Labora - Kearny Mesa
Order Labora - Kearny Mesa Takeout or Delivery
Labora - Kearny Mesa Photos
Labora - Kearny Mesa Popular Drinks
LABORA - KEARNY MESA ATMOSPHERE
What's the vibe?
More like Labora - Kearny Mesa
Recommended Reviews - Labora - Kearny Mesa
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
literally delicious omg. Inside the place is soo cute, so lively with people catching up with friends or studying. Plenty of seating too. You can order at a kiosk or with the cashier so that's great. I ordered a banana matcha and it was sooo delicious. I also tried their strawberry specialty matcha and it was equally yummy. Kinda bummed there was no other dairy alternatives other than oat milk ): so I stuck with the regular. Definitely recommend!!
Great coffee spot! Looks small but lots of seating throughout and connected to another eatery that has more space. Great place to study and catch up with a friend. The coffee/matcha itself is yummy!! very pretty too and different types of drinks with foams so delicious. Service is nice and quick not much interaction because they are popular. Would come again.
genuinely good matcha, it's smooth and not grainy at all. The space is really small, but a great ambience.
Finally got to try Labora on a Friday morning around 9:30, and the place was already bustling. There were tons of delivery drivers picking up orders and all the workers behind the counter were busy slinging drinks and organizing everything. There were only about two people ahead of us at the ordering kiosks by the door though, so it moved really quickly. I actually really liked ordering from the kiosk because you can customize your sweetness level and even choose less matcha if you don't want it too strong. Super easy to order and pay, and the crew got our drinks out way faster than I expected considering how busy they were. My husband ordered the pistachio latte and I got the pistachio matcha. Both were super creamy and really well balanced. No bitterness and surprisingly not overly sweet even at 100% sweetness. The cold foam they add does contain dairy, but I chose oat milk for the base of my matcha. I do wish they offered almond milk since oat was the only dairy-free milk option. Overall, the drinks tasted high quality and I really enjoyed my matcha. I was also pleasantly surprised that there wasn't much of a line or wait. The parking lot, however, is crazy. Not many spots and it's your typical Convoy parking situation, so just be prepared for that!
** As you come in you will see a location where you can place your own order or mobile, no front customer service to help to place ur order. Drinks were good I do see myself coming back. Pistachio Matcha hit the spot with right amount of flavor. Service they were quick I thought I be waiting for a long time since I seen counter top filled with drinks Place has a modern look, small not much room to work from. Since all seats taken Parking not enough such a small parking lot hard find one
We ordered the strawberry matcha and blueberry matcha. Both tasted good. We were a bit confused on the ordering system. We wanted oatmilk, but I guess when we checked out on their POS system it didn't give us that option? Maybe we just missed it. Our matcha drinks did come out fast...It was very busy and packed inside when we arrived. The sign clearly states to wait outside to order, but many people did not follow the stores instructions. They did have someone redirect customers outside, but the way it was done was not very kind. Overall, matcha was good, but they need to do a better job with having someone direct the line upon customer arrival or just have someone stand there.
I've been to LABORA several times, as I'm often in and out of the Clairemont-Kearny Mesa region for week during the week. It's a very popular, very busy, and very Instagrammable matcha cafe. Let's start off with the pros. The matcha drinks are actually quite good. I've only ever had the flagship matcha latte and the double matcha, but both use high-quality ingredients and are consistently prepared well and in accordance with order preferences. They also have a well-maintained bathroom, the store is clean, and the staff are genuinely service-oriented and friendly. Now for the cons. 1. The parking situation is rough. It shares a building with a very popular boba tea shop, and there's also a Mexican restaurant, a tattoo shop, a vape shop, a dog groomer, and a weird semi-nightclub/hookah lounge in the same small strip mall. So it's a bit difficult to park. 2. The shop is constantly very busy. The ordering occurs at a kiosk near the entrance, and they have a designated queue outside on the sidewalk. And while the staff work efficiently, it's still often crowded and you need to budget ~10 minutes to get your drink. 3. It's popular due to aesthetics and internet hype mostly. There's nothing about this shop exactly that makes its level of popularity blatantly justifiable. Good for them, but this is no holy grail of matcha. All that said, LABORA is a decent option, and they have several specialty drinks I have yet to try that may sway my opinion higher (or lower).
