JJ ACUNA / BESPOKE STUDIO
Coffeelin Central
Hong Kong

Building on the success of its Happy Valley debut, JJ Acuna / Bespoke Studio collaborates with Coffeelin for the opening new iconic locations, with one unique destination in Central and Fortress Hill, each adding depth to the brand’s Milanese-inspired coffee-to-cocktail experience. Known as Asia’s exclusive purveyor of GRISO coffee beans from Milan, Coffeelin offers patrons a sophisticated journey into Italy’s celebrated coffee culture. These new locations continue to intertwine Italian heritage with Hong Kong’s cosmopolitan spirit, offering more than just a café, but a full immersion into Italian culinary tradition and ambiance.

A Milanese Coffee Experience, Rooted in Heritage

Since its opening in June 2021, Coffeelin has captured the spirit of Milanese coffee culture, inspired by the communal, day-to-night café scene in Italy’s fashion capital. As the exclusive carrier of Milan’s coveted GRISO beans, Coffeelin has introduced Hong Kong’s coffee connoisseurs to an unparalleled range of rich, aromatic brews that reflect the craftsmanship and history behind Italian coffee making. GRISO, sourced from select, family-owned plantations and roasted in the heart of Milan, represents the pinnacle of Italian coffee, cultivated with care and roasted to bring out its unique, full-bodied flavor.

More than just a coffee shop, Coffeelin brings to life a full Milanese experience. By day, patrons enjoy refined coffee crafted from GRISO beans, accompanied by an array of Italian-inspired snacks and light bites. By night, Coffeelin transforms into a chic cocktail bar where guests can savor inventive cocktails and enjoy the spirit of Milan’s vibrant nightlife.

Coffeelin Central: A Sophisticated Taverna Tribute

Expanding on Coffeelin’s Italian roots, Coffeelin Central reimagines the concept of a taverna, inspired by the rich family legacy of the brand. Drawing from memories of a grandchild’s visits to his Zio’s rustic taverna, Coffeelin Central integrates elements that feel both nostalgic and refined. Terra cotta floor tiles, textured walls, captivating ceiling murals, and warm oak furnishings transform the space into a modern taverna that echoes a cozy Italian hometown. An inviting indoor-outdoor setting with group sharing tables encourages the lively spirit of taverna culture, fostering a space for shared stories, meals, and experiences. At its heart, a signature open bar celebrates Coffeelin’s identity as a gathering place for coffee and cocktails, where patrons can indulge in an authentic Italian ambiance within Hong Kong’s vibrant Central district.

Coffeelin: A Growing Legacy of Italian Coffee and Culinary Craftsmanship

"We are thrilled to bring two new Coffeelin locations to Hong Kong, each honouring different facets of Milanese family heritage and coffee culture,” shares JJ Acuña, creative director for the studio. “Our mission is to provide an environment where guests feel part of the Coffeelin family, experiencing not just our Italian coffee and cocktails but also the traditions and stories that make the brand unique.”

With the new locations opened in 2024, Coffeelin Central and Fortress Hill are poised to expand Hong Kong’s Italian coffee landscape, providing immersive spaces that reflect both Italian tradition and contemporary cosmopolitan flair. By fostering environments that bring people together over quality coffee, food, and drink, Coffeelin cements its position as a destination for anyone seeking a taste of Italy’s rich culinary and cultural heritage.

"We are thrilled to bring new Coffeelin locations to Hong Kong, with every project honouring different facets of a Milanese family heritage and coffee culture. Our mission is to provide an environment where guests feel part of the Coffeelin family, experiencing not just our Italian coffee and cocktails but also the traditions and stories that make the brand unique." Says JJ Acuna

Coffeelin Central
Interior Design
JJ Acuna / Bespoke Studio
Design Leads
James JJ Acuna, Kristy Fong, & Dominic Cheung
Design Team
Decena Villanueva, Eric C. Marasigan, and Alex Abiog
Date of Completion
July 2024
Site Photography
Steven Ko Photography