Tried Matcha Labora -- it's solid. The matcha tastes real, not overly sweet or fake. Balanced is better if you like matcha, extra sweet if you don't.Nice texture, not watery.I'd come back. read more

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Best matcha in California--smooth, rich flavor, and super high quality. I recommend it a lot amazing service read more

Labora - MATCHA X2 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Very yummy yumtastic drinks!! Justin is amazing and I will definitely come back soon! read more

Labora - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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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

Labora - SCARLET 3 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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We tried three different matcha spots during our trip to San Diego. Labora ended up being our favorite of the three, although we still weren't all that impressed. We shared a matcha latte and it was decent. Nothing notable about it. I did notice the pump bottle of simple syrup at the counter so customers could sweeten their drinks themselves. It appeared to be a premade store-bought syrup which felt like a bit of a red flag to me. It's fairly easy to make simple syrup, but that's just me though. The drink was fine and I'd maybe give this place another try if I were in the area again. read more

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Yummy drinks. We got so many to try. The pistachio was very prominent which I enjoyed but it did overpower the matcha. Banana foam tasted like real bananas rather than the artificial flavoring read more

Labora - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Came to try the vienna matcha and it was just ok. It was packed and it's actually better to order online to avoid the line. The place is just ok, it seems like furnitures are overused. Also pay attention to your map becus I missed the turn so had to circle around the block. Also the parking was not great either even on weekdays can't imagine on weekends.. Vienna matcha was almost 10 dollars and it was super milky barely tasted any matcha. I had few Vienna matcha in La and it was so good but super disappointed at this place. read more

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

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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

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I'm obsessed with their Pistachio Iced Matcha, I've been coming here about 3 times a week for the past month. I also tried the Banana Iced Matcha and it was really good too, but I keep going back to the pistachio flavor because it's that good. I usually order it iced at 50% sweetness. Sometimes I'll get it with oat milk, but I'm more of an almond milk person. If I don't feel like paying extra for alternative milk, I'll just stick with regular milk. If I want to skip the wait, I order directly from their website and pick it up. Parking can be a little difficult on weekends, so I'd recommend street parking if you can find it. The shop itself is small and cute, and I love how simple the decor is it really gives the place its own character. read more

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Labora was such a cute little stop on Clairemont Mesa. You walk in and order from a kiosk, which makes everything super easy and smooth. The drink menu is small, but every option feels thoughtfully crafted. I had the Banana 33 and Pistachio, and both tasted exactly like what they were supposed to rich, flavorful, and balanced perfectly without being overpowering. The place does get busy, but they keep things moving efficiently. We didn't wait long at all and still had time to just hang out and enjoy the space. Definitely coming back to try the matcha next time read more

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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

Labora - PISTACHIO 54, PANDAN 32, BANANA 53 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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This is my cousin and I go to matcha and coffee shop place to go! The inside is so cute and honestly it's such a vibe. They only have seating inside and normally it's not that hard to find a spot. The drinks are delicious and addicting which if why we keep going back lol. They only have one size cup for their drinks. Depending on the day there might be a line but it goes by fast and so does the employees making the drinks. All of the employees that work there are incredibly nice, friendly and honestly just so welcoming! The parking lot is small and the first hour is free but there is street parking as well. Matcha and coffee shop there is a boba place (same owner) incase if you're in the mood for that or a snack and you can bring it on either side. If you haven't gone here yet you definitely need to! read more

Labora - BANANA 53 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

I'M OBSESSED ! I'm not a matcha drinker whatsoever, but I've really been wanting to try it & WOW, I will def be back! My experience was a little mid only because I had zero interaction with the workers. No greeting, no direction and the kiosk menu felt a bit overwhelming since I don't know matcha. I walked in and missed the order here sign completely my fault, so I was waiting at the counter for a while for a cashier to come before realizing you order at the kiosk. The place was busy and they were making a ton of drinks, but a quick hey, you can order at the kiosk would've been helpful! I won't let that rob my experience, but customer service could be more on point. I would've given this 5 stars because the drink was amazing, but service I'd give a 2.5 I ordered the Banana 53 w/ oat milk and now I must try more! Parking lot is limited, but I got lucky to find a spot! They have 2 restrooms which is nice and it does get busy. Cute little study spot or a catch up session. read more