I had their banana matcha and it was good- the banana cream was nice and thick and you can taste the banana, it also was not too sweet but I also ordered 50% sweetness. Parking in this lot is a challenge so be ready for that- it's very small and you may have to pay for a parking spot . There was plenty of indoor seating for small and large groups. Key- order ahead on their app otherwise you will wait a long time ;)
Updating my review because credit is due where credit is deserved! After my original visit, the owner immediately reached out and took the time to address my experience. They genuinely cared about the feedback and made me feel heard this says a lot about a business. Customer service is everything to me & they completely turned my experience around!! I've been back since and this place continues to be one of my favorite matcha spots in SD! I brought two of my closest friends from out of town to try it and both approved! This time around I was greeted as soon as I walked in and that made all the difference. I decided to branch out and try two new flavors. I got the Blueberry 30 & Pistachio 54. Both were AMAZING and full of flavor. Blueberry was definitely my favorite. I'd give them both a 5/5 ! Huge shoutout to Justin, the manager, for being beyond kind and so welcoming. He made the experience even better. Safe to say they've earned my 5 stars. Not only are the drinks incredible, but it's clear they truly care about their customers and the experience they provide. I'll definitely be back probably sooner than I should be.
Labora is one of my favorite places for matcha near UCSD! This place does get super busy and there is usually a line going out the door, but they do have online ordering so I recommend ordering ahead before you arrive! I ordered online and when I got there, 10 minutes later, I only had to wait like 5 minutes before my order came out. The way the decorated their place is so cute and there are plenty of tables even though the place is relatively small. They also share the building with Urban Bubble and there is a restroom inside. I got and really like their Scarlet 3 drink, which is their strawberry matcha and I especially like the little bits they put in their for that extra crunchy texture. You can never go wrong with their classic matcha as well if you just want a simple matcha. Parking is super limited and you may need to find street parking during peak hours.
I stopped by recently to try this shop with my friend. It is a very busy shop but they make the drinks quickly. Parking is limited and luckily we did not have to wait long for a spot. They have a tablet directly at the entrance where you submit your order and pay. You can also submit mobile orders which we learned about after, which is very convenient if you are in a time crunch. They have plenty of seating inside the shop. It is also a place where you can study or work. The drinks came out within 5/7 minutes. I did a half sweet version and did not really taste the earl grey. The matcha stood out which was perfect. My friend got the 100% sweet and tasted the earl grey. Overall, a great shop to check out!
There was a line out the door when I went but after trying it I understood why. The drinks use great quality natural ingredients with different type of infused milks with tons of mix and match possibilities. The coffee went so well with the pandan milk and it wasn't a overly sweet pandan milk but just right The parking in the plaza can be difficultly but they have plenty of tables to study at. It can get a bit loud since it's more a chat cafe rather than a study cafe
My friends and I do a coffee hang to catch up once and month and this month we met up at Labora. I have been a matcha fiend lately and was so excited to check Labora out. One they open at 8 am which is really nice because I've noticed some matcha coffee shops don't open until 10 am. There was a little line since they weren't open yet but it went by pretty quickly. You order through a kiosk which I loved, I ended up picking up a pandan matcha. We were lucky to find seating, it's hot super big but there is seating for those who are able to work in the cafe, our drinks came out right away and I was really excited when I saw how rich and green the matcha was. The flavor was spot on too, the pandan wasn't overpowering and it gave it just the right amount of sweetness. Will definitely be coming back, I am craving that pandan matcha!
1 month ago
Located right next door to Urban Bubble. The parking lot is very small so it's the luck of the draw on finding parking. Or try to go off hours but not sure when that is. I just happened to be lucky each time. Digging the vibes inside. It's giving modern slightly industrial but earthy nature vibe? Love the design. Sad that there's not that many areas for seating. Sometimes you can sit next door at Urban Bubble when they're open. When I'm feeling for some matcha, this is one of the places I love to go to. Serving up some delicious ceremonial matcha and coffee drinks (haven't had the coffee yet). So far I've had their Matcha Banana (Banana 53), Double Matcha (Matcha X2), Pistachio 54 (with Matcha). I get it 50% sweet (lifted) for all of my drinks. Just the right amount of sweetness for me. The drink is dark in matcha with a richness in earthiness. The Banana 53 had a luxurious banana foam with toffee bits. Nice balance of earthy, creamy, touch of sweetness, and different textures in the drink. For the double matcha the matcha foam is super fluffy and creamy. Matcha on matcha was what I needed to fuel my soul. The pistachio was a dream. Rich, nutty, velvety, and creamy. I keep saying I will try their coffee next time but I am a sucker for matcha that's for sure. read more
Business owner information
Lauren T.
Thank you for your thoughtful review Tran! Hope to see you back soon!
5 days ago
The service here is more of a quick order and go experience, and the atmosphere is pretty typical for a cafe. I tried the banana matcha and I can confidently say it's one of the best matchas I've ever had! I also tried the ube and the strawberry matcha, those were alright, the banana matcha is definitely the star for me. Honestly, this place gets 5 stars solely because of the banana matcha, it's that good. My only complaint is that I wish it wasn't so far from me because I'd definitely be coming back more often. read more
Business owner information
Lauren T.
