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10 BEST Places for Matcha in the SF Bay Area

Jules Reyes

The matcha scene in the Bay looked very different 5 years ago, there were a handful of cafes serving matcha lattes but it was extremely difficult to find other matcha treats. This was the main reason why I started my community page, Matcha SF in 2015. Today, there are a plethora of small businesses that serve creative and innovative matcha offerings. Here are the 10 BEST places for matcha in the Bay Area, curated by yours truly, Matcha Jules.

1. Stonemill Matcha

  • Location: San Francisco (Mission District)
  • COVID-19 Updates: Limited outdoor seating, Delivery, Takeout

 

Picture it. Traditional Japanese drinks, sweets, and treats that incorporate matcha in creative ways. To say that Stonemill Matcha is a matcha lover's paradise, is an understatement. The majority of their dishes are graced by a vibrant, deep green hue and showcases matcha's versatility in sweet and savory dishes. Stop by Stonewall Matcha for iced or hot matcha lattes, matcha desserts, and savory matcha dishes.

Jules's Favorite Order:

  • Hot Matcha Latte (no need for extra matcha - which is a rarity), Oat Milk, Unsweetened
  • Matchazuke (pictured above)
  • Sparkling Matcha with Yuzu (unsweetened) 

 

2. Urban Ritual

  • San Francisco Location: 488 Fell St, San Francisco, CA 94102
  • San Mateo Location: 140 S B St, San Mateo, CA 94401
  • COVID-19 Updates: Delivery, Takeout | Orders must be placed online here

Urban Ritual Cafe is known for their innovative and undeniably creative drinks that span outside of matcha. David and his team have created delicious seasonal menu items that elevate Asian ingredients. The Matcha Toffee is a fan favorite, it's an Iced Matcha Latte topped off with crunchy toffee bits - you can even customize your drink with your milk preference and topping preference. I'm obsessed with Urban Ritual's Mango Sticky Rice, me being me, requested to top off this divine drink with a matcha shot. This is a secret hack and is not on their menu. This is one of my favorite matcha drinks in SF, it's soooo good I ordered it for a week straight. Here's how you can order my favorite drink:

  • Order a Mango Sticky Rice
  • Select 'rice milk' and your preferred toppings (boba, crystal boba, etc.)
  • Add 'extra topping (specify topping)'
  • Specify "matcha shot for extra topping" in the comment section at checkout
    • Note: You will have to takes steps to manually enter your card info as the comment section is not available if you pay with Apple Pay.

 

3. Home Coffee Roasters

  • SF Outer Sunset Location: 1222 Noriega St, San Francisco, CA 94122
  • SF Outer Richmond Location: 2018 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121
  • SF Chinatown Location: 455 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108
  • COVID-19 Updates: Delivery, Takeout

Home Coffee Roasters was founded by two people in love. Owners Annie and In have succeeded in creating a home-like feel to their three San Francisco locations. Not only will you be greeted by the gorgeous ambiance, you will also be met by an incredibly sweet and genuine team. Home is famous for their colorful Birthday Cake Latte and has an extensive matcha menu that includes: Hot and Iced Matcha Lattes, Godzilla (Iced Sparkling Matcha), and Matcha-gato (Matcha Shot poured over Vanilla Ice Cream).

Jules's Favorite Order:

  • Hot Matcha Latte (with extra matcha), Oat Milk, Lightly sweetened with honey
  • Fresh Young Coconut with a shot of matcha on the side

 

4. Third Culture Bakery

  • Berkeley Location: 2701 Eighth St, Berkeley, CA 94710
  • COVID-19 Updates: Delivery, Takeout

Third Culture Bakery is founded by husbands, Sam and Wenter, who have set the precedent for mochi treats. They are famous for their Original Mochi Muffin and have created countless mochi desserts since then. They have incredible matcha offerings that include: Matcha Mochi Muffin, Matcha-glazed Mochi Donut, Matcha Cookies, and a dedicated matcha drink menu.

