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Café Tortoni in Buenos Aires — One of the Oldest Cafés in the World, An Icon of Latin America’s History and Culture

(By Maurizio, Otero y Maqueda) Have you visited it yet? You definitely should! According to various lists and cultural records, Café Tortoni ranks among the top 10 oldest operating cafés worldwide, alongside legendary spots like Café Florian in Venice (1720), Café Procope in Paris (1686), and Café Central in Vienna (1876).

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

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Longevity and Legacy: A Historic Treasure in the Heart of the World

With over 165 years of history, Tortoni holds a privileged place in global cultural memory. It’s one of the few historic cafés in the Americas still in operation today with such an incredible legacy.



  • Ever wondered what makes a place a symbol of identity, innovation, and leadership? In a world where history and culture form the foundation of strategic power, Café Tortoni in Buenos Aires stands out as a beacon of tradition, creativity, and global vision.

  • Founded in 1858 and considered one of the most beautiful and historic cafés in the Americas, it’s not only a testament to Argentina’s vibrant past but also a mirror of its influence on the world stage throughout the 20th century.

  • From Carlos Gardel to Albert Einstein, and from presidents to kings, its walls have witnessed pivotal moments that still inspire leaders and entrepreneurs in Miami, LATAM, the U.S., and Spain.

 

 

Quick Tips:

Café Tortoni’s Ranking Among the World’s Oldest Operating Cafés 

 

In Argentina and Latin America: 

 

  • It’s the oldest café still in operation in Argentina, with more than 165 years of history. 

  • Its golden age coincided with Argentina’s rise as a global power (1890–1925), when the country’s economy accounted for about 15% of Latin America’s GDP, with strong sectors in agroindustry, culture, and politics. 

  • During this period, Argentina was among the top five global powers, excelling not just in culture, education, health, and transport, but also in economy, exports, and infrastructure. 

  • Einstein’s visit in 1929, amid the Great Depression, symbolized the importance of intellectual innovation and cultural openness for economic recovery. 

  • The influence of tango and porteño culture has projected Argentina’s identity onto the global stage, positioning it as a leader in entertainment and cultural exports, especially in the U.S. and Europe. 

  • Today, its transformation into a strategic hub for celebrities, entrepreneurs, politicians, and tourists underscores its ongoing cultural importance.

 

 

  1. A Historic Milestone: Alfonsina Storni was the first woman allowed inside when it was originally a men-only space, marking a social breakthrough in Argentina’s history. 

  2. Origins: Its first owner was a French immigrant, and the name pays homage to the famous Café Tortoni in Paris, also frequented by intellectuals and artists. 

  3. Location & Architecture: The original spot was at the corner of Esmeralda and Rivadavia, moving in 1894 to its current address on Avenida de Mayo. Its stunning 19th-century façade, marble tables, stained glass, a vintage cash register decorated with filetado, and a wooden bar invite visitors into history. 

  4. Highlights: The classic café con leche or chocolate with churros remains a top attraction, along with tango and jazz shows that keep its artistic spirit alive. 

 

Instagram: @grancafetortoni
Address: Av. de Mayo 825, Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

 

 

Global Context & International Comparisons

 

  • The Café Procope in Paris, founded in 1686, is considered Europe’s oldest functioning café. 

  • Venice’s Café Florian (1720) and Naples’s Caffè Gambrinus (1860) also rank among the longevity leaders. 

  • In the U.S., historic cafés like Café de la Ville in New Orleans (1850) maintain their legacy, but Tortoni stands out in Latin America for its continuous cultural relevance and resilience.

 

 

With over 165 years in operation, Tortoni holds a distinguished place in the world’s top historic cafés — a symbol of endurance, culture, and leadership in the Spanish-speaking world and globally. Its longevity and deep-rooted traditions exemplify how history and culture become powerful assets in business and international influence.

 

 

The Story & Beauty of Café Tortoni: A Cultural & Strategic Heritage

Designed by architect Juan Antonio Buschiazzo in neoclassical and Art Nouveau styles, Tortoni reflects Argentina’s opulence and innovative spirit at its peak. During the 1920s and 1930s, Argentina was a leading economic and cultural power in both the Americas and the world, and Tortoni was the scene of decisions, ideas, and movements that defined that era.

  • Its significance isn’t only architectural — listed as a national heritage site — but also in its role as a magnet for iconic figures like Carlos Gardel, the global tango legend, and Albert Einstein, who visited in 1929 and praised Argentina’s creativity and resilience.

 

Why Is This Place So Strategically Important Today?

Its role as a catalyst for social, cultural, and political networks makes Tortoni a powerful tool of leadership. In a hyper-connected world, understanding and leveraging cultural assets like Tortoni is essential for standing out in Miami, Spain, and LATAM.

 

Deep Dive: The Impact of Café Tortoni on Identity & Leadership Strategy

Tortoni exemplifies how history and culture can serve as engines of growth and influence in global business. In times when innovation and adaptation determine success, this iconic space teaches us that tradition isn’t an obstacle — it’s an asset.

Famous Visitors & Its Global Legend: 

 

  • Carlos Gardel, the king of tango, composed and rehearsed there, spreading porteño culture worldwide. 

  • Astor Piazzolla, the tango revolutionary, found inspiration in its ambiance. 

  • Alfonsina Storni, Argentina’s literary pioneer, was the first woman admitted. 

  • Einstein, during his Latin American tour in 1929, celebrated Argentina’s creativity. 

  • Jorge Luis Borges, one of the greatest writers of the 20th century, frequented the café, highlighting its cultural importance. 

  • Musicians like Pedro Aznar and Mercedes Sosa, along with literary icons like Julio Cortázar and Nobel laureate Gabriel García Márquez, all drew inspiration from its atmosphere.

 

Political & Cultural Influence: 

 

  • Presidents and Latin American leaders have held strategic meetings there. 

  • International royalty and dignitaries, including visiting heads of state, have been received within its historic walls. 

  • In recent years, Spanish actors like Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz, along with Mexican singer Luis Miguel, have visited for cultural events and private gatherings, reinforcing its status as an elite meeting place.

 

 

In short: The Café Tortoni isn’t just a café — it’s a living monument of history, prestige, and cultural leadership that continues to shape the narrative of Argentina and Latin America on the world stage.

 

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 Contact Infonegocios MIAMI:

 

marcelo.maurizio@gmail.com

 

 juan.maqueda@onefullagency.com

   

 

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