12 Matcha Photos
Business Info
12 Matcha Popular Dishes
12 MATCHA ATMOSPHERE
You might also consider
More like 12 Matcha
Recommended Reviews - 12 Matcha
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Big fan of this spot - one of the best matchas I've had in this city. Stopped by on a weekday at 4pm - there was a short line outside, but it moved quickly and I only had to wait 10-15 minutes. They offered umbrellas to help with the hot summer sun which was very considerate. The menu is small, only a few drink options and foods. I got an iced matcha latte with oat milk and sweetener. They didn't charge extra for alternative milk which was a bonus. There are several stations at the counter where they call your name and you can watch them make the matcha, which embodied japan's matcha shops. it's a very carefully thought out production line: scales built into the countertop, ready to go warm water, and glass rinsers. the interior is always modern and minimalist with wooden furniture and plenty of seating. The drink was rich and smooth, with a very dark green matcha color. it was the perfect ratio of milk to matcha to ice. needless to say this will be a staple whenever I visit the city.
Probably the best matcha latte I've ever had in the states, maybe some Japan ones were comparable or better. Just really tasty, I took a sip of the matcha without any milk and it was really nice and not too bitter already. Must try for matcha lovers if you're in nyc. Also hojicha brownie was yummy. Line wasn't too bad around 11:30 am on a Thursday but the line was really crazy around 2 pm Friday so only got to try this place once. It's really cool getting to see the process of them making it in front of you, great ambiance.
Lived up to the hype. Line wasn't too long and moved quickly. Enjoyed the experience of watching them make the matcha. The drink itself was really good. They put a lot of matcha in it and I enjoyed the default sweetness level. star guideline: 5 - 100% recommend, need to come back 4 - would get it again 3 - fine meal but wouldn't care to come back 2 - not good, preference to not come back 1 - reallyyyy bad
This is one of the spots that will be truly enjoyed by matcha lovers in NYC. After 2 years of having 12 Matcha on my list, I finally made it out! I came on a Thursday afternoon and there was an outside line. It was pretty hot that day and they offered guests 12 Matcha themed umbrellas to hold onto to protect themselves from the sun rays. They also went around and passed water to ensure no one gets dehydrated (this was amazing customer service). In total, I had around 15 people in front of me and waited around 20 minutes. When you come in, you notice immediately they have two floors. They have a basement level with extra seating, in addition to the small amount of tables on the top. It is all first come, first served. Their menu is pretty simplistic and if you are coming for drinks, they really just have a matcha americano and matcha latte (which I do not mind). You are able to adjust the sweetness level as well. I opted for a matcha americano with light sweetness and after making my order, I waited on the side for them to call my name. Once they call it, you go over to the station where your barista called you over to watch them make your drink. There you can ask them any questions. The experience was pretty cool. I brought my drink downstairs (also limited seating) to enjoy. My drink did not taste too grassy and had a great microfoam. For me, the sweetness was perfect, and I truly felt like the value was good for the quality of the matcha and the experience. I wouldn't say it's the best matcha I've ever had, but one of the top ones in NYC.
