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So many people on social media raved about this cafe, so I bookmarked it before coming to NY. We decided to stop by after doing some shopping on a Thursday afternoon and there was already a line forming outside. It was scorching hot but glad they provided umbrellas. We waited about 10 minutes before someone let us inside. I wasn't sure what to expect but it was quite the experience. After ordering the matcha latte, I went to a station where the employee made the drink. It looked like she was doing a science experiment. The matcha was high quality and not too sweet, but I did wish that it was colder, especially since it was so hot outside. The seating downstairs is very intimidate and relaxing. I took my drink downstairs and was able to cool down on the sofa. Glad that I was able to stop by and check out this cool cafe.
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.
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.
12 Matcha was the most beautiful "almost." The ritual is immaculate. We joined the line of umbrellas outside, eventually placed our orders inside, then watched our assigned barista whisk the microfoam to perfection. MATCHA LATTE: 4/5. Earthy, and a touch too bitter in a way didn't feel balanced to me. The tea quality is high, but not as high as my go-to back home. MATCHA ICE CREAM: 3/5. Savory and gritty, which was a little confusing to me. But I recognize and own that I am a filthy non-purist. HOJICHA ICE CREAM: 4/5. Nutty, I do wish the flavor were deeper. HOJICHA BASQUE CHEESECAKE: 3/5. Tangy, very different than the ice cream. It split the group as a hit / miss. Not proud of it, but woman enough to admit it: I'm probably the problem. I feel like 12 Matcha is for people who have their life together. I am not those people.
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.
Visited this place when I was in NYC and it was the best matcha that I tried the whole trip. Food: Incredible. This is probably the Matcha place that I use as a base when trying other Matcha places because their matcha was just so perfect and delicious. I also got some of their pastries, but the one that stood out to me was their hojicha brownie. It was so delectable! Service: AMAZING! From the person who was bringing us inside, to the server who took our order, to the server who was making our matcha. They were also informative and they were so kind to us. It just made the experience even better. Ambience: INSANE! I love how everything looked. I love the design of everything and it was so cool that they had a downstairs section where it was also a seating area. So spacious inside as well! Overall, this is the spot that I will be thinking of every single time I try a new matcha spot!
Went with a friend on a Sunday and luckily, the line wasn't too bad. Waited about 30 minutes to get into the cafe and once I walked in I understood the hype. The interior was super chic. I loved the simple and modern decor and the glass water tanks with what looked like branches in them. There was plenty of seating with tables on the first floor and the basement. The basement also had a tasting room which was cool to see. The service was fast and I liked how they paced their lines so that customers could have a good experience inside. They would let a small group of people in at a time and once you were inside the service was quick. We got two matcha lattes that were lightly sweet and a slice of the hojicha basque cheesecake. The matcha lattes were some of the best I've ever tried. They were the perfect level of sweetness and you can really taste and appreciate the quality of the matcha they use. (9.5/10) They also call your name up to whisk the matcha right in front of you before they pour it over the milk. My barista was super friendly and ready to answer any questions I had about the process. It was a pleasant experience, and they also serve your items to you on a nice tray and will even bring it directly to your table if needed. The hojicha basque cheesecake was also amazing. The cake was creamy, slightly sweet, and the hojicha flavor was strong. (9/10) I was really impressed by it because basque cheesecake is usually a hit or miss for me. I would highly recommend it and it paired well with our lattes. The service was super attentive, picking up empty cups and straw wrappers almost immediately. The prices are also very reasonable and much cheaper than I though it would be in New York. The quality of the lattes and the cheesecake really sells it for me and I will definitely be back when I am in the city!
I saw this spot online and had to stop by. I went a little after they opened and there were only 2 people in line. I like that there are only two drink options. Once your drink is about to be made, they call you up and you can watch them whisk and pour your drink. I found this nice to learn about process, but can see how this would elongate any lines when it gets busy. I ordered the matcha latte with almond milk for here. They have an option to lightly sweeten. The pricing is incredibly fair at only $7. The matcha was a deep green, a bit nutty, and well balanced with the milk. I'd be intrigued to try to the hot Americano matcha when the weather is cooler. I will definitely be back and highly recommend going early!
Late to review but tried this place out with a friend back in March when we were visiting from out of town. We had known there would probably be a wait but we decided to check it out anyway. The line didn't look too bad and we got in to wait around 3:30 pm. Tip: bring an umbrella for the sun (or rain)! We ended up waiting for about an hour which was more than we expected but at some point we decided to commit to the wait and it was worth it. You get to watch them make your drink and it was all made with intention and with high quality ingredients. The staff were so helpful and the interior was also beautiful. There's seating both upstairs and downstairs as well. I would definitely come back if I was ever in the area!
