BARISTART COFFEE Sapporo Review: Is the Hokkaido Milk Latte Worth It?

BARISTART COFFEE

Sapporo Cafe

Hokkaido is legendary for its dairy products, a fact well-known to many. And nestled within Sapporo is BARISTART COFFEE, a cafe that's gained quite a reputation for its unique take on coffee. Honestly, during my first visit to Sapporo, I walked right past it, completely unaware of its fame...

Unmistakable Popularity

It wasn't the queue that first caught my eye, as there wasn't one then. Instead, it was the groups of international tourists, at least three different teams, stopping to take photos in front of the cafe as I walked by. 'Is this some famous Sapporo spot?' I wondered, but being my first day in the city, dragging my luggage to my accommodation, I didn't stop to investigate. The thought of visiting simply didn't cross my mind at that moment.

Then, the very next day, I passed by again and there it was – a line! It was clear then that this really was a famous spot in Sapporo worth checking out. Still, with my packed itinerary, I couldn't stop, so I promised myself a return visit for a future trip.

A Return Visit in 2026

Finally, a year later, in 2026, I made a dedicated trip back to Sapporo specifically to visit BARISTART COFFEE. By then, its reputation had grown even further, with local tour guides even recommending it as a must-visit. I knew I had to experience it for myself.

BARISTART COFFEE

BARISTART COFFEE

Hours: 10:00 AM ~ 6:00 PM

Location: Daini Building, 1F, NKC1-4 Minami 1-jo Nishi 4-chome 8-banchi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido

The Sapporo Cafe with Four Milk Choices

What makes BARISTART COFFEE truly unique is the option to choose both your coffee beans and, more notably, your milk from four distinct types, each with its own flavor profile. While the price point is a bit higher than your average coffee shop, the customization is certainly intriguing.

The interior of the shop is quite small and cozy. Most customers opt for takeout, but there's a small bar counter if you prefer to enjoy your drink inside. I chose to sip mine right there at the bar.

I started with their recommended combination: a latte made with Biei milk and Ethiopian beans. And honestly?

Hmm.

I couldn't quite grasp what made it so special. (In fact, I was completely stumped.) While I generally prefer Americanos over lattes, I still had high hopes for a place so renowned in Sapporo. I expected a unique flavor profile, but I just didn't find it. Perhaps the creaminess of the latte actually overshadowed the distinct richness of the milk? If I had been with a friend, we could have shared our thoughts or even swapped drinks for comparison, but traveling solo, that wasn't an option.

Still, I was convinced there had to be *something* to the hype, so I returned the very same day! My first visit was before lunch, and after eating, I came back for another try.

This time, I tried a different combination: Robusta beans with Ito Farm milk (option number 4). And wow, this one was even less to my liking... it was far too bitter! It truly left me questioning why this place is so famous. Is it only true latte enthusiasts who can appreciate it?

As I write this, I've looked up other reviews, and it seems many people share a similar sentiment, finding it to be