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Nah, this place is legit, in matcha terms. I'm no matcha connoisseur, but you can taste every bit of that matcha. Along with their drinks, they're serving really quality ice cream. The seating inside is just okay though, so be prepared to wait outside until you can order and find a seat. It's two floors, and the lower level can accommodate slightly larger groups (4-6).
An immersive experience for your matcha! I love the experience that they give you since they hand-whisk the matcha right in front of your face. You can even see the 6.1 grams of matcha being measured right in front of you too! If you're the type of person that likes their matcha on the sweeter side, this place might not be for you. I also appreciate the girl that made my matcha, she gave me recommendations on where to go shopping since I was visiting New York! There's seating on the first and bottom floor and it can be very limited. I know that there's usually a line out the door to get inside the store but I came in at 2pm and there was no line at all and was a walk-in. Drink: Iced Matcha Latte (8/10): This was such a creamy matcha latte! I asked for sweetener and I think they added very minimal amounts of sweetener but that's okay cause I was actually able to taste the matcha even after it was combined with the milk. Iced Honey Matcha Latte (7.7/10): This was basically the same as the iced matcha latte but they use honey as the sweetener inside. Although, I wasn't able to taste the honey at all. This was my boyfriend's drink but he didn't really enjoy it because it wasn't sweet enough. I thought it tasted pretty decent!
12 Matcha was a special request from my matcha-loving teen, and it definitely lived up to the experience she was hoping for. Located at 54 Bond St, between Lafayette St & Bowery, this buzzy NYC matcha spot is known for premium Japanese matcha which is carefully whisked to order. Be prepared to WAIT! You'll ll likely make new matcha-lovin' friends with waits up to 30 minutes (or longer). My teen made friends in line and ultimately felt the wait was worth it. One thoughtful touch: they provide umbrellas for customers waiting outside, which is especially nice in the humid NYC August weather. In the end, she left with her matcha cravings satisfied and, of course, a can of matcha powder to take home for later. TIPS * Closest trains: 6 to Bleecker St; R/W to Prince St; B/D/F/M to Broadway-Lafayette. * Not a fan of waiting in a crazy-long matcha line? Same!! Luckily, there are plenty of shops nearby to browse while your resident matcha aficionado waits it out. Umbrella and all.
12 Matcha - 54 Bond St, NYC One of my daughter's and my favorite matcha spots in NYC, conveniently near NYU! Our go-to is the matcha latte with almond milk--creamy, refreshing, and always yummy! Ordering is easy, and the service is fast and efficient. They take both credit cards and cash. Perfect for grabbing a drink on the go or enjoying it in the café. Small space + limited seating, so don't expect much room to sit, and there can sometimes be a wait when it's busy. Overall, definitely recommend 12 Matcha! A great little spot for a delicious matcha fix in NYC. Go Violets!
7.5/10 I finally had a chance to stop by this place, and I was prepared for the long line. I went on a Thursday at 2 p.m. and waited around 20 minutes. I ordered the Matcha Americano and tea ice cream. The ice cream was impressive, with a concentrated and deep tea flavor, while the Americano was refreshing. I deducted points because of the service. The staff member who helped me seemed distant and didn't smile while taking my order or preparing the matcha. However, this may have been limited to the particular staff member who served me.
Hands down might be the best matcha I've had in the city, as someone who actively hunts down good matcha places. There was a bit of a line when we arrived, but don't let it deceive you as it does move fairly quickly and efficiently. I love how there is an upstairs and downstairs, with more seating downstairs for those who want to study here. My friend and I got the classic Matcha latte, while I had gotten the honey added to mine. The way they make their matcha is amazing, they call your name and make the drink in front of you. The baristas were so friendly and really fit the vibe of the overall cafe. The matcha was so smooth and did not taste grainy or bittery at all.
They make a show of making the matcha lattes in front of you using their charcoal-filtered water. The charcoal water tanks suspended from the ceiling look very pretty! But this causes a line build-up, which they might want to get people to think they're crowded all the time. I think they're overly conservative with letting people wait in line inside, there's plenty of room but they forced people to stand outside in the 90 degree sun which honestly felt a little inconsiderate, that's not putting the customer's well-being first in my opinion. Matcha was good, very grass very deep. Nothing to write home about, I would not wait longer than 15-20 minutes for this matcha.