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.
12 Matcha is 100% worth the hype. I went on a Thursday and there was still a line, but it wasn't nearly as bad as what I've heard weekends are like. Definitely try to come during the week, but expect a wait either way. One thing I loved was that they gave umbrellas to people waiting in line since it was so hot outside. Such a thoughtful touch. And the matcha? Easily the best matcha I've ever had in my life. Smooth, rich, and incredibly high quality. I'll definitely be back whenever I visit nyc again!!
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
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.
1 month ago
I didn't want to like this place cause it felt a bit forced. But it's the best matcha in NY, period. I suggest it only for matcha purists. If you like fun, syrupy colorful matcha, this is NOT your place. Great design, not a ton of seating. NOT for being on your laptop. Grab a legit traditional matcha and have a conversation. Cheers read more
6 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
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Elianna N.
Hi Valerie! Thank you so much for your review and the kind words.…
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
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Elianna N.
Hi Brooke! We are so glad you and your friends were able to join us,…
The vibes here are good. The basque cheesecake was also very taste. The matcha is strong, but I don't think I would wait more than 10 minutes in line for a drink here. I came midday on a weekday so the wait wasn't terrible, but I don't think I would wait too long. The setup is cool and it's a nice cafe to sit down and chat with a friend. read more
14 days 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
2 months ago
You can taste the great quality of the matcha. Reminds me of the one I make at home (means I'm doing it right!) It's a solid matcha latte. Be prepared to wait in line. Wait time may vary. Went Saturday morning and the line moved steadily, not too slow. There were a lot of seating areas. read more
6 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
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Elianna N.
Hello Christine, thank you so much for taking the time to share your…
3 months ago
Delicious beautifully pigmented matcha! The interior is super cool, and the basement level tasting bar looked sick. Waited about 30 minutes to get inside which wasn't terrible. Would come again for sure! read more
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
6 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
8 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…
This was a great experience! I actually stumbled upon this by accident and had no idea what the deal was when I saw the line outside. It was long, but i had nowhere to be so I gave it a shot. Once it was my turn to make it inside I realized what the appeal was. You wait to watch your own matcha be made with care, with the opportunity to ask questions and observe techniques. Although I would not recommend this place to someone who does not care much for matcha (why would they want to come here anyways, haha), i would definitely recommend to anyone who loves it or makes their own at home! It was great to learn some things. I didn't stick around to drink it but they do have a lot of space, plus some delicious looking treats I'll have to try another time. Very cool! read more
6 months ago
Best matcha latte in the city, in my opinion. You can really taste the difference in their matcha quality and with their double-water whisking technique. The only downside is the long wait times - our wait was around 30-45 minutes. I ordered the matcha latte with soy milk and it was amazing. 12 Matcha is located right across from Fish Cheeks and has two floors with both downstairs and upstairs seating. There aren't many tables for working, and it can get a bit noisy. Staff is very friendly. read more
6 months ago
NYC's hottest new matcha spot is worth the hype. From waiting in line to sitting indoors, 12 Matcha is worth the experience. The wait is about 20 minutes to get in. & waiting for the goods is another 5. Inside is gorgeous and there is enough seating for the amount they let in at a time. Watching the process of making the matcha is cool and the desserts are worth trying! After trying this place twice, I think the 6g of matcha per drink is too much for me for everyday. Though, my friends enjoyed it, & I still thought it was a nice treat. read more
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Elianna N.
