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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.
An excellent excellent Matcha spot!! One of my favorites ever I must admit. The long line outside may look intimidating but theres a reason why customers keep coming back. From the wonderful customer service to the quality of matcha to the aesthetics of the place; it's truly an unforgettable experience. The matcha basque cheesecake is probably the best I have ever had. The drink itself was so good I got two; one cold and one hot. I will always vouch for this place and can't wait to get my next matcha fix read more
This was my favorite matcha spot when I visited NY for a long weekend. I would say if I had to wait, I wouldn't have enjoyed this experience (or maybe the built-up anticipation would help?). Great location, inside was absolutely beautiful with high ceilings and the downstairs has even more seating. They make the matcha right in front of you, which is pretty intimate. You can order it with varying levels of sweetness, but I ordered it not sweet (the way it should be enjoyed right?!) Not too overpriced compared to the other spots I've been to, and yes this is very trendy and more people are realizing how good matcha is, but I would definitely come back! read more
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Elianna N.
Hello Katie! We’re so glad you gave us a try during your trip to NYC…
9 months ago
I've seen this store posted on social media and how there is always a line. There wasn't one when I walked by, so decided to pop in. There was actually a person who opens the door for you. I got the matcha latte but had no idea that its made right in front of you. It was such an unexpected experience. There are 3 baristas, and they call your name and prepare your order in front of you. The table looks like a science experiment with all the contraptions they use to make your drink. The matcha is not too sweet. You can ask for the sugar level to be adjusted at the cashier. I got with oat milk. The matcha taste really shone through, it's strong but not overpowering. $7.00 is a very decent price for a matcha as well. It wasn't overly crowded but most seats were taken. There is a downstairs level of seating as well. Took my drink to go, and the same gentleman opens the door. I regret not trying some of the pastries and ice cream. The weather lately definitely calls for something nice and cold. Staff is very nice. Overall, trendy and not overpriced. read more
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Elianna N.
Hi Christine! Thank you for your thoughtful review. We are so glad…
9 months ago
Very trendy spot that usually has a line, so I took the opportunity to go while I was out on an early Saturday morning:-) the concept is pretty cool-- you order at the counter then wait for one of the matcha-whiskers to make your drink in front of you. The ambiance of 12 Matcha is wonderful. I loved how clean and minimalistic the design was, and you have to admit, the huge water tanks is a fun touch. The matcha was a nice vibrant green and tasted like it was high quality. I like my matchas more on the sweeter side, and this one wasn't. Service was just alright too. I appreciated the attention to detail when they were mixing the drink, but they didn't seem overly eager to explain the process. I think it was a fun experience, but I didn't think it was anything out of this world. I would love to go back to try the desserts though! They have delicious looking basque cheesecake and some ice creams that are uniquely flavored! read more
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Elianna N.
Hello Theresa! Thank you for sharing your thoughtful review and we…
The minus rating is because the person that took my order had an attitude. Everyone else in the store was so sweet and friendly! He seemed judgy and like he didn't want to serve me. Very trendy spot but well-deserved because the matcha was rich and green in taste and color. Ice cream was really good as well! Presentation was everything! They also have an upcoming matcha tasting that they'll announce soon? read more
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Elianna N.
Hello, thank you so much for giving us a try and sharing your review!…
I love matcha so when I heard about 12 Matcha I had to stop by when I was visiting NY! The aesthetics is so cute, I really like the detailed touches and decorations of the cafe, there's two floors with seatings. The place does get busy so there might not be a lot of available seats and the line can be long but it moves relatively quick. The quality of the matcha is superb from flavor to color, I definitely would recommend this spot to anyone who loves matcha! I had the matcha latte which I did enjoy though I do prefer my matcha drinks to be more creamy and sweet. I wish I also tried the ice cream and cheesecake too but maybe next time when I'm back in NY :) read more
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Elianna N.
