Holy Matcha

821

668

2589

3 months ago

The first time I went here was when they first opened back in 2017. I remember being upset that they ran out of the matcha donut, then when I went back, it did not have matcha powder (like all of the pictures) and tasted just alright. I can't remember the taste of the drink. I went back with my boyfriend recently, and I must say, it was terrible. I got the iced matcha latte with some agave to sweeten it. My boyfriend got the iced matcha tea, which does not have milk -- it is matcha tea and water. Not sure if Holy Matcha has sweetener in it, but we asked for some agave after the fact because it was not good at all. It simply tasted like water with grass. The latte kind of tasted like grass. Both drinks were not enjoyable. Holy Matcha itself is cute, though. There was a photobooth, which is always fun, and some merch. Maybe it is someone else's cup of (matcha) tea, but not mine. read more

Holy Matcha - Not a fan of the donut itself, but the glaze was good - Tea Rooms Near Me - San Diego, California

Holy Matcha - Iced matcha latte + iced matcha tea - Tea Rooms Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 2

Kate C.

22

10

13

4 months ago

service was great, place looked good, photobooth($7) was nice. however the drinks were not that good. strawberry matcha was 1/10. was asked if i wanted to adjust it which was interesting and was never asked that by any other matcha shops. it tasted like watered down drink. like when you finished your strawberry matcha and there's just ice melting in there. that's what it tasted like. on the other hand the strawberry rose matcha tasted good. 6/10. would most likely not come back. read more

Holy Matcha - strawberry matcha(mixed) - Tea Rooms Near Me - San Diego, California

Helpful 1

Thanks 1

Love this 0

Oh no 1

Denise C.

11

47

74

1 month ago

The matcha horchata here was so good, easily one of the best I've had. It was smooth, flavorful, and just the right balance of matcha and sweetness. The shop itself is super cute, with all pink vibes that make it feel fun and inviting. I also loved that they feature items from small businesses, so you can shop unique finds while you're there. The staff were friendly and welcoming. My daughter and I love it here! read more

Holy Matcha - LED light - Tea Rooms Near Me - San Diego, California

Holy Matcha - Horchata matcha - Tea Rooms Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 1

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Vanessa M.

1

33

66

5 months ago

I accidentally grabbed someone else's drink which was totally embarrassing however when I grabbed mine, I grabbed some holy matcha. The inside was lovely, there were cute trinkets to buy and sweaters; and hats. The menu had several options but I got the matcha horchata and the banana matcha. I loved my horchata matcha which wasn't overly sweet and had a lovely taste mixed between the consistent cinnamon and matcha flavor! read more

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jeovanna

0

5

7

15 days ago

This place was sooo cute! I was craving a matcha before leaving San Diego, so l decided to stop by and grab one before heading out. I got the strawberry matcha and it was honestly sooo good!! My boyfriend got the cherry matcha and loved his too. The girls working there were super sweet and welcoming which made the experience even better. My only downside was that it was pretty pricey for the size of the drinks, so personally I probably wouldn't go back because of the price, but the drinks themselves were definitely delicious! read more

Holy Matcha - Matcha and a current read. - Tea Rooms Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Katherine K.

497

1038

5381

9 months ago

This review is from my mom, not me as I do not like matcha. My mom loves matcha, as long as it's fresh. She ordered the Strawberry Matcha with almond milk and she could tell right away that the matcha was not fresh, which upset her. The barista told her that this drink was not very sweet, but my mom thought otherwise. She even had to water it down due to the sweetness. She wishes that they offered regular milk instead of only alternatives as it would have cut down on the sweetness level. Overall, expensive for less than average quality in a small drink. She would not come back. read more

See all

Business owner information

Geraldine R.

Kathrine- Thank you for sharing your mom’s feedback with us. I want…

Helpful 8

Thanks 4

Love this 4

Oh no 5

Brisa B.

Elite 26 All-Star

45

190

2014

3 months ago

The aesthetic of the place is super cutesy and pink!! They have a photo booth to take photos and Knick Knacks for sale. They were quick with our order and brought out our drink within minutes. Although, the strawberry matcha was neither matcha nor strawberry. You can barely taste the matcha which seemed watered down, maybe from the whisking? The strawberry flavoring also tasted watered down. Overall a very watery drink but lots of room for improvement! read more

Holy Matcha - Menu - Tea Rooms Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 1

Aryel M.

