Ciao my travel friends! 💕 Today I’m taking you somewhere extraordinary, a place that blends Milanese elegance, world-class coffee craftsmanship, and jaw-dropping design into one unforgettable experience. This isn’t your everyday Starbucks… it’s the Starbucks Reserve Roastery Milan, and stepping inside feels like you’ve entered a temple to coffee, where the scent of freshly roasted beans fills the air, the hum of conversation mingles with the gentle clink of glasses, and every detail invites you to slow down, sip, and savor the moment in true Italian style.
A Building Steeped in History
The Roastery is housed in the Palazzo delle Poste, the former Central Post Office in Milan, right in Piazza Cordusio, just a short walk from the Duomo di Milano and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Built in the early 20th century, the palazzo is a stunning example of neoclassical Italian architecture, with grand columns, ornate stone carvings, and sweeping archways that immediately make you feel like something special is about to happen inside.
And oh… the transformation Starbucks achieved here is magical. The interior is a symphony of warm wood, polished marble, brass accents, and gleaming copper roasting casks. The roasting floor is alive with motion. You can actually watch the coffee beans tumble in the roasters before their rich aroma fills the air. The space feels luxurious yet welcoming, with an unmistakable Milanese touch in every design choice.
The Outdoor Terrace – Coffee, Cocktails, and Milanese Magic
As much as I adored exploring the inside, the outdoor terrace completely stole my heart. Picture this: you’re seated at a chic, stylish table, framed by lush greenery, with the hum of Piazza Cordusio all around. Elegant waiters glide between tables, balancing trays of golden cappuccinos, shimmering Aperol Spritz, and jewel-toned cocktails, as the warm Milanese air carries the gentle buzz of conversation and clinking glasses.
The service here was wonderful, warm, attentive, and genuinely proud to share their recommendations. The atmosphere is pure Milan: a little bit glamorous, a little bit relaxed, and entirely dolce vita. From our table, we could see the flow of city life: businesspeople in tailored suits, friends laughing over aperitivo, and tourists craning their necks to take in the architectural beauty all around. It’s the kind of place where time slows down. Where you take that extra moment before sipping your drink, just to soak it all in.
Our Signature Cocktail Experience
During our visit, I decided to skip my usual coffee (just this once!) and try two of their Reserve cocktail creations, and wow, was it worth it.
🌺 Eden Elixir: This was love at first sip. Imagine the delicate maraschino hints of the Milano Roastery Microblend mingling with the winey cherry notes of Porto. Add in elderflower syrup, fig leaf liqueur, blackberry liqueur, and a touch of filter coffee, and you’ve got a drink that’s complex, floral, and velvety all at once. The best part? It’s served with a dried fig, meant to be tasted just before your last sip, creating a rich, lingering finish.
⭐ Beyond the Stars (Spirit-Free): For a non-alcoholic option, this is pure artistry. A silky almond base swirls with saffron syrup and peach tea, with a subtle aroma illusion from the star anise on top. It’s like sipping a golden sunset: smooth, aromatic, and comforting, with just enough intrigue to keep you guessing.
Why This Roastery is a Must-Visit
What I love most about the Starbucks Reserve Roastery Milan is that it’s so much more than a coffee shop, it’s an experience. It’s a celebration of Italian café culture, the art of slowing down, and the global innovation that Starbucks has infused with unmistakable Milanese style. Every corner tells a story: the rich aroma of freshly roasted beans swirling through the air, the gleam of polished copper casks, the gentle hum of conversation mixing with the clink of porcelain cups.
Even if you’re not a coffee drinker, you’ll be tempted by the cocktails, the artisanal bakery creations from Princi, and the sheer atmosphere that makes you want to linger just a little longer. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t just serve you a drink, it leaves you with a memory, a moment, and a little piece of Milan to carry with you long after you’ve left.
Useful Tips
- Go early or mid-afternoon to avoid peak crowds, especially if you want a prime terrace table.
- Dress with a Milanese touch: think casual chic. The setting feels special, and it’s fun to match the vibe.
- Try something unexpected, maybe a Reserve cocktail, a coffee flight, or a pastry from their Princi bakery.
- Explore every corner inside, the roastery floor, the cocktail bar, the bakery, and the merchandise area are each a little world of their own.
- Pair your visit with a walk to the Duomo or Galleria afterward, they’re less than five minutes away.
Final Thoughts
Some places surprise you. Others impress you. But every so often, you stumble upon a spot that feels like it was waiting for you, a place that wraps you in its atmosphere, delights all your senses, and leaves you wanting just one more moment to take it all in. The Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Milan is exactly that.
It’s where centuries-old architecture meets modern creativity, where every detail, from the marble floors under your feet to the copper casks gleaming overhead, tells a story. It’s where the familiar comfort of coffee takes on new life, infused with the artistry of Milanese style and the energy of a city that has always been at the forefront of culture and design.
Sitting on that sunlit terrace, cocktail in hand, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the way travel opens doors to experiences like this. The hum of the piazza, the elegance of the service, the layers of flavor in each sip… it was a perfect Milan moment!
So, whether you’re here for the coffee, the cocktails, the architecture, or simply to watch the city swirl around you, make time for this roastery. It’s not just a stop on your Milan itinerary, it’s a memory in the making.
xoxo,
Bubbly☕