Hello Jenny! We’re so glad you were able to visit us during your trip…
Some of the best Matcha ice cream I've ever had so this was excellent. Completely professional way of preparing my order- see video...Ambiance is fine if not cramped when crowded. The lines outside can get lengthy so go early. read more
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Elianna N.
Hello Lili! Thank you for sharing you're kind review, and we're so…
A lovely location! A minimal design with natural wood. Very SoHo. The baristas will call over your name and you can watch them whisk the matcha. I like the matcha americano because it was light. You can also adjust the sweetener. read more
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Elianna N.
Hi Keely! Thank you so much for stopping by and joining us for a…
1 month ago
beautiful interior, ambience, and you can tell that they focus on the art and process of the matcha. their matcha itself is delicious (i got an iced matcha latte with oat milk and half sweetened), and their service is great as well. please note that they don't have other flavors, such as strawberry or whatnot, it's simply a matcha latte (milk) and matcha americano (water). it takes a long time because there are only three stations that prep the matcha, and it takes a while for them to prep everything. however, this does show that they put a lot of time and energy into making the drink, and it makes the customer feel considered and special, which is nice. their bar flow is great too, they ensure that the space isn't crowded by limiting the amount of people inside. there are two floors as well, so if you are looking for a nice spot to hang out and talk to a friend while enjoying a drink and other desserts, this is a good place to go. i came at around 11:30-ish, and there was already a long line outside ! luckily, the staff provided umbrellas for those waiting in the heat, which was considerate. i'm happy with my experience and my matcha, and if you really love the taste of matcha and the whole process, this is a great place to go to, but please keep in mind that there is always going to be a wait for it. read more
10 months ago
Waited on a weekday at around 2pm for around 15 minutes ago which was not bad at all. The line was sizeable but it moved quickly. They gave us umbrellas for the scorching heat/sun which was super nice. The matcha is here is EXCELLENT, and one of my favorite in the city. The milk helps with the grassiness that you might expect from high quality matcha. Come here if you're a true matcha lover and see how it compares to your favorite spots. However, make sure to get everything on the menu because the ice cream and basque cheesecake are even BETTER than the matcha latte. This was the best matcha cheesecake I've ever had. It was so smooth, silky, soft, and creamy, with a rich matcha flavor running throughout and not too bitter, not too sweet. Such a great texture. I was amazed. The ice cream was excellent too - they had hojicha, matcha and panna. I felt that the panna was, among the three, relatively skippable, as it was not too far from a really good vanilla. I'm here for the tea flavors. HOWEVER! If you find that your matcha is still too bitter/earthy for you, you can throw some of the ice cream into your latte and make it sweeter and creamier! Which my friend did and it complemented really well. The hojicha ice cream is EXCELLENT. Prob best in the city. Matcha ice cream is similarly rich and earthy and what you want out of a high quality matcha ice cream. Delicious. Would return. read more
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Elianna N.
Hi Anthony! Thank you so much for such a thoughtful and lovely…
I came here on a Sunday afternoon and had to wait about 30 minutes. Thankfully, they gave everyone waiting in line an umbrella, which really helped with the heat and sun. The interior of the cafe is beautiful, with modern Japanese design, and two levels of seating. We ordered the matcha latte, the matcha americano, the matcha basque cheesecake, and the seasonal yuzu sorbet. The matcha was great but I do think I've had better, richer matcha in NYC. The matcha cheesecake was rich and delicious. And the yuzu sorbet was light and refreshing. Overall, I would come back (but only if there wasn't a line). read more
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Elianna N.
