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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of San Francisco

Unique matcha spots

You want your matcha, but you have no interest in the standard cafe experience.

Based on 739 Opinions
+736
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Updated April 2026
01
Paper Son Coffee image 1
Paper Son Coffee image 2
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Coffee shop

Cozy coffee shop with a bright, warm atmosphere and friendly vibe. Small but well-lit seating inside and outside encourages sharing among patrons. Known for unique pastries like ube salt bread and flavorful scones that sell out quickly.

Super unique coffee drinks include pandan and guava flavors. Pastries and a guava coffee soda also stand out as unique and tasty options.

Matcha drinks feature a strong umami flavor and a well balanced profile that shines through even with whole milk. Unique options like the passionfruit matcha soda offer a refreshing twist that stands out.

People are saying

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

"I wished the matcha latte was a tiny bit sweeter."

"I tried the unique guava and pandan coffee flavors."

Good to know

1

Afternoon coffee and tea start at 3 PM.

2

Expect to line up 15 to 20 minutes before opening.

3

Pastries often sell out by 10 AM.

02
Paper Son Coffee - Dogpatch image 1

Coffee stand with Asian-inspired flavors and artful ceramic cups offers a cozy, fun vibe and dog-friendly outdoor seating. Small space shares area with a busy bakery, attracting office workers and a steady crowd. Unique drinks and pastries create a memorable experience.

Unique coffee options like passionfruit espresso tonic and pandan coffee stand out. Sunday pour overs feature specialty brews from different roasters served with care.

Iced matcha comes unsweetened and holds a strong flavor. Matcha lattes show high quality and a specialty drink feel.

People are saying

"The baristas here are so friendly and welcoming."

"I loved their unique pandan drinks and passionfruit espresso tonic."

"I loved the matcha latte; it's the most delicious in the world."

Good to know

1

Their online ordering system is convenient and can help avoid lines.

2

Espresso drinks are reasonably priced, around $5 for an oat cappuccino.

3

There are a few tables outside for seating.

03
THE BIRDCAGE SAN FRANCISCO image 1

Coffee shop combines local art displays, vinyl records, and curated merchandise in a cozy, homey atmosphere. Bright windows and comfortable seating create a welcoming space for relaxing or working. The vibe stays laid back and chill, attracting a diverse, friendly crowd.

Bright vibes and unique goods create a distinct atmosphere. The CDMX Mocha with Banana stands out as a unique drink option.

Pea flower Matcha stands out as delicious. The watermelon matcha offers a unique twist. Both coffee and matcha drinks show excellent quality.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was great and well balanced."

"It's a great spot for unique local art and community gatherings."

"I found the matcha here to be the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

The store has limited hours; check their schedule before visiting.

2

They sell coffee, tea, records, and local merchandise.

3

The cafรฉ hosts regular art events and community gatherings.

04
The Nosh Box image 1

Cafe offers a cozy, bright atmosphere with airy space and high ceilings. It attracts a friendly, mellow crowd and provides ample seating for working or socializing. A bookshelf of signed cookbooks adds a unique touch to the environment.

Breakfast sandwich stands out with its over the top tasty flavor. Atmosphere feels very unique. Jams come in a variety of unique, well priced options that taste great.

Iced oatmilk matcha latte stands out with its smooth texture and balanced flavor. The matcha drinks here are consistently well-prepared and refreshing.

People are saying

"The coffee here consistently knocked my socks off."

"I loved their iced oatmilk matcha latte."

"I found their jams to be unique, well priced, and delicious."

Good to know

1

The cafe hosts diverse events throughout the month.

2

The food menu features simple but great options made in-house.

3

The cafe is dog-friendly, allowing pets on the patio.

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.

Variety of stores offers unique gifts, Japanese pop culture items, and gold-covered ice cream. Shops feature interesting toys, clothing, and treats not found elsewhere.

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'll find unique Japanese toys, manga, and cute trinkets here."

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

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
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.

Cheese foam on the snow top is dense yet light and fluffy, with a tricky texture. Kyobancha straight tea offers a super unique flavor. Peach flavor tastes like peach candy.

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."

"The matcha flavor here is uniquely potent and rich."

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.

07
Pixlcat Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Small coffee shop with cute decor and comfortable seating creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Low-volume old school hip hop playlist adds to the relaxed vibe. Pet-friendly space offers free dog treats, making it welcoming for animal lovers.

Creative menu features many unique beverages with flavors not found elsewhere. Offers a variety of interesting coffee and tea drinks with distinct concepts.

