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The Caf? Tortoni is a coffeehouse located at #825 of Avenida de Mayo in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Inaugurated on 1858 by a French immigrant whose surname was Touan, it was named Tortoni after the local in Paris at Boulevard des Italiens where the elite of the Parissiense culture gathered in the 19th century. Inspired by Fin de si?cle coffee houses. Previously it was the location of the Templo Escoc?s ("Scottish Temple"), and the Tortoni was located at the corner of Rivadavia and Esmeralda. In 1880 it was moved to its present location, but had its entrance from the other side of the block at Rivadavia street.

In 1898 the entrance of Avenida de Mayo was opened, and the facade was redone by architect Alejandro Christophersen. At the end of the 19th century the caf? was bought by another Frenchman; Celestino Curutchet. The tables of the caf? saw renowned figures such as politicians Lisandro de la Torre and Marcelo Torcuato de Alvear, popular idols Carlos Gardel and Juan Manuel Fangio, international figures like Albert Einstein, Federico Garc?a Lorca, Hillary Clinton, Robert Duvall and Juan Carlos de Borb?n. Currently the basement works as stage for jazz and tango artists, and presentation of books and poetry contests. The coffeehouse conserves the decoration of its first years, has a library and at the back facilities to play billiards, dominoes and darts.

To the Tortoni Caf?, which has managed to preserve the flavour of the old times, when all manner of Argentine intellectuals would gather here; of course the Spanish also gathered, like Federico Garc?a Lorca, and now, when they come from Spain, they come to visit their Caf?. With my kindest, most affectionate regards.
His Majesty, King of Spain
Don Juan Carlos de Borb?n

What a treat to visit a piece of history and enjoy both the ambience and the delicious meal. Thank you.

Tags:  coffeehouse inspired architect