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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Sawtelle

Unique matcha spots

Made for those who treat matcha as a precise science and only seek out preparations that honor the integrity of the leaf.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Meymuni Cafe image 1
Meymuni Cafe image 2
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Space combines Persian fusion design with a vibrant and cozy atmosphere. Energy feels playful and unique, supported by open seating and amenities like outlets and wifi. Quiet moments suit work, while the owner's presence adds character.

Food features unique Persian flavors with a modern twist and playful style. Drinks include fun and tangy options like the Lavashak Smoothie, offering refreshing and distinct tastes.

Pistachio cream matcha offers a perfect balance with a clear pistachio flavor and moderate sweetness. The black sesame matcha latte features a creamy topping that complements the beautifully made matcha without overpowering it.

People are saying

"The food at this Cafe is delicious and original."

"The black sesame matcha latte was creamy and delicious."

"I loved the unique Persian flavors with a modern LA twist."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the attached garage and is free.

2

Credit cards are accepted for payment.

3

Wi-Fi is available, making it a good study spot.

02
Lune Noir image 1
Clothing store

Boutique filled with vintage Japanese clothing and authentic ceramics creates a curated, charming atmosphere. Delicate jewelry pieces range from crystal studs to wabi sabi clay earrings. The space offers a mix of nostalgic and trendy items, appealing to those seeking unique gifts.

Dainty jewelry pieces and vintage clothes stand out with their unique designs. The shop offers a diverse selection of stylish gifts and items from Japan.

Great Uji Matcha tea stands out with a lovely selection including exclusive imports from Japan. Staff offer personalized matcha recommendations to help find the right choice.

People are saying

"I found the jewelry here to be delicate, dainty, and unique."

"I found the cutest vintage Japanese clothing and unique items here."

"I found the vintage clothes selection to be so unique and stylish."

Good to know

1

Lune Noir offers a unique selection of Japanese goods, including clothing and ceramics.

2

Expect to find exclusive items from Japan that are hard to find elsewhere.

3

The shopkeeper is friendly and can provide insights on unique items.

03
Wanderlust Creamery image 1
Ice cream shop

Small space with a minimalist Japanese theme offers a cozy, contemporary vibe focused on takeout. Unique, Asian-inspired ice cream flavors change monthly, featuring options like ube and mango sticky rice. No seating is available, emphasizing quick visits for artisanal, innovative desserts.

Flavors stand out with unique Asian influences and a wide range inspired by many countries. Vegan options offer a perfect, unique taste alongside other flavorful, well-made choices.

Creamy matcha ice cream offers a subtle floral fragrance and a mild, not too sweet flavor. Matcha appears alongside hojicha and black sesame, with all flavors maintaining a balanced intensity.

People are saying

"The ice cream flavors here are so unique and delicious."

"The dairy-free options here have such cool, unique flavors."

"I tried the Japanese Neapolitan with matcha, hojicha, and black sesame."

Good to know

1

No dine-in is allowed; it's primarily a takeout spot.

2

Prices are high, with a small scoop costing around $7.

3

Vegan and dairy-free options are available.

04
Odd One Out Tea Sawtelle image 1
Bubble tea store

Small, crowded space with strong herbal aroma and chill vibes. Offers free tea samples and a viewing area to watch drinks being made. Known for unique silk boba and high-quality teas from across Asia.

Silk boba stands out with its unique texture blending boba and jelly. Drinks like the champion milk tea and jasmine silk boba offer distinctive flavors not commonly found elsewhere.

Thick matcha flavor blends well with pistachio and lavender syrup in several drinks. Variations include a blue spirulina mix and a strawberry matcha with boba, offering unique tastes.

People are saying

"I thought the boba tea here was the best I ever had."

"The Pistachio Matcha had a thick matcha flavor and perfect blend."

"The seasonal strawberry matcha with boba tasted different and enjoyable."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $11 upfront, and refunds are not provided even with validation.

2

Expect a short wait time during peak hours due to the shop's popularity.

3

Prices for drinks are around $8 each, with boba costing extra.

05
Somisomi image 1
Dessert shop

Outdoor seating surrounds a small dessert shop known for taiyaki pastries and creamy soft serve ice cream. Crowds form long lines, creating a busy, fast-paced atmosphere focused on quick service. Watching taiyakis being made adds a unique visual element to the experience.

Offers unique and delicious creations with ice cream that stands out for its taste and presentation. Known for being an Instagram-worthy spot with desserts that are both tasty and visually appealing.

Creamy matcha soft serve comes with vibrant ube flavor and a dusting of matcha powder. Taiyaki cones filled with red beans and matcha ice cream offer crispy biscuits and customizable toppings like Fruity Pebbles or Oreo crumbs.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, taiyaki, is warm, crispy, and perfectly sweet."

"I loved the creamy, sweet matcha flavor."

"It's a delicious and unique soft-serve ice cream experience."

Good to know

1

The wait time can be long, especially on weekends.

2

Parking can be tricky, but metered street parking is available nearby.

3

Credit cards are accepted at the shop.

06
Bonsai Coffee & Bar image 1

Spacious coffee shop with natural lighting and communal seating creates a social and working environment. Upbeat music and a packed atmosphere make it lively but sometimes loud and stuffy. Laptop-free zones and plenty of outlets support both work and casual visits.

