Matcha is having a moment right now, and for good reason. This Japanese green tea powder contains a variety of beneficial compounds, such as antioxidants, polyphenols, and amino acids, which have the potential to help lower blood pressure, protect against inflammation, and improve concentration.
Another possible perk? While matcha does contain caffeine, many proponents claim it doesn’t cause the same jitters as coffee thanks to L-theanine, a calming amino acid found in it. So, you may notice a more gentle alertness when you sip on this vibrant green tea versus when you down a traditional coffee beverage.
While many cafes have jumped on the trend, not all matcha lattes are made equal. That’s why we dived into the New York City scene, and noted some of the best ones around.
Verse
Verse is a Japanese cafe serving standout matcha on an unassuming block in Astoria, Queens. The signature menu includes an iced matcha latte with housemade strawberry jam and an Earl Grey lavender matcha latte, which can be made hot or iced.
You can also order coffee drinks as well as food items, including an egg sando, smoked salmon toast, ham and brie croissant, and assorted sweet pastries. 28-13 Astoria Blvd., Astoria, Queens, no website
Matchaful
Matchaful’s New York City cafes take inspiration from wabi-sabi interiors and have a calm design to help you escape the city’s intensity for a moment or two. The company works directly with a sustainably-operated Japanese tea farm to source its matcha.
The cafe menu features a variety of matcha lattes infused with ingredients that have an added health boost, such as the Earth Glow latte with spirulina and Oishii Berry latte with beet juice powder. Matchaful also sells delicious plant-based, gluten-free treats. Multiple locations, matchaful.com
Kettl
Zach and Minami Mangan started Kettl with the goal of bringing the best teas from Japan over to the United States. In addition to being able to shop the matcha selection online, you can also visit Kettl’s cafe in northern Brooklyn for a drink.
Choose from a few different premium matchas, each with a slightly different flavor profile, and grab a sweet treat while you’re at it. 70 Greenpoint Ave., Greenpoint, Brooklyn, kettle.co
Kijitora
This cat-themed cafe brings a playful twist to the matcha trend. While the whimsical interior and feline branding add to the charm, the drinks at Kijitora are just as appealing as the aesthetic.
The menu features a variety of matcha lattes, including flavored options that strike a nice balance between earthy and sweet, such as the iced strawberry and ice mango matcha lattes. Don’t pass up purchasing some fun cat-centric merch while you’re at it. Multiple locations, kijitorabrooklyn.com
Choji
Head to the East Village for the most creative matcha flavor pairings. Some of the standout drinks include matcha fig cream, matcha creme brulee, and banana pudding matcha. If you’re afraid of a sugar overload, don’t fret: You can customize the sweetness level of your drink to suit your tastes. Choji is tiny inside, making it ideal for a quick stop or a grab-and-go matcha treat. 46 E. 8th St., East Village, instagram.com/chojiverse
12 Matcha
12 Matcha opened in 2025 and has quickly gained a following, with lines regularly out the door. This sleek matcha cafe lets high-quality ingredients speak for themselves.
A menu of matcha Americanos, matcha cappuccinos, and matcha lattes is curated to highlight the tea’s natural flavor. Whatever beverage you choose, you can expect the premium matcha to be the star of the show. 54 Bond St., West Village, 12matcha.com
Sorate
For the most sophisticated matcha experience, head to one of Sorate’s two Manhattan locations. The chic, dark interior sets the tone for a more elevated take on traditional Japanese tea culture.
The focus here is on high-quality ingredients and precise preparation. The matcha is smooth, rich, and deeply flavorful. Savor it solo or enjoy a latte with your choice of milk. Bonus: There are special seasonal lattes, like the springtime sakura matcha latte. 103 Sullivan St., SoHo, and 30 E. 18th St., Union Square, sorate.co
Matcha House
Nestled on a quiet East Village street, Matcha House is a go-to for consistently good matcha drinks that will delight matcha newbies and longtime fans. The matcha lattes specifically are smooth, creamy, and easy to drink. Other beverage options include a matcha Americano, matcha cortado, and decadent matcha latte with chocolate cold foam. There are fun seasonal options on rotation too, such as the salted caramel matcha latte. 203 E. 10th St., East Village, matchahousenyc.com
Rhythm Zero
This trendy coffee shop makes some of the tastiest matcha lattes in New York City. The rotating seasonal specials (like the blackberry pie matcha) and thoughtful flavor combinations (think sparkling yuzu matcha) go beyond your standard order. You’ll want to linger in the airy, minimalist space, even after you’re done sipping. 328 Bleecker St., West Village, and 32 Kent St., Greenpoint, Brooklyn, rhythmzeronyc.com
