Best Matcha NYC: 6 Spots for the Most Flavorful and Fresh Brews

There’s something grounding about stepping away from the rush of the city and savoring a well-crafted matcha. For those who crave more than caffeine—a ritual, a moment, a little green ceremony—the search for the best matcha NYC offers a soothing intersection of wellness and indulgence. Whether you’re a longtime matcha devotee or exploring it as part of your self-care routine, New York has no shortage of sanctuaries.

This article includes:

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Interested in learning more about matcha? Check out 5 Ways Matcha Benefits Your Health.

Let’s get to it!

1. Isshiki

Isshiki, meaning “one color”, offers more than just matcha—it’s a meditation. Their matcha is ceremonial-grade from Uji, Kyoto, with a velvety finish that lingers on the tongue. Enjoy their seasonal menu or a classic latte, iced or hot. You can Visit their East Village café or find their products at a number of locations across NYC and Connecticut. Pro tip: get the strawberry matcha.

Location: East Village (located inside Moko Sushi)

Check out Isshiki.

2. Kettl

Kettl is more than just a matcha company—it’s a living expression of Japanese tea culture. With a strong focus on education, Kettl offers hands-on classes that guide guests through the art of crafting the perfect matcha latte and brewing loose-leaf tea with care. By packing their teas at their Fukuoka, Japan headquarters and milling matcha fresh in-house, they ensure unparalleled quality and freshness in every cup.

Location: Visit the Kettle flagship in Brooklyn or their Bowery café

Check out Kettl.

3. Cha-An Teahouse: Matcha Meets Dessert Artistry

Cha-An was has a long-standing tradition of omotenashi (“whole-hearted hospitality”) at its core. With a list of teas from around the world, specifically matchas and senchas from Japan, as well as a selection of tea-forward treats and desserts, Cha-An is the perfect NYC haven for tea-lovers.

Location: East Village

Check out Cha-An Teahouse.

4. Kijitora: The Boutique Café Worth Savoring

Kijitora curates a refined menu of matcha lattes and pour-overs, featuring small-batch Japanese matcha that balances bitterness and bloom.

Location: Multiple locations in Williamsburg and the East Village

Check out Kijitora.

5. Matcha Café Maiko

Originating in Hawaii, Matcha Café Maiko has made a name across the U.S. for their quality matcha imported directly from Uji, Japan. Their matcha soft serve is a must, with a rich, vibrant, and umami-forward flavor. Top it with mochi, gold flakes, or red bean for the ultimate dessert.

Location: Bowery

Check out Matcha Café Maiko.

6. 12 Matcha: The Destination for Everyday Ritual

Located in NoHo, 12 Matcha is for those seeking quality and calm aesthetics. With a formidable pastry chef and ivy league food scientist on the team, their pure approach to matcha makes the cafe a must-try in the city!

Location: NoHo

Check out 12 Matcha.

Final Thoughts on the Best Matcha NYC

Finding the best matcha NYC is as much about vibe as it is about quality. From minimalist havens to dessert-forward delights, the city’s matcha scene is beautifully diverse. Whether you seek quiet reflection or a midweek indulgence, these cafés offer more than just tea—they offer a moment to come home to yourself. Here’s to making space for stillness, one matcha at a time.

Next, check out our SoHo Shopping Guide.

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FAQ: Best Matcha NYC: 6 Spots for the Most Flavorful and Fresh Brews

1. What is matcha?

Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves. Unlike steeped tea, matcha is whisked into water or milk, so you consume the entire leaf—resulting in a richer flavor and higher concentration of nutrients.

2. What does matcha taste like?

Matcha has a rich, earthy flavor with subtle sweetness and a hint of bitterness. High-quality matcha tastes smooth, grassy, and slightly creamy, often described as umami. Lower-grade matcha may taste more astringent or bitter.

3. Does matcha have caffeine?

4. What are the benefits of matcha?

Matcha is packed with antioxidants—especially catechins like EGCG—which support cellular health, metabolism, and immunity. It also helps promote mental clarity, provides gentle energy, and can aid in reducing inflammation. Many people incorporate it into their wellness and mindfulness routines.

5. How can you tell if matcha is good quality?

Look for a vibrant, almost neon green color, fine texture, and fresh, grassy aroma. Good matcha should taste smooth and not overly bitter. Origin also matters—matcha from regions like Uji or Fukuoka in Japan is often considered top-tier.

6. What is ceremonial grade matcha?

Ceremonial grade matcha is the highest quality, traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies. It’s made from the youngest tea leaves, stone-ground to a fine powder, and meant to be consumed on its own with water—not mixed into lattes or baked goods. It offers a delicate, nuanced flavor and velvety finish.

7. Why is matcha so expensive?

Matcha is labor-intensive to produce. The best leaves are shade-grown, hand-picked, and stone-milled in small batches. Premium matcha also comes from specific regions in Japan with centuries of tea-growing expertise. This level of care and craftsmanship contributes to its higher price—but also to its exceptional quality and flavor.

Best Matcha NYC: 6 Spots for the Most Flavorful Brews