We love our Banana 53 and are glad you loved it too! If you live a…
literally delicious omg. Inside the place is soo cute, so lively with people catching up with friends or studying. Plenty of seating too. You can order at a kiosk or with the cashier so that's great. I ordered a banana matcha and it was sooo delicious. I also tried their strawberry specialty matcha and it was equally yummy. Kinda bummed there was no other dairy alternatives other than oat milk ): so I stuck with the regular. Definitely recommend!! read more
Business owner information
Lauren T.
Thank you so much for stopping by!
Great coffee spot! Looks small but lots of seating throughout and connected to another eatery that has more space. Great place to study and catch up with a friend. The coffee/matcha itself is yummy!! very pretty too and different types of drinks with foams so delicious. Service is nice and quick not much interaction because they are popular. Would come again. read more
14 days ago
Finally got to try Labora on a Friday morning around 9:30, and the place was already bustling. There were tons of delivery drivers picking up orders and all the workers behind the counter were busy slinging drinks and organizing everything. There were only about two people ahead of us at the ordering kiosks by the door though, so it moved really quickly. I actually really liked ordering from the kiosk because you can customize your sweetness level and even choose less matcha if you don't want it too strong. Super easy to order and pay, and the crew got our drinks out way faster than I expected considering how busy they were. My husband ordered the pistachio latte and I got the pistachio matcha. Both were super creamy and really well balanced. No bitterness and surprisingly not overly sweet even at 100% sweetness. The cold foam they add does contain dairy, but I chose oat milk for the base of my matcha. I do wish they offered almond milk since oat was the only dairy-free milk option. Overall, the drinks tasted high quality and I really enjoyed my matcha. I was also pleasantly surprised that there wasn't much of a line or wait. The parking lot, however, is crazy. Not many spots and it's your typical Convoy parking situation, so just be prepared for that! read more
** As you come in you will see a location where you can place your own order or mobile, no front customer service to help to place ur order. Drinks were good I do see myself coming back. Pistachio Matcha hit the spot with right amount of flavor. Service they were quick I thought I be waiting for a long time since I seen counter top filled with drinks Place has a modern look, small not much room to work from. Since all seats taken Parking not enough such a small parking lot hard find one read more
We ordered the strawberry matcha and blueberry matcha. Both tasted good. We were a bit confused on the ordering system. We wanted oatmilk, but I guess when we checked out on their POS system it didn't give us that option? Maybe we just missed it. Our matcha drinks did come out fast...It was very busy and packed inside when we arrived. The sign clearly states to wait outside to order, but many people did not follow the stores instructions. They did have someone redirect customers outside, but the way it was done was not very kind. Overall, matcha was good, but they need to do a better job with having someone direct the line upon customer arrival or just have someone stand there. read more
Business owner information
Lauren T.
Hi Cleo, that's odd. When you order your drink, oat milk can be…
19 days ago
I've been to LABORA several times, as I'm often in and out of the Clairemont-Kearny Mesa region for week during the week. It's a very popular, very busy, and very Instagrammable matcha cafe. Let's start off with the pros. The matcha drinks are actually quite good. I've only ever had the flagship matcha latte and the double matcha, but both use high-quality ingredients and are consistently prepared well and in accordance with order preferences. They also have a well-maintained bathroom, the store is clean, and the staff are genuinely service-oriented and friendly. Now for the cons. 1. The parking situation is rough. It shares a building with a very popular boba tea shop, and there's also a Mexican restaurant, a tattoo shop, a vape shop, a dog groomer, and a weird semi-nightclub/hookah lounge in the same small strip mall. So it's a bit difficult to park. 2. The shop is constantly very busy. The ordering occurs at a kiosk near the entrance, and they have a designated queue outside on the sidewalk. And while the staff work efficiently, it's still often crowded and you need to budget ~10 minutes to get your drink. 3. It's popular due to aesthetics and internet hype mostly. There's nothing about this shop exactly that makes its level of popularity blatantly justifiable. Good for them, but this is no holy grail of matcha. All that said, LABORA is a decent option, and they have several specialty drinks I have yet to try that may sway my opinion higher (or lower). read more
3 days ago
I had their banana matcha and it was good- the banana cream was nice and thick and you can taste the banana, it also was not too sweet but I also ordered 50% sweetness. Parking in this lot is a challenge so be ready for that- it's very small and you may have to pay for a parking spot . There was plenty of indoor seating for small and large groups. Key- order ahead on their app otherwise you will wait a long time ;) read more
Business owner information
Lauren T.
