and the line was out the door so we ate across the street.