They limit people inside, which is nice for crowd control. If there's a line beneath the stairs, that's why. There's a downstairs but overall the space is small with minimal seating and one washroom. Once in, ordering is simple and they make drinks right in front, a perfect little show where they're also available to answer questions though most people just record the experience. Matcha Latte - silky smooth, umami, and grassy. Honestly everything I would have imagined for a high quality matcha. Without added sugar, the latte simply tastes natural, perfectly connected to the grassy harvest. I'd say it's strong for those that typically drink sweetened or syrupy matcha but amazing for purists. Matcha Ice Cream - a bit sweet which undermines the matcha quality. There is a clear note of grassiness but deeply contrasted by a sweetness. Compared to the latte, it's sharp imbalance and almost similar to some of those grocery store bought pints. Not too impressive, would stick to a drink and maybe the hojicha.
12 Matcha is a whole experience, and a well-designed one at that. Even the line is thoughtfully curated: multiple signs informing you of the estimated wait time (we joined right at the 45-minute line - yikes - but it ended up being about 35 minutes), and big, sturdy umbrellas to keep away the sun. Once we got inside, we were able to order right away. Then we were called over to a little station where a friendly barista whipped up our lattes. I got an iced matcha latte with regular milk, made lightly sweet; matcha basque cheesecake; and a scoop of hochija ice cream. The latte was very good; the sweets were even better. Visually, the latte as served is nothing short of stunning: hyper-green matcha floating on top of the milky bottom half. Mixed together, my drink was just barely sweetened, which is a tad less sweet than I prefer. I think I would do medium-sweet next time because I like to balance out the earthy bitterness that even premium-grade matcha like this has. Also, I read that they use more matcha powder here than is often considered standard, which makes the drink taste more intense. Still, this was a very good matcha latte, strongly flavored but delicate. The matcha basque cheesecake was awesome. Rich and creamy but not too dense, ample matcha flavor, slightly caramelized on the top and side, a little bitter and medium sweet. The ice cream was perfect. Earthy, nutty, sweet, creamy, almost a little smoky. Searing was a little chaotic but we were able to find something downstairs right away. The bathroom is down there, too, FYI.
I feel mixed about this place! It's very popular so expect a very very very long line! We stood for a while and the sun was beating down on us but I thought it was so nice they provided everyone with umbrellas to shield us from the suns rays, that we would return once we went inside. The reason why the line is long is that they literally make your matcha in front of you and explain the process. This is also not a cheap experience. For something so "high end" I would expect for everything to be on point. After the long wait and being called to the front for our matcha to be made the guy who is going to make our matcha was literally all up in his nose. I had to ask him to please wash his hands before making our drink. He then told me he already did and then I said yes but you have just been touching your nose so please wash them again. Now to be fair he was very kind and did go wash his hands. However the fun process of watching them make your matcha and talking with them about it was just beet awkward. Also the seating situation inside isn't great. However the matcha was a deep green which is a plus and it was delicious! The concept was cool and I could see us coming back but hopefully we would have a better cleaner experience.
Matcha Latte: 10/10 Hojicha brownie: 6.5/10 - SO sweet, would definitely be good for two or more people. Ambiance was gorgeous and minimalistic inside. This place was reminds how part of enjoying food is enjoying the experience and presentation. There was a line the entire time I was here. Seating can be hard to get. I like that this is a laptop-free zone & also that their menu is pretty small and specific!
I really wanted to like 12 Matcha, but I honestly don't think it's worth the wait. There's always a line, and while the cafe itself has a nice ambiance and the service was great, the matcha was a letdown. It was very chalky and didn't have the smooth, refined taste I'd expect from quality matcha. I've had some incredible matcha in Japan, so I know what good matcha tastes like. I really don't understand the hype and unfortunately wouldn't recommend it.