Hi Mia! Thank you for joining us and sharing your review. We're happy…
Not bad at all, more like 4.75 stars. Got an iced Matcha Latte ($7, oat milk, regular sweetness) & a Hojicha Basque Cheesecake. Really good quality matcha - smooth, medium flavor, mild grassy notes, NOT bitter at all. I couldn't tell anything was different with the oatmilk compared to regular dairy - like a medium-heavy creaminess, no underlying oat flavor. A really well crafted drink. Wow! The Hojicha Cheesecake ($7) was smooth & rich. A toasty tea flavor with hints of coffee & chocolate undertones. Had a few bites & saved the rest for later. I would say that the drink and the cheesecake are a slightly smaller portion - bigger than portions in Asia, but smaller than portions in America, if that makes sense. The price point is pretty accurate for what drinks & desserts are priced currently. For the location & beautiful space, it seems reasonable. Articles say that the cafe uses 6 grams of matcha, which is supposedly 1.5 - 3 teaspoons, other sites say 1 tablespoon (= 2 teaspoons). I don't remember if the staff person scooped the matcha twice, but 1 scoop looked like a bit bigger than 1 teaspoon of matcha. Either way, the drink tasted just right, at least for me. Diving into Google after my visit, it sounds like they've perfectly crafted the ratios for the drinks (water ph, the grind, matcha to mylk). The staff was very friendly & apparently the goal was to offer a traditional Japanese tea ceremony (3hrs), condensed into this cafe experience - with gorgeous counter, utensils, charcoal filtered water. I think if I knew this context before ordering, it would make the experience a lot more special & interaction with the barista/tea maker less awkward & transactional. Can't imagine what they go through during the weekends! Hope during the slower times they appreciate the process. This is why it's not five stars for me because it felt slightly pretentious, but I am also wondering if the staff is tired of the influenced customers & tourists LOL. There's a door person/greeter which is both nice, but also feels like you have to rush out of there. The space is actually somewhat long & narrow but they made the best use of it. During my visit - no line, 12pm Tuesday in January, there were a good amount of people on laptops, or slowly enjoying their drinks. Probably about 10 seats on the main floor, and 10 more on the lower level. The slim counters & clusters of chairs don't work well for large groups or families fyi. Not sure if it was the owner or one of the head managers, but after looking at their new tins of matcha for sale, he approached me & we had a nice conversation about the matcha & farmers they work with. Two different tins & blends for latte versus suchicha (water). Definitely someone who's done the homework, researched, and is passionate about their product. Best of luck to this business! PS. Excellent branding & design - the take away bags (which fit the cheesecake box perfectly) & their textured, attached handles. read more
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Elianna N.
Hello Joyce! Thank you so much for such a thoughtful and generous…
I waited 50 minutes outside before entering the store on a Saturday. The matcha latte did taste water down even though I saw how much powder they used. It might be because they seem to use the same amount of ratio of water and milk. The matcha itself was good and a bit bitter, which I liked. But I'm not going to lie I don't think it's worth waiting any longer than 15 minutes for, if even. I got a scoop of panna and matcha ice cream. The Panna was creamy, but ultimately way too sweet. The matcha ice cream was also way too sweet I couldn't finish it. The matcha cheesecake was not too sweet and is packed with matcha. But I also don't think it's worth longer than a 15 minutes wait. I think the space looks cool and it's nice seeing them make my matcha in front of me. However, I think I'd go elsewhere for my matcha lattes. read more
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Elianna N.
Hello Vy! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughtful feedback. We…
Great matcha, definitely worth trying! This new matcha spot has been all over my Instagram, so I finally decided to check it out. This was actually my second attempt. The first time I went, back in July, the line was way too long, and I gave up halfway through because it was too hot to wait in the sun. This time, I got there around 10:30 a.m. on a Saturday and waited about 20 minutes. I would definitely come back again, although I don't think it's worth waiting too long just for the cafe itself. Once you're inside, though, it makes sense why there's usually a line. If everyone shows up at once, it gets crowded quickly, with people saving seats while others are still ordering. That makes seating a bit tricky. Overall, great matcha! My latte wasn't too sweet or too bitter; it was just right for me. read more
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Elianna N.