0

10

24

3 days ago

matcha was really good but there was a girl who works there who's really rude , we where waiting outside for it to open at 9 and she rudely asked us to move out of the way of the entrance to the store .. As if we weren't buying customers ; Like goodmorning to you too! Overall felt like she didn't want to work there . I love the creativeness of the store and the ambiance is really cute !! Got a ham and cheese croissant as well. Wish it wasn't ruined by this girls attitude . read more

Holy Matcha - lavender and horchata matchas! - Tea Rooms Near Me - San Diego, California

Holy Matcha - lavender matcha - Tea Rooms Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Danny D.

0

56

86

1 month ago

I got their banana matcha with pistachio milk (no extra cost for milk alternatives)! It was just the right amount of sweet and was lovely. The inside was cute and they sell a lot of small trinkets and items. They were also very quick with the service on a Friday afternoon, not very busy. read more

Holy Matcha - Banana matcha - Tea Rooms Near Me - San Diego, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 1

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Marlene K.

62

427

669

10 months ago

I have NO idea what happened to this place, but it isn't good, whatever it was. I'm wondering if it has a new owner, or something? It is a shell of its former self. It's no longer the cute; instagrammable place it used to be. Maybe they are remodeling? Gone are the cute green leaf walls and adorable decor. Now it reminds me of what an empty 7-11 that is struggling to stay in business would look like. There were hand written signs by the pastries that looked like pastries bought at Costco that were wrapped in cellophane which had been removed to display them. The signs seemed to be written on pieces of post-its and folded over. The person helping me was nothing like the staff of yesteryear. His appearance didn't match the place, and I couldn't hear what he was saying. Needless to say, I should have left my memories of Holy Matcha in the past, unscathed. read more

Business owner information

Geraldine R.

Marlene- this updated review truly saddens me, especially because I…

Helpful 3

Thanks 2

Love this 1

Oh no 2

Alma G.

119

102

225

9 months ago

This is a cute little shop in the heart of North Park. I've been meaning to check it out for a while, but parking around here is always a pain. The shop is tiny, cute, and has a table with merch, stickers, cards, and keychains you can purchase. The cashier was very helpful and gave me a bunch of drink recommendations. I went with the strawberry matcha. It was okay, but for $8+ I expected it to be bigger and sweeter. The best part of this visit for me was the vintage photo booth inside of the shop. $6 gets you 2 photo-strips that made coming here worth it for me! Overall, it's more of an aesthetic spot to hang out and grab cute photos than a go-to for the drinks themselves. read more

Holy Matcha - Mmmm - Tea Rooms Near Me - San Diego, California

Holy Matcha - Cute photo op - Tea Rooms Near Me - San Diego, California

Holy Matcha - Cute merch and items for purchase as you walk in - Tea Rooms Near Me - San Diego, California

Holy Matcha - Photo booth! - Tea Rooms Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Business owner information

Geraldine R.

Alma! I hear you on the parking. Times were definitely better when we…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Arabella N.

4

36

61

5 months ago

The matcha here was good but the banana cream on top was more thin than expecting. I also ordered avocado toast with egg and realized the egg was boiled instead of fried. For the price i was expecting something fancy and was slightly disappointed. The staff was really friendly so that was nice!! I think a lot of people came in for the photobooth but at one point a line started so it did get super busy! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 1

Love this 0

Oh no 1

Jenn V.

16

37

33

3 months ago

Disgusting. Bad service and unprofessional staff. Would not recommend. Had higher expectations. Unfortunately the service didn't meet them. read more

Holy Matcha - .... excuse me ? - Tea Rooms Near Me - San Diego, California

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 1

Tuyetnhi M.

18

212

176

11 months ago

Good service, pretty and modern. Cozy and small place. However a bit overpriced, and the taste was not there for me. It's definitely on the stronger and bitter side, but I ordered the strawberry matcha and after I mixed it, all I could taste was the strawberry puree and no matcha. We also took pics in the photobooth, and just fyi: you get print outs, but no email of the photo, and you do not get any retakes on your photos- so be ready! Would I return? I would not. read more

Holy Matcha - Strawberry matcha after mixed together- 1/5. Once mixed, all you could taste is the strawberry puree. - Tea Rooms Near Me - San Diego, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Rhiza D.

518

114

325

1 year ago

The prices are crazy now - I can't justify getting a matcha here anymore but still a great place to buy a bag of ceremonial matcha to make matcha at home. I LOVE their lavender matcha latte with almond milk. Tastes like fruity pebbles. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Isaiah A.