Every time I am in New York, I must get my dose of 12 Matcha. My daughter discovered the place on social media, and she recommended us to go. Ever since then, I've been addicted. The wait can be long, but we usually made our way to 12 Matcha right when they open. They serve other goodies as well, such as ice cream, flavored la madeleines, brownies, croissants and cheesecake. They make your drinks in front of you and are open to any questions you may have. The iced matcha have a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness. On my last trip to New York, I took my dearest friend, and she expressed that it was the best matcha she ever had. We cannot wait to come back.
I love matcha so when I heard about 12 Matcha I had to stop by when I was visiting NY! The aesthetics is so cute, I really like the detailed touches and decorations of the cafe, there's two floors with seatings. The place does get busy so there might not be a lot of available seats and the line can be long but it moves relatively quick. The quality of the matcha is superb from flavor to color, I definitely would recommend this spot to anyone who loves matcha! I had the matcha latte which I did enjoy though I do prefer my matcha drinks to be more creamy and sweet. I wish I also tried the ice cream and cheesecake too but maybe next time when I'm back in NY :) read more
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Elianna N.
Hello Jenny! We’re so glad you were able to visit us during your trip…
Came here on a weekday and there was still a line. However, they really do crowd control well, so once you're inside the cafe, it's serene and there's enough seating for everyone. You get to watch your drink get made in front of you and it is very personalized. They use 6g of matcha per drink! Definitely the strongest and best matcha latte I've had in NYC, short of making it at home myself! read more
lovely matcha spot where they hand whisk your beverage in front of you! i stopped by on a tuesday around noon and waited 15-20 minutes to get in. i ordered, then my name was called and they made my drink. my oat milk matcha (unsweetened) was super strong, with a beautiful microfoam and vibrant color! i'm not good at describing matcha but if you like strong matcha you'll love this the interior is beautiful as well with plenty of seating upstairs and downstairs, along with a bathroom and space to work. they designate the afternoons after 12 as laptop free, but if you come before the it's a great spot to get work done. overall really enjoyed my experience and would 100% come back! read more
A lovely location! A minimal design with natural wood. Very SoHo. The baristas will call over your name and you can watch them whisk the matcha. I like the matcha americano because it was light. You can also adjust the sweetener. read more
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Elianna N.
Hi Keely! Thank you so much for stopping by and joining us for a…
1 year ago
Waited on a weekday at around 2pm for around 15 minutes ago which was not bad at all. The line was sizeable but it moved quickly. They gave us umbrellas for the scorching heat/sun which was super nice. The matcha is here is EXCELLENT, and one of my favorite in the city. The milk helps with the grassiness that you might expect from high quality matcha. Come here if you're a true matcha lover and see how it compares to your favorite spots. However, make sure to get everything on the menu because the ice cream and basque cheesecake are even BETTER than the matcha latte. This was the best matcha cheesecake I've ever had. It was so smooth, silky, soft, and creamy, with a rich matcha flavor running throughout and not too bitter, not too sweet. Such a great texture. I was amazed. The ice cream was excellent too - they had hojicha, matcha and panna. I felt that the panna was, among the three, relatively skippable, as it was not too far from a really good vanilla. I'm here for the tea flavors. HOWEVER! If you find that your matcha is still too bitter/earthy for you, you can throw some of the ice cream into your latte and make it sweeter and creamier! Which my friend did and it complemented really well. The hojicha ice cream is EXCELLENT. Prob best in the city. Matcha ice cream is similarly rich and earthy and what you want out of a high quality matcha ice cream. Delicious. Would return. read more
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Elianna N.
Hi Anthony! Thank you so much for such a thoughtful and lovely…
I came here on a Sunday afternoon and had to wait about 30 minutes. Thankfully, they gave everyone waiting in line an umbrella, which really helped with the heat and sun. The interior of the cafe is beautiful, with modern Japanese design, and two levels of seating. We ordered the matcha latte, the matcha americano, the matcha basque cheesecake, and the seasonal yuzu sorbet. The matcha was great but I do think I've had better, richer matcha in NYC. The matcha cheesecake was rich and delicious. And the yuzu sorbet was light and refreshing. Overall, I would come back (but only if there wasn't a line). read more
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Elianna N.
