Ready to get overcaffeinated on matcha green tea? I’ve gathered some of the best places to eat and drink the tasty green stuff in New York City.
From basic iced matcha lattes to elaborate matcha desserts, my picks are listed from downtown to midtown.
Takahachi Bakery
A Japanese bakery in Tribeca where I like to get their delicious iced matcha latte and grab some savory baked goods and desserts like the rolled matcha crepe.
25 Murray Street | New York, NY 10007 | 212-791-5550
The Little One
A new dessert shop with Japanese sweets like monaka ice cream sandwiches and matcha shaved ice. Try to stop yourself from getting everything on the menu.
150 East Broadway | New York, NY 10002
Taiyaki NYC
You’ve probably seen their fish-shaped waffle cone topped with matcha soft serve ice cream. It’s Instagram heaven.
119 Baxter Street | New York, NY 10013 | 212.966.2882
Bonsai Kakigori
Kakigori is Japanese shaved ice and inside Canal Street Market is where you can get one. It’s hard to pick a flavor since they all look great but the matcha kakigori is pretty damn good.
263A Canal Street | New York, NY 10013 | 413.854.8444
Chalait
Chalait is all about matcha beverages — matcha Arnold Palmer, matcha hot chocolate, or a matcha latte — they’re all good. I always say I’ll try something new on the savory menu but I always get the Kyoto Salmon Bowl which I’m addicted to. They have three locations but I like the West Houston Street location the best.
299 West Houston Street | New York, NY 10014 | 646.922.8436
Setsugekka East Village
Ok, so I’ve tried to go three times and each time it was closed. I kind of gave up on it but putting this list together is reminding me I should go try it out. Keeping my fingers crossed it’s not closed again! Traditional matcha is prepared by an award-winning tea master. The matcha tasting of three different kinds of matcha caught my eye.
74 East 7th Street | New York, NY 10003 | 646.895.9586
Cha-An Teahouse
A popular Japanese cafe in the East Village I’ve been going to for years. It’s nice and cozy and their matcha desserts are always good. Get the matcha parfait if it’s available.
2nd floor | 230 East 9th Street | New York, NY 10003 | 212.228.8030
Spot Dessert Bar
Spot Dessert Bar is always filled with high school and college kids looking for a sweet fix. They have matcha based desserts on the menu but I like their “Golden Toast” which is really really good but doesn’t even have a hint of matcha.
13 St. Marks Place | New York, NY 10003 | 212.677.5670
Boba Guys
My favorite place for bubble tea, Boba Guys makes their drinks with house-made syrups instead of powders so you can really taste the difference. Give the pretty Strawberry Matcha Latte a try.
11 Waverly Place | New York, NY 10003 | 415.967.2622
Dominique Ansel Kitchen
What I get every time I go — Mini Matcha Beignets. Eat it right away when it’s toasty hot!
137 7th Ave South | New York, NY 10014 | 212.242.5111
Besfren
I like Besfren’s matcha and non-matcha desserts and they took it up a level with their matcha and taro soft serve swirl.
315 5th Avenue | New York, NY 10016 | 212.685.1003
Grace Street
Grace Street does an interesting milkier version of shaved ice. They call it shaved snow and it’s like shaved ice and ice cream in one. The matcha shaved snow comes with red bean, taro, honey boba, and condensed milk.
17 West 32nd Steet | New York, NY 10001 | 646.612.3821
Ippodo Tea Co.
This place is legit. My go-to place in New York City for matcha, I like their Usucha (thin matcha) but get the thick version, Koicha, to compare. They prepare the drinks in front of you so that’s fun to watch (and learn).
125 East 39th Street | New York, NY 10016 | 212.370.0609
Bibble & Sip
Famous for their cream puffs, the matcha one is definitely one to make a detour for.
253 West 51st Street | New York, NY 10019 | 646.649.5116
If you’re looking to make your own matcha drinks and desserts, of course you don’t need to look further than the ones here:
Matcha Shaved Ice
Matcha Latte Granita
Iced Matcha Watermelon
Mini Matcha Golden Toast
Matcha Banana “Ice Cream”