Hi Amy! Thank you so much for your review. We’re very happy to hear…
Coming around 4 pm on a Saturday, I probably waited 30 mins in line to order. It probably takes another 10 mins for everything to be ready, but there wasn't any tables opened that time so I had everything to go. I got their matcha latte, lightly sweet, hojicha cheesecake, and 3 scoops of ice cream. I really enjoyed everything but the ice cream were my favorite. I would rank my 3 scoops as matcha, panna, and hojicha read more
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Elianna N.
Hello Alan, thank you so much for giving us a try and sharing your…
Really high quality matcha! We came midday on a cold, rainy weekday and waited ~20 minutes. The small drink menu (either a matcha americano or latte) speaks to this shop's attention to detail. The drinks come unsweetened, which I personally prefer, but you should know to add sweetener if the astringent taste isn't for you. They also sell really large, fluffy croissants, a few other pastries, and ice cream. This place is definitely a full experience and therefore has a long wait, which can be annoying if you just want a good cup of matcha. After ordering, someone will call your name to have you watch them prepare your drink. They use a lot of matcha and whisk it *very* thoroughly, which makes the drinks very smooth and flavorful, but also majorly slows the line down. However, it's worth the stop if you're with friends or looking to kill some time. read more
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Valeria C.
Hi Mia, thank you for giving us a try. We’re glad the quality came…
I really enjoyed the matcha drink along with the hojicha + yuzu ice cream! Portion was generous & the drink was thoughtfully crafted and put together! The overall experience was so nice! My only thing was that there was limited seating when I went. I went Friday afternoon, so it was extremely packed inside. We were lucky enough to grab a table, but I recommend coming a little earlier if you want to sit down & enjoy the beverage/ice cream. read more
We stopped by early on a Thursday morning. There was no line. We stayed for a while. The interior is simple and cozy, great for relaxing or getting some work done. As for the menu, the matcha was just okay. The quality was a bit lacking; it had a strong bitterness without a smooth finish. The matcha cheesecake had a slightly powdery texture and lacked the bold flavor I was hoping for. The biggest disappointment was the croissant, no layers, not crispy, and it tasted like it had been sitting out for a while. Overall, it's a nice spot to unwind, but the food and drinks definitely have room for improvement. If I come back, I'd be curious to try the ice cream and hojicha cheesecake instead. read more
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Elianna N.
Hi Luna! We’re so glad you got to enjoy the space, and we really…
The line is atrocious. Over half an hour wait but they were very thoughtful in offering umbrellas. The matcha latte was pretty good. The cheese cake was not impressive. It was too sweet for my taste. The ice cream was good. I especially like the yuzu and the hojicha. They talked about charcoal infused water etc... It's more a gimmick than anything imo. Not worth the wait. read more
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Elianna N.
Hello Mark, thank you so much for your feedback. We understand that…
Not sure if it's worth the almost 45 mins wait, but glad I tried it, not I can stop thinking about it. Service is top notch. They have a manager on floor to help you find a table or wipe tables down or bring you a glass of water. The one on one is special but one time is enough for me :) it's enjoyable but not sure if it's worth the wait. read more
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Valeria C.
Hi Joanne, thank you for stopping by and for taking the time to share…
I absolutely love 12 matcha and come here at least once (usually twice) a week. There is no bitterness or grassiness in their matcha. I always order the americano sweetened or lightly sweetened with stevia. They use 6 g of matcha per drink so it's very strong but so delicious. Each barista really takes their time with whisking and you can tell they all genuinely enjoy the craft. They offer free water which is such a lovely bonus as many coffee/tea shops don't. read more
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Elianna N.