Island matcha offers a balanced sweetness that stands out. Drinks like the guava matcha with oat milk and the iced matcha dopo panna deliver consistent quality and flavor.

People are saying

"I found the butter mochi here to be amazing."

"I loved the matcha latte, it was delicious and not too sweet."

"I loved their creative and unique drinks; I'd come back to try more."

Good to know

1

Parking is difficult, and I needed to park a few blocks away.

2

Seating inside is limited with tables and a small patio outside.

3

Pixlcat Coffee charges a 4.5% fee on top of the coffee price.

08
SOHN image 1
Cafe

Spacious two-floor cafe with thoughtful interior design and cozy sofa corners creates a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere. Bright, airy space features glowing Noguchi lights and modern decor, though sound echoes off concrete walls making it loud. Self-service ordering via QR codes and plentiful outlets support casual work or socializing.

Offers a unique Korean fusion with comforting flavors and original twists. The food stands out as both tasty and distinct from typical options.

Matcha drinks use actual matcha powder, giving them a natural flavor without artificial taste. The matcha latte stands out for its smooth and authentic quality.

People are saying

"The breakfast sandwich here is rich, savory, and satisfying."

"The matcha here is spectacular, not too sweet."

"The Korean fusion food here is unique and comforting with interesting twists."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

There are two linesโ€”left side for dine-in and right side for takeout.

3

A QR code is available for ordering to-go items.

09
Q Specialty Coffee image 1

Open, minimalist space fills with natural light and features coffee bean aroma displays and cutting-edge coffee technology. Atmosphere feels modern yet cozy, bustling with energy but welcoming for work or relaxation. Crowds are consistent, creating a lively vibe despite some noise.

Specialty Coffee offers unique drink options with creative twists. The Yuzu Matcha Air Cream Cloud features a lemony-orange flavor from the yuzu cream cloud, making it stand out.

High-quality matcha gets careful, artistic preparation here. Drinks like the velvet matcha cloud and yuzu matcha are creamy, well-balanced, and not too sweet, with sweetness levels adjustable to taste.

People are saying

"The matcha here is super creamy with a strong, pleasant flavor."

"The mocha espresso coffee was delicious and smooth tasting."

"The drink options here are so unique and fun."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines during peak hours; reservations are not accepted.

2

Seating is limited, so be prepared to wait for a table.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted for purchases.

10
Mochill Mochidonut image 1

Mochi donuts made with rice flour create a light and chewy texture that differs from typical donuts. The shop offers over 25 flavors leaning towards Asian-inspired tastes like taro, black sesame, and matcha. Lines form on weekends, requiring patience for pickup, while weekdays are quieter.

Mochi donuts use Mochiko rice flour which makes them super soft and fluffy. Their presentation also stands out compared to regular donuts.

Flavors focus on typical Asian tastes like taro, black sesame, and matcha. Matcha pairs well with chocolate and Oreo for a rich, distinctive profile.

People are saying

"These mochi donuts are so chewy and delicious."

"I found the mochi donuts to be a unique, super soft, and fluffy type of donut."

"The Matcha mochi donuts are so soft and chewy."

Good to know

1

They had a promotion offering half-price donuts during their anniversary weekend.

2

Individual donuts range from $3.30 to $3.50, with 6 for $18.

3

There was no wait at all during the week around lunchtime.

11
The Wild Fox image 1

Small cafe with impeccable design and chill, friendly vibes offers a curated menu featuring Japanese coffee and pastries. Space feels cozy and refined, suitable for casual meetings or working on a laptop. Attention to detail shows in every aspect, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere.

Unique drinks like matcha mango and snow cap espresso with cold foam stand out. The menu offers a top-quality Japanese coffee and matcha selection with distinctive food and pastries.

Unique drinks like Mango Matcha blend sweetness and matcha perfectly, offering more matcha than usual in iced options. The menu features innovative matcha blends with refreshing, balanced flavors.

People are saying

"I found the espresso here to be excellent and flavorful."

"I found the matcha here to be amazing."

"Their drinks and pastry selection looked so unique."

Good to know

1

The Wild Fox specializes in Japanese coffee and unique matcha options.

2

Handmade mochi is available, adding a unique touch to the menu.

3

The cafe accepts credit cards and mobile payments for convenience.

12
Outset Coffee - Financial District image 1

Coffee shop offers a retro vibe with minimalist decor and roomy seating featuring outlets. Atmosphere stays calm and low key, inviting quiet moments despite simple design. Specialty coffees and unique pastries like mochi donuts stand out among offerings.

