Set in a Milanese palazzo (a grand public building) north of the city centre, the concept is a winning combination of a three-room hotel, art gallery, design boutique and cafe-restaurant, and Sozzani has since replicated its success in Tokyo and Seoul.
But unlike some other kissa, where the music takes a backseat to socialising or doing business, this smoky Tokyo institution brings in a crowd of serious listeners, and every chair in the cafe is set up facing the stage.