This is my second time here, I wanted to revisit with my son. This is one of my favorite matcha spots in NYC. I like my matcha bitter, nutty with that deep green color and this place does it like it's an art form. There is only two matcha drinks to choose from. - Matcha Latte - Matcha Americano You can request to have it lightly sweetened. Order at the counter and wait for one of the baristas to call out your name. Then stand in front of them where they go through the ritual of making your matcha drink. Our barista was awesome and informed me that I can ask him any questions while he makes it. I saw him opening the lid to a huge ceramic urn and adding little scoops of hot water. I asked him why he did that and he said it's to activate the green powder after he whisked it. Loved that he shared this cool info with me. The whole process takes quite a while, hence the reason for the long lines. Take as many pics and videos as you want. If you order dessert, they will bring it to you on a tray. Seating is limited so be patient. I also love that one of the staff member brought over a couple glasses of water to us without us even asking for it. We tried their Matcha and Hojicha Basque Cheesecakes. It's creamy and the flavors came through. Service is tops here; they greet you as you come and go with a smile. This building is in direct sunlight and it can get scorching hot when you wait in line. The guy managing the crowd will hand you an umbrella to help shield you from the sun. 10/10 read more
6 months ago
Unfortunately, this spot DOES live up to the hype! And unfortunately, the wait IS worth it! Came on a Sat afternoon and waited 45 min, WHEWW. They let ppl in by groups. This spot has 2 floors, but it's indeed PACKED, but seats turnover appropriately. The menu is lean by design. You pretty much only adjust sweetness or milk alt, which has no addtl charge! We got Iced Matcha Lattes with Oat Milk. I got the lowest sweet level, which was perfect! We also got their Basque Cheesecake, which was light, airy, and not too sweet - SO GOOD! Would def return during a down time to avoid the longer wait. read more
She's popular, she's busy, she's well known, and all for good reason. 12 matcha somehow retains a refined vibe, while being inviting at the same time. Theres plenty of comfortable seating on both floors, with outlets and wifi. It's a great place to get work done, if you can get a seat that is. You and your matcha go through a journey together: from ordering at the counter, to getting called up when your matcha is being made, where you get a one-to-one experience with the barista whisking your drink. It's a somehow personal and intimate experience, despite the constant influx of customers. I also notice that workers will stop by to offer to fill up your water, which is nice. The matcha itself is also good! It's not too herbal, and they make it just the right amount of sweet. I've been a couple of times, and they're very consistent with the quality of their matcha. It always comes out to the prettiest shade of green too! I also had their hojicha basque cheesecake, and I highly recommend! It's a nice creamy, nutty alternative to the matcha, and is super tasty in its own right. All in all, 12 matcha does live up to the hype, sadly. It really does get packed, so keep that in mind if you want to visit! read more
8 days ago
Line was so long outside.. but once we got in the lady making our matcha was super nice and talkative. she made sure our matcha was perfect and the matcha was so good. The color is dark green and i like how you can see the whole entire matcha making process. The matcha actually tastes like matcha but it was a lil on the pricey side. Still, one of the most matcha- tasting matchas i've had in nyc! read more
Definitely recommend coming early because there will be a line out the door. The menu was very short, but I got a Matcha latte with oat milk. The barista will call your name and you get to watch how they make the Matcha and experience the whole process. They also sell basque cheesecake and some pastries. I got extra sweetness for my latte and soo glad I did because the matcha taste is strong. If you don't like strong matcha taste, you probably wouldn't like this place but I enjoyed it very much! read more
Very rich earthy quality matcha in the drinks and ice cream! It's a long wait because they really do take their time with your order and show you how it's made. You get moved to an assigned station and watch as they make you your matcha. It's very focused on quality matcha so the taste can be very deep and earthy and would for sure be a fav among matcha connoisseurs. For beginners trying to get into matcha though, I would suggest maybe another place that provides a bit more sweetness and lighter palette. Otherwise overall great! read more
