Espresso

Espresso was invented in Turin and perfected in Milan. The first industrial producer of espresso machines was a workshop in Milan.

The Starbucks chain was inspired by a visit to Milan by its founder, Howard Schultz. The company expanded into 78 countries over the years, but not into Italy until Sept. 6, 2018, 3 weeks before we arrived in Milan.

The new location is 25,000 sq ft. It’s a former post office and stock exchange on the Piazza Cordusio commercial square in central Milan.

We walked up and were surprised there wasn’t a line of Americans out the door. There were more security guards in suit coats and earpieces than actual customers sitting in the garden patio out front. Inside, however, the lines of customers reminded us of a Disney park. It felt very touristy but like a genuine tribute to Milanese coffee culture, done in an American style.

Like the other Reserve roastery locations in the US and in Asia, it offers drinks not found at regular stores, including coffee-inspired cocktails and unusual single-origin coffees. There’s also food and dessert options not available elsewhere.

Cassie had a chocolate plum cake (no drink) and I had a whiskey coffee with one giant ice cube. It was a pleasantly warm evening on the patio (the high had been in the low 80s).

The tea selection is also expansive. A mural of the available tea boxes forms the shape of the Duomo of Milan on one wall.

We arrived shortly before closing so our time on the patio was cut short.

The Starbucks is located about halfway between the Duomo and the Sforza Castle. Each is one Metro stop or a 5-10 minute walk away.

After Starbucks, on the way back to our hotel we went by the Duomo and the Galleria and had drinks at the Mio Lab patio next to the Park Hyatt lobby.

Espresso