Thank you Elisa! Yes, ordering online is sort of the hack ;)
23 days ago
Updating my review because credit is due where credit is deserved! After my original visit, the owner immediately reached out and took the time to address my experience. They genuinely cared about the feedback and made me feel heard this says a lot about a business. Customer service is everything to me & they completely turned my experience around!! I've been back since and this place continues to be one of my favorite matcha spots in SD! I brought two of my closest friends from out of town to try it and both approved! This time around I was greeted as soon as I walked in and that made all the difference. I decided to branch out and try two new flavors. I got the Blueberry 30 & Pistachio 54. Both were AMAZING and full of flavor. Blueberry was definitely my favorite. I'd give them both a 5/5 ! Huge shoutout to Justin, the manager, for being beyond kind and so welcoming. He made the experience even better. Safe to say they've earned my 5 stars. Not only are the drinks incredible, but it's clear they truly care about their customers and the experience they provide. I'll definitely be back probably sooner than I should be. read more
Business owner information
Lauren T.
Thanks for coming back Shylene and giving us the chance to make it…
Labora is one of my favorite places for matcha near UCSD! This place does get super busy and there is usually a line going out the door, but they do have online ordering so I recommend ordering ahead before you arrive! I ordered online and when I got there, 10 minutes later, I only had to wait like 5 minutes before my order came out. The way the decorated their place is so cute and there are plenty of tables even though the place is relatively small. They also share the building with Urban Bubble and there is a restroom inside. I got and really like their Scarlet 3 drink, which is their strawberry matcha and I especially like the little bits they put in their for that extra crunchy texture. You can never go wrong with their classic matcha as well if you just want a simple matcha. Parking is super limited and you may need to find street parking during peak hours. read more
Business owner information
Lauren T.
Thanks for letting the UCSD crowd know that we're not too far away!…
1 month ago
I stopped by recently to try this shop with my friend. It is a very busy shop but they make the drinks quickly. Parking is limited and luckily we did not have to wait long for a spot. They have a tablet directly at the entrance where you submit your order and pay. You can also submit mobile orders which we learned about after, which is very convenient if you are in a time crunch. They have plenty of seating inside the shop. It is also a place where you can study or work. The drinks came out within 5/7 minutes. I did a half sweet version and did not really taste the earl grey. The matcha stood out which was perfect. My friend got the 100% sweet and tasted the earl grey. Overall, a great shop to check out! read more
Business owner information
Lauren T.
Thank you so much for stopping by and for taking the time to leave…
There was a line out the door when I went but after trying it I understood why. The drinks use great quality natural ingredients with different type of infused milks with tons of mix and match possibilities. The coffee went so well with the pandan milk and it wasn't a overly sweet pandan milk but just right The parking in the plaza can be difficultly but they have plenty of tables to study at. It can get a bit loud since it's more a chat cafe rather than a study cafe read more
My friends and I do a coffee hang to catch up once and month and this month we met up at Labora. I have been a matcha fiend lately and was so excited to check Labora out. One they open at 8 am which is really nice because I've noticed some matcha coffee shops don't open until 10 am. There was a little line since they weren't open yet but it went by pretty quickly. You order through a kiosk which I loved, I ended up picking up a pandan matcha. We were lucky to find seating, it's hot super big but there is seating for those who are able to work in the cafe, our drinks came out right away and I was really excited when I saw how rich and green the matcha was. The flavor was spot on too, the pandan wasn't overpowering and it gave it just the right amount of sweetness. Will definitely be coming back, I am craving that pandan matcha! read more
Business owner information
Lauren T.
Thank you Karyn! Did you know our Pandan 32 is great for the next day…
2 months ago
Business owner information
Lauren T.
Thanks for giving us another chance Michelle! We got our matcha…
We needed a pick me up for our long drive back home, thus we decided to stop by Labora for a coffee fix. The parking lot is quite tight and you'll have to pay if you park for longer than an hour. On a Saturday night, Labora had a line out the door! In fact, the line was specifically for their kiosk to self order. They were not taking orders at the front near the cashier. It didn't take us too long to submit an order. I opted for their banana Vietnamese coffee for about $7.50. After ordering, we took a seat to check out the shop's aesthetic. It was very bright and clean. They have a shared restroom with the boba shop next door. While sitting and waiting, there were lots of gnats or fruit flies flying around. We found the source of it to be the two flower vases sitting on the big oval table. It was filled with bugs because the water hasn't been changed. Bit bothersome while hanging out. We sat near the window and ended up hanging out there with our drinks. Their banana was subtle but their Vietnamese coffee was very strong. It was wonderful to feel the caffeine! Not bad but I wouldn't wait in line for it again! I'd rather come when there isn't. read more
Business owner information
Lauren T.
Thank you for stopping by! If the wait is looking long, especially…
One of my favorite matcha places in San Diego! It's usually quite busy, and for good reason - their matcha has a lovely green color and has a strong matcha taste without being overly grassy or bitter. My favorite drink to get is their banana matcha - their banana foam is thick, sweet, and creamy with authentic banana flavor, and they top it off with tasty toffee bits! I would recommend ordering online for pick-up ahead of time so that you don't have to wait in line to order. The cafe itself is cute! read more
Business owner information
Lauren T.
