Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo was the largest Starbucks store in the world for several months. When it opened in early 2019, the huge 32,000 sq ft, four-storey roastery / cafe overtook the one in Shanghai to claim the largest Starbucks store title. But they did not hold it for long. The current holder of largest Starbucks cafe in the world title is the 35,000 sq ft Chicago Reserve Roastery which opened in November 2019.
The four storey building looks best at night when it sparkles like a gem when viewed from the banks of the Meguro River (picture above). This river, lined with sakura cherry blossom trees, is one of the top places to view the cherry blossoms in spring.
Inside Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo
The interior of Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo is even more interesting. In addition to the coffee areas we expect to see at a Starbucks cafe, there is a large roastery, a bakery, a bar and a tea tasting area are interwoven. The roastery looks like a factory with roasting machines, copper pipes carrying roasted beans from the cask to the coffee silos and packaging machines. It looks like a scene from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.
The Main Area
The main area starts from the main entrance on the ground floor. This part looks like a upsized version of the regular Starbucks, but with more fancy coffee machines. The main bar is the place to sit and observe the baristas working on espresso drinks and signature creations. The manufacturing continues quietly in the background.
Princi Bakery
An Italian bakery created ensures that there is a constant supply of freshly baked bread to go with the coffee.
Teavana Bar
Tea drinkers are not forgotten at Starbucks Tokyo. The Teavana Bar is a place to “…experience tea reimagined through mixology, tea-inspired cocktails and unique brewing systems”.
Clacker Board
Like every other Reserve Roastery, Tokyo has its own Clacker Board. Singapore Changi Airport has a gigantic one which they are thinking of retiring. I hope they do not proceed with it as it is such a beautiful piece.
Arriviamo Bar
For those who prefer something stronger than coffee and tea, there is the Arriviamo Bar on the third floor. Here, “.. coffee, tea and spirits are combined with artistic sensibility, calculated recipes and artisinal techniques, inviting you to a world of original cocktails and coffee creations“.
Seats
The Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo is certainly a place to visit, not only for those who like coffee, but also to just admire the design of the place. I like how the coffee making process, from raw beans to packaged roast beans are made in full view of the consumers. The seats were however not as nice. Most were in the form of stools. Those who are fortunate can find chairs with backrests. But the place could do with nicer furniture for the customers.
Our Coffee
We had gone to Starbucks after of dinner at Seirinkan Pizza Restaurant in the area. After our tour of the place we settled down to have some coffee and dessert. The cappuccino costs 680 yen. It was a large cup and was very good. I am not sure how Starbucks Reserve Roastery coffee compares to regular Starbucks as it has been a while since I visited any Starbucks store. The tiramisu was very good – moist, creamy and not too sweet.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo
2-19-23 Aobadai
Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-0042
Directions
Tel” +81-3-6417-0202
Opening Hours: Daily 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM
The Ordinary Patrons | Real Dining Experience of Ordinary People
an independent Singapore food blog
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