Hi Mia! Thank you for joining us and sharing your review. We're happy…
Not bad at all, more like 4.75 stars. Got an iced Matcha Latte ($7, oat milk, regular sweetness) & a Hojicha Basque Cheesecake. Really good quality matcha - smooth, medium flavor, mild grassy notes, NOT bitter at all. I couldn't tell anything was different with the oatmilk compared to regular dairy - like a medium-heavy creaminess, no underlying oat flavor. A really well crafted drink. Wow! The Hojicha Cheesecake ($7) was smooth & rich. A toasty tea flavor with hints of coffee & chocolate undertones. Had a few bites & saved the rest for later. I would say that the drink and the cheesecake are a slightly smaller portion - bigger than portions in Asia, but smaller than portions in America, if that makes sense. The price point is pretty accurate for what drinks & desserts are priced currently. For the location & beautiful space, it seems reasonable. Articles say that the cafe uses 6 grams of matcha, which is supposedly 1.5 - 3 teaspoons, other sites say 1 tablespoon (= 2 teaspoons). I don't remember if the staff person scooped the matcha twice, but 1 scoop looked like a bit bigger than 1 teaspoon of matcha. Either way, the drink tasted just right, at least for me. Diving into Google after my visit, it sounds like they've perfectly crafted the ratios for the drinks (water ph, the grind, matcha to mylk). The staff was very friendly & apparently the goal was to offer a traditional Japanese tea ceremony (3hrs), condensed into this cafe experience - with gorgeous counter, utensils, charcoal filtered water. I think if I knew this context before ordering, it would make the experience a lot more special & interaction with the barista/tea maker less awkward & transactional. Can't imagine what they go through during the weekends! Hope during the slower times they appreciate the process. This is why it's not five stars for me because it felt slightly pretentious, but I am also wondering if the staff is tired of the influenced customers & tourists LOL. There's a door person/greeter which is both nice, but also feels like you have to rush out of there. The space is actually somewhat long & narrow but they made the best use of it. During my visit - no line, 12pm Tuesday in January, there were a good amount of people on laptops, or slowly enjoying their drinks. Probably about 10 seats on the main floor, and 10 more on the lower level. The slim counters & clusters of chairs don't work well for large groups or families fyi. Not sure if it was the owner or one of the head managers, but after looking at their new tins of matcha for sale, he approached me & we had a nice conversation about the matcha & farmers they work with. Two different tins & blends for latte versus suchicha (water). Definitely someone who's done the homework, researched, and is passionate about their product. Best of luck to this business! PS. Excellent branding & design - the take away bags (which fit the cheesecake box perfectly) & their textured, attached handles. read more
Business owner information
Elianna N.
Hello Joyce! Thank you so much for such a thoughtful and generous…
I waited 50 minutes outside before entering the store on a Saturday. The matcha latte did taste water down even though I saw how much powder they used. It might be because they seem to use the same amount of ratio of water and milk. The matcha itself was good and a bit bitter, which I liked. But I'm not going to lie I don't think it's worth waiting any longer than 15 minutes for, if even. I got a scoop of panna and matcha ice cream. The Panna was creamy, but ultimately way too sweet. The matcha ice cream was also way too sweet I couldn't finish it. The matcha cheesecake was not too sweet and is packed with matcha. But I also don't think it's worth longer than a 15 minutes wait. I think the space looks cool and it's nice seeing them make my matcha in front of me. However, I think I'd go elsewhere for my matcha lattes. read more
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Elianna N.
Hello Vy! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughtful feedback. We…
Great matcha, definitely worth trying! This new matcha spot has been all over my Instagram, so I finally decided to check it out. This was actually my second attempt. The first time I went, back in July, the line was way too long, and I gave up halfway through because it was too hot to wait in the sun. This time, I got there around 10:30 a.m. on a Saturday and waited about 20 minutes. I would definitely come back again, although I don't think it's worth waiting too long just for the cafe itself. Once you're inside, though, it makes sense why there's usually a line. If everyone shows up at once, it gets crowded quickly, with people saving seats while others are still ordering. That makes seating a bit tricky. Overall, great matcha! My latte wasn't too sweet or too bitter; it was just right for me. read more
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Elianna N.