Thanks for stopping by! If you love our toffee bits, you can always…
My favorite matcha in San Diego! Their Double Matcha Latte is comparable to that of Rōk Coffee & Tea and Stagger Coffee's in Los Angeles. Very rich and creamy without being overly sweet. Their Vienna Matcha has a vanilla sweet cream foam rather than matcha foam, so it does taste sweeter and less bitter compared to the Double Matcha. It does get quite busy, especially on the weekends and the parking lot is small. There is a self-order kiosk, so the line moves pretty quick and the team finishes making the drinks in a timely manner. There is ample seating, so good space for students or those who WFH. However, they must have a crazy good ability to lock in because it gets pretty loud. read more
Business owner information
Lauren T.
Thank you for taking the time to review us Jenny! We love our Matcha…
Walking up there was a line outside! Which to me MEANT YUM! The line moved quickly. We went in and it was super modern decor. Ordered off the kiosk and took some pics and our coffee was done! Friendly staff! Coffee was and is amazing a! Blended so well it tastes creamy! read more
Business owner information
Lauren T.
Thank you so much for checking us out!
1 day ago
9.8/10 - LABORA is a hidden gem that's sorta popular but not overhyped. We got the Earl Grey Matcha and Double Matcha and omg it's SO GOOD. The matcha is a healthy solid green color, the flavor profile is well-balanced, and the cream top is rich and thick. I'm a matcha snob and this is almost JUST as good as Airoma in OC and Izumi in San Jose without the long wait and line. I want to gate-keep as long as I can! Next time I want to try their Vietnamese coffee which also looked yummy. read more
Business owner information
Lauren T.
Thank you so much for your kind review Ginger! We worked a ton to…
Visited San Diego this weekend and so glad I stopped by this spot! The matcha drinks were so good that my friends and I came back 2 days in a row! My favorites were the Blueberry Matcha and the Banana Matcha! A great balance of fruity flavors and strong matcha! Definitely the best blueberry matcha I've ever had! The Vienna Matcha was good and creamy as well, but a little bit too sweet for me. The Double Matcha had very strong notes of matcha (a little bit bitter) and was not overly sweet as well! It reminded me of the matcha I had in Japan! They do have long lines, but I love that they offer online orders! Hence, our drinks were ready within 5-10 minutes of us ordering! Lots of seating inside, and it's a pretty packed and energetic environment! Free parking lot as well! Can't wait to stop by again the next time I'm in SD!! read more
Business owner information
Lauren T.
We're honored you picked us out of all the amazing cafes in San…
Labora has been my favorite matcha spot in San Diego for quite a while, and the quality is consistently outstanding. While the line can get long, it moves surprisingly quickly. If you'd rather skip the wait, you can order ahead on their website. No matter how busy they are, the staff always remain cheerful, friendly, and efficient. My favorite drink is the Scarlet 3 with ceremonial matcha, which comes topped with a delicious strawberry foam. I've also tried the Banana 53 with matcha (banana foam), Pistachio 54 with matcha (pistachio foam), and the Vienna Latte with matcha (French vanilla foam). Every drink has lived up to my expectations. The quality of both the matcha and the flavored foams is excellent. Whenever family or friends come to visit, Labora is always one of my go to stops to bring them to check out. If you're a matcha lover, I highly recommend checking it out. Their consistency, quality, and service keep me coming back, and I've happily become a regular. read more
Business owner information
Lauren T.
Thank you for the great review Grace! While we love compliments about…
Lalabora brings the Le Labo aesthetic to life ! Immediately looking at the menu and cafe design, I thought of the le labo perfume collection. The Labora is the classic matcha- not too sweet which brings out the matcha flavor. Salty 41 was my favorite- not too sweet but still had the vanilla flavor in a matcha (like a matcha einspanner). Waited in line for about 10 minutes and received drinks pretty quickly ! Overall a great spot in SD read more
9 days ago
Labora is such a fun spot! I tried the Pandan Matcha, Banana Matcha, and Salty Viet Drip all three were so good. Pandan matcha was definitely my husband's favorite and I really liked the banana matcha. We also ordered the popcorn chicken in both regular and spicy, and both were delicious! Crispy, flavorful, and the spicy version had a nice kick without being overwhelming. Everything was tasty, and there are so many interesting drinks and snacks to choose from. Definitely a spot I'd come back to! Service was stellar. read more
Business owner information
Lauren T.
Hi Lei! You figured out one of the best pairing for our drinks are…
This is one cool coffee shop! Definitely a stylish shop and it has nice seating. It's for sure a spot for students or people who work from Home, but stopped there for coffee. You order at the self checkout and wait for your name to pop up on the screen or get called. We ordered the Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso which was tasty. It was $7.25. The service was friendly and quick so you don't wait long for your coffee. It's always fun checking out different coffee shops so I recommend trying this spot out! read more
Business owner information
Lauren T.