Elite 26 All-Star

9

93

180

1 year ago

Overall, I enjoyed my experience at Holy Matcha. The interior is aesthetic and perfect for a cozy hangout or photo op. Service was kind and quick, even on a busy Saturday morning. I tried the seasonal cinnamon brown sugar matcha with oat milk. It was nicely balanced and perfectly sweet, with a decent matcha flavor. That said, I do wish the matcha was a bit stronger, and for the price, the portion felt a little small. read more

Holy Matcha - Pistachio Matcha (left) Brown Sugar Matcha (right) - Tea Rooms Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Kayla L.

2

5

6

4 months ago

This place is so cute! One of the employees here was so kind and gave great descriptions of menu items! I tried the Hojicha Chai while my sister got the Matcha Horchata. Both were very smooth and not overly sweet. Great service and great drinks read more

Holy Matcha - Matcha Horchata and Hojicha Chai - Tea Rooms Near Me - San Diego, California

Holy Matcha - Merch area - Tea Rooms Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Rochelle R.

34

8

15

8 months ago

Cute photo booth in the corner. Not too sweet matcha drinks unless u get strawberry. Owner was there and informative. read more

Holy Matcha - Matcha - Tea Rooms Near Me - San Diego, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

H C.

201

125

27

2 months ago

If I'm going to be anywhere near San Diego... I make sure to go here! I can't recommend this place enough and the staff are always so friendly! The vibes are great and the decor is everything! read more

Helpful 2

Thanks 2

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Amanda W.

120

99

213

6 months ago

Got the strawberry matcha and it was on the sweeter side but still tasted good. It did take a really long time for the strawberry and matcha to mix (more than usual when I make it myself or get the drink elsewhere), which is just a little weird. Cute vibes and nice staff too! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 1

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Kaitlyn L.

2

12

19

4 months ago

The drinks were delicious, the matcha horchata is sweet and the hojicha cha has a nutty taste. Both were lovely and the service was excellent, they provided wonderful recommendations. read more

Holy Matcha - indoor view - Tea Rooms Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Liz R.

4

70

142

1 year ago

I love cafe hopping, and this is one cute, pink, girly cafe that is a must visit! I'm not a huge fan of matcha but since most their drinks are matcha (duh the name) I went for the horchata matcha drink. The drink was perfect at least for me! It tasted really nice and I finished it within that sitting of visiting. There is also a vintage Photo Booth currently, don't know how long it'll stay but it was fun and $6 I recommend this cafe it's pretty and pink and perfect for photos. There is also a small gift and trinkets section. The service is nice and calming, and the girls working the day of Valentines were nice. They let a lot of people stay until 6pm for photos really kind of them! read more

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jane L.

33

316

1749

1 year ago

Super duper cute spot for matcha. This was our first stop on Girls Day! Happy and cheerful staff is always appreciated. Lots of drink options and a few food choices too. We got the Ceremonial Matcha Latte and Strawberry Matcha, grabbed the end tables. The wait was about 5 minutes and there was a line out the door. Drinks were great. They have a Photo Booth and small selection of gift items for purchases: cards, candles and apparel. Great location, will be back with friends! read more

Holy Matcha - Drink menu - Tea Rooms Near Me - San Diego, California

Holy Matcha - Gifts for purchase - Tea Rooms Near Me - San Diego, California

Holy Matcha - Ceremonial Matcha Latte & Strawberry Iced Matcha - Tea Rooms Near Me - San Diego, California

Holy Matcha - Wall decor - Tea Rooms Near Me - San Diego, California

Holy Matcha - Back wall sign - Tea Rooms Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 1

Giena L.

436

883

1453

10 months ago

I love me a good matcha. And I love creative and interesting matcha lattes and whimsical decor. Saw their menu and was excited and wanted to try the strawberry matcha and then saw their specials and saw the banana creme matcha--- and got that. It was delicious. Loved the pink decor. There's also a photo booth in there too. A bit spendy, but seems like a drink at any cafe will run you about $10 these days. read more

Holy Matcha - banana cream matcha - Tea Rooms Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Business owner information

Geraldine R.

Hi Giena- thank you so much for coming in and for sharing your…

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Christine N.