1 month ago
Vibe/ambiance: clean, modern Service: made to order matcha Items ordered: Basque cheesecake 7/10 Ice cream 6.8/10 (oddly salty?) Matcha: 8.5/10 read more
Such a beautiful cafe with lots of seating. The line is pretty long, so be prepared to wait. My friend and I waited about 40 minutes in the afternoon on a weekday. The staff does come out and give people water and umbrellas to beat the heat, which I really appreciated. After ordering, they make your drink right in front of you to see the whole process. Matcha was creamy, nutty, and balanced. They use about 6 grams of matcha per drink, so it's pretty strong and caffeinated! I would definitely come here again. read more
7 months ago
EXPERIENCE: Amazing customer service here, so friendly and every matcha is whisked with such attention to detail. Their seating is spacious, modern and swanky with large windows to relax in MATCHA AMERICANO: First harvest ceremonial, 6g per cup each though the quality of the matcha is not as high as other reviews have mentioned -- missing the umami flavor imo. That said, would definitely come back. *Note: did not love their oat milk (not oatly) but they kindly remade my drink and even checked to see it was good. read more
Tiktok made me do it. But seriously this is the best matcha I've ever had. The service was really fast despite the wait. I went on a random Tuesday afternoon 1:30pm ish and waited 15 mins so I think I got lucky. They offer umbrellas for people in line which is super considerate given the heat wave. The matcha latte is $7 which is a decent price considering the quality and thought put into their drink. They use charcoal to purify the water resulting in a much smoother matcha flavor. The barista was super sweet and let me gawk and ask whatever questions popped up. I recommend coming during off-peak hours for your first time and getting an iced light sweet matcha. Wear comfy shoes I saw people in heels suffering in line. read more
5 months ago
I went on a Saturday morning around 10:15 am and there was no line outside yet. However, it still took me 45 minutes in total to get my drink. Very rich matcha. Indeed a performative final boss but it's also nice to see your drink being made specifically for you in front of you. I also got free hojicha chocolates because they were celebrating their one year anniversary. Superrrr yummy. read more
100% best matcha I've had in NYC. Worth the line because it is crafted for you so carefully and with the most beautiful water jugs! There isn't the most amount of seating but if you get a spot inside, it's so lovely to sit and people watch as you enjoy your drink. The cheesecake was great too, but should be shared among 2-4 people because of how decadent and dense it is. read more
2 months ago
We went there on Monday ~30 ish minutes before close. We waited outside less than 10 minutes and they were thoughtful enough to give us an umbrella to shield us against the sun! Already a great start to the 12 Matcha experience. We then got in and I loved the interior. A lot of wood, a lot of light, some leather. Looked very attractive. There are plenty of seating in downstairs and upstairs. However, this is not a sit and study type of space, it's drink and go! They then call you when they are ready to make your matcha to then make it in front of you. The matcha was slightly earthy. It tasted better with whole milk than oat milk from 1 sip of my gfs drink. Also not too sweet (I did order half sugar). read more
Okok, I really thought it was all hype, but this spot was perfection if it wasn't for the wait. While I didn't plan to come here, I passed by and decided to check it out since I had time to kill. There was a line (as always), which did take half an hour. Once inside, you order with the cashier and then head over to a barista who will make your drink for you. The menu is pretty simple with only two versions of matcha drinks and some desserts. I ordered the Matcha Latte ($7) and Hojicha Basque Cheesecake ($8). Not only is the space gorgeous with two floors, it was still a bit tricky to find a seat. Despite that, they never rushed anyone to leave and cleared the tables right away. The barista who made my drink was so sweet and it really is a show. They have a spotlight on the drink when it's being poured --talk about dramatics. But it's not just all show as the latte and cheesecake were both delicious. The matcha is light, which balances the cheesecake so well. Definitely recommend these together. I'd have to come back for their ice cream in the summer time though. I get why people wait to come here. It really is such a delicious and beautifully curated cafe with amazing service and welcoming aura. read more
Business owner information
Elianna N.
