Gastown is full of cafes pouring beans from other people’s roasters. Milano is the exception: this is a Vancouver roaster’s own espresso lounge, and it’s where locals go when they want to taste espresso the way the people who roasted it intended. If most of Gastown is about pour-over and pastries, Milano is about the shot.
Milano Espresso Lounge at a glance
| Address | 36 Powell Street, Vancouver, BC |
| Neighbourhood | East Gastown, between Carrall and Columbia |
| Type | Roaster-owned espresso bar |
| Known for | Espresso, award-winning house blends, bags of beans |
| Best for | Espresso lovers, quick stand-up shots, buying beans |
| Price | $–$$ |
| Nearest SkyTrain | Waterfront Station (about 12 minutes on foot) |
Location and getting there
Milano is on the first block of Powell Street, just past Maple Tree Square at the eastern end of Gastown. The Birds & The Beets is a few doors away and Nelson the Seagull is a minute’s walk around the corner on Carrall. Walk the length of Water Street from Waterfront Station and keep going past the Gassy Jack statue.
What Milano offers
- Espresso: The main event. Milano roasts a range of espresso blends with an Italian sensibility, and several have won awards. Its La Futura blend in particular has a following and works both as a straight shot and in a latte.
- Milk drinks: Cappuccinos and lattes that let the espresso lead.
- Beans: Bags of Milano’s blends and single origins to take home, often the main reason regulars stop in.
- Light snacks: A small selection of baked goods.
Who’s behind it
Milano is led by owner and master roaster Brian Turko, who has been roasting in Vancouver for decades. The company also runs a Mount Pleasant cafe on West 8th Avenue and is behind Turk’s Coffee Bar on Commercial Drive. That roots-first approach shows: the staff talk about blends and extraction rather than seasonal syrups.
The vibe
Unfussy and grown-up. It’s less of a hangout than some Gastown rooms, and more of a place to stand at the bar, have a shot, talk about coffee and head out. There’s seating if you want to linger, and the pace is calmer than the Water Street cafes.
What to order
- The test: A straight espresso on the house blend.
- With milk: A small cappuccino.
- Take-home: A bag of La Futura or whichever blend the barista recommends for your machine.
Who it’s best for
Home espresso people will love it, because you can taste a blend here before committing to a bag. It’s also good for anyone who likes traditional Italian-style espresso more than bright, fruity third-wave shots. If you want brunch or a laptop session, pair it with a sit-down cafe nearby.
How it compares with nearby cafes
Most Gastown cafes pour beans from elsewhere; Revolver rotates many roasters, while Milano and Timbertrain serve their own. Milano’s style is rounder, chocolatey and more traditional; Timbertrain leans lighter and more modern. Try both and see which you prefer.
Tips from a regular
- Ask the barista to dial in a shot of a different blend if you’re shopping for beans.
- East Gastown is lively; it’s a great start to a walk toward Chinatown and Strathcona.
- Pair with a toast at Nelson the Seagull for the perfect east Gastown morning.
Find Milano Espresso Lounge
- Address: 36 Powell Street, Vancouver, BC
- Neighbourhood: Gastown
- Map: Open Milano Espresso Lounge in Google Maps
Hours change seasonally, so confirm on the café’s own channels before you visit.
Nearby cafes
- The Birds & The Beets, a few doors away on Powell.
- Nelson the Seagull and East Van Roasters on Carrall.
- Sadacci Cafe on East Cordova.
Explore more
Visit Milano’s other cafe in our Milano Mount Pleasant profile, plan a morning with the Gastown cafe guide, and read our roast levels guide to understand what makes an espresso blend.
Frequently asked questions
Does Milano roast its own coffee?
Yes. Milano is a Vancouver coffee roaster, and the Powell Street lounge serves its own blends.
What is Milano’s La Futura?
One of Milano’s best-known espresso blends, popular both as a straight shot and in milk drinks.
Can I buy Milano beans in Gastown?
Yes, bags of Milano coffee are sold at the Powell Street espresso lounge.
Last checked November 2026. Hours and menus change, so check the cafe’s own website or Instagram before you go. Spot something out of date? Let us know.