Elite 26 All-Star

25

154

821

11 months ago

Holy matcha is right when it comes to their menu. So many variations and I settled for their pistachio matcha latte (made with pistachio milk) while my friend went with their strawberry rose matcha. Both were good and could definitely taste their flavoring. Though sadly at $8.50 each, the cups were rather on the small size so these are pretty pricy... if I was in the area, I would try one of their adaptogenic lattes, but the price point is a bit deterring. Staff were friendly and their little gift table was cute. read more

Helpful 2

Thanks 1

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Cassie B.

133

93

226

10 months ago

Decided to check this spot out after going for a walk in north park. Their cafe offers a variety of different matcha drinks, I went with the horchata matcha, it's made with cinnamon, rice milk and almond milk. It was the perfect balance of sweetness and their matcha was a nice green tint which indicated to me that it was high quality. I like that they also have a store front that offers a variety of matcha themed merchandise including cups, keychains and you can even buy the matcha they use in their store! Overall this was a cute spot and friendly staff read more

Holy Matcha - Shop - Tea Rooms Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Business owner information

Geraldine R.

Cassie- thank you so much for visiting and we look forward to having…

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Jon T.

70

1365

718

11 months ago

Holy Matcha speaks to me. I went on a very warm day and it was quite busy, but the service was still relatively speedy and the matcha was soooo good. Both my partner and I got the strawberry matcha latte's and it was one of the better one's I've had. A good balance of bitter matcha-ness and fresh strawberry flavour. The space inside was interesting because there was a photo booth and it seems that 'the kids' seek these out now and were lining up for it. But hopefully that means more business and drinks being bought for Holy Matcha. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Mikey F.

35

19

0

2 months ago

Overpriced, unprofessional staff would never return and don't recommend it. Not sure what happened to this place

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Rebecca A.

123

195

125

2 years ago

We came here Sunday morning at about 9am to try their matcha drinks. We were there for about an hour and 15min and were the only customers during that time. The cafe is very bright, with pink seating and greenery accents. The woman who took our order and served us was very nice. Overall, I thought this place was prioritizing style over substance. Everything looked beautiful (the interior of the cafe and the drinks themselves) but my drink was only okay. I would try someplace else before coming back. read more

Holy Matcha - Matcha Horchata. Matcha Latte. Matcha Strawberry seasonal beverage - Tea Rooms Near Me - San Diego, California

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Gwen G.

1

44

87

10 months ago

Holy Matcha is all about aesthetics. If you're looking for a cute spot to take Instagram pictures, this is the place! I ordered the Matcha Horchata, and while it was tasty, it didn't feel worth the $9. (The entire menu was quite expensive.) The cup was pretty small, and the flavor leaned more toward horchata than matcha. So if you're a fan of strong matcha flavor, this might not be for you. What made up for it was the Photo Booth, which was so fun to use! I'd totally come back just for that. The staff was very kind, and I love that the place is pet‑friendly. Overall, it's a cute spot to experience at least once. read more

Holy Matcha - Indoor Seating - Tea Rooms Near Me - San Diego, California

Holy Matcha - Outdoor sign - Tea Rooms Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Business owner information

Geraldine R.

Thanks so much for coming and supporting us. Our matcha horchata is…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Anna C.

754

271

1170

1 year ago

Unfortunately, I cannot in good faith recommend this place for matcha. The interior is cutely themed, and the service was absolutely awesome and friendly. There is also a b&w photobooth, which is fun. However, the drinks are expensive, small, and tasted watered down. The quality is just not there for the price point. read more

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Alyssa N.

139

370

499

2 years ago

I so badly wanted to like the spot, but it fell short for me :( I saw this place all over social media so my boyfriend and I decided to try it out. The shop is cute, very clean with green and pink interior. The employees were very nice as well. It's only street parking around the area, but we found a spot easily a block away. We ordered the strawberry matcha and the horchata matcha. I did not like the horchata matcha at all, the horchata flavor was overpowering and it really watered down the drink. The strawberry matcha was alright, tasted a bit artificial. I wish the matcha flavor was stronger for both drinks! read more

Holy Matcha - Strawberry matcha, horchata matcha - Tea Rooms Near Me - San Diego, California

Helpful 3

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Veronica H.

12

325

927

1 year ago

I walked in and was never greeted, stood in line for a few minutes while one of the workers pretended I wasn't the only person in line trying to order but she had seen me walk in. After 5 minutes or so someone walks out from the back and just says oh what would you like. Takes my order and walks away. Zero customer service. I came here specifically for the strawberry matcha, I ordered that and an horchata one. Extremely over priced for the small portion size. The establishment was extremely loud with the conversations people had and they didn't have music playing which could help cancel out some of the loud talking. As our drinks come out you can see the entire staff hanging out in the back just hanging out, which explains the lack of customer service. Drinks were basic nothing special, definitely not worth the hype nor drive. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jacqueline M.