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Came here to try the banana viet coffee and it was the absolutely best afternoon pick me up drink! It was creamy, tasty, and full of caffeine. Line was pretty packed when I arrived, but their service is fast and it was not a long wait at all. The inside was full of tables, and many people were studying while enjoying their drinks. My friends tried the matcha lattes and after having a few sips, this might be my new favorite cafe in San Diego. read more

Labora - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

I am obsessed with this place. My go to drink is banana 53 with viet coffee - lifted (50%). The coffee is bold yet not too sweet and the banana foam balances out the coffee. If I just need something in the afternoon but don't want to be up all night then I go for the pandan 32 (pandan coconut milk) with matcha. I like to do my orders online for a quick pick up or delivery. You can order at the kiosk. I wish it was located in a better area with parking. Half of the parking is owned by the restaurant across the way. But don't let that deteriorate you from trying this place out. read more

Labora - BANANA 53 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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

Labora - BANANA 53 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

I had low expectations after hearing some negative reviews but decided to give them a try. Labora is located in a tiny plaza with a tiny parking lot and they're connected to Urban Bubble. It seems like their focus is more on matcha and coffee while Urban Bubble is more for milk and fruit teas. There's a ton of seating since you can bring your drinks between the two boba shops but we saw more people studying/hanging out on Labora's side. Orders are done through the tablet, located right when you enter. Make sure you scroll through because we noticed some additional drinks that weren't on their physical menu. I ordered the Banana 53 with matcha and really liked it! I didn't notice any grittiness from the matcha and the drink was smooth and slightly creamy from the foam. The banana flavor didn't taste too artificial and it wasn't too subtle or overpowering so I could actually taste both banana and matcha. Highly recommend Labora for their matcha! The negative reviews that I heard complained about grittiness but maybe it was a bad batch or they've improved now. read more

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With Labora being new to the SD Matcha scene, I stopped by and grabbed 3 of their drinks to try! The cafe is situated right next to the Urban bubble and that area is notorious for hard parking spots so I'd recommend to give yourself some time to find parking. The cafe itself is small with limited seating. It may look like a long line, but it's just because the ordering tablet is right at the entrance. I ordered the Banana Matcha, Matcha X2, and my friend ordered the Pandan Matcha. All were pretty good, but the Banana matcha was my favorite out of the three. It had a nice subtle banana cream top flavor, and it paired great with the matcha. If you're a fan of banana matcha, it's definitely one to check out if you're in San Diego. The Matcha X2 was a solid double matcha as well! And my friend tried their pandan matcha and said it was good but very pandan forward. Overall, one of the better matcha places in SD to try! read more

Labora - BANANA 53 Matcha, MATCHA X2, PANDAN 32 Matcha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Small coffee spot in Convoy with good matcha too. It's next to Urban Bubble. I really liked the matcha latte and the matcha with banana foam. (I think they tasted better than that of Phinology, but Labora charges more.) There are some tables for studying or working. Free WiFi. But the parking lot is so small and tight. It's quite annoying. Order on kiosk, no cash. They charge $1 to substitute with oat milk. I didn't see other milk alternatives on the kiosk. No outdoor seating. Bathroom in the back. read more

Labora - Entrance - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Third time js a charm. The first time I visited, it was closed due to now electricity. The second time, it was so packed with the line out the door. Parking isn't the best either. I finally stopped by on a weekday mid day and tried to order at the counter. The employee told me to order at the kiosk bc it was easier. I ordered the earl grey matcha and it was decent. Nothing to rave about. Their Vietnamese coffee on the other hand... was delicious. It's very cute inside and always busy with people working/studying. It wouldn't be my first choice for matcha or coffee though. Glad I got to try it at least once. read more

