As of today, Starbucks has a total of six (6) roasteries, the first one is in Seattle and it opened in 2014. In 2017, another roastery opened in Shanghai, and in 2018 two (2) roasteries opened, one in Milan and one in New York City. And, last 2019, another two (2) Starbucks roasteries opened, one in Chicago, Illinois, and where we are right now, The Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo, here in Tokyo, Japan.
First, let us look at the difference between Starbucks, and Starbucks Reserve.
The main difference is the quality of beans being used.
Starbucks stores use regular Starbucks Coffee Beans,
while Starbucks Reserve are using rarer, higher-quality beans that are carefully selected that always usually comes from a single-origin.
On the other hand, Starbucks Reserve Roasteries, aside from being a coffee shop, offers an immersive coffee experience allowing customers to observe the coffee roasting and brewing processes.
Such as here in Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo, not only will you experience a cup of Starbucks Coffee at its best, but also you will experience the beauty of Japan, part of its culture, as well as its architecture.
The Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo is divided into 4 levels or floors.
Our journey will start here, on the first (1st) floor. Here you can purchase and enjoy espresso drinks extracted from the roastery’s very own roasted beans. Here you will also find pizzas, pastries, breads, and all sorts of desserts.
The 2nd floor is a section dedicated to one of Japan’s very important drinks; the Tea. Aside from the pleasure of drinking, this hot drink is also valued for its curative properties. And, to go with your cup of tea, on this floor, you can also buy a lot of pastries and desserts.
The 3rd floor is home to another Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo unique experience, the ARRIVIAMO™ BAR. It is where coffee craft meets alcohol and spirits. They offer craft cocktails, as well as classic, aperitivi, beer, and wine.
And, here is an espresso drink which I’ve never encountered from all other Starbucks locations that I’ve been to. The SHAKERATO – it is an Espresso shaken with a hint of Demerara syrup.
demerara syrup – made from demerara sugar, an unrefined sugar with an earthy caramel and molasses flavor.
The fourth floor, which is the top floor, is the AMU Inspiration Lounge – another unique feature of the Tokyo Roastery.
“amu” – a japanese word (あむ), meaning “knit together”
This intimate space is dedicated for events, casual panel discussions, music jam sessions, coffee tasting, and a space for local community groups to gather.
TOKYO ROASTERY MENU
https://www.starbucksreserve.com/en-us/locations/tokyo/menu
2-19-23 Aobadai Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-0042
Tel: +81-3-6417-0202
Hours of operations may change from time-to-time, so it is best to visit their website at: https://www.starbucksreserve.com/en-us/locations/tokyo
Some Tips:
– Save your seat first before ordering, by leaving an umbrella, handkerchief or towel (this is a usual practice)
– Seats outside the 3rd and 4th floor provides a great view of the Meguro River, especially during Sakura (cherry blossoms)
– Seats at the bar on the 3rd floor are for people ordering from the bar
1 Comment
Is this Starbucks crowded all the time? How about weekdays? What a beautiful place!