Hi Taylor! Thank you so much for your lovely review and for being…
11 months ago
12 Matcha is located in NoHo of New York City. The line was very long outside of the building. I liked that they had sun umbrellas for their customers to use on the hot, sunny days while they wait. Unfortunately, 12 Matcha wasn't for me. I don't know how long we waited in line for exactly, but it was at least an hour. The menu is very limited to four items: two drinks and two other dessert items. I ordered an Iced Matcha Latte and a scoop of the matcha ice cream. I liked the matcha ice cream. The Iced Matcha Latte however was not what I expected. It was underwhelming. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't my favorite. The interaction with the matcharista was fun though. They were very interactive. The interior is decorated in a modern sort of minimalistic way. There is also seating on two floors. It's still pretty small inside though. read more
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Elianna N.
Hello! Thank you so much for visiting and for your patience with the…
Wow! I think I hit a great week to go. It's been super hot in NYC and my friend and I only waited maximum 20 minutes for two visits! I loved how organized their system was, having a bouncer for a matcha shoppe was pretty funny to see but really allowed the place to maximize on efficiency as well as customer satisfaction. Both times we went, we were able to grab a table before we got our drinks! Also, the bathrooms downstairs are super useful after waiting in line! Overall, I loved the matcha. You can tell how good a matcha is by the coloring & the rich, dark and bitter flavor of the green tea really came out full force in our matcha lattes. I ordered some sweetener just because I do enjoy a more sugary matcha latte. My friend, who is a NYC local, said when they first opened, she waited almost 2 hours for the matcha! read more
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Elianna N.
Hi Jose! We're so glad that you were able to join us for a matcha and…
First time waiting in line for matcha but it was well worth the wait -super cute interior (they do have a bathroom); love the matcha station set up where they make it in front of you I got the matcha americano and cheesecake: -matcha americano was just ok (bc it's mixed with water , it comes out a bit bland) -but the matcha cheesecake tho best I've ever had, mixed perfectly with good level of matcha and cheese - I tried their ice cream as well and they were some of the most flavorful matcha and hojicha ice cream I've ever had -highly recommend read more
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Valeria C.
Hi Jaimie, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts.…
1 year ago
I waited around 45 minutes in total for this place, and honestly didn't think it was really worth it. The line was actually a lot shorter than I thought it would be, but it still took a long time for them to make the drinks since they do each one in front of you. I got a matcha latte with oat milk, and also sampled some of the matcha ice cream. I will say the ice cream was really good - such a strong earthy matcha flavor and great texture. After ordering, they call you up by name and show you how they make the matcha. Despite being earlier in line, some others behind me were called up first which I was confused by. When I finally got my drink, it almost felt a little watery and flavorless - I expected more from such a pricey drink and unique experience. All in all, I definitely wouldn't wait again for this but I would still get the ice cream if there wasn't a line. read more
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Valeria C.
Hi Katherine, thank you for giving us a try. We’re happy to hear the…
If you come here on a weekday right when they open, there's no wait! The Basque cheesecake and hojicha ice cream were absolutely delicious. The croissant looked just as good last time, and I'll definitely try that next time I visit. I can't handle too much caffeine personally, so the matcha latte was a bit much for me--but it's perfect for matcha lovers! The interior is beautiful and aesthetic--great for a work-from-home day or just to get some work done. Everything inside is modern, clean, and inviting. I also love that they make the matcha lattes right in front of you; it's a really cool and unique experience. The service here was also amazing--everyone was super kind, and someone always checked in to see if I wanted more water, even though it's self-serve. read more
Business owner information
Elianna N.
Hi Emily! Thank you for sharing your kind and thoughtful review.…
1 year ago
I'm here to tell you that even though it is beautiful, it is not worth the 40 minute line. Came on a Wednesday at 11am and waited a solid 40 minutes until it was my turn to order. Not complaining about that, because this is New York, but I was a little disappointed with the matcha!! The color is beautiful, no denying, but the matcha is a bit watered down. I mean it's good but not THAT good. I'm more content with the matcha I make at home, so for that I am definitely saving myself the trip. The interior of the place is nice, and certainly aesthetic, so I understand coming to try and see how serious they take their preparation. But I don't think it's a place to regularly come back to. My friend the hojicha ice cream though! read more
Business owner information
Valeria C.
