The café and tea house scene in Ushuaia is as diverse as it is inviting. Charming spots like Ana & Juana boast an impressive 4.7 out of 5 rating on TripAdvisor, while the historic Ramos Generales El Almacén has earned more than 3,600 positive reviews. Whether you’re looking for a cozy afternoon tea, specialty coffee, or homemade pastries, Ushuaia offers exceptional places to relax and recharge after exploring the southernmost city in the world.
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the five best places for breakfast and afternoon coffee in Ushuaia: Casa de Té Martial, Café de la Laguna, Ramos Generales El Almacén, Ana & Juana, and The Tourist Box. Each has its own unique character, making them perfect for warming up on a cold winter day or taking a relaxing break on a milder afternoon after exploring the southernmost city in the world.
Casa de Té Martial
If you’re looking for a truly unique place to enjoy a fine cup of tea while surrounded by breathtaking scenery, Casa de Té Martial—also known as La Cabaña Casa de Té—is an absolute must-visit. Nestled on the slopes leading to Martial Glacier, this charming tea house offers one of the most memorable café experiences in Ushuaia.
The Atmosphere at Casa de Té Martial
What makes Casa de Té Martial so special is its intimate atmosphere, where rustic Patagonian charm blends seamlessly with the warmth of a welcoming home. With more than 23 years of history, this beloved tea house has won the hearts of both locals and travelers alike. Its 4.1 out of 5 rating on TripAdvisor, based on more than 1,400 reviews, is a testament to its enduring popularity.
The cozy wooden interior, combined with large picture windows overlooking the snow-covered landscape during winter, creates the perfect contrast between the crisp outdoors and the comforting warmth inside.
Among its amenities, you’ll find:
- Comfortable seating strategically positioned to make the most of the views
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Acceptance of major credit cards, including Mastercard and Visa
Casa de Té Martial’s Signature Specialties
If there’s one thing that sets Casa de Té Martial apart, it’s its exceptional selection of teas and homemade treats. The menu features a wide variety of national and international tea blends, ranging from herbal and fruity infusions to floral and classic varieties.
Don’t miss two of the house favorites: Visitor’s Tea and Cabin Tea, both signature blends carefully crafted to capture the essence of Patagonia.
Coffee lovers are equally well catered for, with specialties such as:
- Coffee with Tía María liqueur
- Homemade cappuccino
- Coffee with Cognac
- Irish Coffee
- Coffee with Kirsch
When it comes to food, Casa de Té Martial is one of Ushuaia’s most iconic cafés. Its menu offers an irresistible selection of homemade pastries and light bites that pair perfectly with its teas and coffees.
The artisan toast served with homemade jams is a local favorite, although you can also enjoy it with cream cheese, butter, or traditional Argentine dulce de leche.
Those with a sweet tooth will love the dessert selection, which includes:
- Mousse Cake and Mousse Pie
- Rogel Cake and Lemon Pie
- Strawberry and Raspberry Tarts
- Apple Pie and Chocolatón Chocolate Cake
- Welsh Cake and Cheesecake
Location and Scenic Views
One of Casa de Té Martial’s greatest attractions is undoubtedly its spectacular location. Situated at 3560 Luis Fernando Martial Avenue, at the end of the road leading to Martial Glacier, it offers one of the most beautiful natural settings in Ushuaia.
The tea house sits beside the Buena Esperanza Stream, whose crystal-clear glacial waters gently flow through the native forest, adding a soothing soundtrack to the entire experience.
Even getting there is part of the adventure. As you drive up the mountain road, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic until you finally arrive at this charming mountain retreat. Once there, the reward is twofold: delicious homemade specialties and breathtaking panoramic views.
Its surroundings immerse visitors in the heart of Patagonia, with spectacular views of:
- Martial Glacier in the distance
- Lenga and ñire forests that transform with the changing seasons
- Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel below
- The majestic peaks of the Patagonian Andes
Another unique aspect of Casa de Té Martial is the area’s fascinating microclimate. One moment you may be enjoying bright sunshine, and the next you’ll watch clouds drift across the surrounding mountains—a constantly changing landscape that makes every visit feel different.
