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    Labora - Kearny Mesa

    4.6 (479 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 2 weeks ago

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    Karyn T.

    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!

    banana matcha & double MATCHA X2
    Sheeny N.

    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!!

    Banana with Vietnamese Coffee
    Canary H.

    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.

    Stella Z.

    This place is so good. The pandan matcha is my favorite. I get it at least once a week. The wait is not too bad they are pretty quick. Def worth the hype. They also have great Vietnamese ice coffee. Parking there can be difficult. But overall matcha so good and worth it.

    Tyra S.

    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!

    Menu
    Grace L.

    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.

    VIENNA LATTE
    Sarah P.

    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!

    Earl grey matcha (left) and banana matcha (right)
    Jessica H.

    I had a list of matcha spots to try while visiting San Diego but after trying this spot, we loved the matcha here so much we got it three days in a row! The pandan matcha was the best I've ever had! You can really taste the pandan flavor. I also liked their banana and blueberry matcha as well. The drinks here are so smooth and well blended. My least favorite was the earl grey matcha. I feel like it would have been better if it was just a little sweeter. Our drinks came out pretty fast even though there was a line and we ordered quite a few drinks. Definitely a must try spot if you're looking for some good matcha in San Diego!

    SCARLET 3
    Allison P.

    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!

    Menu
    Linford E.

    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.

    Alyssa C.

    Missin' this place horribly. Before going back home, I stopped by Labora to catch up with a friend. Parking here is limited so just a heads up if you plan to stay a while. You order at the screen by the front door and the workers run a tight ship with their assembly line. Their matcha is smooth and semi sweet! So many options if you want to spice up your matcha order. I also tried their Viet coffee which wasn't as strong and bitter as other places. Tons of people come in and out and it's a cool spot to people watch too!

    Vienna Matcha (Ceremonial grade matcha latte beautifully layered with french vanilla foam, Lifted aka 50% sweet, $8.00)
    Luke L.

    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.

    Making of drinks
    Eliseo R.

    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.

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    Thanks for coming Jing! Next time definitely try our Banana 53!

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    Thanks for coming in Jiajia!

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    Page 1 of 12

    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

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Finjan Coffee

    Finjan Coffee

    4.7
    (501 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $

    Finjan is such a beautiful Turkish coffee spot and easily one of my favorites…read more I love their drinks, they are incredibly flavorful, high quality, and always presented so beautifully. I'm honestly obsessed with their ceramic plates and cups, they add so much to the whole experience. They serve great coffee, and you can also try traditionally made Turkish coffee here, which makes it feel even more special and authentic. Their baklava is top notch, and the food is just as good. My favorite is the fava bean toast.. so delicious and unique. Overall, such a lovely spot with amazing drinks, great food, and a really thoughtful presentation.

    Finjan Coffee Shop is an absolute treat. Arab cuisine and café culture are incredibly rich, warm,…read moreand full of character -- and Finjan does a beautiful job bringing that experience to life. You can immediately tell this is a place built by people who genuinely love what they do. Wonderful staff, incredible hospitality, and a proud culture that deserves to be shared with the world. I absolutely love the fava bean open sandwich. I almost always go for the Arab cold brew, and their Karak is fantastic as well. The Turkish coffee is completely on point. I'm a huge fan. Places like this make many of us proud of our backgrounds, and I truly hope Finjan continues to grow into every corner of San Diego -- and eventually across the country.

    Photos
    The restroom is a vibe. Very aesthetically pleasing
    The restroom is a vibe. Very aesthetically pleasing
    Monkey Toast
    Monkey Toast
    Espresso, tonic lemonade

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    Espresso, tonic lemonade
    Boba Religion

    Boba Religion

    4.5
    (337 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$
    Free WiFi
    Catering service

    A Matcha Heaven for Dog Lovers!…read more This was my first time visiting Boba Religion, and I am already planning my next trip back! The vibes here are immaculate, the interior is absolutely beautiful, and the hospitality is top-tier. I ordered the Tiramisu Matcha at 75% sweetness, and it was perfection. It hits that absolute sweet spot perfectly sweet without being overpowering and you can tell the matcha they use is incredibly fresh and high-quality. Beyond the amazing drinks, what really stole my heart is how genuinely pet-friendly this place is. The owner absolutely loves dogs! The staff is so sweet and welcoming, and they even take photos of your pups to put up on their wall. It was the perfect, low-stress environment to bring my rescue Lab. They are also incredibly community-oriented and are hosting a pet adoption event here very soon! Make sure to follow their Instagram so you don't miss it. The staff is so genuine, the environment is wonderful, and the matcha is stellar. I'm definitely bringing my cousin along next time. Highly, highly recommend checking this spot out!

