Since its establishment in 1971, the American coffee company Starbucks has become the largest coffee chain in the world, with over 32,000 stores in more than 80 countries and regions. One of the key reasons for Starbucks’ success is that its stores offer more than just a cup of specialty coffee; its unique architectural aesthetics have captivated many coffee lovers.
The meticulously designed
Starbucks store in Milan
rightfully earned the reputation of being the “most beautiful Starbucks in the world”. Italy is a stronghold of coffee culture, and Starbucks successfully entered Italy in September 2018 by opening its first store in Milan, featuring the brand’s top-tier “Starbucks Reserve Roastery” store model.
This Milan Starbucks is located in the historic main post office building on Piazza Cordusio in the city center. Built in 1901, this building served as a stock exchange and post office, showcasing an eclectic architectural style from the 16th century with gabled walls, semi-exposed square columns, and grand wall columns. It is just a few steps away from Milan Cathedral, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, La Scala Opera House, and other city landmarks.
The interior decor of the store is extremely stylish and luxurious, with the highlight being a traditional handmade Palladian-style mosaic marble floor, complemented by bright and vibrant colors and geometric patterned ceilings. It is no wonder that the company proudly bestowed Milan’s flagship store with the title of “most beautiful Starbucks in the world”.
A giant bronze coffee roasting machine in fresh green color (approximately 6.7 meters high) occupies the central position of the store, allowing consumers to enjoy delicious coffee while witnessing the entire coffee bean roasting, packaging, and brewing process in a 360-degree unobstructed view.
Furthermore, all bar counters in the store are made of Calacatta Macchia Vecchia marble extracted from open-air mines in Tuscany, exuding elegance. Each bar counter even has a radiant heating device installed inside for “keeping warm” functionality.
What makes this place even more special is that although it is not the first Starbucks to sell alcohol, it is the world’s first store to introduce Italian aperitivo culture. In the evening, professional mixologists in the store offer customers over a hundred types of beverages, including red and white wines, beers, cocktails, and more. Customers can also visit the bakery on the left side after enjoying their coffee to taste handmade bread baked in a wood-fired oven made of bricks.