Hello Samreen! Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughtful…
6 months ago
I want to start by saying this is the most aesthetically pleasing matcha cafe that I've been to from the white umbrellas provided in line, to the downstairs seating area, and finally the presentation of the drinks themselves. I'm not going to complain about the long wait, because that's expected and the service was also quite good. Unfortunately, the aesthetic and hype did not live up to expectations. We got two Matcha Lattes and it only took one sip to realize we've been bamboozled. Matcha Latte (1/10): Tastes like green, muddied water. Had to get sweetener from another cafe from how bitter it was. I know in Asian culture "not too sweet," is a compliment, but these drinks literally had negative sweetness. It's safe to say my experience here ended my performative maleness. I realized I'm just a matcha imposter. You have to really enjoy matcha in its purest form in order to appreciate this place as it does taste very 'earthy'. I don't want to say it, but they need to add a Strawberry or Mango Matcha to the menu. read more
The wait for 12 matcha is usually a bit long due to its popularity but also the service. We aaited around 20-25 minutes around 11am on a weekend. You are able to watch them whisk your matcha in real time and pour it onto your drink. I like the concept of this and the ambiance was really cool. However the matcha was just okay in my opinion and nothing special. Service was great though and if the line wasn't too long I would consider getting it again! read more
What we ordered: * Matcha Latte (milk) - (4.5/5) * Matcha Latte (almond milk) - (4/5) [Taste: ] On the grassier side for sure, but definitely high quality (ceremonial + first harvest). Cool personalized whisking process, but conflicted because it wasn't as life-altering as other comments suggest. Would not recommend waiting in line, but if you catch a small wait it's a very good standard matcha :) [Service: ] Cashier + baristas making my matcha were nice & knowledgeable, cannot say the same about the greeter at the door in charge of funneling people in... [Comments: ] it doesn't come very sweetened! While it was perfect for me, if you prefer a sweeter drink order w/ more sugar. Easy to get seats! read more
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Elianna N.
Hello Sarah! Thank you for your review, we really appreciate your…
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
9 months ago
Quite possibly the trendiest matcha spot for summer 25! I saw a lot of social media on this place having 2-3 hour wait and I was lucky enough to be in the area the first week they changed their opening time to 8:30, and walked right in. The space is absolutely gorgeous, there's also a lower level with more seating and some matcha making lab? I didn't watch any of the videos to know how this place works but after ordering, you wait a few min and they'll call your name and you watch them make your matcha drink on the spot. Pretty cool to see how they make the matcha., and humbling to see them make it the same way I do at home but it tastes so different. Matcha is super creamy, flavorful, and I can't wait to come back next year when i'm in town! read more
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Elianna N.
Hi Jennifer! We’re so glad you had the chance to visit us during your…
7 months ago
Came here on a Monday around 3:45pm and waited outside for about 10 minutes. You would think that they let in people based on seating availability but even if you get let in, you'll see people standing around in any open space. There's the upper level with some seating where you enter and order, and a lower level with some more seating and a bathroom. There's also free wifi available. After sitting at a window ledge downstairs for a little bit, my partner and I got seats at a counter. I wouldn't recommend coming in a party larger than two if you want seating. The matcha itself is vibrant and delicious, probably due to the mountain of matcha powder that they use for each drink. I got an iced matcha latte and my partner got a matcha americano. We also shared a yuzu madeleine which was tasty. I definitely wouldn't come back until the hype dies down some more. In the meantime though, there are more places around the city where you can sit down, relax, and enjoy a matcha. read more
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Elianna N.
Hello Deborah! Thank you so much for your review, we really…
No shame in admitting I had a very caffeinated breakfast at 12 Matcha at 9am lol, anything to avoid the insane lines. I arrived 10 mins before they opened and only waited 15 mins total on a weekend, and I can confidently say it's 100000% worth the hype! Hands down this is the RICHEST matcha latte I've had in NYC. If you're only getting one thing, it has to be the matcha basque burnt cheesecake. It's honestly as good as the ones I've had in Asia. Pro tip: go early. There was a line when I left, but they handed out umbrellas to people waiting. However, I was surprised the cafe wasn't crowded at all. Both floors still had plenty of empty seats despite the line outside. ＊Matcha Latte $7 They use 6g of matcha per glass, which is wild! I got mine with oat milk and no sugar, and it completely blew me away. The milk-to-matcha ratio was PERFECT. Every sip was full of earthy matcha flavor without any bitterness. It proved how high quality and well-balanced the matcha powder was. ＊Matcha Basque Burnt Cheesecake $8 The BEST basque burnt cheesecake I've had in a long time. It was soft with a half-molten center and ultra-creamy texture, and packed with bold matcha flavor. ＊Hojicha & Matcha Gelato $8 While the tea flavors were rich, it was a bit too sweet for my taste. Also, the gelato melted into a watery pool quickly. ＊Croissant $5 A good croissant, though nothing remarkable. We just needed it to cut through all the sweetness lol. read more
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Elianna N.