Coffees here have unique flavors like durian latte and orange coffee. The shop offers innovative drinks and plenty of other distinctive options.

Matcha drinks here stand out for their authentic flavor and rich texture. Options like the dirty matcha and strawberry matcha blend deliver strong, genuine matcha taste without artificial coloring.

People are saying

"Their coffee is so creative, especially the banana cream latte."

"I loved the strawberry matcha; it tasted perfectly balanced."

"I found the coffee flavors here to be super unique and innovative."

Good to know

1

Ordering is easy with multiple self-order counters available.

2

Street parking can be difficult in the area.

3

The drinks are reasonably priced compared to nearby options.

13
Telve Cafe image 1
Coffee shop

Cozy coffee shop with authentic Turkish vibe and colorful, intricate tile tables creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Comfortable seating includes a book nook and a backgammon board for relaxed moments. The space suits quiet work, deep conversations, and casual dates with a friendly, welcoming energy.

Offers a unique selection of rare coffee, Turkish delight, and baklava that matches quality found in Turkey and Greece. Serves tasty and authentic Turkish coffee alongside traditional delicacies.

Matcha often comes unstirred and clumpy, with bitter chunks mixed into milk. Proper mixing is needed to bring out the flavor of the tea.

People are saying

"I found the Turkish coffee here to be amazing and rich."

"It's a charming, cozy spot with a warm, inviting atmosphere."

"I loved the matcha latte and pistachio dates."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging on weekends, so plan accordingly.

2

Coffee prices range from $6 to $7, making it affordable.

3

The cafe offers a variety of Turkish delights priced around $3 each.

14
Haraz Coffee House image 1

Coffee shop with Yemeni art decor and warm lighting creates a cozy atmosphere ideal for working or casual meetings. Fast Wi-Fi and comfortable seating support long stays, while the vibe encourages quiet conversation and focus.

Coffee features a unique blend of spices like ginger, cardamom, and saffron, creating robust and distinct flavors. The menu includes specialty drinks such as Rada'ai coffee and Saffron Adeni chai, served with attention to presentation.

Matcha Latte and Pistachio Latte offer smooth texture and balanced sweetness. Strawberry matcha chocolate croissant and cinnamon raisin roll pair well with the drinks.

People are saying

"The cardamom coffee here is intense and addictive."

"The coffee here is unique, strong, and robust."

"I loved how smooth and perfectly sweet the Matcha Latte was."

Good to know

1

Haraz hosts cultural events and music nights, showcasing Yemeni traditions.

2

Parking can be tricky due to its location in San Francisco.

3

Expect high prices, with lattes costing around $8.

15
Motoring Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Coffee shop blends vintage car displays with a coworking vibe, featuring a members-only lounge behind glass walls. Atmosphere shifts from quiet mornings ideal for work to loud, busy weekends with high energy. Seating is limited and fills early, with charging spots and dog-friendly amenities.

A unique car exhibit and rotating car installations create a fun, distinctive vibe. The place also hosts a car club scene that stands out from typical coffee spots.

Iced matcha tastes divine here with a smooth, rich flavor. Both coffee and matcha drinks come out well-made and enjoyable.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be exceptionally good."

"The matcha here tasted divine and was the correct color of green."

"It's a unique cafe with a fun car club scene."

Good to know

1

Motoring Coffee closes early at 2 PM on weekends.

2

Expect long lines on weekends starting at 10 AM.

3

Seating is limited, especially in the morning.

16
Parachute Bakery image 1

Bakery offers a sleek minimalist design with buttery warm colors and pastry displays on concrete pedestals. Atmosphere feels cozy and casual but crowded, with limited seating and close tables that create noise. The vibe suits quick stops rather than lingering visits.

Baked goods feature unique flavor profiles with local ingredients. Drinks and items like the Shakshuka croissant and monkey bread with cayenne stand out for their originality.

Yuzu matcha lemonade stands out with its sweet flavor and a lot of ice, making the drink mostly cold water. Iced matcha with oat milk and matcha latte both use a good scoop of decent matcha. Some matcha drinks lack the vibrant green color and authentic taste.

People are saying

"This pastry has beautiful lamination and a nice buttery finish."

"This black sesame yuzu cookie is chewy with a thick, dense center."

"I loved the yuzu matcha lemonade; it was divine."

Good to know

1

Parachute Bakery closes by 4 PM, and pastries often sell out by noon.

2

Expect long lines during lunch hours; arrive early to avoid disappointment.

3

There is a limit of four pastries per person due to store policy.

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