Terminal A’s Illy pulls the most reliable espresso in EZE.
Post-security in Terminal A, Illy Café runs at typical airport hours and draws people who care more about a solid shot than brand logos. A basic espresso costs more than in Buenos Aires city cafés, but reviews put it ahead of the “watery” options at other stands and ahead of the Starbucks further down the concourse. Figure $$ pricing: small cups, higher airport markup, better coffee.
The focus here is on espresso drinks and cappuccinos using Illy beans, with multiple reviews calling out the cappuccino as “proper Italian coffee.” You’ll see a short pastry case with medialunas and croissants, good for a quick breakfast with a 7:00 or 8:00 flight. Don’t come expecting a full hot meal or big menu; this is a coffee bar first, snack spot second.
Seating is limited and the counter area feels tight, especially when two or three flights out of A10–A20 are boarding at once. That’s why regulars often order at the bar, drink standing Italian-style, and free the few tables for people juggling bags. Others grab their latte in a to-go cup and walk toward quieter gate seating near the far A gates.
Complaints cluster around price and portion size: small cappuccinos and macchiatos can feel steep compared with what you’d pay in Palermo or Recoleta. When rush hits and there are 10–15 people in line, service can turn a bit indifferent and baristas move into pure throughput mode. If you see a long queue at Starbucks but only three or four people at Illy, this is usually the faster and stronger option.
Tip: if you care about flavor over foam art, order a straight espresso or macchiato, skip the syrupy specials, and pair it with a single medialuna so you’re in and out in under 10 minutes.