Hello Ruby! Thank you so much for the thoughtful and lovely words, we…
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
The fact that I would go back and wait on line here while preferring straight matcha over lattes and that I would still go back here says a lot for this place. Anyway, I was getting ahead of myself. I was on line for this place a month ago or so. The line took 15/20 minutes and they were handing out umbrellas to folks as it was sunny which was nice. I arrived inside soon enough and a person in a suit who said welcome and goodbye later (possibly one of the owners) was friendly. The place is aesthetically pleasing though I wish there was a bit more seating upstairs. While online, I decided to get a matcha latte (though I usually as said prefer straight matchas or as they list an americano) without any sugar/sweetener of course as well as a matcha Basque cheesecake. The person making the matcha was friendly and it's been a while since I had a tea ceremony. As the tables were full upstairs, I went downstairs where there is enough seating. The Matcha Latte, which is $7 (or $6 as an Americano sans milk,) is served in a layered way which was a nice spin and the man as I prefer stronger flavored matcha recommended trying a bit of the top and then mixing in the milk (which I was planning on doing.) I did first tried some from the top layer and the quality was very nice. It's not as mouthcoating or as complex as Sorate which costs more or the long since closed Ippodo but it was just a step below. This in other words made it more similar to the more pricey Setsugekka and definitely above other spots such as Matchaful or related. Once mixed with the milk, the matcha flavor was still present and strong probably due to the amount of powdered tea compared to other places while being smoother of course. For this reason, this is probably the best matcha latte in the city even with it not being the best straight matcha which is unique. The Basque Cheesecake for $8 was alright. There's some places to compare it to with the gold standard being Grace Street. The texture of the cake was very nice but by comparison, the matcha flavor wasn't too strong. It looks as dark as the top of the drinks but the flavor wasn't there as much. If the flavor was there, I would recommend it but for now, it's more of an aesthetically pleasing and good quality cheesecake with some matcha. It was still good quality and I would recommend it but in hindsight, I would have preferred the ice cream based on the excellent matcha sample as I wouldn't have minded trying the hojicha also with two scoops being the same price as the cheesecake. I had been putting off this spot mostly due to the line but I will very likely go back to this place. Very good matcha at a reasonable enough price for the quality. read more
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Elianna N.
Hello Glenn, thank you so much for your thoughtful words and detailed…
An authentic matcha cafe focused on high-quality, directly-sourced tea leaves from a centuries old farm in Uji and an intentional, personal mixing experience. all somehow done exceptionally well in the heart of busy Manhattan! there is always a line outside to manage the flow of customers inside. helps preserve the experience and doesn't make me feel rushed. the design is beautifully done, my favorite aspect was the bespoke giant pieces of charcoal floating in huge water bins (to filter and calibrate the pH)! there are also two floors of seating to enjoy the goods if you are lucky enough to grab a spot. big fan of the concept and happy to see their success! lovely lovely matcha, though heads up to caffeine-sensitive folks like myself, they use 2-3x more grams of matcha than other places to make their drinks so rich! read more
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Elianna N.
Hello Alyssa, thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We’re…
8 months ago
What an amazing experience! I can't say enough about 12 Matcha. There was a line waiting outside but for a good reason. 12 Matcha skips over a lot of a pretension I have experienced at other high-quality matcha places and instead makes it inviting, personal, and celebratory. The owner was waiting at the front door to great guests and answer questions, and it is incredible the amount of detail and authenticity he has brought to the matcha experience. The menu isn't large, but it doesn't have to be. My husband and I ordered the matcha lattes - mine with oat milk and a little sweetener and his with regular milk and no sweetener. I will say I liked his more and probably underestimated my enjoyment of the matcha flavor. It is amazing how they import the charcoal from Japan and the relationship they have built with the tea farmers, as well. I have also not had such a friendly experience with the preparation of the matcha either. The woman serving us was cheerful and told us if we had any questions not be afraid to ask. This was definitely more of a place to stay and enjoy than take to-go, but the quality is worth enjoying as well. For those who don't drink coffee like me, just be aware of the high caffeine content, which definitely made me wide awake! There are sweets available, which looked amazing. We had just had a large lunch, so we didn't have any. They also said they are planning on expanding offerings soon, which will be very exciting. Definitely recommend checking out this place. read more
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Elianna N.