Hi Rebecca, thank you for sharing your honest feedback—we appreciate…
11 months ago
12 Matcha has been flooding my tiktok and instagram reels, so I had to check it out. We went around 12:30 pm on a Sunday and waited approximately an hour. We got the matcha basque cheesecake and the matcha latte. The matcha latte itself was honestly a 2.5/5, but the overall experience, vibes and ambiance of the place made me round it up to a 4 star, and the cheesecake was delicious. The interior of the place is beautiful, and the workers whisk the matcha in front of you for a very long time. Now to get into the matcha latte itself, they use way too much water. I think I overheard them saying they use 100ml of water (don't quote me on it) which explains why the latte tasted so watery. I wish they used half the amount of water so I can taste the matcha better. I could tell the matcha they use is high quality though, and the microfoam was beautiful. If you are expecting life changing matcha, definitely lower your expectations. I do think it's worth checking out once for the experience, but probably not a regular place to visit due to the crazy wait. read more
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Elianna N.
Hello Jooa, thank you for the honest feedback. We’re so glad to hear…
Oh my goodness. This place was amazing. They use ~5 scoops of matcha, so you know it's strong! I've never been so impressed by a cafe. Each matcha is hand-whisked right in front of you. They use some kind of premium water (just the right temp!). This place is more than your average matcha pick-up -- it's a whole experience :). I appreciate how clean the space was and the vibe. My order: Regular Matcha Latte (sweetness able to be adjusted) Matcha Cheesecake Everything was so delicious. read more
Business owner information
Elianna N.
Hello Jolene! Thank you so much for your kind words. We’re so happy…
I went on a random Thursday afternoon and I waited in line for about 15 minutes. The setup of the counter was awkward. The register is the first thing you approach at the beginning of the line so you don't get a chance to see what desserts they have to offer before you order. I ordered the matcha latte and my friend ordered the matcha cheesecake. The matcha quality is spot on. It has that earthiness of matcha but it also had a natural sweetness of fresh green tea. Is it the best latte though...? The cheesecake had really strong matcha flavor which is great but it was over baked and dry for basque type cheesecake. I wish they would sell the matcha powder read more
Business owner information
Valeria C.
Hi Jenny, thank you for sharing your thoughts— we’re glad you enjoyed…
6 months ago
One of the best matcha lattes I've had in the city. I was fortunate enough to have stopped by when there was no line so I got to go straight in. While there was no line outside, there is a bit of a wait inside as the matchas are made to order and the staff prepares each drink with care and expertise. My matcharista (matcha + barista) was friendly and answered my questions about the charcoal water filter and how they make their matcha lattes. Since there's limited seating available upstairs and downstairs, I felt like I was a bit rushed drinking and eating my order. I couldn't take my time to savor the experience because it felt like the staff were constantly tidying up and preparing for the next customers to sit down. Overall, great tasting matcha lattes but definitely a grab and go kind of place due to how packed it gets. read more
Matcha was made with care, technique and love. My matcha latte was perfectly frothy, creamy and matcha was bright. The matcha Basque was aesthetically pleasing to the eye and decadent. Long lines were a bit of a drag but worth a try! read more
Business owner information
Elianna N.
Hello Isabel! Thank you so much for the kind words. We’re truly happy…
My friend took me here during our last trip to NY! There was a really long line and at first, I was like it better be worth the wait lol It was a little hot and the wait was about 30 minutes. They are really organized with the wait. After finally entering the building, I immediately understood why it was taking so long. You order at the register then you wait to be called to watch the employees make your drinks. They make each drink manually by hand, they use alkalized charcoal water, and they measure the matcha powder and water for consistency. At a glance, it seemed a little watery but the flavor was really good! read more
Business owner information
Valeria C.
