Starbucks Coffee - Kaiyukan — Restaurant in Osaka

I’ve never experienced such rudeness at a Starbucks before. I stopped in to make a purchase—a mug, which by the way was not cheap—and afterward, I politely requested a venti cup of ice water. What I received instead was a lesson in how not to treat paying customers.

The barista not only refused to give me ice in the VERY SMALL CUP of WARM water, but did so with a tone so curt and dismissive it bordered on hostility. No explanation, no courtesy, just a flat, condescending “we don’t do that”—as if asking for ice in a cup of water was some outrageous demand. I wasn't looking for special treatment, just basic decency and the kind of customer service Starbucks is supposedly known for. Instead, I got passive-aggressive attitude and a lukewarm sip of indifference.

I worked at Starbucks in the USA for 6 years as a barista and a shift supervisor and I would NEVER have gotten away with treating a customer like this.

To be clear: I had just spent money in the store, I wasn’t loitering, and my request was well within reason. But the way it was handled—cold, rude, and unnecessarily confrontational—left me shocked. If this is the standard now, it’s not just disappointing—it’s embarrassing for the brand.

Starbucks, do better. Train your staff to treat customers with basic respect. Until then, I’ll be taking my coffee—and my business—elsewhere.

Very...

Kaiyukan branch is consistently excellent. The quality is exactly what you’d expect — but elevated by the outstanding Japanese standard of service: warm, efficient, and always professional.

It’s slightly tucked away but easy enough to find, located just next to the Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan). The area is lively, with plenty to see and do, making this café a convenient and enjoyable stop during a day out.

One of the subtle highlights here is the nautical-themed design, which ties in nicely with the nearby aquarium and harbor setting. It’s thoughtfully done — nothing over-the-top, but it adds a unique local character. If you sit by the windows or outside, you can even watch ships pass by, which adds a peaceful, almost meditative vibe to your coffee break.

The menu is more extensive than what I’m used to elsewhere, with a great range of drinks, seasonal offerings, and food items — including some Japan-exclusive options worth trying.

Whether you’re looking for a place to unwind, meet friends, or just enjoy a high-quality drink with a nice view, this Starbucks delivers. A great addition to your visit to the...

Very nice staff. I'm visiting with my father and asked if they could recommend a place to try good ramen and she wrote down two different restaurants with what we should order from them. Then after we sat down she came over a few minutes later with a third option that she said was her personal favorite. We're going there 😊 I love staff that helps out even when it's not...