Hello Danielle! Thank you so much for this incredibly thoughtful…
((4.75 stars)) 12 Matcha is where the traditions of matcha travel over the centuries since it was first brewed to modern day NYC. welcoming people to the matcha culture by sight, aroma, sounds, touch, and taste of its quality matcha drinks and eats menu coupled by the experience, itself. the elevated experience begins as soon as you step through its doors on Bond Street into a carefully designed and curate interior. a sun-soaked calm interior showcases its matcha bar and ordering area as well as the areas to sit and enjoy items from its matcha-centric menu. there is also a downstairs space with more seating options as well as a small private tea room which is used for events and such. the vibe is very much where tasteful design meets modernity in a calm welcoming way without trying too hard...almost effortlessly (though we know much effort was needed to make this all happen). a lot of thought went into every aspect of the 12 Matcha experience from the matcha being served and how it is served to the details in the seating. before you even get to enjoy the menu, the interior makes its presence known and it is charmingly a gem. been here several times. highlights to me are the Matcha Americano and the Matcha Basque Cheesecake. after placing you're order, a matcha barista will call your name and you get to watch the ceremony of your drink being made during which you can chat with the matcha-maker. the process is very carefully done from the filtered water being poured to the high-quality-and-grade matcha powder being whisked to the eventual pour into a cup for you to enjoy. from the 6 grams of emerald green matcha powder being spooned into each drink, met Matcha Americano has this smooth fresh matcha flavor that had subtle sweetness coming through the bright complex creaminess of each sip. keep in mind, the Matcha Americano is so good and the only ingredients are matcha powder, water, and air. you can also enjoy the matcha in the form of Matcha Latte. if there is a must outside the Americano, i would say get the Matcha Basque Cheesecake--you get the slight bitter of the caramelized exterior of the cheesecake, but then the smooth creaminess of the cheesecake with matcha flavor flowing through each bite. the cheesecake is sweet without being overly sweet or sugar...bites of the cheese cake are airy, silky, and rich. the service at 12 Matcha is kind and welcoming from the ordering to the final presentation of your order. though 12 Matcha opened in the Spring/Summer of 2025--there are persistent lines even in the crazy cold weather of the current winter. my advice, come early or on an non-weekend days. though the past few times, i have stopped by, there's been no line, but getting a seat is tricky. either way, it's worth the time spent to enjoy this very thoughtful experience and story that is blooming on Bond Street, despite the season or weather. read more
Went a little past 2pm on Labor Day and ended up waiting over an hour in the sun. Like others have mentioned, they do give you sun umbrellas but there is limited quantity but it did help. There's two drink items - I opted for the matcha latte slightly sweetened and the matcha basque cheesecake. They call your name when they're making your drink so you can see them whisk the matcha - reminds me of how they did it in Kyoto. They use 6g of matcha, but idk if I could really tell if they used that much more. I liked the sweetness level of the drink. The cheesecake was great but for me I think the cheese flavor was stronger than the matcha. Seats are limited but since they control the number of people inside it didn't feel overly crowded! I probably wouldn't come back if there's a line! read more
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Elianna N.
Hi Alissa! Thank you for sharing your review, we really appreciate…
8 months ago
4.5 stars rounding up to 5 stars! Sad that the Bay Area doesn't have matcha places like these. I came on a Monday at around 9:20am and just beat the rush - I left at around 9:45am and there was a line outside. I love that they call each customer to watch the process of them whisking the matcha and making the drink. I can see why lines will build up at busier times. The space was also very nice and zen - great spot to catch up with a friend. The matcha itself was high quality and the drink overall was strong. The level of sweetness was also perfect for me. So glad I got to try this during my trip this time, and will be thinking about it in the meantime haha read more
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Elianna N.
Hello Cynthia! Thank you so much for the kind review. We are so happy…
7 days ago
A solid 4.5 with (or, in spite of?) crazy social media hype! This was my second time attempting to get inside this currently very viral matcha tea house. There was a long wait despite it being so close to closing time last time. This time, the wait was not quite as long as it was a random Tuesday afternoon. They do provide an umbrella to protect you from the sun while you wait-- a lovely touch. The menu is relatively simple. You could get "Matcha Americano" - regular matcha, or a "Matcha Latte" - milk added. It was a little jarring to see that there was this pomp and ceremony around the matcha prep but they do not offer different blends or mixed beverages. There's also ice cream and some baked goods available. It is definitely interesting to see the big vats of water with the long stick of charcoal thrown in, how the water gets put in this heated urn, the methodical uniformity in which the matcha is prepped by the workers donning apron and little bandana. And the portion of matcha you get per drink feels like a generous amount for the price, which is not crazy expensive for a matcha drink in NYC. There is quite a bit of bottleneck because of this prep, though. I loved standing around smelling the floral and fragrant matcha, but it did take a while for the line to move. I got the Matcha Americano, iced and unsweetened. I also got the matcha Basque cheesecake and my friend got two scoops of ice cream, the hojicha and the matcha. The ice cream did start turning into a puddle by the time we got it because it was scooped out way before it was our turn for our matcha to be prepared. The cheesecake was absolutely forgettable and should be skipped altogether. The ice cream was better than expected, especially the hojicha flavor whose nuttiness really punctuated the strongly floral and bright flavor of the matcha drinks. The matcha drinks were also excellent, blended very well and with really balanced flavor. I did not regret my decision to get it unsweetened because the matcha itself felt light, not bitter at all, though the flavor was strong. Though there is seating inside the shop, there's not a lot of space and your ability to snag a seat depended on chance. There was also a "tasting room" corner on the basement level, but I wasn't sure what it was being used for, as there was no option of different blends being offered on the regular menu. I think the overcrowding might be alleviated if they kept separate lines for dine-in vs take-out, but that does take a lot of work. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by the tasty matcha at 12 Matcha and would return again. read more
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Elianna N.