Reaching the tea house is easy. Free parking is available on-site, and you can also arrive by taxi, private transfer, Uber, or transportation services departing from downtown Ushuaia.
Café de la Laguna
This charming café has become a favorite among both locals and visitors, earning its reputation as one of the coziest places to enjoy breakfast, coffee, or afternoon tea in the world’s southernmost city. Whether you’re looking to warm up after a day outdoors or simply relax with homemade treats in a peaceful setting, Café de la Laguna offers an inviting atmosphere that keeps guests coming back.
The Natural Charm of Café de la Laguna
Café de la Laguna has earned an outstanding 4.8-star rating on Google, reflecting the exceptional experience it offers both locals and visitors. After spending time here, it’s easy to understand why it has become one of Ushuaia’s favorite cafés.
The café was designed as a place where people can slow down, connect, and enjoy meaningful moments together. As the team puts it, “Coffee brings people together. We love welcoming friends who feel comfortable and enjoy spending time here.” That philosophy is evident throughout the space, where large windows frame the surrounding landscape and create a peaceful atmosphere that invites you to linger.
Unlike cafés such as Ramos Generales El Almacén or Ana & Juana, which are located in Ushuaia’s downtown area, Café de la Laguna strikes the perfect balance between convenience and nature. Visitors arriving by car will also appreciate the nearby parking, making it an easy stop even on the coldest winter days.
Café de la Laguna Menu & Prices
One of the highlights of Café de la Laguna is its outstanding selection of chocolates and homemade desserts. Its hot chocolate deserves special recognition—frequently described by visitors as “10 out of 10″—and it’s the perfect way to warm up after exploring Ushuaia.
As a thoughtful touch, the café even offers complimentary hot chocolate to guests during certain hours, reflecting its commitment to creating a memorable customer experience.
Among its specialties, you’ll find:
- Homemade cakes
- Artisan chocolates
- Gourmet alfajores
- Homemade ice cream
Friendly, attentive service is another reason visitors return time and again. The staff’s warm hospitality perfectly complements the café’s inviting atmosphere, making every visit feel relaxed and welcoming.
If you’d like to take a little taste of Ushuaia home with you, the café also offers a selection of takeaway treats, including chocolates and handcrafted sweets prepared with the same care as everything served in-house.
Why Café de la Laguna Is Perfect for Cold Days
While Café de la Laguna is worth visiting at any time of year, it truly shines during Ushuaia’s coldest months. More than just a café, it feels like a cozy refuge where you can escape the chilly Patagonian weather.
The hot chocolate becomes the undisputed star of the menu during winter. Visitors often describe it as the perfect companion to the café’s homemade cakes, creating a comforting combination that’s hard to beat after a day outdoors.
Many travelers consider Café de la Laguna a must-visit for anyone who appreciates exceptional chocolate. It’s not just about the food—it’s the combination of high-quality pastries, warm hospitality, and a tranquil natural setting that makes this café such a memorable stop.
The aroma of freshly prepared hot chocolate, the flavor of its homemade desserts, and the cozy atmosphere come together to create an experience that stays with you long after you’ve left Ushuaia.
Ramos Generales El Almacén
Among Ushuaia’s many cafés, Ramos Generales El Almacén stands out not only for its outstanding food but also for offering a journey into the city’s rich history. Unlike Casa de Té Martial or Café de la Laguna, this iconic establishment combines an exceptional dining experience with a fascinating glimpse into Ushuaia’s past, making it one of the city’s most unique places to enjoy breakfast, lunch, or afternoon coffee.
The History and Character of Ramos Generales
The story of this iconic café dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Tierra del Fuego was still one of the most remote and sparsely populated places on Earth. The building that now houses Ramos Generales El Almacén was originally constructed in 1906, at a time when Ushuaia was little more than a small settlement surrounded by forests and the harsh winds of Patagonia.
