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Ice cream and matcha in San Francisco

Made for those who demand their frozen treats come with the specific earthy intensity of ceremonial-grade matcha.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated July 2026
01
Matcha Cafe Maiko image 1
Dessert shop

Small dessert shop offers cozy, charming ambiance with no seating, encouraging quick visits or takeout. Matcha soft serve and ice cream stand out for their rich, authentic flavor and creamy texture. Busy atmosphere often leads to lines, reflecting its popularity for high-quality matcha products.

Soft serve here stands out with its rich matcha flavor and creamy texture. The matcha ice cream is smooth, not too sweet, and rivals what you'd find in Japan.

Rich, creamy matcha flavors stand out in both lattes and soft serve ice cream. The matcha drinks are perfectly crafted with a very concentrated, high-quality taste and vibrant color.

People are saying

"I had the best matcha soft serve, it was so rich."

"I've never had a matcha latte this delicious."

"The matcha ice cream is rich, creamy, and has an authentic flavor."

Good to know

1

The cafe gets busy often, so expect a wait.

2

There is no seating inside the cafe.

3

Prices are high for the portion sizes.

02
Maruwu Seicha - SF Japantown image 1

Small shop with minimalist decor featuring wood panels and dark green highlights creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Busy with a steady flow, it offers outdoor seating and a kiosk for quick orders. Known for award-winning matcha and creamy soft serve, it draws a crowd despite higher prices.

Soft serve matcha ice cream offers an intense and rich flavor with a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness. Ube ice cream delivers a robust and mind-blowing taste, while the texture stays creamy and silky, avoiding any watered-down feel.

Matcha drinks here have a strong matcha flavor balanced perfectly with creamy milk. The matcha is always fresh and consistent, with options like a strawberry puree latte and a rich, intense matcha soft serve.

People are saying

"I thought the matcha here was really good and creamy."

"The matcha soft serve is strong, earthy, and not too sweet."

"I thought the matcha soft serve was amazing and earthy."

Good to know

1

Ordering at the register is much faster than using the self-service iPad.

2

Expect long wait times, especially during peak hours.

3

Prices are on the high side, with matcha lattes costing nearly $8.

03
OISHII MATCHA image 1

Small cafe with a calm, modern vibe and glass divider that adds charm. Seating includes a bench inside and several small outdoor tables, encouraging a relaxed pace. Known for matcha soft serve with a strong, earthy flavor and creamy texture.

Soft serve options include ube, matcha, and a ube matcha swirl. The matcha ice cream has a rich, earthy flavor** with balanced sweetness and high-quality matcha taste. Staff offer generous samples and helpful advice on tea flavors.

Matcha here is super strong and flavorful with a genuine taste and no gimmicks. The strawberry matcha stands out with a foamy texture and perfect sweetness, balancing umami and bitterness well.

People are saying

"The staff here is so friendly and offered me matcha advice."

"The staff offered me matcha and ube ice cream samples."

"The matcha in these crepes is rich, smooth, and delightful."

Good to know

1

Most orders are to go due to the lack of space inside.

2

The establishment does not have a bathroom for customers.

3

They ran out of Black Sesame and Hojicha flavors on that day.

04
Kiss of Matcha image 1

Small, traditional Japanese-style tea house with a cozy minimalist interior and strong tea aroma. Atmosphere feels warm and calming despite limited seating and occasional crowding. Known for creamy, deeply flavored matcha soft serve that stands out among similar spots.

Soft serve features a creamy texture with a deep matcha flavor that matches authentic Japanese ice cream. Vanilla and sesame ice cream options pair well with toppings like boba and Ferrero Rocher.

Strong, organic matcha gets hand whisked on the spot for authentic flavor. Matcha drinks balance bitterness with milk or strawberry purรฉe, and matcha soft serve and desserts highlight the deep matcha grain taste.

People are saying

"The matcha soft serve is creamy with a strong, grassy flavor."

"The Shiratama Mochi balls were super chewy and delicious."

"The matcha ice cream has a really strong, concentrated flavor."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times after 2pm; visit in the morning for shorter waits.

2

They offer a rewards program with $2 ice cream on Tuesdays.

3

Street parking is available, but the area can be busy.

05
Japan Center Malls image 1
Shopping mall

Shopping mall blends traditional Japanese architecture with modern cultural exhibits, featuring wooden bridges, red lanterns, and a towering pagoda. Atmosphere feels vibrant yet relaxed, with festive decorations and lively sounds from eateries and shops. Visitors engage in cultural activities and enjoy unique entertainment like old-school arcades and claw machines.

Matcha soft serve and hojicha ice cream stand out for their creamy and authentic flavors. Unique treats like gold-covered ice cream add a rich and unusual twist to the offerings.

A strong selection of matcha cafes offers soft serve, hojicha ice cream, and matcha desserts. Many shops sell matcha donuts, ice cream, and drinks, including boba tea with matcha flavors.

People are saying

"This mall has tons of anime goods, manga, and unique collectibles."

"You have to try the matcha soft serve here; it's delicious."

"The matcha ice cream here is so creamy and authentic."

Good to know

1

The mall hosts special events like the Cherry Blossom Festival, attracting lively crowds.

2

Monthly pop-up events at OKMARKETPLACE offer unique shopping experiences.

3

Parking can be difficult to find, especially in busy times.

06
A Buttercup Dessert House image 1
Dessert restaurant

Vibrant and playful dessert spot with chic, cute decor and a chilled out vibe. Spacious seating includes comfortable chairs and thoughtful details like neon signs and homey touches. Known for massive portions and authentic Asian desserts with balanced flavors.

Matcha ice cream stands out as the best in San Francisco, served atop desserts. Thai tea ice cream comes with hot roti on a sizzling plate. Vanilla ice cream and coconut shavings accompany the subtly sweet pandan toast.

Matcha shows up in several desserts with matcha shaved ice featuring condensed milk, chewy dough balls, and red bean paste. The matcha ice cream on top stands out for its rich flavor, while the matcha latte offers a creamy texture.

People are saying

"The pandan toast is flavorful, not too sweet, and a must-try."

"The pandan toast comes with delicious vanilla ice cream."

"The matcha shaved ice was good, with red bean paste and dough balls."

Good to know

1

The dessert house is open until 11 PM, perfect for late-night cravings.

2

There is a minimum charge of $7 per person for groups larger than five.

3

Parking can be challenging depending on the time and date of your visit.

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San Francisco, California

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