Hello Jihye, we sincerely appreciate your thoughtful review and…
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
After walking by on a Sunday afternoon and noticing a LONG line I decided to stop by early Monday morning shortly after they opened at 9am. 12 matcha has an insanely cool two story space with modern Japanese influenced interior design. When I entered a nice Albanian man informed me and a few others of the sad situation- no matcha drinks today. A pipe had burst in the building but he was kind enough to let us know as he dealt with the situation. They did have pastries and I had the chance to try their delicious matcha cheesecake. A perfect matcha cream cheese combo. No crust with a touch of sweetness. Unique yet simple and still indulgent. Just by the way they handled customers on a difficult day of business, (as a new business) I can only imagine how efficiently and diligently they normally operate. I can't wait to return to try the matcha dubbed the best in the city. read more
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Elianna N.
Hello Avesta! Thank you so much for your thoughtful words, and we're…
The line is long on the weekends- we waiting 1hr in line. But they handed out umbrellas to customers on line to have shade from the sun - which I thought was really considerate. The menu is simple- matcha latte or matcha americano. They have a few selection of dessert including ice cream. I think 12 matcha stands out because of how strong their matcha is- I think I counted 4+ scoops of matcha per drink. If you are someone who likes some sugar in your drink, you might want to ask for more simple syrup. We also got their hojicha and yuzu ice cream. The hojicha was delightful and the yuzu was perfectly refreshing, especially after waiting in the sun. I'd come back, but I don't want to wait in line again LOL read more
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Elianna N.
Hi Wen! Thank you so much for sharing your review. We know that the…
12 Matcha is more than just a place to get a good matcha, it really felt like a whole experience! The inside is beautiful and a great place to catch up friend friends or bring your computer to get some work done. We went early on a Friday morning & got lucky that there was no line. The menu was simple, which I appreciated. The options are pretty much with sweetened or unsweetened and hot or iced. No crazy flavors or anything. I got a unsweetened iced matcha and it was very high quality. Super ~earthy~ and also super delicious. They make your drink right in front of you, it was a cool experience! If you like matcha, I would highly recommend you check this place out!!! read more
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Elianna N.
Hi Sydney! Thank you so much for the kind review. We are happy to…
This should still be an operational sidewalk, line or no line. I just walked past not even 5 min ago and the line decided to take up the entire side walk - ignoring both the line barriers to not block the staircase and instead of being flush to the fence, the line decided to queue flush to curb. This literally leaves no space for people to walk on the actual sidewalk and have to walk on the cobblestone. The staff provides umbrellas for the line which is more than they have to do honestly, but it just takes one dumb person to steer the line the wrong way and at that point the staff can come correct. The last time I was actually on the line and people wanted to wait beyond the barriers too, in the direct path of the staircase. read more
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Valeria C.
Hi Anna, we’re really glad you enjoyed the cheesecake and matcha…
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
9 months ago
This place is an amazing experience for any matcha lovers! To start, it was a very sunny day when I came here and they give you umbrellas for waiting in line. Such an amazing little touch. The man working the register (I didn't catch his name) was so sweet. He was very informative with questions I had. It was really cool to watch the matcha being made right in front of you. The only negative thing I have to say is there are so many people here on laptops and reading, and there is just not enough space in a busy spot like this for that. I wish the management was more strict on having your drink and then leaving. I had to awkwardly stand around downstairs as I had already ordered my drink for there in a glass cup, but there was no where to sit. I would recommend that others maybe order their drink to go in case there is no where to sit. read more
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Elianna N.
Hi Katherine! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your…
More info about 12 Matcha
54 Bond St
New York, NY 10012
NoHo
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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… Read more
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12 Matcha - cafes - Updated July 2026
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