Hi Cindy! Thank you for giving us a try and for sharing such lovely…
3 months ago
3 months ago
love 12 matcha -- probably the best matcha i've had in the city so far! if yall know any better places for matcha, plz lmk because my standards are high!!! the ice cream and cheesecake there were amazing. customer service was amazing!! someone in the shop accidentally threw away my friend's paper bag of goodies and the staff were so kind to compensate us with some pastries and desserts. love the space a lot -- they're really intentional about the furniture and wooden elements of the place. the only thing was that it was a 50-min wait... read more
I waited 40 minutes to get inside, in 20 degree weather, and it was worth every second of my time. I honestly had no idea this establishment was super popular when I was searching up matcha in the area, so I was surprised when I saw the huge line Diane, who opened the door for me, was super sweet. She asked if it was our first time here and introduced us to Allen, the owner. He was so genuinely nice. He even offered to help us find a a seat. When the attitude is so welcoming and considerate, I cannot rave about it enough. It makes me want to come back even more with the exceptional hospitality Besides the hospitality, I really liked the matcha. Allen recommended to get sweetener on the side, which im so glad i did because i was able to taste the flavor of the matcha on its own. It wasn't bitter, but I definitely appreciated the flavor w the sweetener more. They make the matcha with extreme precision and it's so fun watching the process The matcha basque cheesecake, PLEASE DO NOT SKIP ON THIS!!!!!!!!!! IT IS A MUST!!!!! I'm not a cheesecake lover, but i would definitely order again. The cheesecake did not overpower the matcha flavor. It wasn't overly sweet, so smooth and creamy. The yuzu glazed Madeline was not my favorite, because I felt like the yuzu was a bit overpowering Just as a warning, if you are planning to sit and enjoy your matcha, there is very limited seating. About 15ish seats upstairs and 11ish downstairs (rough estimate - trying to recall how many people I saw). I got lucky, and was able to snag a seat upstairs. If you're willing to wait for an empty seat, I think it's worth the wait. The interior is very clean, as is the bathroom which I think is just as important. There's huge windows that let the light pour in which I love read more
4.5/5 If you like matcha, this place is definitely worth checking out. First, they take your order at the station, and they call your name to prepare your drink(s) in front of you. The matcha quality stands out right away, based on the color alone. The flavor is rich and slightly earthy without being too bitter. We had matcha lattes and hojicha + matcha gelato, the normal sweetness was perfect, despite it having 6g of matcha. The shop itself is small, chicc, and modern. Staff are helpful and friendly, lots of smiles and patience. Limited seatings available and no laptop after 12PM. read more
9 months ago
The matcha here has a really deep and nutty flavor, which I love! The matcha barista will call your name before making your drink so that you can ask for any sweetness adjustments, and you can watch them whisk your matcha. I was told that they use their own blend of matcha that's grown in Uji, Japan. There's a decent amount of seating upstairs and downstairs to enjoy your matcha. The line can be really long, so I'd recommend coming in early if possible. I waited around 45 minutes on a Saturday afternoon. read more
Business owner information
Elianna N.
Hi Valerie! Thank you so much for your review and the kind words.…
6 months ago
SERVICE - located in NoHo near Washington square park - almost always has a long wait so be prepared to stand in line for at least 30 minutes - interior looks like a modern furniture store which gives it a slightly more upscale ambiance than what you would expect from a cafe - once your order, the drinks are meticulously measured and made in front of you - seating available on top or bottom floor though can be hard to find given the volume of customers - good spot for working or for meeting friends MENU - focused selection of matcha drinks and some desserts - plant based milk alternatives available - average price FOOD - hot matcha americano (10/10): i had heard a lot about the quality of the matcha here so I wanted to try it without any milk or ice to get the richest flavor. They are generous with the amount of matcha they use which gives the drink a slight creaminess and a lasting flavor on your tongue even though there is no milk added. I would recommend getting this hot as the temperature mellows the earthiness of the matcha. WOULD I GO BACK? Yes! I think it is worth the wait for the ambiance and the quality of the drinks. I do wish there was more seating available read more
21 days ago