Hi Amy! Thank you so much for your review. We’re very happy to hear…
Waited 30+ min on a Sat afternoon which was apparently considered a slow day. The matcha oat latte was really strong and probably better if it was sweetened (I'm used to the oat milk providing a hint of sweetness usually but not here). Enjoyed the high quality anyway and service / attention to each cup but not sure if I'd wait again, unless I was looking for this type of full-experience. read more
Really high quality matcha! We came midday on a cold, rainy weekday and waited ~20 minutes. The small drink menu (either a matcha americano or latte) speaks to this shop's attention to detail. The drinks come unsweetened, which I personally prefer, but you should know to add sweetener if the astringent taste isn't for you. They also sell really large, fluffy croissants, a few other pastries, and ice cream. This place is definitely a full experience and therefore has a long wait, which can be annoying if you just want a good cup of matcha. After ordering, someone will call your name to have you watch them prepare your drink. They use a lot of matcha and whisk it *very* thoroughly, which makes the drinks very smooth and flavorful, but also majorly slows the line down. However, it's worth the stop if you're with friends or looking to kill some time. read more
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Valeria C.
Hi Mia, thank you for giving us a try. We’re glad the quality came…
We stopped by early on a Thursday morning. There was no line. We stayed for a while. The interior is simple and cozy, great for relaxing or getting some work done. As for the menu, the matcha was just okay. The quality was a bit lacking; it had a strong bitterness without a smooth finish. The matcha cheesecake had a slightly powdery texture and lacked the bold flavor I was hoping for. The biggest disappointment was the croissant, no layers, not crispy, and it tasted like it had been sitting out for a while. Overall, it's a nice spot to unwind, but the food and drinks definitely have room for improvement. If I come back, I'd be curious to try the ice cream and hojicha cheesecake instead. read more
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Elianna N.
Hi Luna! We’re so glad you got to enjoy the space, and we really…
The line is atrocious. Over half an hour wait but they were very thoughtful in offering umbrellas. The matcha latte was pretty good. The cheese cake was not impressive. It was too sweet for my taste. The ice cream was good. I especially like the yuzu and the hojicha. They talked about charcoal infused water etc... It's more a gimmick than anything imo. Not worth the wait. read more
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Elianna N.
Hello Mark, thank you so much for your feedback. We understand that…
Strong and vibrant matcha. The taste was perfect. Go here if you're a matcha fanatic. Don't go if you're expecting a starbucks style matcha. This is authentic and high quality. Very strong and exactly what I was looking for. The line moves fairly quick and you get to watch them hand whisk your matcha. They only have a few items here which is great, they know what theyre doing. I loved it! 10/10 for sure. read more
I absolutely love 12 matcha and come here at least once (usually twice) a week. There is no bitterness or grassiness in their matcha. I always order the americano sweetened or lightly sweetened with stevia. They use 6 g of matcha per drink so it's very strong but so delicious. Each barista really takes their time with whisking and you can tell they all genuinely enjoy the craft. They offer free water which is such a lovely bonus as many coffee/tea shops don't. read more
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Elianna N.
Hi Taylor! Thank you so much for your lovely review and for being…
An excellent excellent Matcha spot!! One of my favorites ever I must admit. The long line outside may look intimidating but theres a reason why customers keep coming back. From the wonderful customer service to the quality of matcha to the aesthetics of the place; it's truly an unforgettable experience. The matcha basque cheesecake is probably the best I have ever had. The drink itself was so good I got two; one cold and one hot. I will always vouch for this place and can't wait to get my next matcha fix read more
1 year ago
12 Matcha is located in NoHo of New York City. The line was very long outside of the building. I liked that they had sun umbrellas for their customers to use on the hot, sunny days while they wait. Unfortunately, 12 Matcha wasn't for me. I don't know how long we waited in line for exactly, but it was at least an hour. The menu is very limited to four items: two drinks and two other dessert items. I ordered an Iced Matcha Latte and a scoop of the matcha ice cream. I liked the matcha ice cream. The Iced Matcha Latte however was not what I expected. It was underwhelming. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't my favorite. The interaction with the matcharista was fun though. They were very interactive. The interior is decorated in a modern sort of minimalistic way. There is also seating on two floors. It's still pretty small inside though. read more
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Elianna N.
