The best places in the city for afternoon tea

Afternoon tea and Mexico, two words that Argentinians aren’t used to seeing together, but here at Barragán, they do. This specialty coffee shop, which opened in late 2021 in Caballito and later expanded to Palermo, brings the spirit of Mexican lunchrooms to Buenos Aires.

They offer a brunch menu all day, with elevated classics such as the ham and cheese toast, which here is called "torta de jamón" (ham cake); or their own hits, like "huevos divorciados" (eggs in corn tortillas, one with green sauce and the other with ranchero sauce). The pastry is also worth mentioning: don't miss the pistachio tres leches cake.

The tip: they have an extensive drinks menu with a focus on specialty coffee. In addition, they offer fruit juices, iced coffee varieties, and the unmissable Margarita.

Where: Nicasio Oroño 1195, Caballito; Cabrera 3697, Palermo.

If afternoon tea involves going for a walk on the weekend or breaking from work routine, Ciro is a great option. Located in Puerto Madero, with the waters of the dock as the main backdrop, the daily obligations fade with each sip of coffee.

A yes for its Italian-inspired pastry: sfogliatellas, cornettos, and cannolis—extra applause for the one filled with ice cream. Cake lovers will be pleased with the variety and large portions; the Matilda and Red Velvet are among the most popular. They also offer a complete brunch menu at any time of day, which even includes ice cream.

The tip: try their handmade ice cream, which you can enjoy in-store or take away in different sizes.

Where: Pierina Dealessi 1350, Puerto Madero.

Ximena Sáenz has a gift: making casual things comforting. Her cooking is simple, delicious, and leaves room for discovery—whether in products, ingredients, or techniques—but always with the aim of pleasing the palate, which is why she's one of the most beloved chefs in the country.

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The afternoon tea menu of Casa Sáenz, offered at both of their locations, stands out for its variety, with small dishes, sandwiches, and sweets. Among the cakes, two must-haves: the Birthday Cake, super moist with Belgian chocolate and dulce de leche, and the Japanese Cake with 12 crepes, a Japanese classic Ximena Argentina-izes with dulce de leche sauce and coconut pralines.

The tip: on Saturdays and Sundays, from 11 am to 6 pm, you can enjoy a 4-course brunch menu with a selection of dishes and drinks.

Where: República Árabe Siria 3001, Palermo Chico; Echeverría 2102, Belgrano.

Opened in 2018 in a tiny space with only a few tables outside, back when food influencers hadn't exploded yet, and marketing budgets were small, but the queues multiplied every weekend. Why? The product. Tuni and Juan, the pastry chef and barista behind Malcriada, knew how to win over the public, so much so that last year they had to move to a bigger location.

Here, pistachio became popular long before it was a trend, and all their creations with this nut are a hit. The same goes for their "fosforitos." Their cakes are also a trademark, with Matilda and Raspberry-Pistachio Cheesecake being fabulous.

The tip: Tuni, the pastry chef, is a master of alfajores, even giving courses on how to make them; so ordering an alfajor is almost a must.

Where: Ravignani 1338, Palermo.

Casa Cavia could rely on its beauty alone, and that would be enough for tourists and locals to consider it when choosing a place to eat. But it goes further, offering high-level cuisine led by renowned chef Julieta Caruso.

In the afternoon, the proposal is divided between pastries and savory snacks. On weekends, the house's star comes out: the Torta Bruce, a reimagined version of the Matilda that debuted as a dessert and, due to popular demand, became a permanent fixture on the afternoon menu. The bar at the end of the courtyard is one of the most beautiful in the city, perfect for those days that demand a Negroni at tea time.

The tip: Social Club happens every Thursday from 6 pm, offering a different afternoon tea experience with a selection of wines by the glass curated by Head Sommelier Delvis Huck.

Where: Cavia 2985, Barrio Parque.

Labán boasts one of the most varied and high-quality counters in the city. Its signature is French pastry, with laminated pastries and macarons as the undisputed stars, but it also features influences from other cultures. Additionally, it was one of the first places in Buenos Aires to acknowledge that pastry should be seasonal, varying flavors based on market availability. And they never skimp on filling, managing to do so without losing elegance.

The macalado (frozen macaron) and the 220-gram palmerón are house trademarks. Sometimes getting a table can be tricky, but don't worry, they offer take-away and delivery across the city through their website.

The tip: Labán is Christmas all year round, with their fans’ beloved panettone available once a month.

Where: Charcas 3656, Palermo (a few steps from Boulevard Charcas).

Crecia offers specialty coffee and lunch options, but the heart of their proposal is clearly announced in the name: pastries that brighten life. The creator of these delights is Lucrecia Pérez Raggio, who after studying gastronomy and years of teaching pastry and baking courses, fulfilled her dream of opening her own shop.

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Everything at Crecia comes in XXL size, like the Mar del Plata alfajor, so big it could pass for a four-slice cake. The butter croissant is a masterpiece: light, fluffy, and delicious. They also offer bread to take home and savory "fosforitos."

The tip: They work with specialty coffee and offer a good variety of iced coffee drinks.

Where: Juncal 2179, Recoleta.

Having afternoon tea at Las Flores is a luxury for the senses. Even from the street, it’s clear that behind the door is something special, especially when you step into the greenhouse-style reception area and see the garden.

They offer gluten-free cooking, and fruits play a leading role in the pastries. However, they don't rely on simple starches as substitutes. Pastry chef Chula Gálvez and her team work hard to find various flours to make light and flavorful preparations.

The specialty coffee here is so well-prepared, just stopping by for a cup is worth it; they also offer filtered coffee. Classic cakes are the stars at the counter, with Clementina being the standout.

The tip: They have one of the most lush gastronomic gardens in the city, with 600 native plants from 40 different species.

Where: Gorriti 5870, Palermo.

Tiago Sobre Casas is a chef who honed his skills in respected kitchens across the city, such as La Alacena, Saigón, and Cang tin. He opened Olinda with his parents, who wanted a coffee shop, and brought the expertise gained in restaurants into the world of breakfasts and afternoon teas.

Their croissants and donuts are a must-try, light and incredibly tasty. Belén is the mastermind behind these delights. The churros are another highlight; made to order, these warm, crispy treats are worth the 8-minute wait as they are fried, sugared, and filled before reaching the table.

The tip: Specialty coffee, friendly service, and plenty of plugs on the walls make it a great spot for a coffee office.

Where: Honorio Pueyrredón 1057, Caballito.