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[title]The story of Puerto Madero is one of European ambition planted in Buenos Aires. Designed in the late 19th century to connect the city with the Old Continent, the port became obsolete in record time, was abandoned for decades, and only found its second life in the 1990s: recycled warehouses, silos turned into residences and offices, and a neighborhood that today is synonymous with modernity and postcard-perfect views.
Within that setting, Vince Il Bar stands out as a charming rarity. It doesn’t try to compete in grandeur; instead, it offers something more subtle—and much harder to achieve: the feeling of being, even if just for a while, in Italy.
Coffee, pasticceria and the Italian ritual
Vince works like those Italian cafés where time slows down. From early morning, the sidewalk on Pierina Dealessi Street fills with sunlight, occupied tables and short espresso served the way Italian tradition dictates.
The stars of the menu are clear and well executed. Cannoli, inspired by Sicilian tradition, arrive crisp and are filled to order with pastry cream, chocolate or pistachio (the ricotta version exists, but local tastes prevail here). The sfogliatella, a Neapolitan jewel of ultra-thin layers, comes out golden, crunchy on the outside and creamy inside—perfect with an intense coffee. And the cornetto, Italy’s classic breakfast pastry, marks the difference from the French croissant: less sweet, more aromatic, softer, meant to be enjoyed without rushing. There are savory versions as well. Coffee—Illy—is a protagonist: Italian espresso in different styles—very short ristretto, classic espresso or lungo—always intense, aromatic and straightforward.
From Liguria to the plate: focaccias, taglieri and more
As the day goes on, the menu turns savory. Ligurian-style focaccias come fluffy inside and crisp outside, with combinations ranging from mortadella with pistachio and stracciatella to Parma prosciutto with burrata, spicy versions with Calabrian ’nduja, and options with salmon, avocado and cream cheese.
For sharing, the tagliere—a board of Italian cheeses and cured meats with honey and nuts—is one of the most popular orders, especially at sunset.
There’s also a detail that defines the spirit of the place: flexibility. Vince shares a wall with Ambrosía, the family’s Italian restaurant. While each space has its own identity, if someone is sitting at Vince, facing the river, and wants to order a dish from Ambrosía, it’s brought over. No fuss. No rigidity. Eating well and feeling comfortable comes first.
Golden hour: spritz, bitters and easygoing cocktails
In the afternoon, Vince shifts into aperitivo mode. The Aperol Spritz is a fail-safe classic, but two cocktails stand out: the Garibaldi, with orange juice and Campari—fresh and direct; and a frozen grapefruit lemonade with Campari and Angostura bitters, ideal for summer. Cynar also makes an appearance, for those who prefer something more bitter.
Brunch Nonno Mico: unhurried and made to share
The house brunch has a name of its own: Nonno Mico. It’s prepared to order, takes about 25 minutes, and is designed for two or three people. It includes Italian pastries, toasted sandwiches, coffee, juices, fritters and bubbles. It’s generous, relaxed and especially popular on Sundays, both at midday and in the afternoon, when some people skip dinner altogether in favor of brunch with sparkling wine.
Real Italian DNA
Behind Vince Il Bar there’s an Italian family—literally. Not as a concept, but as an origin. The project belongs to Gino along with his mother Susana and his father, a family shaped by generations of Italians, where Italy is part of everyday life.
Also of interest: The Best Places to Eat Homemade Pasta in Buenos Aires
The connection to that tradition is neither symbolic nor decorative. The kitchen is led by Domenico, an Italian and nephew of the founding family, and the family also runs a restaurant in Italy, reinforcing a constant back-and-forth across the ocean.
That translates into a way of cooking and hosting: classic recipes, Italian products, respect for rituals, and a flexible, welcoming approach. Vince doesn’t try to look Italian—it works like one, from the coffee to the shared table.
Design with character and relaxed luxury
Vince’s aesthetic isn’t accidental or merely decorative. The design was handled by the same creator behind Nápoles Bar, one of the city’s most iconic Italian bars, and developed together with Vince’s owner—Italian-born—who was directly involved in every decision. The result is a space where everything responds to a clear idea: green marble, colored stained glass, crafted tables, velvet seating, and custom tableware featuring the fleur-de-lis, the venue’s symbol.
The luxury is there, but it’s relaxed—nothing rigid or solemn. The goal is for guests to feel comfortable, linger, look at the river, admire the iconic Puente de la Mujer and enjoy the surroundings. In the morning, the sun falls over Azucena Villaflor; by the river there’s shade and adjustable awnings depending on each table’s preference. The interior, more intimate, completes the experience with carefully curated corners and classically inspired seating.
Vince Il Bar isn’t a place to rush through. It’s a place to sit down, order an espresso or a spritz, watch the river and let Buenos Aires, for a while, feel a little more like Italy.
Where: Pierina Dealessi 1310, Puerto Madero. No reservations.