    WHICH WOULD YOU PICK UBAE CLOUD OR MATCHA BISCOFF? Boba Religion in Clairemont Mesa has me…read morebelieving in a new kind of "tea-mony" Handcrafted drinks, organic milk teas, fruit teas, matcha lattes, and Vietnamese coffee... every sip is a little cup of happiness Tried some favorites: Lucy Lou -- smooth, sweet, and oh-so-refreshing Ubae Cloud -- fluffy vibes with ube goodness Biscoff Matcha -- a matcha made in heaven with that cookie butter twist Pandan Mochi Waffle + dipping sauce -- chewy, crispy, and seriously addictive

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    Boba Religion
    A picture corner
    A picture corner
    Boba Religion

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    3CAT Handcrafted Beverage

    3CAT Handcrafted Beverage

    3.9
    (366 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    The Mochi Mango at this boba shop is absolutely amazing!!…read more This is my favorite boba spot in San Diego! The lines have gotten much shorter than they used to be, so the wait isn't bad at all anymore.

    I placed my order at 8:46 and waited till 9:16. Person who was handling out orders completed a…read morebunch of online orders and a bunch of in person orders. I understand that it was busy (for online orders. There wasn't too much traffic in store) but they should check the order board to make sure items are called out and none were missed. I stood there for thirty minutes and then decided to check the status of my drink especially since drinks after me were all completed. I asked and the guy handing out order gave me a "matter of fact" comment, "Yeah your order has been ready." Yeah well how in the world would I have known that if you didn't pin in my order as completed? I told him up front and pointed at the board, "I didn't know since the number is still under In Progress." He just turns to look at the board and goes "Oh." I took my drink and left. I think what upsets me over the attitude was that he saw me standing there for an absurd amount of time, walked past me once for something, and didn't bother asking like "Hey you've been standing here for a while, can I check your order for you?" It doesn't take a lot of effort to initiate good customer service, but blatant lack of customer service and the additional attitude is what leads to feedback reviews as such. Will unlikely be coming back. I liked the drinks at 3Cat but this was such a negative experience.

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    Soft opening tasting menu
    Soft opening tasting menu
    Inside 3Cat!!
    Inside 3Cat!!
    Partial view of the interior

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    Partial view of the interior
    Camellia Rd Tea Bar

    Camellia Rd Tea Bar

    4.5
    (809 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    Camellia Rd Tea Bar has officially become my favorite boba shop in San Diego. If you really…read moreappreciate tea and enjoy drinks where the tea actually shines instead of being covered up by sugar, you need to give this place a try. Parking can be a little annoying since it's in Kearny Mesa, but that's just part of the area. Once you're inside though, it's a great place to hang out. There's plenty of seating if you want to catch up with friends, study, or just relax for a bit. The staff here are always so welcoming. They work quickly without making you feel rushed and every visit has been consistently friendly. This visit we decided to branch out and try the Scottish Caramel Milk Tea. Unfortunately, it just wasn't for us. It leaned a little too artificial and the almond flavor overpowered everything else. It reminded me more of butterscotch than caramel. If you're into those buttery, nutty flavors, you might enjoy it more than we did, but I don't think I'd order it again. The Jasmine Milk Tea is absolutely incredible. The tea actually tastes like jasmine instead of just tasting sweet. It's floral, refreshing, and perfectly balanced without feeling overpowering. You can tell they care about the quality of their tea and that's what makes this place stand out from so many other boba shops. The boba is also consistently perfect every single visit. It's soft, chewy, and never mushy or hard. Honestly, no notes.

    Wow surprisingly really delicious, more tea forward milk tea. I ordered the Camellia Black Tea with…read moreoat milk and honey boba and it was absolutely delicious! I've been here twice already, and it really hit the spot both times. I like how customizable everything is You can tell the staff works hard because it's the same person who takes your order and makes your drink. Of course, the drinks are on the pricier side, and having to pay an extra dollar for oat milk, but it is what it is. At least you can customize the milk! It's a great location given how it's right next to Daiso and the freeway. I'd say this is one of my favorite places to get boba now because of the quality and how tea-forward the drinks are, which is what I prefer personally. Highly recommend!

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    Seasonal
    Seasonal
    Boba snack!
    Boba snack!
    Blueberry Matcha

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    Blueberry Matcha

    Labora - Kearny Mesa - coffee - Updated July 2026

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