Hi Sujung, thank you for stopping by and sharing your experience.…
Unfortunately, worth the wait and general irritation. If you are a matcha aficionado, this place may set the standard for you. As far as a matcha cafe in the US, I haven't had better. Even at opening, we wait about a half hour to get in to order (I don't wait for any BS in a line but this may be the exception). You understand why once you get in, the experience is slow, methodical and personal. Only a few matcha stations and each person makes it in front of you. The scent when that hot water hits the matcha powder as they begin to whisk..is euphoric to me. Just lovely. The best matcha latte you can get in NY period. The matcha ice cream as well as the basque cheesecake are sensational. One of my favorite places. Recommend. read more
Business owner information
Valeria C.
Hi Steph, thank you so much for sharing your experience. We're…
8 months ago
5 months ago
Tried 12 Matcha for the first time today and I'm already obsessed! their matcha latte and ice cream were so good. Definitely coming back! Also shoutout to Marcella, who helped us and explained the whole matcha process. She was super friendly and really made the experience even better read more
Been missing a good vibey matcha spot that reminds me of Asia! was suuuper buzzed because they put a good amount of matcha in each drink -- thought the drink was amazing and lived up to the hype! Interior is cute and they have charging outlets. They def took lots of care in making the drinks. It's absolutely a bit of a wait -- but you don't feel rushed when you're seated! But high quality matcha for sure read more
Business owner information
Valeria C.
Hi Kristi, thank you for the lovely words. It means a lot to know the…
Damn, the wait was super long! Even on a weekday, I had to wait about 2 hours! The hype is still going strong. But I have to admit, it's quite good. When I inquired about the matcha, they did confirm that it's from a matcha farm from Uji, Japan (so you know it's the real good stuff). They also pride themselves in having found the best process for making a perfect drink. They use a specific Japan wood infused water which you can see inside. They also measure every gram of water to match powder ratio - almost have it down to a science. You can order an iced or hot matcha drink. You can also opt for an added sweetener, but honestly wasn't too strong in sweetness. The richness of the matcha powder was apparent, so it will appease the true matcha fans. The thing I was most surprised about was their ice cream. My friends and I decided to try their tri-flavor ice cream which comes with panna, hojicha & matcha flavors and I was truly impressed! Their ice cream itself is super creamy - unlike anything I've tasted before. On top of that, each flavor was so delicious. Most of all, I was super blown away by the hojicha flavor. It was super rich and had the perfect amount of sweetness. This is now become my favorite hojicha ice cream. If I had a tea or powdered form of this to make everyday, I would be a happy camper. I would totally recommend that you don't skip out on their ice cream (as well as trying their matcha drinks of course). read more
Business owner information
Valeria C.
Hi Olivia, thank you so much for this incredibly thoughtful review—…
POV you're in the mood for a quick matcha before a flight and come across this place thinking it was a casual cafe when it's actually a whole matcha experience with really fancy people LOL I visited this spot on a Friday morning and the line was fairly short, only about a 15 minute wait. Theres a hostess waiting out front to open the door for you. The shop was so beautiful and clean and also really busy! I ordered the matcha latte to go. The staff was so nice and you can tell they're not in a rush to do things, they are there to make you feel comfortable and have a good service experience. It felt like they were whispering to me LOL They call your name when it's time to pick up your order and they literally whisk the drink in front of you. I appreciate the service and quality but to me it felt a little silly. The drink was delicious and super strong, exactly what I was looking for. I'd recommend this place! read more
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54 Bond St
New York, NY 10012
NoHo
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http://www.12matcha.com
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Ask the Community - 12 Matcha
Is the matcha gluten free?
Hi y'all! Is this place vegan friendly ? I heard they have oat milk. I'm curious about the ice cream and cheese cake also TIA?
Hi Jess, thank you for reaching out— yes, we provide oat and almond milk. You can also try the matcha americano with just water + our proprietary matcha blend. Our ice cream and cheesecake are not VF— we are working hard to expand our menu offerings… Read more
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12 Matcha - cafes - Updated July 2026
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