Starbucks is unsurprisingly one of the largest franchises around the world, and has earned itself a comfortable seating in the hearts of café lovers and coffee enthusiasts alike. However, when one thinks of aesthetic or unique cafes, it is unlikely that Starbucks pops right into mind. It is easy to assume that the franchise’s successful branding has resulted in it churning out replica stores with the same sleek look.
In reality, that could not be further from the truth! Among the similarly fashioned outlets are also a number of beautifully designed ones. These branches truly showcase the brand’s creativity that has allowed them to reach their towering success and amassed its cult following. From lavishly luxe to culturally rich, here are the 13 most beautiful Starbucks outlets in the world and the exclusive treats you can find in them:
1. Milano Roastery Reserve (Milan, Italy)
As the world capital of coffee, and the very country that inspired the franchise, it is surprising that it took 47 years for the brand to launch its first outlet in 2018. However, the wait was definitely worth it. Located a short distance away from the iconic cathedral Duomo di Milano, this reserve roastery boasts stunning architecture unlike any other.
Previously a historic post office, this store now stands in magnificence with heated marble countertops and flooring hand-laid in a traditional Palladiana flooring pattern. The marble used is sourced from a respected quarry in Calacatta, similar to that used in the cathedral church. Complementing the exquisite marble are bronze accents, pink-hued stones and fluted bar fronts of Corinthian influence.
Aside from its décor, what truly cements its uniqueness are the special offerings available within. Unlike the conventional Starbucks, Milan’s store does not serve up the usual Frappuccinos or other ice-blended drinks. Instead, with respect to Italy’s robust coffee culture, customers can order their coffee from a bronze custom-built roaster situated at the centre of the café. Furthermore, Milan’s Starbucks also pays homage to the tradition of aperitivo in Italy (similar to that of a happy hour) in the evenings, where cocktails are available for order alongside artisan pastries and pizzas.
It is safe to say that in this exquisite outlet, the coffee is just as important as the experience of acquiring it. In fact, it is this theatrical experience that Starbucks intended to cater to its Italian market that is already saturated with cafes, selling itself as a dynamic brand that consumers would like to associate themselves with.
Address: Via Cordusio, 1, 20123 Milano MI, Italy (Google Maps)
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 7am – 10pm
2. Prague Castle Starbucks (Prague, Czech Republic)
When one has the opportunity to visit the charming country of Prague, the historical Prague Castle is definitely a landmark not to be missed. One of the largest ancient castles and presently the official office of the Czech Republic’s President, this tourist hotspot is praised for the view of Prague it offers.
For this reason, Starbucks has strategically located itself near the entrance of this attraction. For tourists and locals alike, the outlet’s stone patio offers an enchanting panorama view of the city. Despite the standard menu, the perfect view of Old Town Prague curates a special Starbucks experience for you to enjoy good old fares in an elevated environment. The skyline from the terrace is also a big plus, and perfectly fitting as a backdrop for your next Instagram photo.
Address: Pražský Hrad, Kajetánka, Hradčanské nám., 118 00 Malá Strana, Czechia (Google Maps)
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 9am – 7pm, Sat-Sun: 9am – 8pm
3. Seattle Roastery Reserve (Seattle, Washington)
Located in the city that birth this coffee-giant, Starbucks definitely incorporated some of its finer elements in this branch. As the third largest store in the United States, it is also Starbucks’ pioneering Reserve Roastery with unique services.
For instance, customers are graced with a free viewing of the chain’s bean roasting process before they are shipped out to various locations across America. There’s even a ‘tasting room’ where the Starbucks coffee brewing process is given space to shine, with baristas walking you through brewing methods such as siphon brewing and clover. This is definitely a coffee-immersion experience that enthusiasts would enjoy.
For the casual lover, you can instead soak in the beautifully designed interior. With an industrial look to match the heavy duty roasting machines in store, the furniture and panels are made up of warm wood that aptly induces a space comfortable for both work and leisure. There are even locally made bicycles put up on display for sale. Coupled with the myriad of intricate coffee machines, this store is definitely a feast for both the lens and the eyes!