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Everytime I am in SD, I always look for a new matcha spot to try out. Today, that brought us here! Upon arriving, we noticed that the parking lot was an absolute disaster. We were driving around waiting for parking for over 10-15 minutes when someone finally left there spot. This spot actually ended up not even being an eligible spot to park in, since it was labeled as parking for the specific restaurant only. We did not even want to deal with it anymore, so we ended up just parking there and making a quick run into the cafe. The line was out the door, but while we were in line, we scanned the QR code to allow us to order online. This was a much quicker option and our drinks came out in a timely manner. Here is what we ordered: Scarlet 3: This is pretty much their version of a strawberry matcha. I liked the idea of the drink, but I think the execution of it missed the mark. The shortcake crumbs on top were stale and and overall drink was just average. I think that it was not as strawberry flavored as I anticipated for it to be. Banana 53: The banana top was good and did not taste overly artificial. The coffee was decent and I would actually say better than the matcha. Nothing too crazy different about this drink compared to other banana coffees we have tried from other places. I think there are too many other spots in the area to really give this place another try. The seating space is huge but every table was taken up with students sitting there for long periods of time studying. There was even a long line just to use the bathroom. I honestly would not want to put up with mess of the parking lot again to try this place again. read more

Labora - Banana 53 and Scarlet 3 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

We tried the banana latte and pistachio latte. I always love supporting Vietnamese coffee spots, so I was really looking forward to this. The drinks themselves had good flavor, but the texture just wasn't for me. The cream on top was very heavy, and once it mixed into the coffee, it ended up tasting more like a smoothie than a latte. I was expecting something lighter and more balanced, which is usually what I enjoy about Vietnamese-style coffee drinks. read more

Labora - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

We came here due to many recommendations and was excited. There was a line out front just to order at the kiosk. Thanks to the signage up front saying to download the app, we placed an order through the app online. We walked in and all the tables and seats were filled, but there's a good area to stand around at in the hallway next to the other cafe. I think it's pretty handy to be able to look up and see your name on the board with a time estimate on how much minutes you need to wait for. We waited a while but OMG the matcha we got here was definitely worth the wait! The premium ceremonial matcha in our drink was balanced very well and was creamy-smooth in our drink. I got the LABORA 1 & loved it. My boyfriend got the UBE 39 and was scared because sometimes the ube either clashes or is drowned out by the matcha. Thankfully this one was nicely tipped ontop and added that mix of flavor well. He really loved it and said it's the best ube-matcha drink he's ever had. We think it's better than the cafe we frequent in the Valley that also serves really good matcha! I'd say this matcha spot is really up there in California. When you order, you can customize it to your liking I believe! read more

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TL;DR Labora is somewhere you go for the aesthetic not for good drinks. Recommend ordering ahead online for no wait. Foam top was underwhelming in flavor, curious enough to come back to try the earl 37 (earl grey syrup) matcha to see if that's better. Overhyped. Have been excited to try Labora based on all the good things I have heard but was disappointed, maybe I heightened my expectations too much but the "blueberry 30" matcha I got tasted super basic to me. I really wanted to try the "earl 37" matcha but it was sold out when I came so I opted for the blueberry instead and was so underwhelmed. It seems to me that the only flavor for the drink comes from the "premium blueberry foam" which is not a strong flavor at all. The blueberry foam was more milky than anything and resulted in a blueberry matcha with barely a hint of blueberry. I've had some really great blueberry matchas and this one is definitely at the end of the list for ones I would want to get again. I'm curious enough to come back to try the "earl 37" matcha since the flavor from that one comes from a "house-made Earl grey syrup" to see if their syrup flavored drinks are any better but wouldn't bother coming here for any of their flavored foam drinks. The ambiance is really nice and aesthetic and I can see how it is popular solely based on that. If you're looking for a cute place to take photos w the girls for the aesthetic then this is it but if you're looking for a mind blowing matcha there are definitely better places in San Diego. I also saw some people w laptops studying/working so there is space for that but seems a bit foot traffic heavy to really be able to concentrate in my opinion. Service is pretty fast despite them being busy. I came on a weekend and the line was out the door. Ordering is streamlined: you order at a kiosk right at the entrance of the cafe then just wait for your order to be ready at the counter. I'm assuming this helps cut down on wait time since all the staff is just focused on making the drinks instead of having a person take your order it's all online. I would recommend ordering ahead online that way your drink can be ready by the time you get there. There's also limited parking so would be easiest to grab and go if you don't care to enjoy your drink sitting at the cafe. read more

