Café

PYTHAGORAS, Across the Board, Boardgame Mall · Board game · 2020
1–4 · best 2 Solo 20–45 min Weight 2.1/5
8.0 rating Ludopedia
7.1 rating BGG
8.0 rating Ludopedia
7.1 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Perfect for those who love economic Eurogames with an elegant look and a focus on logistics. The strong point is the depth of the production chain.

Highlights
  • Absolutely stunning Art Deco art
  • Very well-integrated supply chain
  • Solid and challenging solo mode
  • Excellent balance between complexity and flow
Keep in mind
  • Initial learning curve for newcomers
  • Requires significant strategic planning
RECOMMENDED
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.
About the game
Ever imagined commanding a coffee empire at the height of Portuguese influence? Café transports us to an era of botanical espionage and economic expansion. It all begins with the daring mission of Sergeant Melo Palheta, who traveled to French Guiana to secretly bring coffee seeds back to Brazil. This small gesture changed history, transforming Brazil into a production giant and later inspiring those sophisticated and emblematic coffee shops that attracted the elite in Portugal in the early 20th century.

In the game, you take on the role of a visionary entrepreneur. Your goal is simple yet challenging: dominate the entire supply chain. You won't just plant; you'll need to manage the whole process, from cultivation in the plantations, through drying and roasting, to final distribution. It's a strategy game where efficiency is key. You'll need to plan your moves with precision, optimizing logistics to ensure your coffee reaches the market with maximum quality and profit.

Featuring a stunning Art Deco aesthetic, the game combines resource management with pattern building. You'll have to handle production logistics while trying to outsmart your opponents in creating the most profitable distribution network. If you enjoy economic games where every placement decision counts and the theme is immersive, Café is the perfect choice. Get your cup ready, organize your logistics, and try to become the greatest coffee tycoon of the era!
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
1 REC
2 BEST
3 REC
4 REC
WHERE TO BUY
Finding best prices...
Game details

Families

Country: Portugal Digital Implementations: Board Game Arena Food & Drink: Coffee Mechanism: Partially overlapping cards Misc: LongPack Games Theme: Art style – Art Deco
Publisher PYTHAGORAS, Across the Board, Boardgame Mall, Bohemian Games, Djama Games, Funbox Editora, GaGa Games, HOT Games, HUCH!, Lord of Boards, Maldito Games, Mayfair Games, Neptuno Games, Rawstone, Reflexshop, Sylex, Upgrade Games
Designer Costa, Rôla
Artist Marina Costa
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the game too complex for beginners?
It's rated as 'Expert', so it has a few layers of rules. It's not impossible, but it requires careful reading of the manual or a tutorial.
Can I play it solo?
Absolutely! The game has a highly-rated solo mode, making it great for those who want to test their strategies.
How long does a game take?
Usually between 20 and 45 minutes, which is quite fast given the strategic depth it offers.
Is the coffee theme just cosmetic?
No, the processing mechanics (planting -> drying -> roasting -> distributing) reflect the logic of the coffee industry quite well.
How many players is it recommended for?
1 to 4 players. It works well with any count, though interaction increases with more players.