5 Best Places for Matcha in NYC

New York City’s matcha scene is a vibrant blend of tradition and innovation, offering everything from ceremonial-grade teas to inventive desserts that showcase the earthy, umami-rich flavor of high-quality Japanese matcha. Whether you’re a purist seeking a perfectly whisked bowl or a foodie craving creative lattes and sweets, NYC’s top matcha spots deliver exceptional experiences.

From cozy tea houses to sleek cafés, these five destinations—12 Matcha, Kettl Tea, Cha-An Tea House, Matchaful, and Spot Dessert Bar—stand out for their premium ingredients, unique preparations, and inviting atmospheres, making them must-visits for matcha lovers in the city.

Here’s a curated list of some of the best spots in New York City for matcha, based on quality, authenticity, and unique offerings, with their addresses and descriptions. These recommendations prioritize places known for high-quality matcha sourced from Japan, creative preparations, and standout vibes, drawing from recent sources and reviews!

12 Matcha
Address: 359 Bowery, New York, NY 10012
Opened in 2025, 12 Matcha is NYC’s buzziest new matcha-only café in Noho, sourcing super-premium matcha from Japan’s Hotta family, with a 180-year tea-making legacy. The café, designed with sleek aesthetics and charcoal-filtered water tanks, emphasizes mindfulness in matcha preparation. Their iced matcha latte is creamy, thick, and grassy, with a deep green hue, while the matcha Basque cheesecake, crafted by Noma’s Francisco Migoya, balances savory matcha with creamy texture. Expect lines due to its popularity, but the quality justifies the wait. Perfect for purists and dessert lovers alike.

Kettl Tea
Address: 70 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222; 348 Bowery, New York, NY 10012
Kettl specializes in Japanese teas, offering some of the finest matcha in NYC. Their house-ground matcha, milled on-site at the Greenpoint location, is a standout for its vibrant flavor. They provide drinks to-go and curated tasting bar experiences by reservation. The matcha is sourced directly from top Japanese suppliers, ensuring authenticity. Try the matcha latte or straight matcha for a pure, energizing experience. The Bowery location is convenient for Manhattanites, while Greenpoint offers a unique glimpse into their milling process.

Cha-An Tea House
Address: 230 E 9th St, New York, NY 10003
A beloved East Village spot, Cha-An offers an authentic Japanese tea house experience with a focus on matcha. Known for its ceremonial-grade matcha, served traditionally or in creative drinks like lattes, it pairs beautifully with their sweets and savories. The adjacent Cha-An BonBon is ideal for grab-and-go matcha drinks. The ambiance is cozy, with a nod to Japanese aesthetics, and it’s famous for its luxurious women’s bathroom with high-tech toilets. Try the matcha creme puffs or a classic matcha tea for a refined experience.

Matchaful
Address: Multiple locations, including 276 Canal St, New York, NY 10013 (Soho); 75 Kenmare St, New York, NY 10012 (Nolita)
Matchaful is a female-founded café known for premium, ceremonial-grade Japanese matcha and creative concoctions. Their drinks, like the Ginger Zing (matcha with ginger, turmeric, and macadamia milk) or Lavender Dream (with coconut water and lavender foam), blend bold flavors with wellness-focused ingredients. The Soho location features a modern space with green creepers, while Nolita offers a cozy vibe. Fans rave about the smooth, earthy matcha and attentive staff. Ideal for those seeking innovative drinks and a health-conscious vibe.

Spot Dessert Bar
Address: 13 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003
Located between East Village and Noho, Spot Dessert Bar is a must-visit for matcha dessert lovers. Their signature Matcha Lava Cake, with gooey green tea ganache and green tea ice cream, is a social media sensation for its indulgent flavor and photogenic presentation. The Matcha Waterfall, a moist matcha cake with creamy custard, is another hit. The underground location often has lines, but the creative desserts and vibrant matcha drinks make it worth the wait. Perfect for a sweet matcha fix.

Tips for Visiting

• These spots were selected for their high-quality matcha, unique offerings, and reputation among locals and critics.
• Prices for drinks typically range from $7–$10, with desserts slightly higher, though exact costs may vary.
• For the most authentic experience, look for places like 12 Matcha or Kettl, which prioritize traditional preparation and sourcing. For creative twists, Matchaful and Spot Dessert Bar shine.
• Always check hours and availability, as some locations (e.g., 12 Matcha) may have long lines or limited seating.

Chalait

Nestled on a corner of the West Village, Chalait is a cozy teahouse serving specialty Japanese matcha from the hills of Uji. I couldn’t wait to visit the café and try my very first matcha tea latte – from the best region of Japan, no less! The concept of Chalait is quite simple, to bring traditional matcha to center of the western world: New York City. Cha means “tea” in Japanese and Lait means “milk” in French.

The line was practically out the door, but I finally ordered a small Matcha Tea Latte and the Ultimate Breakfast Sandwich – a croissant with egg, ham, cheese and arugula. While the matcha is certainly a little bitter at first taste, the milk helps to sweeten the flavor, and by the second sip, it’s divine! Matcha also works wonders for your health, as it is quite rich in antioxidants.

Chalait
224 West 4th Street
New York, NY 10014

Mon-Fri 7am-7pm, Sat-Sun 8am-7pm