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[title]In this city where some neighborhoods are linked with fashion or nightlife, Villa Devoto stands out for another reason: its calm. Known as the “Garden of Buenos Aires” for its abundance of parks and tree-lined streets, this neighborhood in Comuna 11 maintains a strong identity marked by community life, elegant houses, and a tranquility that seems impossible so close to downtown.
But Devoto is not only a green refuge. It’s also the cradle of sports, religious, and cultural stories. Diego Maradona lived here for years, at the corner of Segurola and Habana, now a pilgrimage site for fans and the curious. It is also home to the Basilica of San Antonio de Padua, one of the city’s most imposing temples, traditionally associated with prayers for love and lost objects. And in the midst of all this, it has become a gastronomic hub with cutting-edge restaurants, notable bars, and signature pastry shops. For all these reasons, Time Out chose it as Buenos Aires’ coolest neighborhood of 2025. Let’s explore it!
A Walk Through Villa Devoto’s History
Villa Devoto was born at the end of the 19th century, tied to the project of businessman Antonio Devoto, an Italian immigrant who dreamed of creating a European-style garden neighborhood in Buenos Aires. He donated land for the construction of churches, schools, and even the Devoto prison, and left his name as the neighborhood’s hallmark.
Its broad layout, diagonals, and large plots destined for estates made it recognizable from the start as a residential area. Over time, many of these estates were transformed into elegant mansions with front gardens, alongside wide sidewalks and leafy streets. This character gave it the nickname “Garden of Buenos Aires.”
Unlike other neighborhoods that densified quickly, Devoto always favored low-rise buildings, reinforcing the peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere that is still present today. This calm made it a coveted place to live, without losing its sense of community or the slower rhythm that sets it apart from the rest of the city.
What to See in Villa Devoto?
The best way to start a tour of the neighborhood is early at Café de García, a classic declared a Bar Notable, in operation since 1927. Its walls tell stories: photos of soccer teams, antique objects, and a counter that has stood the test of time. It’s the perfect place to start the day like a true porteño, with coffee and croissants or a toasted sandwich.
From there, it’s natural to walk to Plaza Arenales, the green heart of the neighborhood. Surrounded by restaurants, ice cream shops, and cafés, it’s the meeting point for families, neighbors, and visitors looking for fresh air. The square hosts fairs, cultural activities, and picnic afternoons under the shade of trees. It’s also home to Tito’s carousel, the oldest in Buenos Aires, with over 80 years of history.
Although it’s famous as a residential neighborhood, Devoto holds surprises. One is Fantasy Skate, the largest indoor ice rink in South America. Families, young people, and seasoned skaters all gather for a break from routine.
Another unique plan is strolling along the Paseo de las Artes Latinoamericanas, a circuit of 17 flowerbeds stretching from Gral. Paz to Av. San Martín, dedicated to great cultural figures of the continent such as Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, Antonio Berni, Hugo del Carril, and Pablo Neruda, reinforcing the neighborhood’s artistic identity.
And of course, as mentioned before, an iconic spot is the corner of Segurola and Habana, immortalized years ago by Diego Maradona. The soccer idol lived there for several years, and it remains a pilgrimage site for those looking to snap a photo in front of his house. It’s a corner loaded with football mystique that forms part of the neighborhood’s identity and keeps feeding anecdotes with every visit.
Where to Eat in Devoto?
If there’s one place that revolutionized the neighborhood in recent years, it’s Betular Pâtisserie. Since opening, the pastry shop of renowned chef Damián Betular has become a destination in itself: lines at the door, colorful windows filled with macarons and designer cakes, and an interior that blends minimalism with warmth. A must-stop for sweet lovers—and chocolate fans—and one reason many porteños travel to the neighborhood.
They also recently added Betular glacé to the menu: creamy ice cream cups perfect for hot days.
For lunch or brunch, Ávito Bistró & Café has become one of Devoto’s newest gems. Opened in 2024 in a former convent with more than 120 years of history, it’s the first Buenos Aires project of Cordoban chef Julio Figueroa. The space preserves the building’s original imprint—with tall windows, historic tiles, and a deck ideal for sunny days—while adding a very special contemporary air.
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The proposal centers on an all-day extended brunch, featuring house-made bread, signature pastries, laminated doughs, and seasonal small plates combining comfort food with Mediterranean touches. A classic cocktail menu and inclusive dining options round out the offering.
The neighborhood’s gastronomy also shines at night. One standout is 4ta Pared, a restaurant recommended by the Michelin Guide in 2024 and 2025. The experience is intimate, with signature dishes and a menu that changes seasonally. For those seeking a more relaxed plan, Buche Salumeria has become a meeting spot centered around charcuterie boards. Opened in 2025, it offers a unique selection of artisanal cured meats and cheeses from across Argentina, as well as carefully chosen European producers.
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In a three-story venue that combines market, restaurant, and rooftop, you can order generous boards, sandwiches, or tapas, always paired with vermouths, Italian cocktails, or one of more than 80 wine labels.
The tour can end at the Teatro Devoto, a community-restored theater located in the former auditorium of Colegio de la Misericordia. Today it offers plays, concerts, and diverse shows, blending neighborhood pride with high-quality programming. And if the idea is to continue with a true porteño classic, there’s nothing better than Bar Alemán, an old-school eatery where the giant breaded cutlet (milanesa) is already a tradition: large enough to share and always arriving at the table with praise.
Architectural Heritage
One of Devoto’s best-kept secrets is the Palacio Ceci, a mansion built in 1913 by engineer Alfredo Ceci, member of the Italian-descended Ceci family, commissioned by Antonio Devoto. Located at 4300 Lincoln Avenue, this early 20th-century house stands out for its eclectic European style—French, Italian, and Baroque influences—costly materials like Carrara marble, Slavonian oak floors, antique stained glass, and ornamental details that reveal the luxury of another era.
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Though not as large as other city palaces, its presence is striking as you cross a tree-lined avenue, and it’s surrounded by legends—like the one saying a palace worker was a Titanic survivor. Today, it is declared a Site of Architectural Interest and is under restoration by the City Government, with work on gardens, façades, and original structure to return it to its hidden splendor. It’s expected to reopen to the public soon.
Beyond this palace, it’s a true luxury to walk around the neighborhood and admire its mansions. They come in all shapes and colors, inhabited or not, but all preserved in excellent condition, making Devoto an extremely special place and giving it exactly that: the aura of a neighborhood.
Devoto, a Neighborhood Full of Surprises
In short, Villa Devoto is where calm coexists with an expanding cultural and gastronomic life. The corner immortalized by Maradona, the cafés multiplying around its squares… The Garden of Buenos Aires invites you to explore it without rushing, discovering on every block a new reason to return.