WOW!! For a true matcha lover this is an absolute dream! There is definitely a wait but it is so well worth it. Every customer gets an in depth explanation and gets to see their matcha hand whisked to order! The inside of the store in modern and simple and it truly took me back to my trip to Japan! I think 12 matcha does an incredible job of preserving the history and taste of matcha and I can't wait to return! Definitely add to your nyc itinerary if you love matcha!! read more
I've been seeing this place all over my TikTok, and it definitely lives up to the hype. If you're looking for high quality matcha, this is definitely the place to go. The staff take their time with each drink, and it really shows. They use a generous amount of matcha powder and hand whisk it until it develops that smooth microfoam on top. The drink was rich and well balanced. The shop itself was very clean and had plenty of seating, which was nice. I've heard the wait here can get pretty long, so I think I got lucky. I went around 10:30 a.m. on a Saturday and only waited about 10-15 minutes in line for my drinks. I'd also consider the matcha here pretty affordable, especially for a spot that's so popular. Overall, it was a great experience and I'll definitely be back next time I'm in the area. read more
The matcha soft serve was really good with a strong matcha flavor that did not taste watered down or overly sweet. We also tried the drinks and cake, and overall everything tasted solid and high quality. The only major downside was the wait. We waited around 40 minutes just to get inside, and after finally getting seated we noticed people outside were being handed umbrellas while we had already been standing in direct sun the whole time. Also no bathrooms, which becomes rough when the full experience ends up taking over an hour and a half. Great desserts, but the wait and setup definitely hurt the experience a bit. read more
If you're a true fan of high-quality matcha, 12Matcha in NYC is an absolute must-visit. It's not your typical "grab-and-go" cafe; it's an experience that justifies the wait. The Experience & Service: What sets this place apart is their bar-style service. As they prepare your drink, you stand right in front of the counter to hear a detailed explanation of the matcha's origin and preparation. There were three staff members making drinks during my visit. I was lucky enough to be served by someone who provided a fantastic, engaging explanation. I did notice the other two staff members seemed a bit exhausted, which is understandable given how busy this spot gets, but it definitely impacts the "zen" vibe they aim for. The Quality: The quality of the matcha itself is top-tier--rich, earthy, and perfectly whisked. You can tell they source only the finest leaves. The space is beautifully designed, creating a great atmosphere to appreciate the craft behind each cup. Verdict: I finally understand why people line up for this place. If you appreciate the ceremony of tea and want to learn more about what you're drinking, 12Matcha is well worth the visit. Just hope you get the enthusiastic server! read more
This spot is worth the hype! Only wish the wait was shorter. Came on a Saturday around 11:30am and waited 25 mins before getting inside the building and 40 mins before getting a drink in hand. Experience is pretty cool. They call your name up and whisk your drink in front of you. Limited drink menu which means they really focus on their craft. The matcha tasted really good! Very smooth and you can taste the matcha. Ambiance is nice, but there's limited seating upstairs and downstairs. Theres a restroom downstairs but be prepared to wait in line for that too. Would recommend coming earlier since the line got even longer when I left. Will add this to my itinerary again next time I'm back! read more
12 MATCHA @ NO HO NEW YORK kept seeing this place all over TikTok, so I had to try it for myself. Getting there is pretty easy there's street parking, or you can take the subway for about $3. You can also Uber or carpool, but my friends and I decided to take the subway, and it was super convenient. When we got there, it didn't even look like a coffee shop at first, it honestly looked like a house. The exterior blends in beautifully with the rest of the buildings on the street, which makes it feel really unique. There was already a line out the door, but luckily it moved pretty fast and we didn't have to wait long. Once we walked in, the vibes were amazing. They have both a downstairs and an upstairs lounge, and a lot of people were just working on their laptops, hanging out, and enjoying their drinks. It felt really cozy and intentional. I ordered their plain matcha latte, which was about $9. What made the experience stand out was how personalized it felt. You get paired with a worker who actually makes the drink in front of you while talking with you. The person we had was incredibly kind and shared how they got into being a matcha enthusiast in New York City, which made the whole experience feel even more special. Watching the matcha being made was honestly one of my favorite parts. The attention to detail, the measurements, and even the color, it was all so satisfying. The matcha itself was strong, high-quality, and really smooth. I do wish they had more flavor options like strawberry or blueberry matcha, but their classic matcha was still delicious and definitely worth trying. They also offer pastries and are known for their cakes, which I'd want to try next time. Overall, I'd definitely recommend stopping by if you're in the area, it's more than just a matcha run, it's an experience. read more
