Inside New York City's Quest For The Best Matcha
From Soho to Williamsburg, see all of the Internet's favorite spots to get your caffeine fix in NYC.
This summer, influencers, tea enthusiasts, and residents of non-air-conditioned apartments are setting out on a journey across New York City to find the best matcha. The search for the best matcha NYC has to offer is proving to be rather a tricky one, especially given the volume of coffee shops and teahouses spread across the boroughs, but luckily, there are a few spots that stick out among the crowd that serve the premium Japanese green tea in charming cafe settings, usually with plenty of mouthwatering pastries and comforting meals to accompany it.
While there's no denying the allure of an icy cold brew on a sweltering summer day, coffee often proves to be significantly less hydrating than other caffeine alternatives. If you're looking to pack health benefits into your morning caffeine boost, opt for matcha. With powerful antioxidants, unique brain-boosting caffeine compounds, and L-Theanine infused into its chemical makeup, the matcha pros far outweigh those of your typical cup of coffee.
With fresh fruits in season, there's no better time to try out matcha if you haven't come around to it yet. From matcha lattes complimented with sweet strawberry, mango, or blueberry to coconut water infused with matcha to sparkling yuzu matcha soda, the best matcha NYC offers comes in plenty of palatable forms.
Taste, variety, and caffeine levels aside, if you've been noticing your skin has lost its usual glow, switch to matcha. “Compounds such as caffeine and EGCG make matcha the perfect addition to your skincare routine and can be used as a simple face mask to help subdue redness and give your skin a healthy glow," said naturopathic physician Colleen Jones in a 2024 interview with Forbes.
Join L'OFFICIEL as we demystify the best matcha NYC has to offer with a complete list of all of the cafes across the city, ranging from Greenpoint to Midtown, that every matcha lover must try this summer.
Davelle, Lower East Side
Chances are, you've already stumbled across Davelle by way of a scroll through social media. The cafe, located in a snug storefront on the Lower East Side, has gone viral time and time again for its famous checkerboard toasts, comforting curry, and classic Japanese omelets, but visitors also rave about the cafe's matcha, which is light, refreshing, and reinvigorating—especially after a long day of exploring the electrifying neighborhood.
Isshiki, East Village
Whether you're in the mood for a reinvigorating iced drink or a sugary snack, matcha comes in all forms at Isshiki. From frosty lattes made from premium Japanese matcha to airy matcha cheesecake, enjoy a quick stop in at Isshiki between shopping stops or sit down for a chat with your friends in the ultra-chic cafe space. At the end of your visit, Isshiki also offers its own tinned matcha to take home, so you can craft your own drinks at home. Keep an eye out for Isshiki's workshops, where you can learn the art of brewing matcha the traditional way from the experts who make some of the best matcha NYC has.
Kettl Tea, Greenpoint
Kettl, located in Greenpoint, has made the rounds recently as TikTok's leading spot for the best matcha NYC offers. Whether you stop in for a quick morning caffeine fix or opt to reserve a spot at the bar, where an expert will craft a flight of tea blends to enjoy, chances are, your first visit won't be your last.
Kijitora, Williamsburg
Yet another favorite of all of your favorite NYC food, style, and lifestyle influencers, Kijitora, offers premiere matcha in a variety of forms that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. From traditional, pared-back hot matcha tea to strawberry matcha lattes to matcha peach tea fizz drinks, you'll walk away feeling refreshed. If you're looking to grab a bit while enjoying your matcha, visit Kijitora East on Graham Avenue for a selection of onigiri, elevated grilled cheese sandwiches, and matcha affogato.
Not As Bitter, East Village
If you're looking for a spot to take your coffee-favoring friend while still enjoying the best matcha NYC has to offer, opt for Not As Bitter, the new, ultra-trendy spot in the East Village. With aesthetically pleasing labels and cafe ambience—perfect for a prime feature on your Instagram grid—and interesting, experimental drinks like lychee rose coldbrew, a selection of fresh fruit lattes made with espresso and matcha, and pistachio latte, the Internet is raving over the newest addition to the East Village.
PPL, Williamsburg
The next time you find yourself in Williamsburg, stop into PPL, a cozy cafe covered with walls of verdant greenery, modern, minimalist decor, and most important of all, some of the best matcha NYC is home to. With deep, uniquely flavored matcha and a wide selection of drink varieties, PPL is a matcha lover's dream come true.
Semicolon Cafe, Midtown
In between meetings in Midtown or a busy day wandering Fifth Avenue, get your matcha fix at Semicolon Cafe. With plenty of baked goods and quick bites to snack on and an expansive sitting space, sip on the best matcha NYC has.
Sorate, Soho
If you're looking for a refined, sophisticated matcha experience, book a tea ceremony with Sorate, an elegant Soho teahouse that carries high-grade, ethically harvested matcha from a family farm in Kyoto.
Setsugekka, East Village
Eager to try out more top-tier East Village matcha spots? Head to Setsugekka, the cafe famous for its variety of matcha-forward beverages and confections. Like other teahouses that boast the best matcha NYC has, Setsugekka offers tea ceremonies and lessons so on the occasion you can't pop in for an expert-brewed cup, you can make your own at home.