Address: 1124 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101, USA (Google Maps)
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 7am – 11pm
4. Starbucks Capucines (Paris, France)
Similar to Italy, Paris also has a rich culture in the art of the espresso, resulting in a saturated cafe scene. Despite such a case, this Starbucks has managed to capture the hearts of Parisians by showcasing an indulgent aesthetic that is too beautiful to pass up.
Designed with a Gothic mood, the upper-class Victorian architecture is further emphasised with murals and crown-moulding wrapped in a gorgeous French flair. This outlet manages to achieve such a splendour by restoring the original 19th Century architecture of the building, thus retaining its historical elegance.
However, what’s most spectacular would be its intricate attention to details from the ceiling motifs to the carved balustrade, sharing with patrons new artistic stories at every glance. The café is a perfect blend of classic French beauty with sleek furniture teeming with modernity that seems almost too beautiful to be real.
Address: 3 Boulevard des Capucines, 75002 Paris, France (Google Maps)
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 6.45am – 10:30pm, Sat: 7am-11pm, Sun: 7:30am – 10:30pm
5. Ninei-zaka Yasaka Chayaten Starbucks (Kyoto, Japan)
As seen from the various locations on this list, Starbucks has a knack for marrying a country’s exquisite culture to the design of its outlets, and this is clearly showcased in Kyoto’s teahouse inspired branch.
The Japanese exterior of the store not only honours the traditional architecture of the Ninenzaka district, where they are located, but also exudes a respectful presence in its location alongside the historical Ninenzaka path that leads to Kiyomizu-dera, the world heritage temple.
The peaceful scenery of garden of stone pools, tresses and moss is best enjoyed in the tatami floors and noren curtains of this two-story coffee shop. Guests are welcomed to take off their shoes and relax on locally-produced silk-covered cushions while enjoying their favourite Starbucks beverage.
Should you be completely enamoured by this peacefully beautiful Starbucks, the outlet also has Kyoto exclusive tumblers for sale, with a landscape of traditional Kyoto activities such as Hoko floats at the Gion Festival, all printed on a tastefully Japanese black canvas. This is the perfect addition to a tumbler collection, should you be a fan of this brand, or even just to remember the unique concept this Kyoto branch brings to the cafe game.
Address: 高台寺南門通下河原東入桝屋町349番地, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0826, Japan (Google Maps)
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 8am – 8pm
6. Famille Park Starbucks (Seoul, South Korea)
As part of Starbucks’ 15th Anniversary in Seoul, their first high-profile Reserve was opened with a gorgeous glass dome structure, inviting customers to indulge in an urban coffee forest, a solace in the concrete city. Encased within this greenhouse-like structure are interior furnishings that further drive the eco concept: wooden décor made of eco-friendly materials and potted coffee trees that cultivate a natural space. Furthermore, a beautifully designed structure of fleeting metal birds circles the geometric glass panels, creating an installation that encapsulates the edge of urbanism with the freedom of natural movement.
This outlet also features seasonal menu items with a local summer touch, such as the Busan Sandy Beach Cream Frappuccino (pictured) and Jeju Walnut-Carrot Ice Blend as well as unique food selections such as the Hallasan Cheese Volcano Bread.
Address: 205 Sapyeong-daero, Banpo 4(sa)-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea (Google Maps)
서울특별시 서초구 사평대로 205
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat: 7am-11pm
7. Prado Norte Starbucks (Mexico City, Mexico)
Be prepared to be enraptured by expressive tile work executed in celebrated Spanish-style architecture. Welcoming customers at the shopfront is an even more impressive water fountain accompanied by an elegant staircase perfect for sweeping photographs. Within, the café envelopes you with comfortable low-slung chairs, where you can lounge while absorbing the surrounding tile murals that adorn the wood accents of the outlet.
Here’s an interesting fact: Mexico is the birthplace of cacao. So what better place to sip a Chocolate Mexicano? Starbucks here also offers exclusive drinks such as the ‘Macadamia Cocoa Cappucino’ (pictured) and localised menu offerings of Spanish panini, cheese bread and a traditional bagel.
