Vannelli Coffee: A Taste of Italy in Tokyo
Vannelli Coffee, a prestigious specialty coffee brand, is making waves by preparing to launch its first-ever flagship store in Omotesando, Tokyo, on February 1, 2026. This brand is spearheaded by the talented Vannelli brothers: Giacomo Vannelli, a three-time participant in the world-renowned World Barista Championship, and Pietro Vannelli, the youngest European champion in the World Latte Art Championship. Their remarkable accomplishments in the field lay a solid foundation for this exciting new venture.
Having previously operated a barista academy and sold coffee beans through online platforms and coffee shops, the Vannelli brothers recognize that a brick-and-mortar location is the next step in their journey. Collaborating with Kobayashi Woodworks, a company from Miki City, Hyogo Prefecture, they are bringing their vision of coffee culture to Japan, merging coffee excellence with craftsmanship.
The idea for the flagship store was born when Tomohiro Kobayashi, the head of Kobayashi Woodworks, visited Italy. Despite the divergence of their industries—coffee and furniture—Kobayashi found common ground in the respect both fields share for craftsmanship. This pivotal moment prompted the establishment of Vannelli Coffee Japan in 2023, which began with e-commerce and pop-up shop initiatives.
The Omotesando flagship store will elevate the experience of specialty coffee, aligning with Vannelli Coffee's ethos of transforming coffee into a true cultural experience. The aim is to cultivate a new appreciation for coffee in Japan while offering a unique cafe experience that captures the essence of Italian coffee culture.
The Vannelli brothers expressed their sentiments regarding the upcoming store opening: “This is not merely the birth of a new shop; it signifies an extraordinary moment reflecting our mutual respect for traditions, quality, and craftsmanship that transcends geographical distances. It symbolizes the celebration of the remarkable commonalities between Japan and Italy.”
At the flagship location, patrons can expect a carefully curated selection of world-class coffees personally vetted by Giacomo, who is an award-winning roaster recognized for his exceptional expertise. The lineup will prominently feature Gesha, a coffee variety known for its exquisite aroma and impressive flavor profile. Notably difficult to cultivate, Gesha is also esteemed by coffee connoisseurs for its unique, fruity flavors. Additionally, the store will introduce limited-edition premium coffees created specifically for the Japanese market, as well as Italian-inspired sweets that perfectly complement each brew.
The store’s design, conceptualized in Italy, offers a simple yet modern space to enhance the enjoyment of coffee. Custom fixtures by Kobayashi Woodworks include a movable showcase integrated into the counter, showcasing their distinctive approach as a furniture maker. Customers can experience a special cup in this thoughtfully curated environment, reflecting the extraordinary artistry of Italian baristas.
Through this unique coffee experience, the Vannelli brothers aim to convey a rich narrative of passion, craftsmanship, and cultural identity within every cup, thus advancing the specialty coffee culture globally.
A Message from the Vannelli Brothers
Giacomo and Pietro Vannelli invite coffee lovers to partake in an exciting new chapter in their journey, introducing a project that transcends borders to weave culture together. Their vision of specialty coffee as a true cultural experience now becomes a tangible reality with the opening of their first permanent store in Japan.
Giacomo holds a distinguished record, with victories in both the Italian Barista Championship and the Italian Brewing Championship, alongside multiple participations in international competitions. Meanwhile, Pietro, who made history by becoming the youngest latte art champion, brings his creative flair and passion for coffee to the table as the head roaster of Vannelli Coffee.
Japan will serve as the flagship for Vannelli Coffee in Asia, with aspirations to become a leading global reference point in specialty coffee culture. Through this collaboration, the Vannelli brothers hope to kindle excitement and appreciation for specialty coffee while forging a bridge between Italian and Japanese coffee cultures. They eagerly await the unveiling of Vannelli Coffee Japan and the new experiences it promises to offer.
Store Details
- - Opening Date: February 1, 2026
- - Official Name: Vannelli Coffee
- - Seating Capacity: 12 seats + 6 terrace seats
- - Address: 3-5-9 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- - Operating Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Irregular Holidays)
- - Website: vannelli-japan.jp
- - Official SNS: @vannelli.japan
With the vision of Giacomo and Pietro Vannelli at its helm, customers are in for an unparalleled coffee experience that celebrates the cultural richness of Italy, right in Tokyo.