Thanks for the review Tyra! If you're ever down to try a matcha we do…
3 months ago
Yes. Just yes. Labora is getting all of the attention for a reason. They're the hot new matcha spot and they're doing it right! The space is gorgeous and elevated. It's always crowded- everyones either on a coffee date or being productive. It's definitely hard to snag a spot if you're planning to stay a while. Their menu is gorg! A good mixture of thoughtful coffee and matcha drinks. For a good amount of them, you can choose which of the bases you'd like. I went with their new SCARLET 3 drink which features strawberry foam layered between matcha or coffee- I chose matcha! This was not your ordinary strawberry matcha. It tasted just like a strawberry shortcake popsicle- super nostaglic! I was obsessed. Huge bonus points for the cutie freebie stickers to celebrate the new drink. They know their audience! read more
Business owner information
Lauren T.
Thank you for the thoughtful review Allison! We're so glad that our…
Wow, they have such an amazing assortment of drinks that you are able to customize for yourself at their kiosk. Very simple ordering system, but their line does wrap outside the door. We ended up waiting 10 minutes in line, and maybe less than 5 minutes for our drinks. I know Labora is known for their matchas but this time I decided for their Vienna Latte (you can decide if you want the vienna topping over matcha or espresso! very cool) Very delicious drink, a bit decadent, with a strong espresso flavor. The milk to espresso ratio was amazing and the cream top added a touch of sweetness that was totally my style. If you like sweeter drinks maybe this is not the drink for you, but their matchas look amazing as well! read more
Labora is a well-decorated and chic establishment offering a variety of matcha drinks and coffee. I ordered a Latte and my drink was expeditiously made within a few minutes. Without stirring my drink, I was presented with a bitterness that was front and center. After stirring, the bitterness faded into the background--a tame sweetness and milkiness followed. The final favors don't particularly stand out in anyway but it was a pleasant drink for a warm day nonetheless. Overall, I would rate the Latte a 3.5/5. Perhaps, the specialty drinks offer a more impressive array of flavors. I would be curious to try them in the future. read more
Business owner information
Lauren T.
Thanks for your review Steven! Our Latte is for someone who is little…
2 months ago
Labora is one of those spots you can easily drive past if you weren't specifically looking for it , tucked into a strip mall off Clairemont Mesa in Kearny Mesa. The inside has really nice décor that makes the space feel welcoming. I could post up there for a while and feel comfortable. The staff is friendly, but fair warning: ordering is 100% kiosk-based, and there's only one kiosk. That single bottleneck can cause the line to stack up pretty quickly, so if you're on a tight schedule, factor that into your visit. I happened to be the first customer of the day and was in and out in about 10 minutes . Peak hours could be a different story. Now, the coffee. I ordered the Vienna latte, and it honestly ranks among the best iced coffees I have had. Whatever magic they are throwing down, it works. Luckily, I work nearby, so I'll definitely make this a spot in the rotation. read more
Business owner information
Lauren T.
Thank you so much for your review Linford! Our team members are all…
I got an iced latte with oat milk with banana foam and it was so good! I got it 50% less sweet and for me it was a perfect balance of coffee and flavor. I went on a Sunday evening and it was pretty busy! But the workers seemed to get the orders out efficiently, I waited about 10 mins for a drink. I would say this a place to come when you're not in a rush! If feels like a place to come and chill out/hang out. The aesthetic in there is really nice. Limited space to sit but it is connected to a boba place with more seating. I would definitely come back and I would love to try their matcha next time :) read more
Business owner information
Lauren T.
