- Address: Avenida de Mayo 825, Buenos Aires
- Official website: www.cafetortoni.com.ar
- Phone: +54 (11) 4342 4328
- E-mail: tortoni@cafetortoni.com.ar
- Opening hours: Mon-Sat 8: 00-1: 00, Sun 9: 00-1: 00
In magnificent Buenos Aires, there are many beautiful entertaining places that the capital is proud of. In this article we will talk about a special, great historical institution that has conquered many hearts with its extraordinary and beautiful - the cafe Tortoni (Tortoni). Any tourist is eager to get into it. Do not miss the opportunity and look inside this wonderful establishment!
From the history
In the Buenos Aires Cafe Tortoni appeared in 1858. His master at the time was a Parisian immigrant who wanted to recreate a copy of the bohemian cafeteria in Paris. He was able to accurately repeat the facade of the institution. The creator was so inspired by the burning Argentine tango, that he decided to replace literary evenings with dance performances, which are held here even today.
Facade and interior
Cafe Tortoni performed completely in the style of art nouveau. Its facade, like the interior decoration, consists of massive dark wood panels, in the window openings there are magnificent stained-glass windows, and the elegant lamps of the "Tiffany" answer for the lighting.
Cafe Tortoni, thanks to its elegant and rich interior was awarded the title of one of the best institutions in the world. The walls of the cafeteria are decorated with old photos and newspaper clippings, huge mirrors and figurines. Dark interior tone diluted marble, emerald and bronze shades, which you can see in many small things.
For all the time the cafe was functioning, it was visited by many famous personalities:
- Jorge Luis Borges;
- Carlos Gardel;
- Arthur Rubinstein;
- Albert Einstein;
- Hilary Clinton et al.
Their wax statues can be seen indoors, secluded "sitting" at the tables.
Menu and Views
In the list of dishes served in the cafeteria, you will find delicious French croissants, traditional Argentinian snacks , open sandwiches and desserts, hot chocolate, real coffee and a few brands of beer. The prices in the menu are a bit high, if compared with other institutions in the city, but the reasons for this are quite understandable.
The evening show in Tortoni is a true dance performance that impresses adults and children. The best dancers of the capital and the country perform in it. On the second floor of the building is a dance school of tango, in which you can enroll in classes, and after rehearsals even participate in the evening show. Performances are held mainly on weekends, but sometimes on Wednesday (if dancers from distant Argentine cities perform). It starts at 20:00 and lasts about an hour.
How to get there?
Cafe Tortoni is located in the heart of Buenos Aires , so it's easy to get there. If you are traveling by private car, then you need to drive along Avenida de Mayo to the intersection with Piedras street. You can reach the place by public transport. The nearest bus stop is just a block from the cafe. Before it, you can take buses number 8A, 8B, 8D. Opposite to Tortoni is Piedras metro station, trains with route A. will help you to reach it.