3 months ago
12 Matcha is a specialty matcha café focused on traditional preparation, high-quality matcha drinks, and a more refined café experience. We walked into a space that is part of the appeal, with a clean and carefully designed interior that makes it feel more like a destination rather than just a place to grab a drink. The attention to detail is noticeable, from the way the matcha is prepared to the overall atmosphere of the shop, and the seating area is comfortable enough to make it a nice spot for catching up, working, or taking a break while exploring the area. The main reason to visit is obviously the matcha. We tried their matcha latte and found the flavor smooth with a noticeable matcha taste without the strong bitterness that some traditional matcha drinks can have. It leaned a little sweeter than we personally prefer, but it was still balanced and easy to drink. The texture was creamy and the matcha quality was definitely better than many standard cafés that use matcha mainly for the color rather than the flavor. Their menu also includes other matcha-focused items like matcha ice cream, hojicha options, and desserts such as cheesecake and brownies, all of which pair well with the drinks and make the visit feel more complete. The hojicha options are a nice alternative if you want something with a deeper roasted flavor instead of sticking only with matcha. The biggest thing to consider is the wait. The popularity of 12 Matcha means the line can get long, especially during peak hours, and while the drinks are good and the experience is enjoyable, the long wait can take away from what is otherwise a really solid matcha spot. Going during off hours or on a weekday makes the visit much easier and lets you actually enjoy the space without feeling rushed. The staff were friendly, and the overall service felt intentional rather than just focused on getting orders out quickly. 12 Matcha is one of the better matcha cafés we have tried, especially if you care about the quality and preparation of the drink. The matcha itself is smooth and well made, and the atmosphere adds to the experience, making it a place worth visiting when you want a matcha-focused café experience that feels thoughtful and composed. read more
10 degree weather was no match for girls who were on a walking mission to get matcha! We fortunately were able to wait inside before the line picked up and wound out the door. The seating area is pretty spacious and accommodating to smaller groups who can crowd around tables together. This is a super cute, individualized experience concept! my matcha barista put in WORK to make my matcha smooth, and it was one of the better matches I've had recently with a really deep earthy flavor. read more
Business owner information
Elianna N.
Hi Brooke! We are so glad you and your friends were able to join us,…
I really just came for the matcha cheesecake, which was great but not necessarily worth the wait (got in the line at 2:20 PM on a weekday, had my cheesecake in hand by 2:45). I also had a sip of my friend's matcha americano - very intense/strong matcha flavor, not for me (would try a latte tho). read more
Went during the week before opening and a line was already formed but I was part of the second group so I got in pretty quickly. I got the iced matcha and a yuzu Madeleine and both were delicious. They make the matcha right in front of you and its a one on one experience where you see every step and that person is giving you full attention which is a unique experience and why theres a wait. read more
8 months ago
I was really excited for this place but unfortunately I was very disappointed. We got the matcha latte. Not sure if we just got a person that didn't know what she was doing or what but it just felt really diluted matcha. We also asked for sweetened matcha and it was not sweeten in my opinion. Unfortunately, at the moment, I feel like the fancy water filtration system, vibes of the place, and the concept of the store is just a way to distract people and make people think this is the best matcha in NYC. May consider retrying this place in the future, but at the moment just disappointed. read more
Business owner information
Elianna N.