It's great to hear that your drink got out even during our weekend…
The matcha craze has invaded San Diego and Labora is one of those matcha specialty latte shops that mirrors many of the matcha specialty latte shops in Los Angeles and Orange County. The shop specializes in ceremonial matcha and slow-drip Vietnamese phin coffee. The shop was opened by recent SDSU finance and accounting graduates Lauren and Bao and it opened in September 2025. They plan to open a second location in North Park next to The Observatory (targeting Fall 2026). [Parking]: Our party came here just minutes after the shop opened at 8 AM and had no issue finding an available parking spot in the strip mall. [Atmosphere & ordering]: The shop is connected to the neighboring bubble tea shop Urban Bubble. The interior decor is modern and sleek which really reminds me of many similar shops I have visited in Los Angeles and Orange County. Our party ordered via the touchscreen kiosk. [Menu]: Yelp's top highlighted drinks include the Vienna Matcha, Double Matcha, Matcha Latte (Labora 1), Banana Matcha, and Pandan Matcha. For Labora Creations (flavored drinks), customers can choose either Viet Drip, espresso, or matcha. For sweetness adjustments, customers can choose Balanced (100%), Lifted (50%), Forward (0%), or Extra Sweet. *** Vienna Matcha (Ceremonial grade matcha latte beautifully layered with french vanilla foam, Lifted aka 50% sweet, $8.00): The drink probably would taste better at full sweetness. I could taste the matcha, but it was a bit watery at 50% sweetness. *** Overall, I thought the matcha drink tasted alright and this is perhaps one of the few premium matcha shops in the area for now. Personally, I still prefer matcha drinks from shops like Ayer Coffee in Tustin or Archives Of Us in Los Angeles Chinatown. read more
Hands down the best matcha I've ever had in California. I wanted more!!! The matcha wasn't too bitter or anything. The flavor was really good and smooth. The ube cream top I got with it wouldn't blend when I stirred with the straw and stayed ontop. It made the drink have a nice yummy sweet taste when you put your lips on the edge of the cup. Super busy inside, so I recommend hanging out elsewhere or drinking on the go!!! I used their app for rewards points and I recommend ordering ahead since you have to order at a kiosk anyways!!! I'm already craving for more, but I'll have to wait until I'm back in the area. read more
Finally a matcha spot in SD that I can actually approve of!! As someone who lives in OC but grew up in SD, I've been struggling to find a decent matcha spot here. OC is seriously spoiled with the matcha scene, so nothing in SD fully satisfied my tastebuds until now. Labora is definitely going to be my new go-to whenever I visit :-) All of us ended up loving our drinks! Both the pistachio matcha and banana matcha had lighter flavors with a stronger matcha base. My parents aren't huge matcha enthusiasts but they were obsessed with the pandan matcha. The drinks were well balanced without needing to adjust the sweetness or ice. Overall, it was around a 30-minute wait to order and get our drinks. Very limited parking & indoor seating, alsp packed on the weekends. I'd recommend grabbing your drinks to-go. 10/10 worth the wait! read more
I liked Labora and finally got to try out a matcha here when I was in the area. Parking is so limited, though, and busy lines formed when I came around lunch time on a weekday. I highly suggest ordering through their app if you're on a time crunch, as my drink was ready on the counter when I arrived. As for my drink, I enjoyed their Banana Matcha Pudding Latte. It was delicious and not overwhelming with banana flavor. The matcha itself is brought out more when the sweetness is lower, and the banana pudding was tasty! read more
I've been meaning to try this place for a while now and it was sooo good! I ended up getting the Scarlet 3 with matcha, but you can also sub the matcha for coffee or espresso which is cheaper. I got 100% sweetness to try it out and i'd say i'd probably go for less next time. I can't wait to come again to try their banana 53! One thing to note: there was a line formed outside and it seems like the only way to order was through the kiosk they had by the door. read more
26 days ago
As part of my completely self-appointed mission to find the best matcha (for me) and Vietnamese coffee (for my love) in San Diego, Labora made it onto the list. The Vienna Matcha was delicious--smooth, creamy, and not overly sweet. Definitely one I'd order again. The Viet Drip Salty 46 was also excellent, with the perfect balance of salty and sweet. Both drinks absolutely lived up to the hype. Now for my one gripe (because no Yelp review is complete without one). The Labora app is about as functional as decaf espresso. I thought I was being a genius by placing my order online after reading all the Yelp reviews about the long lines. I smugly walked right past the line, feeling like I'd unlocked a life hack...only to discover I had played myself. I downloaded the app before placing my order, but the app itself didn't allow me to place orders. I found their online order site, placed my order but didn't earn any rewards points. There's an option to scan your receipt so I asked the nice girl for a printed copy of my receipt when I picked up my order, and tried uploading it. The app's response? "Receipt not recognized." Apparently the online ordering system and the rewards app have never actually met. So my reward for being smart enough to skip the line was...losing out on rewards points. Great drinks? Absolutely. Great technology? Not so much. I'd happily come back for the matcha and coffee, but it'd be even sweeter if the loyalty program actually rewarded loyal customers. read more
Business owner information
Lauren T.
Hi Michelle! Thank you for brining this up. We've been trying to fix…
Page 1 of 13
More info about Labora - Kearny Mesa
8055 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
Ste 101
San Diego, CA 92111
Kearny Mesa
Directions
(844) 522-6720
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
Start Order
Visit Website
http://www.laboracafe.com
Full menu
Hours
Payment methods
Food & Alcohol
Indoor Amenities
Outdoor Amenities
Other Amenities
From the Business
Labora - Kearny Mesa Reviews in Other Languages
Ask the Community - Labora - Kearny Mesa
Hi when is grand opening date?
Hey! So they've already opened and are operating! Just check their hours!
Does Labora have milk alternatives for non-dairy/lactose intolerant girlies?
