Argentines are known for their late hours. Having dinner at 9 p.m. is considered early, especially in the hectic city of Buenos Aires. Also, here the notion of a full breakfast is a distant second to a good merienda, an afternoon meal usually with tea, mate or coffee and anything you can think of: avocado toasts, cake, medialunas — a sort of croissant, only way better. So, what perfectly combines these two typical porteño habits? Yes: brunch. In Buenos Aires, it’s the solution to eating a late breakfast, blending sweet and salty treats along with a cup of your favorite hot drink. 

So whether you are a digital nomad trying to adapt to the porteño schedule, a visitor looking for a local brunching experience, or a porteño/a/e trying to find their new favorite spot, here are some of the Herald’s favorite brunches in Buenos Aires. 

Rita Specialty Coffee

Amenábar 3361, Nuñez – Matienzo 2489, Colegiales – Soler 6093, Palermo Hollywood
Hours: Monday to Sunday  — 9.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Instagram: @ritaspecialitycoffee

A heaven for brunchers, Rita Specialty Coffee takes classics like the ham and cheese sandwich and adds a twist with the choice of chipá, a cheese and cassava bread traditionally from Paraguay. Apart from the stunning pink aesthetics of its ceramics  —  which mimics the paperflower colors —  the coffee shop also offers brunch packs for one, two or three people. If you’re indecisive, we recommend the B. de la Reina toasts and the New York Cookie. 

Padre 

Honduras 4184, Palermo
Hours: Monday- to Sunday — 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Instagram: @padrecoffeeroasters

If you’re in Palermo, Padre is the go-to place. Two reasons: abundance and creativity. Padre updates its menu constantly, introducing new flavors and pastries on national holidays, and one plate is more than enough for two people. Their pastries are the perfect mix between French classics and New York’s latest, so try the strawberry profiterole or the pistachio NYC roll — or both! Its interior design, like a two-story Parisian patio, is 100% Instagram-worthy.

Hierbabuena

Av. Caseros 454, San Telmo
Hours: Mondays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday to Sunday — 9 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Instagram: @hierbabuenarestaurant

A pioneer shop in what is now one the busiest foodie boulevards of Buenos Aires, Caseros Avenue in San Telmo, Hierbabuena offers the best organic experience. Combining the cool porteño vibes, rustic wood, and wine from independent producers, its diverse gastronomic offer creates the perfect brunching spot for people looking for a choice away from the usual Palermo, Belgrano or Villa Crespo cafes. If you are a dog lover, Hierbabuena takes the pet friendly option up a notch and offers a cookie menu for your best four-legged friend, so you can brunch together. Sundays are probably the best day to visit Hierbabuena, because afterwards you can go visit the San Telmo antique fair, a five-minute walk away. 

Colette

Av Pres. Figueroa Alcorta 2260
Hours: Monday-Sunday 9 a.m – 8 p.m.
Instagram: @colettecaffetteria

Located in the National Museum of Fine Arts, Colette has always been an eccentric spot with modern art exhibits. It also has one of the best views in town, straight across from the University of Buenos Aires’ Law School, a stunning neo-classical building. The menu has every brunch classic, like French toast, croissants, and an array of cakes — we highly suggest the key lime pie. Beware of the portions: they are big and filling. If you have time to look around the café, you may be able to spot one of your favorite influencers or artists —  it’s a well-known hanging spot for local celebrities and influencers.

Bioma

Bonpland 1920, Palermo
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday — 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sundays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Instagram: @bioma.cafe 

If you are looking for the coolest vegan spot in town, Bioma is the answer: the first 100% plant-based specialty coffee in the city. The best part of their menu is their V-Frapus which are the perfect sugar-rush to brighten your mood in this rainy autumn. “You’re going to feel that nothing has changed, but you are changing everything,” is their slogan, and a fair description of their plant-based pastry, which tastes the same –- if not better — than the non-vegan ones. Our recommendation? The Alfacookie and the Mediterranean Tostón. Just remember: there is no going back once you try them.

Jisu

Mariquita Sanchez de Thompson 367, Puerto Madero
Hours: Monday to Friday — 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday — 9 a.m. to  8 p.m.
Instagram: @jisu.fts

This brunching spot in Puerto Madero looks like it just came out of an Architectural Digest article on Eco Brutalism. Its design combines the best of Buenos Aires: the nature, the art and the iconic square tiles. It specializes in coffee and offers the coolest mixes, like its ginger coffee, which is a double espresso with grapefruit ginger and syrup. Their staff are lovely, so feel free to ask for recommendations (Our favorite? The carrot cake!). When you are done eating, walk downstairs: they have an art gallery filled with the work of independent local artists.