The 10 Best Cafs And Coffeehouses In Montevideo

Uruguay has a thriving and historic café culture that stems from the European influence in the 19th century. Montevideo has some of the best cafés in the country, and a flourishing coffee scene. Have a look at some of the best cafés and coffeehouses in the city.

Café Brasilero

Café Brasilero is a symbol of modernity and the bohemian Montevideo but it is also an historic establishment. It was founded in 1877, and has truly not lost any of its originality and charm. The café is furnished with dark wood, big windows and an antique bar. Located in the city center, it is easy to find, and is a good spot to refuel before visiting one of the city’s touristic attractions like the Plaza Independencia or the Harbor Market. They also offer a more extensive menu if you want more than just a drink.
Ituzaingó 1447, Montevideo, Uruguay, +598 2917 2035

Ricco Café

Ricco café offers hand-made muffins, donuts, cakes, spicy snacks and sandwiches. It is easy to think and behave like you are in your own living room, as it provides a very personal atmosphere, although the café is located in a shopping center. They have a calendar of alternative events like vernissages, flea markets and live concerts.
Aquiles Lanza esquina 18 de Julio, Montevideo, Uruguay

Doña Inés Dulces Tentaciones

This very small, attractive café, with its friendly and rose-decorated interior offers a warm welcome to its customers. Doña Inés Dulces Tentaciones has a big selection of tea, coffee and breakfast too. For example, breakfast can be chosen from one of six menus, these menus consist of a hot drink, tarts, cookies, toasts, butter, marmalade and obligatory orange juice. Image courtesy of Doña Inés Dulces Tentaciones

Facal

Facal offers a substantial breakfast, which is quite rare in Uruguay. And, at midday and in the evening Facal turns into a standard sit-down restaurant. It is furnished very simply, with small tables and wooden chairs and this simplicity is one of the reasons why it feels so easy-going. The Tango events are Highly recommended, which bring every single person out in a sweat.
Avenida 18 de Julio 1249, Montevideo, Uruguay, +598 2908 7741

Ganache Café & Pastelería

This café, which is also a cake shop, is a true treasure trove. Every corner, every centimeter, of this coffeehouse is made with great affection and attention to detail. Ganache places importance on using the best products. It offers only homemade food and drinks, makes its own cakes and tarts, and offers snacks like delicious sandwiches. Ganache has an in-house coffee roaster for producing their own blends of coffee. The café treats all products with care, so as to offer only the best to its guests.

Oro del Rhin

The story of this coffeehouse starts in 1927, when it was founded by the German confectioner Hermann Stahl. He uses only traditional recipes, the composition of which are still kept as closely guarded secrets. Guests may choose between cakes, several desserts, or spicy dishes, all of which are really delicious. Oro del Rhin is located in the old town of Montevideo and is well worth a visit to enjoy the delicious breakfast.

Pastelería Carpe Diem

Carpe Diem is a comfortable coffeehouse with its own cake shop. Guests can choose between the classical and traditional cakes and cookies, modern created tarts, plenty of different desserts and specially created sweets for birthdays. Carpe Diem is primarily a tea-room, but it offers fantastic coffee too.

Lalá café con libros

Lalá is not a common café. It is a small place with different pieces of furniture thrown together and a big book shelf covering one wall. It is a place to retreat to and read a book for a few hour. Lalá sees itself as a hub for art, and offers regularly concerts by local bands in its compact environment.

Philomène Café

Philomène gives you the feeling of being in a Parisian coffeehouse. It is furnished in a vintage style mixed with modern elements. This café is the ideal place for a drink alone or with friends and to enjoy the numerous varieties of daily self-made cookies, tarts and spicy snacks. You will feel very welcome.
Solano García 2455, Montevideo, Uruguay, +598 2711 1770

La Madriguera

La Madriguera could be described as a hipster café with a simple and modern furniture, dark walls, a book shelf and a bike hanging on the wall. La Madriguera is a place where young people meet and enjoy themselves.The cafe also hosts concerts and discussions, and has a very special way of presenting its meals and drinks.
Cambara 1614, Montevideo, Uruguay, +598 2605 2561

About the author

Ricarda Reininger

Ricarda was born and raised in Vienna and developed her passion for travelling while traveling regularly with her family as a child. After school she went to the Caribbean and South America to experience another way of life and broaden her horizons. Her keen interest in art and culture has taken her around the world, and she thinks that 'travelling enriches our life the most’. Her interests in art and culture are also a big part in her daily life, as she is a literature and music enthusiast and an avid photographer. Ricarda is currently studying Comparative Literature in Vienna.