Tucked under the graceful arches of Mumbai’s iconic Horniman Circle, this Starbucks Reserve is not just a coffee shop—it is a curated experience that fuses architectural nostalgia with modern caffeine elegance. Situated in South Bombay’s Fort district, this outlet sits at the very heart of Mumbai’s colonial core, where Indo-Gothic pillars meet the aroma of freshly ground Arabica.
Opened in October 2022, this flagship outlet is part of Starbucks’ premium Reserve program—serving small-batch, rare single-origin beans brewed with craftsmanship. The moment you step in, the ambience washes over you: polished teakwood floors, colonial-era high ceilings, vintage tiles, arched windows, and soft amber lights reflecting off curated Reserve merch displays. There’s a piano tucked in the corner, brass signage on the counters, and a hushed reverence in the air—almost like a library for coffee lovers.
This particular store spans over 5,200 square feet, making it one of the largest Starbucks outlets in India, and easily among the most beautiful. Set within the 19th-century Elphinstone Building, whose neoclassical facade has witnessed over 150 years of Mumbai’s mercantile evolution, the Starbucks Reserve becomes a bridge between eras—serving third-wave coffee on stones that once echoed with colonial footsteps.
I ordered a cappuccino, and it was precisely what you'd expect from a Reserve outlet—smooth, medium-bodied, with nutty undertones and artfully textured milk. The baristas here are knowledgeable, well-trained, and take genuine pride in their pours. However, the cinnamon roll was a disappointment—dry, underwhelming, and far from the flaky, gooey richness one might hope for, especially in a café of this stature. It felt mass-produced and out of sync with the otherwise high-end offerings. A rare mismatch in an otherwise refined setting.
What truly elevates this location is its ambience. You don’t come here just to sip coffee—you come to soak in the atmosphere. Whether you're seated by the arched window watching the bustle of Horniman Circle fade into the canopy of rain trees, or nestled deeper inside amidst vintage Mumbai maps and heritage décor, the space invites slowness and thought. The acoustics are mellow, conversations are soft, and the background jazz blends like cream into espresso.
For those interested in data: – Seating Capacity: Approx. 90 people – Open hours: 7:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. (daily) – WiFi: Yes, strong and fast – Coffee Origins Featured: Nicaragua, Ethiopia, Colombia, Peru (seasonal rotation) – Brewing Methods Available: Clover®, Chemex, Pour Over, Siphon, Cold Brew
Despite the slip in food quality on this visit, the location, design, service, and Reserve coffee offering make this one of the most aesthetically and emotionally rewarding café experiences in Mumbai. It’s also a subtle tribute to the city’s colonial history, reimagined through the lens of contemporary urban luxury.
If you’re a traveller, this is a must-stop spot—not just for the coffee, but for the conversation between past and present it so...
Read moreWhen it comes to gourmet coffee, Starbucks Reserve is in a class of its own. The coffee is made from Starbucks’ rarest and most exclusive beans, and it is brewed using a special process that brings out the bean’s natural flavors. A cup of Starbucks Reserve coffee can cost upwards of ₹300, but for coffee aficionados, it is worth every penny.
Yes, Starbucks Reserve is more expensive than regular Starbucks. The coffee is made with higher quality beans and is roasted differently to bring out more flavor. The price reflects the extra effort that goes into making the coffee.
What is the difference between Starbucks Reserve and regular cup of joe? A reserve offering is a special allocation of a commodity, such as wine. A variety of characteristics, ingredients, or production methods can help distinguish it. It’s no surprise that Starbucks, which is regarded as the most famous coffee company, has the ability to take reserve coffee to a whole new level. Starbucks Reserve is a coffee that is more specialized, including a cup and a well-crafted, elaborate location in which to sit and chat with baristas. According to Starbucks, the company sells some Reserve coffees as well as seasonal coffees in over 15,000 locations worldwide. Only a few cities offer the more intense Reserve experience.
Reserve coffees from Starbucks are unique and provide a distinct flavor that is unique to the coffeehouse environment. The beans used in these coffees are of a relatively unknown origin, ensuring that each cup has its own flavor. Furthermore, Starbucks Reserve works with cooperative farms to improve cultivation and create beans that are specific to each farm. If you’re looking for a unique coffee experience, Starbucks Reserve is an...
Read moreStarbucks Reserve is a premium line of coffee products offered by Starbucks, and it is known for its high-quality, rare, and unique coffee blends. The Reserve line of coffee is made from carefully selected coffee beans sourced from various regions around the world, and it is roasted in small batches to bring out its distinct flavor profiles.
One of the standout features of Starbucks Reserve is its commitment to sustainable sourcing and ethical farming practices. Starbucks works directly with farmers and suppliers to ensure that the coffee beans are grown in a responsible and sustainable manner, and that the farmers are paid fair wages for their hard work.
Starbucks Reserve offers a wide range of coffee products, including whole bean coffee, ground coffee, and ready-to-drink beverages. The coffee is available in various roast profiles, ranging from light to dark, and each blend has its own unique flavor notes and aroma.
In addition to its coffee products, Starbucks Reserve also offers a unique and immersive coffee bar experience at select locations around the world. The Reserve coffee bars offer a range of exclusive coffee blends and brewing methods, such as the siphon brewing method, which allows customers to experience coffee in a whole new way.
Overall, Starbucks Reserve is a premium line of coffee products that offers high-quality, rare, and unique coffee blends that are carefully sourced and roasted. While it may be more expensive than standard Starbucks coffee, the quality and taste of Starbucks Reserve make it well worth the price for those who appreciate a truly exceptional...
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