Address: Avenida Prado Norte 324, Lomas – Virreyes, Lomas de Chapultepec, 11000 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico (Google Maps)
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat: 24 hours, Sun: 10:45am – 9pm
8. Kuan Zhai Alley Starbucks (Chengdu, Sichuan)
Situated in an ancient street of Chengdu, this Starbucks blends right in with its oriental architecture. It is almost indistinguishable to its neighbouring traditional Chinese stores if not for the stylish Starbucks logo proudly suspending on its storefront. With upturned, curved roofs, this outlet adopts from the architectural design of the Han Dynasty and sits as China’s third-largest Starbucks.
The interior is reminiscent of a traditional teahouse with low wooden tables, grey brick floors, and panelled doors. These oriental elements are strategically paired with modern touches such as a stylish circle chandelier and plush chairs, retaining both historical Chinese culture and Starbucks’ sleek touch.
Be sure to try their special Cold Brew Floats, where the carefully crafted smooth brew is fused with creamy sweet ice cream. For the ambitious, Starbucks China has a special Modern Mixology menu dedicated to unique fruit teas. This includes the Pomegranate Midsummer Dream, a caffeine-free tea that induces the flavours of pomegranate with blueberry, or the Blueberry Starry Sky (pictured) which excites your taste buds with sweet tea and bursting pearls.
Address: 22 Zhaixiangzi, 宽窄巷子文化保护区 Qingyang Qu, Chengdu Shi, Sichuan Sheng, China, 610021 (Google Maps)
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:30am – 11pm
9. Dewata Coffee Sanctuary (Bali, Indonesia)
Standing at 20,000 square feet, Bali’s Starbucks Dewata Coffee Sanctuary is the largest Reserve outlet in Southeast Asia. The main reason for this grandiose façade is the 1000 square feet coffee farm growing right in the premise. There is even a seedling nursery on the second floor!
Similar to the farm-to-table concept, the vision Starbucks is working towards is that of a ‘seed-to-cup’ journey. Customers are invited to explore this farm, allowing them a first-hand experience of how the drinks they order came about.
Aside from the unique farm experience, the design of this outlet is a Balinese marvel, with various touches that pay homage to Indonesia’s artistic culture. For instance, the café features a 30-foot hand-carved wooden mural where the engravings depict the history of coffee in Indonesia. The storefront is also a thoughtfully exquisite design made of custom made bricks inspired by movements of Bali’s famous sea waves.
This Starbucks outlet also has exclusive merchandise on sale, with the famed Starbucks bear dressed in traditional Indonesian costumes perfect for a souvenir or as a collector’s item. For coffee-lovers, there is also a tasting room that allows you to sip on fresh coffee that has not gone through a filter.
Adding on to its already long list of merits are exclusive drinks found only in this outlet, which includes the Lavender Latte, a flowery candy-like concoction of milk and espresso, and Origin Flight, a limited Reserve coffee brewed with the Pour Over brewing method. This outlet is indeed a sanctuary for both coffee beans and coffee lovers!
Address: Jl. Sunset Road No.77, Seminyak, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia (Google Maps)
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 8am – 11pm
10. Hualien Bay Mall Starbucks (Hualien City, Taiwan)
Not only does this outlet feature Taiwan’s first drive-through service, but it is also the first Asian Pacific Starbucks to be built from 29 recycled shipping containers. Facing the Pacific Ocean at tourist hotspot Hualien Bay Mall, this two-storey establishment’s architectural decision is in line with Starbucks’ sustainability movement and was envisioned by famed Japanese architect Kengo Kuma.
As explained by Kuma, the inspiration for such a bold design was from “foliage of coffee trees combined with the traditional Chinese bucket arch”. Aside from aestheticism, the stacking of these white shipping boxes creates a taller space that allows natural sunlight to stream into the café through skylights found around the structure.
