I admit to being surprised and horrified that Starbucks would come to Italy. In my humble opinion I think Italy has the best coffee in the world. Why would they need Starbucks?
On the way back to Australia I stayed a couple of days in Milan so I decided to see for myself what the new addition to Milan’s coffee scene looks like.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery opened on 7th September in the stunning Poste building in Piazza Cordusio in the centre of Milan, not far from the glorious Duomo.
We arrived on a Saturday afternoon to find a queue that stretched around the corner. We didn’t join it.
The following morning we went back early and found it almost empty.
The interior is huge and amazing. No expense has been spared. It is said to be the most beautiful Starbucks in the world. I have only visited a few fairly ordinary looking Starbucks in New York, so I can’t really compare them, but the Milan offering is spectacular.
There is a giant fully functioning coffee roaster, an enormous main bar, a mezzanine bar where specialty cocktails are made and a bakery with wood fired oven…a lot to take in.
A clackerboard lets you know what type of coffee is being roasted.
A floor to ceiling brass wall is engraved with a representation of Starbucks history.
In front of the wall is Starbucks merchandise for sale.
The seating is either on high stools or on chairs with low tables, neither of which appeals to me.
The pastries looked delicious.
We ordered a plain croissant and one filled with frittata, both were excellent.
The coffee came in a large mug. I prefer a smaller cup as there is far too much milk in a mug. At least it wasn’t served in a huge paper cup. The 2 croissants and 2 coffees cost €18. At my local cafe in Bagni di Lucca the same things would have cost around €5. I guess you are paying for the experience.
The staff appear to be chosen for their good looks and ethnic diversity. They were cheerful and eager to please.
We went to the bathroom downstairs with its impressive wash basin which sits between 2 rows of toilets.
Strangely there are only 4 female and 4 male toilets for a place that holds a lot of people. There was already a queue before we left as the building filled up quickly in the short time we were there.
There is far too much to take in on one visit and the photos don’t do it justice. I will probably return for another look out of curiosity, but I prefer smaller bars where after a couple of visits the barista gets to know you and you become a local. It will be interesting to see how Starbucks fares once the novelty wears off.