Hello! Thank you so much for visiting and for your patience with the…
Not sure if it's worth the almost 45 mins wait, but glad I tried it, not I can stop thinking about it. Service is top notch. They have a manager on floor to help you find a table or wipe tables down or bring you a glass of water. The one on one is special but one time is enough for me :) it's enjoyable but not sure if it's worth the wait. read more
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Valeria C.
Hi Joanne, thank you for stopping by and for taking the time to share…
Wow! I think I hit a great week to go. It's been super hot in NYC and my friend and I only waited maximum 20 minutes for two visits! I loved how organized their system was, having a bouncer for a matcha shoppe was pretty funny to see but really allowed the place to maximize on efficiency as well as customer satisfaction. Both times we went, we were able to grab a table before we got our drinks! Also, the bathrooms downstairs are super useful after waiting in line! Overall, I loved the matcha. You can tell how good a matcha is by the coloring & the rich, dark and bitter flavor of the green tea really came out full force in our matcha lattes. I ordered some sweetener just because I do enjoy a more sugary matcha latte. My friend, who is a NYC local, said when they first opened, she waited almost 2 hours for the matcha! read more
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Elianna N.
Hi Jose! We're so glad that you were able to join us for a matcha and…
Some of the best Matcha ice cream I've ever had so this was excellent. Completely professional way of preparing my order- see video...Ambiance is fine if not cramped when crowded. The lines outside can get lengthy so go early. read more
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Elianna N.
Hello Lili! Thank you for sharing you're kind review, and we're so…
First time waiting in line for matcha but it was well worth the wait -super cute interior (they do have a bathroom); love the matcha station set up where they make it in front of you I got the matcha americano and cheesecake: -matcha americano was just ok (bc it's mixed with water , it comes out a bit bland) -but the matcha cheesecake tho best I've ever had, mixed perfectly with good level of matcha and cheese - I tried their ice cream as well and they were some of the most flavorful matcha and hojicha ice cream I've ever had -highly recommend read more
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Valeria C.
Hi Jaimie, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts.…
1 year ago
I waited around 45 minutes in total for this place, and honestly didn't think it was really worth it. The line was actually a lot shorter than I thought it would be, but it still took a long time for them to make the drinks since they do each one in front of you. I got a matcha latte with oat milk, and also sampled some of the matcha ice cream. I will say the ice cream was really good - such a strong earthy matcha flavor and great texture. After ordering, they call you up by name and show you how they make the matcha. Despite being earlier in line, some others behind me were called up first which I was confused by. When I finally got my drink, it almost felt a little watery and flavorless - I expected more from such a pricey drink and unique experience. All in all, I definitely wouldn't wait again for this but I would still get the ice cream if there wasn't a line. read more
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Valeria C.
Hi Katherine, thank you for giving us a try. We’re happy to hear the…
Coming around 4 pm on a Saturday, I probably waited 30 mins in line to order. It probably takes another 10 mins for everything to be ready, but there wasn't any tables opened that time so I had everything to go. I got their matcha latte, lightly sweet, hojicha cheesecake, and 3 scoops of ice cream. I really enjoyed everything but the ice cream were my favorite. I would rank my 3 scoops as matcha, panna, and hojicha read more
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Elianna N.
Hello Alan, thank you so much for giving us a try and sharing your…
If you come here on a weekday right when they open, there's no wait! The Basque cheesecake and hojicha ice cream were absolutely delicious. The croissant looked just as good last time, and I'll definitely try that next time I visit. I can't handle too much caffeine personally, so the matcha latte was a bit much for me--but it's perfect for matcha lovers! The interior is beautiful and aesthetic--great for a work-from-home day or just to get some work done. Everything inside is modern, clean, and inviting. I also love that they make the matcha lattes right in front of you; it's a really cool and unique experience. The service here was also amazing--everyone was super kind, and someone always checked in to see if I wanted more water, even though it's self-serve. read more
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Elianna N.