Hello Christine, thank you so much for taking the time to share your…
4.5 stars (Rounded up to a 5) Big fan of the experience, which gets this place the round up. Also if you're touring around, this is one of the better matchas you'll get! 12 Matcha brought me so much serenity tucked away in a busy city. Both the interior and exterior are gorgeous - with two floors of seating and plenty of sunlight coming in. From the second you step in (door is opened for you!) service is stellar - once you order you're called to a station where you'll watch your matcha get whisked in front of you. The matcha itself was good, nothing out of the ordinary. There was hardly a line when we came early in the morning but I'm not sure I'd be willing wait more than 20 minutes if I would have come at another time. Definitely one of better matcha options in the area. It's smooth and while sweetened it wasn't over the top, which let the matcha taste come through. Like other reviews have mentioned, it's earthy and not bitter at all. read more
8 months ago
Ambiance - casual, modern, tasting room downstairs Service - staff was super efficient with drinks, they call your name so you can head to their station & they make it in front of you Food - matcha latte was super balanced followed by seaweed notes read more
Anyone giving less than 5 stars for 12 Matcha is definitely nitpicking IMHO and I rarely give 5 for matcha drinks in the US. While the matcha is not the supreme best you can find on the planet, it is certainly a top grade/blend suitable for milk lattes and usucha and among what you'll find at viral shops across Japan. Great to have stateside and to see the attention to detail from the hospitality to the brew water and the precision movements/technique with a reasonable price tag. I have immense respect for this establishment. read more
I saw 12 Matcha trending on Instagram and decided to check it out -- and it definitely lives up to the buzz. The interior and overall aesthetic are beautiful, and it absolutely deserves a spot on the list of must-visit cafés in NYC. We ordered an iced matcha latte, a hot matcha latte, and their seasonal pear ice cream. Since it was a cold day, I personally loved the hot matcha more -- it had a great balance of matcha, milk, and the unique charcoal water they use. There's a nice natural bitterness from the matcha, which is perfect if you enjoy a richer, darker matcha flavor. We got the pear ice cream on a whim and ended up really enjoying it -- such a fun seasonal treat. The café was fully packed when we visited, so we didn't get to enjoy the space as long as we wanted, but going in the early afternoon definitely helped keep the wait time shorter. Would absolutely recommend stopping by if you're a matcha lover or visiting NYC! read more
4 months ago
Came around 1:40pm and waited on the line for about one hour. The wait is a little bit bearable because I came with friends. When you get closer to the door, there is the staff that tells you to go in. Inside there is about two people near the pastry windows and then four people making the Matcha. I ordered the matcha latte with oat milk. I love the taste! There is a lower level where you can go to hangout and sit for a while. The bathroom is also downstairs. there is limited seats by the first floor. read more
10 months ago
This is definitely one of the top matcha cafe contenders in the city, thanks to their uncompromising focus on quality. I love that they source their matcha from Uji, Kyoto, and are incredibly thoughtful, even using a custom charcoal water filtration system to perfectly enhance the matcha's profile. It felt like an authentic, rich, and smooth matcha experience. However, be prepared for a significant wait time; even on a rainy weekend, the line was a solid 35-40 minutes. While the ambiance is cute, the space is tiny with severely limited seating. I noticed many ppl using laptops and taking up seats for extended periods. To improve customer flow, I wish popular spots like this would enforce a one hour stay limit. But on the flip side, it would be a great place to yap--if you can get a seat! We also got the basque matcha cheesecake and enjoyed that a lot. It tasted fresh, matcha-forward, and perfectly cheesy with a great texture Love that they're also pet friendly here read more
Business owner information
Elianna N.