Its history as a general store truly began in 1917, when José Salomón, a Lebanese immigrant who arrived in Ushuaia in 1913 after fleeing war and famine, took over the business. Despite arriving in Argentina with little money and unable to speak Spanish, Salomón had an exceptional talent for commerce and transformed the store into an essential part of the community.
For nearly fifty years, Ramos Generales supplied everyday goods to the residents of Ushuaia and even provided provisions to the city’s famous End of the World Prison. Following Salomón’s death in 1965, the building remained closed for four decades until entrepreneur Enrique Chasco restored it and brought it back to life.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Ramos Generales is that it has preserved much of its original structure. Walking through the door feels like stepping back in time. Antique counters, towering wooden shelves, vintage toys, historical artifacts, and family heirlooms tell the story of Ushuaia’s early years.
The careful restoration blends the building’s historic charm with contemporary touches. Throughout the café you’ll discover unique decorative details, including an antique cast-iron cash register, lamps crafted from repurposed metal buckets, vintage trunks, and maritime-inspired artwork that reflects the city’s seafaring heritage.
Food and Pastries at Ramos Generales
The culinary experience at Ramos Generales El Almacén is every bit as memorable as its history. Unlike many other cafés in Ushuaia, this is a place where outstanding cuisine and local heritage come together.
The daily menu typically features specialties such as:
- Soup of the day, including pumpkin soup or onion soup with bacon
- Fresh Patagonian fish, including hake, southern hake, Patagonian toothfish (Chilean sea bass), and salmon
- Seafood stew, seafood risotto, and lamb ravioli
- Traditional goulash served with homemade spaetzle
However, what truly makes Ramos Generales famous is its exceptional pastry selection. For more than a decade, pastry chef David “Dudú” Dumont, who trained under renowned French chef Jean Paul Bondoux, created desserts here that earned the café its outstanding reputation.
Everything is baked fresh in-house, including:
- Orange, raisin, and chocolate scones
- Flaky pastries filled with apple, lemon, or almond cream
- Buttery croissants, one of the café’s signature specialties
- Fresh baguettes
- Artisan breads flavored with walnuts, cured ham, and olives
Dessert lovers will also find an irresistible selection that includes double chocolate mousse, Baileys mousse, lemon pie, crème brûlée, and the house’s signature Fuegian tiramisu.
The aroma of freshly baked pastries fills the entire café, adding another layer to an already unforgettable experience.
One detail that locals especially appreciate is that everything—from the breads to the pastries—is made from scratch, without preservatives, resulting in exceptional freshness and flavor in every bite.
Ana & Juana
If you’re looking for the perfect balance between traditional pastry-making and a contemporary touch, Ana & Juana is a must-visit stop on Ushuaia’s café scene.
Ana & Juana: Artisan Pastries
Their brownies are simply outstanding, while their fruit tarts change with the seasons to ensure the freshest ingredients are always used. This rotating selection of flavors makes every visit a unique experience.
One charming detail is the fun latte art created on the coffee foam, adding a personal touch that guests truly appreciate. Beyond the incredible flavors, Ana & Juana also pays special attention to presentation, crafting visually stunning desserts that make every bite memorable.
The Atmosphere and Service at Ana & Juana
Ana & Juana features an industrial-chic atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the rustic charm of Ramos Generales and the cozy alpine feel of Casa de Té Martial. The décor is elegant, with every detail carefully designed to create a warm and inviting space unlike any other café in Ushuaia.
The café occupies a beautifully restored historic house, preserving its original character while embracing a more contemporary style. Even the tableware stands out for its refined design, adding an extra touch of sophistication to the overall experience.
The layout offers a variety of seating options, from intimate tables to shared spaces on the upper floor, making it an excellent choice for everything from a quiet afternoon coffee to gatherings with friends.
What truly sets Ana & Juana apart, however, is its exceptional service. The staff is consistently praised for being incredibly friendly and attentive, something we were able to experience firsthand.