6

43

48

1 year ago

I've been so excited to try holy matcha and have never made the time to go in. I was drawn in due to the photo booth they currently have and finally decided it was time to go in. As soon as you walk in you are taken back by how aesthetically pleasing the store front is. It's all beautiful. However, my expectations may have been set high but I did not enjoy their matcha at all. I ordered the strawberry matcha and was disappointed they only had one size and only offered milk alternatives for their drinks (sue me I like whole milk). This may have been the worst matcha I've ever had and paid $9 for this tiny drink. read more

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Roxanne H.

5

113

108

1 year ago

Came here mainly for the picture booth and was pleased with that aspect despite the long line (not the businesses fault)! The matcha itself was okay, definitely not worth $9. I got the strawberry matcha and just thought the flavor was pretty bland and not strong enough for the price. You can skip this one unless you want some beautiful pics! Service was very nice though. read more

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Rosa M.

365

103

232

2 years ago

Super cute place! Came on a Thursday morning and was pleasantly surprised to find they have a lot of comfy seating with outlets. Was going to take my matcha to go but decided to stay and do some work. I love the aesthetic and the staff is also incredibly friendly! They immediately came up to ask if I would like the WiFi and let me know that if I changed my mind and wanted my drink sweetened they could add that after I tried it. I ordered an unsweetened strawberry matcha with coconut milk and it was delicious. I like my matcha unsweetened and it was perfect! read more

Holy Matcha - Strawberry matcha with coconut milk - Tea Rooms Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 1

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Juwan T.

0

37

40

1 year ago

The matcha horchata drink tasted like a watered down horchata. I could barely taste the matcha, and was very disappointed because I was excited to try a mix of my favorite drinks. The inside was really cute but not enough seating plus the tables were small. The girl who made my drink was really nice and even offered to remake it if I had any problems but I was already out the door by the time I tasted it. I appreciate her offer of that and I might take her up next time. I see the potential this place has but unfortunately I did not enjoy my experience. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Mae T.

46

323

1357

1 year ago

My daughter & I wanted matcha and she found Holy Matcha which was nearby and she was also happy to find that they had a vintage Photo Booth. The space is very cute and open. There's isn't much seating though. We were greeted by the nice guy who went over the menu and gave his recommendations. My daughter ordered the Strawberry Matcha and I got a seasonal drink the Pandan Matcha. I was surprised they only offered almond, oat & coconut milk which is probably why the drinks are so pricey. We usually get whole or 2%. The drinks tasted just okay. At least my daughter had fun taking pictures in the booth with her dog! read more

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

E G.

0

49

16

8 months ago

The matcha here is good. I had the Holiest of the holy matcha. The adaptogens are a nice addition and had me floating through my Saturday errands and beyond for the rest of the day. I just wish they didn't use hot water to mix the matcha it ruins the flavor slightly and brings out more bitterness. I use room temp water at home and have tried other places that use room temp as well and it makes for a much smoother flavor. It'd also be nice if the sizes were a bit bigger for the price, or there were at least other options. Overall not bad. read more

Holy Matcha - Holiest - Tea Rooms Near Me - San Diego, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Page 1 of 27

See more reviews

More info about Holy Matcha

3118 University Ave
San Diego, CA 92104
North Park
Directions
Visit Website
http://www.holymatchasd.com

Hours

What time does Holy Matcha open?

Holy Matcha opens at 9:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Holy Matcha close?

Holy Matcha closes at 5:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Holy Matcha closes at 6:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 5:00 PMSat-Sun 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Holy Matcha take credit cards?

Yes, Holy Matcha takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Holy Matcha have catering options?

No, Holy Matcha does not have catering options.

Does Holy Matcha have a drive thru?

No, Holy Matcha does not have a drive thru.

Indoor Amenities

Does Holy Matcha allow dogs?

Yes, Holy Matcha allows dogs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Holy Matcha have bike parking?

Yes, Holy Matcha has bike parking.

Does Holy Matcha have parking?

Yes, Holy Matcha has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Holy Matcha wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Holy Matcha is wheelchair accessible.

Does Holy Matcha have free WiFi?

Yes, Holy Matcha has free WiFi.