Hi Emily! Thank you for sharing your kind and thoughtful review.…
I really enjoyed the matcha drink along with the hojicha + yuzu ice cream! Portion was generous & the drink was thoughtfully crafted and put together! The overall experience was so nice! My only thing was that there was limited seating when I went. I went Friday afternoon, so it was extremely packed inside. We were lucky enough to grab a table, but I recommend coming a little earlier if you want to sit down & enjoy the beverage/ice cream. read more
1 year ago
I'm here to tell you that even though it is beautiful, it is not worth the 40 minute line. Came on a Wednesday at 11am and waited a solid 40 minutes until it was my turn to order. Not complaining about that, because this is New York, but I was a little disappointed with the matcha!! The color is beautiful, no denying, but the matcha is a bit watered down. I mean it's good but not THAT good. I'm more content with the matcha I make at home, so for that I am definitely saving myself the trip. The interior of the place is nice, and certainly aesthetic, so I understand coming to try and see how serious they take their preparation. But I don't think it's a place to regularly come back to. My friend the hojicha ice cream though! read more
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Valeria C.
Hi Rebecca, thank you for sharing your honest feedback—we appreciate…
1 year ago
12 Matcha has been flooding my tiktok and instagram reels, so I had to check it out. We went around 12:30 pm on a Sunday and waited approximately an hour. We got the matcha basque cheesecake and the matcha latte. The matcha latte itself was honestly a 2.5/5, but the overall experience, vibes and ambiance of the place made me round it up to a 4 star, and the cheesecake was delicious. The interior of the place is beautiful, and the workers whisk the matcha in front of you for a very long time. Now to get into the matcha latte itself, they use way too much water. I think I overheard them saying they use 100ml of water (don't quote me on it) which explains why the latte tasted so watery. I wish they used half the amount of water so I can taste the matcha better. I could tell the matcha they use is high quality though, and the microfoam was beautiful. If you are expecting life changing matcha, definitely lower your expectations. I do think it's worth checking out once for the experience, but probably not a regular place to visit due to the crazy wait. read more
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Elianna N.
Hello Jooa, thank you for the honest feedback. We’re so glad to hear…
Oh my goodness. This place was amazing. They use ~5 scoops of matcha, so you know it's strong! I've never been so impressed by a cafe. Each matcha is hand-whisked right in front of you. They use some kind of premium water (just the right temp!). This place is more than your average matcha pick-up -- it's a whole experience :). I appreciate how clean the space was and the vibe. My order: Regular Matcha Latte (sweetness able to be adjusted) Matcha Cheesecake Everything was so delicious. read more
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Elianna N.
Hello Jolene! Thank you so much for your kind words. We’re so happy…
I went on a random Thursday afternoon and I waited in line for about 15 minutes. The setup of the counter was awkward. The register is the first thing you approach at the beginning of the line so you don't get a chance to see what desserts they have to offer before you order. I ordered the matcha latte and my friend ordered the matcha cheesecake. The matcha quality is spot on. It has that earthiness of matcha but it also had a natural sweetness of fresh green tea. Is it the best latte though...? The cheesecake had really strong matcha flavor which is great but it was over baked and dry for basque type cheesecake. I wish they would sell the matcha powder read more
Business owner information
Valeria C.
Hi Jenny, thank you for sharing your thoughts— we’re glad you enjoyed…
My friend took me here during our last trip to NY! There was a really long line and at first, I was like it better be worth the wait lol It was a little hot and the wait was about 30 minutes. They are really organized with the wait. After finally entering the building, I immediately understood why it was taking so long. You order at the register then you wait to be called to watch the employees make your drinks. They make each drink manually by hand, they use alkalized charcoal water, and they measure the matcha powder and water for consistency. At a glance, it seemed a little watery but the flavor was really good! read more
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Valeria C.
Hi Sujung, thank you for stopping by and sharing your experience.…
Unfortunately, worth the wait and general irritation. If you are a matcha aficionado, this place may set the standard for you. As far as a matcha cafe in the US, I haven't had better. Even at opening, we wait about a half hour to get in to order (I don't wait for any BS in a line but this may be the exception). You understand why once you get in, the experience is slow, methodical and personal. Only a few matcha stations and each person makes it in front of you. The scent when that hot water hits the matcha powder as they begin to whisk..is euphoric to me. Just lovely. The best matcha latte you can get in NY period. The matcha ice cream as well as the basque cheesecake are sensational. One of my favorite places. Recommend. read more
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Valeria C.
