While there are a number of French-style cafes in Buenos Aires, Cocu is among the few who do it best.
This bakery and café serves exquisite French-style pastries and breads – as well as sandwiches, salads and quiches – in a casual dining environment.
Cocu’s menu is written in white on a large black chalkboard that rises high above the counter and the tempting vision of freshly baked breads and desserts.
A raisin bun from Cocu — Photo courtesy of TESS Worldwide
Here, self-service is the word. You order and pay at the counter, and then you can seat yourself where you like. (Most people order in Spanish or English, but the people behind Cocu speak French, so feel free to order in French if you know how.) When your food is ready, it's brought out to you.
The furniture in the main dining room is simple, almost rustic, but still chic. People come to Cocu to eat and chat with friends or else bring their laptops to use the free WiFi as they munch on French pastries. When the weather is nice, try to snag one of the few tables outside.
Located on the corner of Malabia and Gorriti Streets in the Palermo Soho neighborhood, Cocu is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch or an afternoon snack. In other words, whatever you want that involves French pastries, you can get here until 8 p.m. daily.
Most places in Buenos Aires only offer brunch on the weekends, but brunch at Cocu is available every day. While the coffee is pretty good, if you’re looking to add a little more sin to that croissant, you can also opt for some red wine. We won’t tell if you don’t.
Cocu is a popular place in the neighborhood, meaning that at peak times, it can be difficult to find a table. If busy places don’t appeal to you, then come at an off hour or order your bakery items to go.
The bread here is baked fresh in small batches throughout the day, so you don’t necessarily need to come first thing in the morning if fresh bread is what you’re after.
Prices are in the mid-range for the neighborhood, but do note that they only accept cash at Cocu.
Cocu is near lots of cute little shops, so after your meal you might want to do some shopping or wander around. Otherwise, head to Plaza Armenia (Walk down Malabia Street towards Santa Fe.) to check out the heart of Palermo Soho.