Hello Cecilia! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your…
12 Matcha has easily become my new favorite matcha spot in NYC. The whole experience - from ordering to meeting the barista to watching the barista prepare the matcha - was unmatched to any other matcha place I've been to before. The matcha profile here leans on the more savory side, and each cup tasted smooth and creamy. The baristas also are very friendly and open to questions about the matcha. Could not recommend this spot more, though prepare to wait 30 min-1 hour during peak business. read more
More info about 12 Matcha
54 Bond St
New York, NY 10012
NoHo
Directions
Visit Website
http://www.12matcha.com
Hours
Food & Alcohol
Indoor Amenities
Outdoor Amenities
Other Amenities
From the Business
More Info
Health Score
12 Matcha Reviews in Other Languages
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…
You might also consider
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
12 Matcha - cafes - Updated September 2026
Best of New York
People found 12 Matcha by searching for…
Trending Searches in New York, NY
24 Hour Coffee Shops near 12 Matcha
All Day Breakfast near 12 Matcha
Birthday Dinner near 12 Matcha
Biscuits And Gravy near 12 Matcha
Breakfast Drive Thru near 12 Matcha
Breakfast On The Water near 12 Matcha
Chocolate Chip Cookies near 12 Matcha
Dog Friendly Brunch near 12 Matcha
Fluffy Japanese Pancakes near 12 Matcha
Gluten Free Breakfast near 12 Matcha
Indian Grocery Store near 12 Matcha
Korean Restaurant near 12 Matcha
Late Night Dessert near 12 Matcha
Late Night Study Spots near 12 Matcha
Mango Sticky Rice near 12 Matcha
Browse Nearby
BEST of New York, New York Restaurants near 12 Matcha
BEST of New York, New York Breakfast near 12 Matcha
BEST of New York, New York Desserts near 12 Matcha
BEST of New York, New York Things to Do near 12 Matcha
BEST of New York, New York Parking near 12 Matcha
BEST of New York, New York Cocktail Bars near 12 Matcha
BEST of New York, New York Brunch near 12 Matcha
BEST of New York, New York Coffee Shop near 12 Matcha
Browse Brands
Related Searches in New York, NY
Best Bagels Available in New York, New York
Best Donuts to Try in New York, New York Near You
Best French Bakery Options Available in New York, New York
Best Gluten Free Breakfast Places in New York, New York
Best Places for Brunch in New York, New York
Best Places for French Toast in New York, New York
Best Places for a Latte in New York, New York
Best Rolled Ice Cream Shops Around New York, New York
Best Shakes Available in New York, New York
Best Smoothie Spots and Cafes in New York, New York
Best Vegan Restaurants to Try in New York, New York
Coffee Shops With Free Wifi in New York, New York for Your Needs
Cozy Breakfast Cafe Options in New York, New York
Cozy Study Cafes Perfect for Work in New York, New York
Delicious Carrot Cake Bakeries Near New York, New York
Delicious Croissant Options in New York, New York
Delicious Ice Cream Sundae Options in New York, New York
Delicious Ice Cream Treats in New York, New York
Delicious Soup Spots to Try in New York, New York
Delicious Vegan Breakfast Served in New York, New York
Discover Asian Dessert Options in New York, New York
Discover Authentic Filipino Food in New York, New York
Discover Coffee & Tea Options in New York, New York
Discover Fresh Acai Choices Available in New York, New York
Discover Fresh Organic Coffee in New York, New York
Discover Juice Bars & Smoothies in New York, New York
Discover Popular Iced Coffee Spots in New York, New York
Discover Refreshing Cold Brew in New York, New York
Discover Soft Serve Ice Cream in New York, New York
Discover Vegan Desserts Near New York, New York
Discover Where to Get Bingsoo in New York, New York
Discover the Best Bubble Tea Spots in New York, New York
Enjoy Classic Afternoon Tea Experiences in New York, New York
Enjoy Classic Hamburger Options in New York, New York
Enjoy Custard Ice Cream in New York, New York
Enjoy Dairy Free Ice Cream Flavors in New York, New York
Enjoy Delicious Boba Tea in New York, New York
Enjoy Delicious Hot Dogs in New York, New York
Enjoy Free Wifi Connections Across New York, New York
Enjoy Fresh Cinnamon Rolls in New York, New York
Enjoy a Delicious Matcha Latte in New York, New York
Enjoy the Best Specialty Coffee in New York, New York
Explore Custom Cakes Crafted in New York, New York
Explore Cute Coffee Shops Around New York, New York
Explore Delicious Sandwiches in New York, New York
Explore Delicious Vegetarian Food in New York, New York
Explore Dessert Places Around New York, New York
Explore Dog Friendly Coffee Shops in New York, New York