More Info

Health Score

Holy Matcha Reviews in Other Languages

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for Tea Rooms 21,276 times last month within 10 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Explore benefits

Tea Bazaar

4.3(25 reviews)

The person helping me was welcoming and invited me to smell the leaves of so many different teas…read more There's a huge variety of uncaffeinated, green, and black teas as well as Yerba mate teas. There's also a handy tea menu to explain the components and flavor profiles of each tea. I was able to sample the scents of so many different teas and ended up choosing one black and one green tea. Swami Power (black) is so fruity and bright. I love this tea so much. The Lavender Fields (green) has a strong floral flavor. I definitely would get swami power again once I run out, but would pass on the Lavender Fields next time-- it's still good though! The teas cost a pretty penny, but I think it's worth it.

Tea Bazaar is located in Little Italy. We first saw them on the Market in little Italy every…read moreWednesday or Saturday. My wife bought some tea there and over the weekend my wife sent me to their actual store. So many good ones to choose from, I just picked whatever I think she may like the most, I got her the Jasmine Pearl. So if you are looking for a good tea, this is also a good spot to get it. The place is so organized and so clean, staff is nice, the parking is side street, but if you can't find one there's a paid parking lot only a few steps from their store.

Accessories.

See all

Lots of loose tea

Miracle Potion

4.5(155 reviews)

3.2 mi•Little Italy

Took a stroll through downtown and somehow ended up exactly where I needed to be--at Love Portion…read more I was on a mission for matcha, but not just any matcha... I wanted something a little extra, and this spot delivered. I ordered a custom lavender iced matcha with honey cold foam and wow... it was such a good call. The lavender wasn't overpowering, just light and calming, and paired so well with the earthy matcha. That honey cold foam on top? Chef's kiss. It added the perfect touch of sweetness without making the drink feel heavy. Every sip was smooth, balanced, and honestly kind of addicting. What really stood out though was the service. It was my first time and I had zero clue what to get, but the girl at the register was so sweet and patient. She took her time helping me figure out a combo I'd love and made the whole experience feel really welcoming instead of rushed. You can also customize your milk (coconut, etc.), which I always appreciate. The shop itself is adorable. Think soft pink, super cute, aesthetic vibes all around. There's even an upstairs area that's set up for tea parties, which is such a fun touch and makes it feel a little more special than your average coffee spot. They also have pastries and small bites, so it's not just drinks if you're feeling snacky. Overall, this place is such a vibe. Great drinks, genuinely kind service, and a space that makes you want to hang out a little longer. Definitely coming back to try more of their menu.

One of the happiest cafecito spots we've ever been to! So many pink flowers and butterflies and all…read morethe fun stuff! Thank you for hosting us! Everything was perfect. And thank you Ashley for your hospitality and giving us a brief history about your cafe! - The Cafecito Couple

Blueberry Merlot Hot Herbal Tea

Cold Herbal Tea

See all

Pink Miracle Matcha Tea Latte

Parakeet Cafe - Little Italy

4.2(906 reviews)

Didn't realize this was a chain at first, but the food and service still felt high quality and well…read moreexecuted. Located right in Little Italy, this spot was busy nonstop, but the staff kept things moving quickly and everyone seemed well taken care of. I ended up hanging out for a couple of hours before my flight home since it's conveniently close to the airport, and it was actually a great place to work from my laptop. Never felt rushed or like I was overstaying my welcome, which I always appreciate at a busy café. The food was genuinely delicious. I'll almost always order shakshuka if it's on a menu , and theirs did not disappoint. The tomato, spices, and cream were really well balanced. Also highly recommend the maple latte with oat milk.. slightly sweet & cozy.

Love this place. Try to go here every time I'm in San Diego. Their journey to local, whole foods…read moreis similar to our family's journey: medical issues that were fixed by changing diet. The food is so tasty and fresh. The coffee options are very flavorful, but also contain ingredients that are good for you. Cold pressed juices are must have. The staff is friendly and attentive. And the line to order never seems to dwindle below 6-8 people. Keep up the good work.

