Tortoni Caffe Teams Specialty Coffee and Argentinean Treats in Sherman Oaks

Tortoni Caffe is one of the first Sherman Oaks establishments to serve specialty coffee, and the Argentinean owners complement beverages with unique treats.

Specialty coffee has been in short supply in Sherman Oaks. As of July 14, Tortoni Caffe is now the neighborhood’s best bet—an ambitious coffee bar from Argentinean owners that that brews beans from Santa Cruz’s vaunted Verve Coffee Roasters and complements cups with an impeccably sourced food program.

An orange La Marzocco espresso machine, Curtis batch brewers and cold brew all contribute to the caffeine rush. They also make mate—a tea-like beverage that’s popular in South America thanks to the plant’s strong caffeine content (twice that of black tea) and energy-boosting qualities. Tortoni serves hot or cold-brewed mate garnished with mint and lemon.

Tortoni sells high-quality pastries, breads, sandwiches and salads from DTLA bakery Bread Lounge. They also source Argentinean treats from a tiny cafe in Glendale. Baked empanadas are filled with a choice of beef, chicken, spinach or ham and cheese. Tortoni also sells alfajores: shortbread sandwiches filled with dulce de leche and dusted with powdered sugar.

The owners grew up on social, community-focused Argentinean cafe culture and honor that legacy by naming Tortoni Caffe for Gran Cafe Tortoni—a famous Buenos Aires coffeehouse that dates to 1858.

Co-owner Daniel Avaca recognized the Valley as an area needing a caffeine boost. He walked a six-mile stretch of Ventura Boulevard between the 405 freeway to Lankershim Boulevard to scout locations. They settled on a space at the base of a brick office building. The interior houses wood tables, navy blue lounge chairs, and white, grey and black walls.

A tango painting is another link to the owners’ Argentinean heritage. The steps: slow, slow, quick, quick, slow. Set your own pace at Tortoni.

15060 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, 818-290-3570