What to Try at Ana & Juana
If you have the chance to visit this café in Ushuaia, there are a few specialties you shouldn’t miss. First and foremost is the almond croissant, filled with smooth almond cream and topped with crunchy almond pieces—a perfect bite every time.
If you prefer savory options, the ham and cheese croissant is equally impressive and provides the perfect balance to the café’s sweet pastries. For dessert lovers, the coconut cake with red berries and chocolate is another must-try, frequently recommended by visitors.
As for beverages, the loose-leaf teas served in teapots are an excellent choice on colder days, while the café’s latte pairs perfectly with any of their pastries.
Prices are neither cheap nor expensive but are considered fair given the outstanding quality of the food and drinks. This balance between quality and value helps explain Ana & Juana’s impressive 4.7 out of 5 rating on Tripadvisor, where it ranks as the #1 café and tea house in Ushuaia.
Located at 1485 Avenida General San Martín, on the corner of Onas Street, Ana & Juana sits just a few blocks from Ushuaia’s main tourist area, making it an easy and worthwhile stop while exploring the city’s best cafés.
The Tourist Box
To complete this guide to Ushuaia’s best cafés, we’ve saved one of the city’s most innovative concepts for last. The Tourist Box represents a new generation of cafés, combining two experiences under one roof: a specialty coffee shop and a thoughtfully curated souvenir store.
What You’ll Find at The Tourist Box
Unlike traditional favorites such as Casa de Té Martial or Ramos Generales, The Tourist Box focuses on specialty coffee made with carefully selected Guatemala beans, roasted by Puerto Blest. The coffee features distinctive notes of chocolate, roasted nuts, and subtle fruity undertones.
Every morning, the espresso machine is carefully calibrated to achieve the perfect balance of aroma and flavor—something you’ll notice from the very first sip. To accompany your coffee, the café offers a tempting selection of freshly baked treats, including:
- Artisan muffins and cookies
- Their famous carrot cake
- A selection of premium pastries
One feature that regular customers particularly appreciate is the café’s loyalty program: after purchasing ten coffees, the next one is free through a simple stamp card. It’s a great incentive for locals to keep coming back.
Location and Atmosphere
Conveniently located at 569 San Martín Avenue, in the heart of Ushuaia, The Tourist Box opens daily at 7:30 a.m., making it an ideal place to start your morning before exploring the city. It’s quickly becoming one of Ushuaia’s must-visit cafés.
The interior is bright, welcoming, and designed to create an immersive experience. Its contemporary aesthetic is reminiscent of the cafés and museum gift shops found throughout Europe, offering a refreshing contrast to the rustic charm of Café de la Laguna or the alpine style of Casa de Té Martial.
With seating for up to 80 guests, the space has been carefully designed to accommodate a variety of needs, whether you’re working remotely, meeting friends, or simply taking a break. Integrated USB charging ports and conveniently placed power outlets make it especially popular with travelers looking to recharge both themselves and their devices before a flight or cruise.
A Different Kind of Café in Ushuaia
What truly sets The Tourist Box apart is its all-in-one concept. While Ana & Juana is known for artisan pastries and Ramos Generales for its historic atmosphere, The Tourist Box blends specialty coffee with premium shopping, creating a unique destination for visitors.
Its carefully curated store offers authentic souvenirs inspired by Ushuaia and Antarctica, including beautifully designed keepsakes that capture the spirit of the world’s southernmost city—from magnets featuring the iconic Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse to traditional Argentine mate gourds branded with Ushuaia-inspired artwork.
Art also plays a central role in the experience. Local artist Mercedes Chiesa has created an exclusive collection of paintings depicting Antarctic wildlife, iconic landscapes, and the region’s Indigenous heritage, adding a cultural dimension that makes every visit even more meaningful.
For all these reasons, The Tourist Box stands out as one of the best cafés in Ushuaia—a modern destination where visitors can enjoy exceptional specialty coffee while finding a memorable souvenir to take home, and where locals can relax in a comfortable, inspiring setting.
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