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Came on a Sunday around noon and there was a line but it moves really fast! I ordered the pistachio foam with matcha and it was sooo good. The foam is so yummy and even though I got 50% sweet on the matcha, the matcha flavor really came through without too much bitterness. With oat milk and tip my drink came out to $10 so I will say it's pretty steep but since it was really yummy I'll still give it a 4/5. There's seats inside and it's got a really cute vibe for a coffee date! read more

Labora - PISTACHIO 54 matcha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

I've tried what feels like every matcha spot in San Diego, and honestly... most have been disappointing. Either not ceremonial grade, too milky, too sweet, too bland, or that light pale green color that is basically milk with a hint of matcha. So I'm super excited about Labora opening in San Diego. The matcha latte is solid, but the double matcha is my favorite. I get the double matcha latte at least 2/3x a week, it is so rich and bold. The flavor is strong in the best way, not watered down, and not overly sweet. You can tell they're using quality matcha. Only downside is that they are always busy. Unless you go early, there's a good chance you'll struggle to find parking or end up circling and giving up which I've definitely done more than once. read more

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The wait is long so pro tip is to order ahead but wow is this matcha good. I got the pandan matcha drink and it was delicious! Highly recommend. read more

Labora - PANDAN 32 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

I think this place is way overhyped for what it is :( My friend and I visited on a Saturday morning around 11. There was a short line but the drinks came out quickly and we were able to find a table easily! Cute shop, pretty small though so probs not a good spot for studying. We both ordered the blueberry matcha. The blueberry flavor wasn't strong and neither was the matcha... it was just okay. I've had better matcha lattes in SD. read more

Labora - BLUEBERRY 30 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Nice to see more coffee places in the area! This place took Le Labo Parfum branding as inspo. Not a fan of the branding as it lacks originally BUT drink is tasty. Had the pistachio one with 0% sweetness and espresso. It was delicious, although the espresso was not very strong at all and didn't keep me caffeinated. Next time I'll try adding coffee. The foam was delicious and it made the drink tasty and creamy! My colleagues said the banana one was delicious. It's extremely busy and the wait is long for a Thursday at 8:30am - great place to go if you have time but if you're in a rush I wouldn't suggest it. Parking is limited. read more

Labora - PISTACHIO 54 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

I've only had Labora once and it was very good! I ordered the Scarlet 3 Matcha and it was great! It had the strawberry shortcake crumble on top and was very cute!!! Matcha quality and sweetness of the drink was perfecto. Parking here was a mess and sucks! The line to order was long too but i figured downloading the app and ordering online would be easier after waiting 10 mins in line. After I placed my app order, my drinks literally came out after 10 mins! So that was great! read more

Labora - SCARLET 3 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Wow, I did not know how popular Labora was. Glad we were early enough to snag a parking spot. The inside was packed with mostly people waiting for their drinks. The kiosk to order was near the door and luckily we were only 2nd in line despite all the other orders ahead. We got a pandan matcha and a pandan espresso. It was nice that it noted that it was lactose free. The pandan flavor was great with both the espresso and matcha. The matcha was really good. We had to wait about 7-10 minutes for our drink which wasn't bad considering. By the time we got our drinks and left, the line was quite long. I didn't realize they had online ordering so I would definitely opt for that next time. read more

