Las Violetas Review - Almagro - Buenos Aires - The Infatuation
"Las Violetas should be your spot for breakfast or merienda, which is what’s known in Buenos Aires as afternoon coffee or tea. They’ve been open since 1884 and serve hot drinks, ricotta cake, medialunas, and dulce de leche cookies called alfajores. The space is truly stunning and feels like an Argentinian palace—the architecture is incredible and there’s plenty of stained glass and gigantic golden pillars." - Martín Chavesta
"Coffee and Tea, Turn-of-the-Century Style On weekends, the line to get into Las Violetas stretches halfway around the block. (A little much, you say, in a city that's filled with lovely cafes?) No, in fact, the locals know what they're doing. This gem of a corner cafe may be the most beautiful in the entire city, and coming here for weekend breakfast or afternoon tea is a proud tradition. Once you do have a seat—it's much easier to pull off on a weekday—admire the stained-glass windows and old brass fixtures, and the prim and proper porteño couples of a certain age, out for their daily merienda. You're off the tourist track here, in a barrio with few other attractions for travelers, so catching a glimpse of the neighborhood's residents is part of the fun. On the way out, stop in the chocolate shop, located in one corner of the huge cafe, for a little souvenir to take home. But who are we kidding, those chocolates aren't going to make it much further than your hotel room."
"Coffee and Tea, Turn-of-the-Century Style On weekends, the line to get into Las Violetas stretches halfway around the block. (A little much, you say, in a city that's filled with lovely cafes?) No, in fact, the locals know what they're doing. This gem of a corner cafe may be the most beautiful in the entire city, and coming here for weekend breakfast or afternoon tea is a proud tradition. Once you do have a seat—it's much easier to pull off on a weekday—admire the stained-glass windows and old brass fixtures, and the prim and proper porteño couples of a certain age, out for their daily merienda. You're off the tourist track here, in a barrio with few other attractions for travelers, so catching a glimpse of the neighborhood's residents is part of the fun. On the way out, stop in the chocolate shop, located in one corner of the huge cafe, for a little souvenir to take home. But who are we kidding, those chocolates aren't going to make it much further than your hotel room."
A true historical landmark of Buenos Aires. The architecture and ambiance harkens to the end of the 19th century when it was built.
With over 30K reviews on google maps, very little else could be said about Cafe las Violetas. But I will add this, the food and pastry are hearty and delicious, reminiscent of home-cooked meals. I will also add that it is a must-visit item on your sightseeing itinerary of the city.
Dawana Dodson
Google
Beautiful old craftsmanship in this restaurant. Had coffee and medialunas special. Treated very friendly as a solo diner. Good food as well.
elena
Google
The service could have been a little more attentive, like cleaning up the plates when we were done and ask then if we would like to order anything else. We were talking for half an hour over dirty plates until
i finally waved the waiter and asked him to take the plates and to bring me some tea. He was very nice but I think waiters there should be trained to be proactive , approach the table from time to time and ask if the guests need anything even after they serves the order.
Val Cortez
Google
Completely honest review. The place itself it’s nice and the service it’s good, now the food it’s just ok, the pastries were mostly dry and even a bit old, nothing great.. much better pastry shops in Buenos Aires for that price and even cheaper. It’s an experience and I think you pay for that, good to visit once but wouldn’t go back.
Michael Hoddick
Google
Cafe con leche and medialunas were delicious. The building and its atmosphere was a nice trip to an historic part of the city. Loved it.
Brian Berenty
Google
Gracious waiter, beautiful cafe. Not a fan of dulce de leche, and EVERYTHING has dulce de leche.
Emilia Guidobono
Google
This is a must-visit coffee place in Buenos Aires! It vibes with its history and it takes you to other times. It’s not a modern coffee shop - but it brings its greatness to the present.
Staff were friendly although moving a lot considering the place was busy.
About the food, the juice and the cappuccino were great! - The grapefruit juice was abundant (see the pic) and it was super fresh. Cappuccino was also a nice size and delicious.
The Avocado toast wasn’t as great as others I’ve tried but it was good. I don’t know if other stuff of the menu was better, I usually always ask the Avocado Toast for comparison to other places and because I really like it - I’d recommend making it a little different, maybe adding some tomato cherries or trying a different presentation with something that elevates it a little bit.
I spent 10000 pesos Argentinos (January 2024) (remember I order juice, cappuccino and a plate)
Marina M
Google
Must go while in BA. Everything from. The pastries, to the table setting to the staff, are elegant.
Sujay S.
Yelp
Popular cafe.
Had coffee and pastries. Included butter croissants and pan dulce. Each of the coffees come with a small chocolate pastry.
Food was good. Very nice coffee with milk and fresh cream. I also had a cup of cappuccino.
Very busy but got a table when I arrived.
Must try.
Deborah S.
Yelp
I was greeted by a "mozo" with enthusiasm and that's the first thing I noticed about the service. The facturas are so much more soft than in other places. I think these facturas have much more butter and taste really good. The ambiance is good. The building is lovely. I would go again.
Alejandra E.
Yelp
Beautiful one of the oldest tea house in Buenos Aires. Great coffee with tostados, fantastic service!
Located in the heart of the city, lots of traffic, lots of people, you can feel the energy of this fantastic city!
Loved it!
Sandra P.
Yelp
Amazing!! The food is great and the service too! Argentina Las Violeta's is a charming place!
Fernando G.
Yelp
Older coffee shop (part of the Notables ) in the old days 1950s I'm sure it was a famous place. Today it has become a less popular place. Still has some old. Charm profesional Waiter properly drees marbel and wood table with an old burgundy table cloth. Too noise for my taste. If you have gone to the other notables bars you might as well try this one. They tell that the parking is free and is pure BA BS.
Maria D.
Yelp
Histórica confitería. Atención excelente
La mejor merienda de todas, la victoriana
Los mejores sándwiches de miga
Se puede comprar en la confitería para llevar
Stacey G.
Yelp
Loved loved loved the tea here. Great cakes and snacks. The best chocolate cake I've had in 2 years of living here. Delightful tea and really good service
Robert P.
Yelp
Charming old fashion place, a must see inBA. Food is quite good and pastries are superb. Unfortunately, the bathroom are outdated. Clean but outdated.
Sue G.
Yelp
We came here for tea and medialunas. My companion was quite happy with his cafe con leche. As for my tea, I asked for a "special tea"; the waiter brought me a regular black tea. I asked for the right tea again; the waiter gave me a a teapot with more black tea and even less water. If they didn't have the tea I asked for, why hide that fact with more cheap tea? I was disappointed. I prefer Le Petit Colón, or even Tea Connection for a nice cup of honest tea.