Jules's Favorite Order:

  • Lychee Matcha Sparkler (pictured above)
  • Banana Bread Pudding (it doesn't have matcha in it but it is SO addicting, pair it with one of their matcha drinks)

 

5. Jane

  • SF Fillmore Location: 2123 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115
  • SF Larkin Location: 925 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94115
  • COVID-19 Updates: Delivery, Takeout

Jane is a well-known cafe in San Francisco popular for it's delicious baked goods, gluten-free options, and their delicious matcha. Once you order a classic Matcha Latte iced or hot, with your favorite milk option - it'll be apparent that their matcha is extremely smooth and high quality.

Jules's Favorite Order:

  • Hot Matcha Latte (with extra matcha), Oat Milk, Lightly sweetened with honey

 

6. Matcha Cafe Maiko 

  • SF Stonestown Mall Location: 3251 20th Ave Ste 250K, San Francisco, CA 94132
  • SF Japantown Location: 1581 Webster St #175, San Francisco, CA 94115 (inside the Japan Center)
  • SF Chinatown Location: 756 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108
  • COVID-19 Updates: Delivery, Takeout, Curbside Pickup (except Stonestown location) 

Chris, the owner of all Matcha Cafe Maiko Bay Area locations, is one of the most genuine and kind people I've met. He is full of energy and has the most infectious laugh. I had the pleasure of working closely with Chris during the Japantown grand opening years ago. Matcha Cafe Maiko is a matcha lover's haven, their dedicated matcha menu is graced by treats that includes: Matcha Soft Serve, Matcha Shaved Ice, Matcha Parfaits, and delicious Iced Matcha drinks.

Jules's Favorite Order:

  • Regular Matcha Soft Serve in a waffle cone with kinako powder, mochi balls, and extraaaa matcha powder

 

7. Garden Creamery 

  • San Francisco: 3566 20th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
  • COVID-19 Updates: Pre-order on their website Thursdays at 7pm, Pick up days: Saturday & Sunday

Garden Creamery is founded by Erin and Donny, the sweetest couple you'll ever meet. Their passion for high quality, natural, and local ingredients is undeniable. Their ever-rotating menu sparks curiosity and keeps you on your toes. Keep your eyes peeled for when their Matcha Gold (matcha and toffee bits) and Matcha Cookies & Creme graces their menu!

Jules's Favorite Order: Matcha Gold

 

8. Mura Tea Shoppe

  • Location: 3109 24th St. San Francisco, CA 94110
  • COVID-19 Updates: Delivery, Takeout

Mura Tea Shoppe, founded by owner Alberto, is a new San Francisco matcha destination that opened their doors one week ago. Mura highlights creative drinks featuring popular Asian ingredients, matcha being a popular one. Treat your tastebuds to one (or all four) of their matcha offerings: 

  • Mura Matcha: Ceremonial Grade Matcha + Milk
  • Matcha Monster: Ceremonial Grade Matcha + Milk + Homemade Oreo Brûlée 
  • Mango Matcha: Ceremonial Grade Matcha + Homemade Mango Puree + Lime
  • Matcha Cheese Foam: Ceremonial Grade Matcha + Milk + Homemade Cheese Foam

You can also find other Specialty Drinks and Classic Teas at Mura. P.s. Don't forget to add boba :)

Jules's Favorite Order:

  • Matcha Monster (with extra matcha)
  • Mango Lime Summer (with an added shot of matcha)

 

9. U Dessert Story

  • SF Castro Location: 3489 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94114
  • SF Greenwich Location: 2120 Greenwich St, San Francisco, CA 94123
  • Berkeley Location: 1849 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94709
  • COVID-19 Updates: Delivery, Takeout 

Photo credit: @pudgelyfe

U Dessert Story has incredible matcha offerings ranging from their popular Matcha Mille Crepe Cake, Matcha Lava Cake, and a selection of matcha drinks!

 

10. Mensho Tokyo

  • San Francisco: 672 Geary St San Francisco, CA 94102
  • COVID-19 Updates: Delivery, Takeout

Photo credit: @epumas.eats

Do you have a craving for a savory matcha dish? Mensho Tokyo's Matcha Tori Paitan Ramen will satisfy that craving. Their creamy broth is adorned with a generous amount of matcha powder. If you enjoy the full bodied grassy flavor of matcha, this ramen is for you.