Delights

See all

Honey late

Caffe Italia

First time having an affogato..... DELICIOUS!! Felt like I was visiting a little caffè in Italy…read more Service was great. They were very helpful and didn't rush us. The vibe inside was great. Nice & peaceful. #DiningWithTheAndersons #LittleItalySD #Italia #Affogato #Caffè

After a stroll from the Wednesday farmer's market in Little Italy, I had a craving for Italian as…read morethe establishments nearby caught my interest. I've worked in Little Italy in the past but have never tried Caffe Italia. I got their Italian sandwich, with the default bread being focaccia. Inside there were prosciutto, salami, ham, provolone, tomato, and house made balsamic vinaigrette. It had a good balance of deli meats, and the focaccia bread was thick to hold it all together. I thought it was tasty as well as their coffee, however my coffee wasn't filled up all the way. It is strong and their roast is bold! I liked it a lot, although a lunch meal can get costly so it would just be from time to time if I were to revisit. Not only that, but they also have a small selection of gelatos which look pretty authentic like Spumoni! Other desserts I saw were mousse, tiramisu, cannoli, cheesecake, carrot cake, and rugelach. The cafe is small and the service may take a bit if you are waiting for the food, but overall, I enjoyed my coffee and sandwich.

New addition to our menu. Avocado Toast.

Capuccino

See all

Located a little past this sign on India (7/19/18)

Nonna + Zucchero

4.1(561 reviews)

2.9 mi•Little Italy

NONNA has me in a chokehold and I'm staying there forever!!!…read more Chicken Parmigiana is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE, and no one can convince me otherwise. Located in the heart of Little Italy, Nonna's is just one of those places you have to visit. The service is AMAZING, the food is DIVINE, and the energy is always so warm and welcoming. Parking can be a bit stressful, especially on busy evenings (which is pretty often), so be prepared to park a little farther away or pay for nearby parking around $25.

This review is for cafe zucchero only I went this morning…read moreand purchased 6 sfogliatelle bc they have the best one in SD I feel like it's a bit expensive but as soon as u You bite into it you'll forget the price

Beef carpaccio

See all

Tortellini Funghi

Pappalecco

4.3(3.1k reviews)

2.9 mi•Little Italy

•$

If there is better gelato in San Diego, I have not tried it…read more They have more than gelato here but gelato is all we tried. It was later in the day so they were out of or running low on some flavors. Nevertheless, the two flavors we tried were incredibly rich and flavorful. A little goes a very long way. Parking is incredibly tough in Little Italy but it is worth it for gelato this good.

The gelato was just way too thick, and there was not much flavoring when it came to the variety of…read moregelato flavors. I did enjoy the macadamia nut chocolate chip cookie, and some of the pastries look really good but you are definitely paying more of a premium price for a lot of the gelato and the pastries. Service was just OK and nothing really standing out.

Inside

Soup Tomato.

See all

Two Scoop Gelato Cone ($5)

Lofty Coffee

4.1(859 reviews)

Solid coffee spot that came through when we needed it most. Huge plus that it was open at 3pm while…read moremost other coffee shops in Little Italy were already closing. The Americano was smooth and rich, and the vanilla latte with the cream top was honestly the standout. Super well balanced and just really enjoyable. Definitely a spot I would come back to.

A nice coffee shop in Little Italy with a cute ambiance. Just be prepared for big lines and long…read morewaits on weekends, especially on farmers market days. I wanted a classic matcha latte, but they only offered a mint‑mixed matcha. The employee said it was subtle and refreshing, so I gave it a try. The wait was long, but the drink was pretty -- it came with a mint leaf garnish, which was a nice touch. Flavor‑wise, it just wasn't for me, but it was refreshing and lightly minty, not overpowering. They have a great outdoor seating area and food options too, though I didn't try the food this time. I'd come back if I was already in the area and it wasn't so busy.

Acai bowl

See all

Turkish coffee and turkey croissant

Portal Coffee

4.3(425 reviews)

3.2 mi•Little Italy

If the portal - in portal coffee - is passing through the threshold to a land where cortados are…read moremade with punchy, fruity, flavorful espresso beans, close the gate like demogorgons are about to break through and leave me here for the rest of my days. Unfortunately, I couldn't stay for long but would have loved to explore the dimensions of this coffee shop with a good book and possibly a second (or third) cup of espresso perfectly mixed with just a few ounces of steamed milk.