Hi Steph, thank you so much for sharing your experience. We're…
9 months ago
One of the best matcha lattes I've had in the city. I was fortunate enough to have stopped by when there was no line so I got to go straight in. While there was no line outside, there is a bit of a wait inside as the matchas are made to order and the staff prepares each drink with care and expertise. My matcharista (matcha + barista) was friendly and answered my questions about the charcoal water filter and how they make their matcha lattes. Since there's limited seating available upstairs and downstairs, I felt like I was a bit rushed drinking and eating my order. I couldn't take my time to savor the experience because it felt like the staff were constantly tidying up and preparing for the next customers to sit down. Overall, great tasting matcha lattes but definitely a grab and go kind of place due to how packed it gets. read more
11 months ago
Matcha was made with care, technique and love. My matcha latte was perfectly frothy, creamy and matcha was bright. The matcha Basque was aesthetically pleasing to the eye and decadent. Long lines were a bit of a drag but worth a try! read more
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Elianna N.
Hello Isabel! Thank you so much for the kind words. We’re truly happy…
10 days ago
Been missing a good vibey matcha spot that reminds me of Asia! was suuuper buzzed because they put a good amount of matcha in each drink -- thought the drink was amazing and lived up to the hype! Interior is cute and they have charging outlets. They def took lots of care in making the drinks. It's absolutely a bit of a wait -- but you don't feel rushed when you're seated! But high quality matcha for sure read more
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Valeria C.
Hi Kristi, thank you for the lovely words. It means a lot to know the…
Damn, the wait was super long! Even on a weekday, I had to wait about 2 hours! The hype is still going strong. But I have to admit, it's quite good. When I inquired about the matcha, they did confirm that it's from a matcha farm from Uji, Japan (so you know it's the real good stuff). They also pride themselves in having found the best process for making a perfect drink. They use a specific Japan wood infused water which you can see inside. They also measure every gram of water to match powder ratio - almost have it down to a science. You can order an iced or hot matcha drink. You can also opt for an added sweetener, but honestly wasn't too strong in sweetness. The richness of the matcha powder was apparent, so it will appease the true matcha fans. The thing I was most surprised about was their ice cream. My friends and I decided to try their tri-flavor ice cream which comes with panna, hojicha & matcha flavors and I was truly impressed! Their ice cream itself is super creamy - unlike anything I've tasted before. On top of that, each flavor was so delicious. Most of all, I was super blown away by the hojicha flavor. It was super rich and had the perfect amount of sweetness. This is now become my favorite hojicha ice cream. If I had a tea or powdered form of this to make everyday, I would be a happy camper. I would totally recommend that you don't skip out on their ice cream (as well as trying their matcha drinks of course). read more
Business owner information
Valeria C.
Hi Olivia, thank you so much for this incredibly thoughtful review—…
POV you're in the mood for a quick matcha before a flight and come across this place thinking it was a casual cafe when it's actually a whole matcha experience with really fancy people LOL I visited this spot on a Friday morning and the line was fairly short, only about a 15 minute wait. Theres a hostess waiting out front to open the door for you. The shop was so beautiful and clean and also really busy! I ordered the matcha latte to go. The staff was so nice and you can tell they're not in a rush to do things, they are there to make you feel comfortable and have a good service experience. It felt like they were whispering to me LOL They call your name when it's time to pick up your order and they literally whisk the drink in front of you. I appreciate the service and quality but to me it felt a little silly. The drink was delicious and super strong, exactly what I was looking for. I'd recommend this place! read more
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54 Bond St
New York, NY 10012
NoHo
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http://www.12matcha.com
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Ask the Community - 12 Matcha
Is the matcha gluten free?
Hi y'all! Is this place vegan friendly ? I heard they have oat milk. I'm curious about the ice cream and cheese cake also TIA?
Hi Jess, thank you for reaching out— yes, we provide oat and almond milk. You can also try the matcha americano with just water + our proprietary matcha blend. Our ice cream and cheesecake are not VF— we are working hard to expand our menu offerings…