The geometric space also offers a brightly-painted mural, which is a representation of aboriginal Amis peoples with a deep heritage in Hualien City. Inside, customers can enjoy a warm atmosphere with the view of a beautiful mountain range, or admire the various walls illustrated with coffee graphics.
A beautiful space that not only pleases the eye but also the environment, this store also offers Iced Kenya Coffee Lemonade Fizzo, a dynamic citrus blend first developed for the Taiwanese market, as well as a Watermelon & Lychee Aloe Frappucino perfect for the warm weather in the country now.
Address: No. 231號, Zhongshan Road, Hualien City, Hualien County, Taiwan 970 (Google Maps)
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 7:30am – 10pm
11. Ibn Battuta Mall Starbucks (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
Although not strictly designed by Starbucks per se, its strategic location at the heart of Ibn Battuta Mall offers customers a spectacular view of the mall’s dome ceiling. This high-ceiling dome embellished with Persian-inspired art is accompanied by a warmly lit chandelier directly above the cafe, almost like a spotlight. Also framed by resplendent arches, this café looks undeniably gorgeous, so sit back, relax and sip a coffee!
Address: Ibn Battuta Mall – Dubai – United Arab Emirates (Google Maps)
Opening Hours: Mon–Sun: 8am-12pm
12. Kadikoy Starbucks (Istanbul, Turkey)
Imagine an expansive view of a seafront – the sea breeze tousles your hair while you sip on Starbucks’ signature handcrafted brew, peaceful as life bustles at the waterfront below. Such is the epitome of relaxation for many, and a reality at this four-storey Starbucks located near the Kadikoy Carsi ferry terminal.
Recently remodelled in 2015 to include three new levels, this Starbucks has been around since 2007 and has watched over passengers that cross from Asia to Europe across Istanbul’s Bosphorus Strait. Now, the new height of the shop has allowed for sculptural artwork of an abstracted coffee tree, with its roots starting at the bottom floor and slowly reaching up to the third floor.
Aside from the bigger space, this renovation also revamped its original design by introducing a rooftop terrace to enable customers a dynamic view of the beautiful seas. The banquette seating style within also references that of traditional ferries, a nod to its location. The furnishings also are made of local marble, brass details, terrazzo flooring and teak-like iroko wood inspired by the lively mix of cultures brought upon by the strait.
Special menu items available include the local Double Turkish Coffee that is well-paired with a Caramel Waffle Cheesecake, a unique combination of two delightful desserts.
Address: Bebek Mh., Cevdet Paşa Cd. No:30, 34342 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey (Google Maps)
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 7am – 1am
13. Jewel Changi Starbucks (Singapore)
Not able to travel anytime soon? Not to worry, as our little red dot has its very own Starbucks dressed in troves of greenery and artisanal woodwork, aptly in line with Changi Airport’s garden city theme. With all the anticipation surrounding Shake Shack and A&W in Jewel, this eco-Starbucks is certainly an unexpected gem in the Jewel worth a visit. If not for its peaceful ambience, then for the new exclusive menu available.
For starters, this is the second outlet in Asia to offer the four-tap nitro for both coffee and tea. This expands its drinks menu to include items such as Nitro Caramel Macchiato, Nitro Tropical Fruit Tea and Nitro-Green Tea Latte.
This flagship store has garnered a partnership with Udders, serving Singaporeans with the sweet pairing of homegrown creamery delights and smooth Starbucks espresso. Such a combination can be found in menu items such as Classic Affogato, Cold Brew Float, and Cold Brew Malt.
Adding on to the local flair, the menu becomes more extensive in its food offerings with fusion home favourites such as Hainanese Chicken Rice Quinoa Salad – a medley of cauliflower rice, quinoa, poached chicken slices, achar, cherry tomatoes, chicken skin crisp and chicken rice sauce. Other menu items you can look forward to are Satay Chicken Ciabatta and Tomato & Pulled Beef Croissant.
Address: 78, #01 Airport Blvd, K207 (Google Maps)
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 10am – 10pm
LATEST PRIVILEGES