-- Some Places Serve Coffee. This Place Serves Community. I…read morewalked into Portal Café looking for nothing more than a simple, honest cup of coffee. What I got was that -- and a whole lot more. Hannah and Jessica were working, and from the moment I walked in, the vibe was just right. I'm a straightforward guy -- black coffee with a splash of cream, print newspaper, no frills. When I mentioned I was old school, Hannah gave me exactly the kind of response that makes you feel seen rather than teased. These two have a gift for reading their customers and making everyone feel like a regular, even on a first visit. I asked Hannah for just a splash of cream -- I told her I wanted it the color of my skin. She nailed it on the first try. That might sound like a small thing, but it isn't. It means she was actually listening. I mentioned I was still reading a print newspaper -- an increasingly rare habit, apparently -- and Jessica didn't miss a beat. She told me they needed more of that, and invited me to sit down and read the paper and tell them what was good in it. I had somewhere to be, so I took my coffee to go -- but I genuinely wanted to stay. That kind of warmth isn't something you can fake or train for. It's just who they are. When I tried to leave a tip on the way out, Jessica looked at me and said I had great energy. I took that with me along with my coffee. The coffee itself? Excellent. Clean, well-made, perfectly calibrated -- in more ways than one. I came back later in the day. They were closing up, short-staffed and winding down. I left a tip then too, and they told me I was "extra." I told them if that's extra, the world needs more of it. They laughed. I meant every word. Here's the real tip though -- and I'm leaving it for you, the reader: just go. Go in, order something simple, and pay attention. Hannah and Jessica are putting something genuinely good into the universe, one cup at a time. You'll feel it the moment you walk through the door. Don't walk past this place.

Chocolate coffee cake. Wow.

Inside

See all

Iced chai

Extraordinary Desserts

4.0(9.2k reviews)

•$$$

Memorial Day 2026 commenced with the most amazing dessert I'd never imagine ordering. Before the…read moredessert, the gentleman that rang me up, and the lady packing the desserts (apologies for not getting names) provided exceptional service. My name was spelled properly, a short conversation reassured my dessert choice, and as I walked up to retrieve my dessert, the lady met me halfway with a smile (thank you for wrapping so it didn't fall over). The smallest of gestures and niceties are what make leaving the house worth it. GIANDUIA. This cake is nothing you can be prepared for, yet everything you need without setting expectations. The boysenberry was the perfect separation for the waves of chocolate and the subtle crunch of the hazelnut toffee type of layer on the very top. The chocolate mousse was the exact mouth feel needed to separate the rich layers of chocolate cake. I saw, I conquered, and I was yet again impressed by what Extraordinary Desserts so purposefully and gracefully offered. Thank you for healing a bit of my soul I didn't realize was waiting to be healed.

We normally come here weekly after dinner with family for dessert, but after this last experience…read morewe will not be returning. Also just so everyone is aware they're also liars just to mention & stupid.. she tells us her name is Karen thinking we don't know the owners name lol .. She was at the register at 7:20pm and was extremely rude and dismissive after we placed our order, especially regarding a child's dietary restrictions and health concerns. We politely asked if it would be possible to purchase a small cup of fruit , even just a couple strawberries cut up, because one child in our group cannot have sweets due to very strict dietary restrictions . Instead of simply saying they were unable to accommodate the request or offering another option, we were told to "go somewhere else," despite already spending the amount we did . The complete lack of professionalism and basic customer service was honestly shocking. It's disappointing to be treated that way at a place we have supported so consistently. This place has been going downhill , management for this place needs to step up .

Spinach dip and chips and tomato and basil soup

One of our 'go to' dessert places in San Diego.

See all

Chocolate lemon bon bon

Frost Me Cafe & Bakery

4.4(526 reviews)

I'm a big tiramisu girl and frost me has THE BEST tiramisu slide I've ever had. On top of it all,…read moreit's a huge slide. Coming In for either their happy hour or Saturdays are the best people watching. SO many attractive people pass by.

Listen they don't need my 5 star review. Right in the heart of Little Italy. Inside outside…read moreseating. Lots and lots of foot traffic. But they are going to get it! First up the staff: Trinity took my order. So friendly and helpful. Efficient but welcoming. Never stopped moving the whole time I was there. I ordered the egg salad croissant. I have to say the best egg salad sandwich I've ever had. Texture but creamy. Eggy and briny from the capers. The croissant flaky but held up to being used to make a sandwich. I got the chips. I highly recommend the chips!! Peppery, crisp, salty. I also got the hazelnut croinut (sp). Flakey, buttery, not overly sweet To drink I got an iced dirty chai. Not overly spicy. I ate everything for there and it came out on real dishes which I love. Otho h worse than eating a beautiful meal on paper plates. The portions are large so when I needed a to go box they were quick to provide, with a bag. It's dog friendly and they provided treats for my two. Outside area has umbrellas for the full afternoon sun. It's little Italy so street metered parking or paid garage.