Yes they do. Oat milk for example
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
53 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
5 months ago
6 months ago
2 months ago
9 months ago
6 months ago
9 months ago
9 months ago
5 months ago
6 months ago
9 months ago
5 months ago
5 months ago
9 months ago
8 months ago
6 months ago
10 months ago
6 months ago
11 months ago
6 months ago
Labora - Kearny Mesa - coffee - Updated August 2026
Best of San Diego
People found Labora - Kearny Mesa by searching for…
Trending Searches in San Diego, CA
Asian Dessert near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Avocado Toast near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Banana Latte near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Biscuits And Gravy near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Blueberry Pie near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Breakfast near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Breakfast Drive Thru near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Breakfast Sandwich near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Breakfast To Go near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Bubble Tea near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Caesar Salad Wrap near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Calzone near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Chicken Salad near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Cinnamon Roll near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Coffee near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Coffee & Cafes near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Coffee & Tea near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Coffee Shop To Work At near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Delis near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Diners Breakfast near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Dog Friendly Brunch near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Dog Friendly Restaurants near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Donuts near Labora - Kearny Mesa
French Dip near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Gluten Free Breakfast near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Gluten Free Pancakes near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Healthy Food near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Hoagie near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Ice Cream near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Korean Salt Bread near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Ladies Lunch Spots near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Meatball Sub near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Mediterranean near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Muffins near Labora - Kearny Mesa
New Brunch near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Poke near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Pumpkin Spice Latte near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Roast Beef near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Sandwiches near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Scones near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Sloppy Joe near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Smoothie near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Sourdough Bread Bakery near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Spumoni Ice Cream near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Study Spots near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Sugar Free Bakeries near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Sushi Bars near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Browse Nearby
BEST of San Diego, California Parking near Labora - Kearny Mesa
BEST of San Diego, California Restaurants near Labora - Kearny Mesa
BEST of San Diego, California Desserts near Labora - Kearny Mesa
BEST of San Diego, California Breakfast near Labora - Kearny Mesa
BEST of San Diego, California Things to Do near Labora - Kearny Mesa
BEST of San Diego, California Boba near Labora - Kearny Mesa
BEST of San Diego, California Lunch near Labora - Kearny Mesa
BEST of San Diego, California Cocktail Bars near Labora - Kearny Mesa
BEST of San Diego, California Shopping near Labora - Kearny Mesa
BEST of San Diego, California Thrift Stores near Labora - Kearny Mesa
Browse Brands
Related Searches in San Diego, CA
Best Appetizers to Enjoy Around San Diego, California
Best Bagels Available in San Diego, California
Best Donuts to Try in San Diego, California Near You
Best French Bakery Options Available in San Diego, California
Best Gluten Free Breakfast Places in San Diego, California
Best Places for Brunch in San Diego, California
Best Places for French Toast in San Diego, California
Best Places for Poke in San Diego, California
Best Places for a Latte in San Diego, California
Best Reuben Sandwich Spots in San Diego, California
Best Smoothie Spots and Cafes in San Diego, California
Best Soul Food Dishes in San Diego, California
Best Vegan Restaurants to Try in San Diego, California
Browse Local Meat Shops in San Diego, California
Browse Popular Seafood Markets in San Diego, California
Coffee Shops With Free Wifi in San Diego, California for Your Needs
Cozy Breakfast Cafe Options in San Diego, California
Cozy Study Cafes Perfect for Work in San Diego, California
Crispy French Fries Favorites in San Diego, California
Delicious Croissant Options in San Diego, California
Delicious Ice Cream Treats in San Diego, California
Delicious Soup Spots to Try in San Diego, California
Delicious Subs Sandwiches Available in San Diego, California
Delicious Vegan Breakfast Served in San Diego, California
Delicious Wraps Available in San Diego, California
Discover Authentic Filipino Food in San Diego, California
Discover Coffee & Tea Options in San Diego, California
Discover Fresh Acai Choices Available in San Diego, California
Discover Fresh Organic Coffee in San Diego, California
Discover Healthy Salads in San Diego, California
Discover Juice Bars & Smoothies in San Diego, California
Discover Popular Coffeeshops in San Diego, California Today
Discover Popular Iced Coffee Spots in San Diego, California
Discover Refreshing Cold Brew in San Diego, California
Discover Top Fast Casual Spots in San Diego, California
Discover Where to Get Bingsoo in San Diego, California
Discover the Best Boba Drinks in San Diego, California
Discover the Best Bubble Tea Spots in San Diego, California
Discover the Best Macarons Available in San Diego, California
Discover the Best Matcha Drinks in San Diego, California
Enjoy Classic Afternoon Tea Experiences in San Diego, California
Enjoy Classic Hamburger Options in San Diego, California
Enjoy Delicious Boba Tea in San Diego, California
Enjoy Delicious Hot Dogs in San Diego, California
Enjoy Free Wifi Connections Across San Diego, California
Enjoy Fresh Cinnamon Rolls in San Diego, California
Enjoy Pastries and Coffee Near You in San Diego, California
Enjoy Patio Dining Options in San Diego, California
Enjoy Traditional High Tea Experiences in San Diego, California
