Matcha: the vibrant, Japanese green tea that has taken the world by storm. Even just five years ago, matcha was still a niche drink popular among inner Asian circles– now, it’s an “influencer” beverage that’s exploded to fame thanks to social media, with different iterations (e.g. latte, einspänner, even seltzer) created seemingly every season.

The best part? It’s absolutely delicious.

Call me basic, but I’m a matcha girlie. I really like the taste of a nice, strong matcha, even to the point of bitterness. I enjoy it as a latte, in desserts, or just on its own. Some people might find the taste too grassy, but I love it. In fact, one of the best gifts I’ve gotten was a matcha-making kit from my partner (and a second set from my sister!), which I use to make my own matcha from time to time. Especially when I’m spending too much money on matcha lattes at cafés…

Los Angeles has no shortage of cafés which serve matcha. I’m not only talking about big chains like Starbucks, but also independently-owned shops that specialize in the tea-making craft. Since the pandemic, so many cafés have popped up, often started by young, college-grad entrepreneurs with a dream. And honestly, they serve excellent matcha!

That’s why I’d like to share some of my absolute favorite matcha spots in Los Angeles. This list is by no means comprehensive, as I haven’t tried all of them and new ones continue to open all of the time. However, here are a selected few I love and would happily return to (if I haven’t already) and are still open today, at the time of this post being published. Hope you enjoy and cheers!

5 Best Matcha Spots in Los Angeles

1. Tea Master Matcha Cafe (1 location– Little Tokyo)

20200307_140500

When it comes to the hundreds, if not thousands, of matcha cafés in LA, Tea Master Matcha Cafe is the real OG– it’s been around since 2014, and to this day serves up one of the most high-quality and reasonably-priced matcha out there. My sister had introduced me to this place several years ago, and I really enjoy their latte and rich soft serve. Tea Master is a city institution, and a must-try for consistently-perfect matcha.

2. Damo Tea House (2 locations– Koreatown, Arts District)

20240706_090905

I’ve only been to the Koreatown location, as the one in the Arts District just opened in July. Damo makes solid matcha, but it’s also the first place I’ve ever tried a matcha einspänner, a cream top latte concoction that was developed in Seoul by way of Vienna– and boy, is it heavenly! Damo certainly knows how to make a good matcha einspänner, balancing sweet with bitter, as well as creamy and rich. It’s still my favorite matcha spot in LA, hands down.

3. Community Goods (2 locations- both in West Hollywood)

20250325_145316

This café is an influencer hotspot– made popular by Justin and Hailey Bieber (who’ve been spotted frequenting the establishment), CG is the “it girl” in the LA matcha scene, with lines wrapping around the block on any given day. I have waited anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour, and it is absolutely worth the hype. I don’t know what the baristas put in it, but the matcha is sweet and elite. What I don’t like is how it’s served in a small cup– I drink it way too fast!

4. Bonsai Coffee Bar (1 location- Sawtelle)

20250324_095211

My partner and I adore Bonsai Coffee Bar, not just for its matcha, but also for its food– granted, it’s all pre-made biscuits and burritos, but man are they delicious. Bonsai is a wildly-popular spot for college students to study and hang out, and it’s packed every day because of that. The wait isn’t as intimidating as CG‘s, but I’d still arrive early to avoid the lines. The matcha is creamy and sweet, and I appreciate that it’s served in larger cups.

5. Yamari (1 location- Torrance)

20211023_122015
20241026_120415

If you’re looking for matcha to punch you in the face, then look no further than Yamari. Located inside Mitsuwa Marketplace, this small stall sells some of the strongest and earthiest matcha I’ve ever had– in fact, it’s so strong that it might put off some people. Personally, I enjoy it, having had the lattes and soft-serve ice cream, the latter a work of art in itself. It’s on the pricier side, but it’s completely worth getting for the taste.

…there are so many other matcha cafés I love in Los Angeles, but at the risk of this post getting too long, I’ll stop here. I’m still trying a ton of matcha spots out there, and perhaps I’ll write a Part 2 soon!

Do you like matcha? Let me know! Thanks for reading, and have a great day! 🙂

— Rebecca

Unknown's avatar

Published by Rebecca

Blogger, world traveler, poet, foodie, part-time penguin. Welcome!

33 thoughts on “5 Best Matcha Spots in Los Angeles”

  8. You know, it’s amazing how this ancient Japanese tea, cherished for centuries, has now become a staple for health enthusiasts worldwide. I find matcha delicious due to its unique flavour and love the fact that when properly whisked, matcha has a smooth, velvety texture that enhances its overall appeal. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I’m happy you enjoy matcha as much as I do! Indeed, matcha is steeped in Japanese history (pun intended), and it’s wonderful that it has become popular in the West! Thanks for sharing, Aiva 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  9. I am, in fact, one of those people who thinks matcha tastes like grass, so I don’t think I’ll be adding any of these to my next LA itinerary. Some of these are very aesthetic, though.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  11. I’m not a matcha fan myself. I tried it in Tokyo for the first time. I was drawn to the gorgeous colour of the matcha ice-cream, but did not enjoy it. All these plastic cups sadden me a bit, I have to say. I would’ve expected more from LA. It’s nice that you have so many great options to enjoy the drink you love.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. True, matcha is an acquired taste. Personally, I like it in all forms, from lattes to ice cream to mochi. I’ve had it in Japan before, too, and I will say that the matcha’s a LOT stronger there than in the US, which I love!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  14. I love matcha too! I’ve also been drinking it more frequently as coffee is a bit too strong for me at times, and this summer I’ve loved all the strawberry/mango iced matchas! I’ve saved all the spots you mentioned even though I am not sure I’ll be back in LA any time soon! Too bad I didn’t drink a lot of matcha then, but I remember having this amazing matcha and white chocolate scones from Lab Coffee & Roasters – it was delicious!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Yay, I’m glad! 💚 Matcha is a great alternative to coffee, and it’s such a versatile vehicle to add other flavors to it (e.g. strawberry, lavender, even espresso)! I’ve not been to Lab Coffee & Roasters before, but it looks good! Thanks for the recommendation!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

Leave a comment