Labora - Pandan espresso - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Very 'Instagrammable' coffee shop, but not for someone looking for a HOT coffee! (No, this wasn't obvious to us before we went there!) Labora is located in a somewhat run down/partially empty strip mall with limited parking. (We parked on the street). You order on the app or the tablet at the entrance. If you like person-to-person interaction with the barista, this place may not be your jam. There are several tables and chairs available, plants dotted around and a one-person restroom in the back. A lot of people are milling around, standing, waiting in line to order and then waiting FOR their order, which creates a sense of chaos and takes away from the 'zen' atmosphere. One person was hogging a 6-person booth with their laptop/phone obligations. The wait for our drinks was a good 15 minutes. (The fact they were busy is a GOOD sign!) We each enjoyed a "Pistachio 54". It was pretty, but most of the creamy flavorness was at the bottom and we didn't know it would be cold. Nice place and we're glad we tried it, but we likely wouldn't return due to the lack of hot drinks and the long wait. read more

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Ordered the strawberry matcha. It was pretty good. The shop itself is very cute. They even have a photobooth you can play with while you waiting for your order. I'll be back to try some other drinks. read more

Labora - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Super excited to see another matcha cafe in SD! There is a kiosk right near the door and that's how you order. The lot is the tiny lot next to Urban Bubble so parking is tough. They also share the same bathroom as Urban Bubble - there's a pathway connecting the two stores. I got the double matcha and it is very strongly matcha flavored which is exactly what I wanted. The matcha is good and not too sweet (I got 50% sweetness), and the foam on top is also very matcha and rich. I like it a lot actually and I will definitely be back to try their other drinks! read more

Labora - double matcha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Now apart of my matcha rotation in SD Earl 37 matcha I loved this. It tastes very similar to Hinar's earl grey matcha which I'm a huge fan of. I would say I like both of these equally Vienna matcha balanced w/ oat milk to be exact. We appreciate how they have syrup at the front so you can add more sweetness if needed, added 1 pump to this and it was great! Comfy seating it's a good study/chill spot *Beware of tight, limited parking lot and this place in specific can get packed. Online ordering + kiosk were down when I came so there was bit of a line and wait. I wouldn't come here if you're in a rush read more

Labora - VIENNA MATCHA EARL 37 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

A friend recommended this place, so we decided to check it out together. I went with the banana matcha, and of course they ended up getting the same thing. The interior is really nice, a great spot to sit down and get some work done. The drink itself was solid. The matcha flavor came through well, and the banana added a nice presence without overpowering it. I'll definitely be back in the near future to try another matcha. read more

Labora - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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Trendy cafe that specializes in Vietnamese coffee and high quality matcha! To order there is a little kiosk right inside the cafe and so it kind of causes a line to form outside. It moves pretty quickly though. The ladies right after me made a comment saying it was like waiting in a line to go into a club cause the music was blasting and we were all just patiently waiting to get inside. lol The inside was trendy and spacious. It had a cool vibe. I got both the double matcha and the pistachio with Vietnamese coffee. The matcha packs a punch, which I love. The matcha foam was thick and creamy. So good! The pistachio was a nice sweet treat and was well balanced with the strong Vietnamese coffee. I think the only downside was the parking. It's very limited and other businesses have reserved their own spaces, so careful not to park there or else they may tow! read more

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Very cute and quaint place in Kearny Mesa, I love the aesthetic. I am a matcha lover and heard they have great matcha selections here and they were not wrong! I ordered the Vienna matcha with balanced sweetness and oatmilk instead of regular milk and I am obsessed. I cannot wait to come back and other varieties! There are plenty to choose from! read more

Labora - Vienna matcha with oatmilk and vanilla cold foam - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Amazing drink selections as always, the staff are super attentive, personable and friendly. The place is aesthetically pleasing too read more

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