Offers a wide range of sweet and savory pastries with a distinct Asian touch like spam & egg buns and red bean. Drinks include fun, unique options such as Sparkling Yuzu Matcha. The food menu features delicious hot food alongside these pastries.

Matcha here is perfectly balanced, not too sweet or bitter. Options like the mango puree and coconut matcha add fresh, sweet flavors that pair well with high quality matcha.

People are saying

"The matcha latte here is perfectly balanced and smooth."

"The cream top on the matcha is insane."

"The unique drinks here are fun and great for getting work done."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a nearby structure and on the street.

2

WiFi is free for 2 hours with purchase; additional time requires another purchase.

3

Happy hour features discounted drinks and food, making it a popular time to visit.

07
Artelice Pâtisserie image 1

Small space with elegant pastry displays and hand-painted murals creates a museum-like atmosphere. Soft, ambient lighting highlights intricate details, blending Middle Eastern and French influences. Neighborhood vibe invites quiet enjoyment of complimentary macarons alongside top-rated croissants.

Specialized desserts feature unique flavors and a wide variety of pastry types. The chocolate cake stands out as fudgy, crispy, and chocolatey, while the canelés offer a distinct taste experience.

Matcha macarons come in flavors like yuzu, raspberry, and plain matcha, all with a balanced sweetness and no bitterness. The matcha croissant offers a strong matcha flavor for those who enjoy it.

People are saying

"I found the pastries and macarons to be exceptionally good."

"You have to try their unique pastries; the flavors are amazing."

"The matcha desserts here are phenomenal and unique."

Good to know

1

The place closes at 5 PM, so visit before then.

2

Come in the morning to buy croissants; they sell out by lunchtime.

3

Expect a crowd; it's best to arrive early.

08
GoodPeople image 1

Big back patio offers outdoor seating with a breezy atmosphere and dog-friendly space. Loud, bass-heavy music creates a club-like vibe that dominates the environment. Neighborhood feel attracts a casual crowd, but the interior remains basic and functional.

Coffee drinks like ube espresso and Wush Wush offer unique flavors. The menu features many distinctive coffee blends alongside solid food options.

High-quality matcha stands out here, especially the version with strawberry and oat milk. The spot offers a classic vibe with clear ideals and values that complement the drink experience.

People are saying

"Their coffee is made with care and quality, truly excellent."

"Their unique coffees like Wush Wush always delivered unique flavor."

"I loved their matcha with strawberry and oat milk."

Good to know

1

Thursday night comedy night is lively and entertaining, attracting a good crowd.

2

GoodPeople has a patio, which is rare for a coffee shop in this area.

3

The venue is dog-friendly, with treats and water bowls available.

09
7 MILES TEA LAB image 1
Bubble tea store

Small tea shop with loud music and limited seating focuses on quick, mostly to-go orders. Customers use a self-order kiosk and wait in a crowded area for drinks that feature chewy tapioca pearls and authentic flavors. Outdoor seating is minimal and sometimes unclean, making it less suited for lingering.

Wide variety of boba selections stands out here. The boba teas are interesting and unique with delicious flavors.

Creamy and smooth textures stand out in drinks like the Mystic Ube Matcha and Matcha Crème Brûlée, which blend milky and matcha flavors well. The Matcha Earl Grey Oat Latte offers a flavorful, well-prepared twist on traditional matcha.

People are saying

"You can customize your tea with sugar and toppings like tea jelly."

"The Mystic Ube Matcha was creamy and pretty."

"This spot is my favorite, it's so unique."

Good to know

1

You can order via the kiosk and receive a text when your order is ready.

2

There was a 5-minute wait time for drinks.

3

The outdoor seating is very limited.

10
Sidóh Cafe image 1
Coffee shop

Small, cozy coffee shop with Oaxacan-inspired drinks and Latin soul vibe. Atmosphere feels home-y with mariachi music playing softly, creating a cultural depth. Space includes curated pastries and plenty of tables for working or relaxing.

Offers a unique coffee experience with its focus on Oaxacan coffee, rare in the area. Stands out with a Latin café vibe not commonly found nearby.

Matcha varies here from excellent to watered down with some drinks tasting fresh like the blueberry matcha latte. Some matcha options come pre-sweetened but may not taste sweet.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be amazing and authentic."

"The burritos here are huge and delicious."

"I found the matcha here to be delicious and excellent."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited; plan ahead or be ready to circle the block.

2

The cafe does not have decaf coffee yet but roasts their own beans.

3

Check Google for updated hours, as they may not reflect current operations.

11
Motoring Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Space combines vintage cars and classic memorabilia with a chic auto-body shop vibe. Atmosphere feels super chilled but can be unfriendly, with a quiet mood even in the members-only lounge. Seating includes unique spots like a truck bed table, and the place supports remote work with plenty of outlets and free WiFi.

A unique theme blends coffee with a fine and collector car and cycle museum. Vintage car parts and memorabilia create a surreal vibe alongside strong espresso and fast cars.

Tasty matcha lattes stand out here, including a seasonal Blue N’ Green with strawberry blue spirulina cold foam. Drinks consistently deliver better flavor than most cafes.

People are saying

"It's a cool coffee spot with classic cars on display."

"It's a unique place with a cool vibe and vintage cars on display."

"I loved the cool concept and cars on display here."

Good to know

1

Membership is required to access most of the seating and car collection.

2

Parking is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

3

Expect long lines on weekends, especially during peak hours.

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Sawtelle, Los Angeles

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