Matcha Cafe Maiko

2852

20949

2 months ago

Matcha Cafe Maiko is a matcha specialty shop that first opened in Hawaii and currently has multiple locations across multiple states including California (two Los Angeles locations in Monterey Park and Rowland Heights), Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Michigan, New Jersey, and Arizona. For this location, the shop is located inside the Kinokuniya Mall in Japantown in San Francisco. [Parking]: There are two parking garages - The Main Garage (1610 Geary Boulevard) and The Fillmore Annex Garage (1650 Fillmore Street). Parking rate = $5 per hour from 12 PM to 6 PM and $3 per hour outside of those hours. I got lucky and was able to find metered parking spots near the intersection of Buchanan St and Sutter St (free on Sunday). [Atmosphere]: Matcha Cafe Maiko is located on the first level of Kinokuniya Mall. This is mostly a takeout only spot with no indoor tables and limited chairs available. [Menu]: Most visitors come here for the matcha soft-serve ice cream. The shop also offers the Golden Sho-Gun 24K gold soft-serve ice cream. Other items include sundaes, parfaits, lattes, cream foam lattes, and teas. *** Soft Serve Ice Cream (Matcha, Cone - $6.95): Amazing ice cream - creamy and dense with a strong matcha flavor. *** This is a fantastic matcha ice cream shop - two big thumbs up. P.S. - If you are already at the shop, this is also a good opportunity to check out other shops in Kinokuniya Mall and the adjacent Japan Center Malls. read more

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Menu (Jun 2026) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Soft Serve Ice Cream (Matcha, Cone - $6.95) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Elisa P.

111

11 days ago

Really enjoyed this spot!The matcha ice cream and iced matcha were both delicious creamy, flavorful, and not overly sweet. The service was quick and friendly, making it a perfect grab-and-go stop while exploring Japantown. Definitely worth trying if you're a matcha lover! Ambiance welcoming but not intended to eat in. read more

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Nina C.

734

330

1 month ago

Matcha was okay considering the matcha was premixed. I ordered the double matcha and it was more the texture of a smoothie rather than a matcha latte. The flavor was good and tasted decently fresh but the thick texture really threw me off. read more

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Double matcha latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Carrie Z.

242

601

2 months ago

My new favorite spot for matcha soft serve ($6.40) in Chinatown. The flavor is rich and authentic without being overly sweet. Portions for one cup or cone is easily enough for two people to share. A must-try spot! read more

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Tu-Anh N.

1344

1071

6943

3 months ago

Matcha Cafe Maiko - SOFT SERVE - MATCHA - $6.40 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Sophia H.

288

309

1594

3 months ago

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Matcha Cheese Foam and Banana Hojicha Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Matcha Cheese Foam - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Sally Y.

489

2232

4 months ago

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Exterior - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Menu - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Akiko N.

1 month ago

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Trisha T.

125

307

2 months ago

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Hojicha biscoff soft serve - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Matcha vanilla soft serve - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Madison B.

4 months ago

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Matcha Soft Serve - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Chau P.

235

708

3 months ago

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Maisie W.

297

1860

2 months ago

Fast, and great service! Matcha ice cream was pretty darn good. Can sit in the main court for seatings. read more

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Vinkin Ken T.

583

1237

10281

7 months ago

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Matcha sundae with strawberry syrup - $6.54 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Strawberry and Yuzu Soft Serve - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Bodai tea (fermented and seasonal) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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colette b.

5 months ago

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Hojicha frappe with boba - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Haiyang H.

332

1337

4 months ago

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Ziyan C.

3093

12612

6 months ago

Line of ~10 people around 4pm on a Sunday. It moved very fast, and once you get to the front you can order via iPad OR the register. I got the #3 Maiko Special with Matcha soft serve and added Oreo Crush ($0.50), total $11.54. It was amazing, but it took me halfway through the soft serve to realize there were corn flakes, red bean, and grass jelly way at the bottom. Hard to eat the various ingredients all together in a tall cup like that. read more

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Megan D.

140

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747

8 months ago

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Surbhi S.

7 months ago

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Alexander A.

106

214

7 months ago

A solid Matcha Cafe Maiko location. I remember visiting it years ago when it first opened, and I still stop by regularly whenever I'm in Japantown. My go-to order is usually a hojicha latte or float. I enjoy the more roasted flavor. The soft serves and parfaits are also good when I'm craving more of a dessert treat. The service is quick, even when there's a line out the store. However, the setup and layout could be improved. It's difficult to see the menu on the wall while waiting in line. And the placement of their kiosk should be moved closer to the counter so that people don't have to awkwardly decide if they should wait for the kiosk or order with an employee. read more

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Hojicha Float & Matcha Frappe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Christine C.

592

356

4 months ago

If you're craving Japanese soft serve in SF, Matcha Café Maiko has everything from matcha, hojicha to black sesame and mixed creations. Their standout dessert is the Maiko Special Soft Serve layered with mochi balls, chestnut, matcha cake, adzuki beans, cornflakes, agar jelly, kuromitsu, and syrup drizzle. And if you want something over the top, try The Golden Sho-Gun, a 24k gold-covered soft serve that's as photogenic as it is indulgent. There are two locations in SF, one in Japantown and one in Chinatown to get your sweet fix! read more

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Erik V.

162

7 months ago

I come every month for the seasonal flavors. This month is black sesame and hojicha! This is my favorite soft serve place in the city. The soft serve is nice and creamy. I recommend the waffle cone. I'm always impressed by the structural stability of the waffle cone, it doesn't break apart as the soft serve melts. The store is nice and cute in a very convenient location in the mall. There are tables you can sit at outside the store but still in the mall. The staff are friendly. read more

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Hojicha black sesame Soft Serve - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Jia M.

186

180

8 months ago

Probably my favorite place to get matcha soft serve in the Bay Area. I love the strong bitter taste of matcha! The soft serve is also not too sweet. They give a generous amount of ice cream, it fills up pretty much almost all the way to the bottom of the cone. This is located in the West Mall of Japantown - down the stairs. read more

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Sona K.

512

386

8 months ago

This was so yummy delicious soft served matcha ice-cream I had outside of Japan! Last year, I had the best matcha ice cream in Kyoto. One I had today brought me that same flavor and pleasure. read more

Matcha Cafe Maiko - The best Matcha soft ice-cream outside of Japan - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Rose T.

247

617

9 months ago

The OG location of this growing chain is located on the bottom floor of the East Mall in Japantown. Every time I see Matcha Café Maiko, it's hard to resist! Originally, I would always order their soft serve in a cone but my go-to now is usually a latte float b/c it's the best of both worlds. I've been to several locations and it always seems like this one has the longest line, but it moves fairly quickly because there's a cashier and a kiosk. This time, I decided to go with a large Hojicha Latte Float with Matcha Soft Serve ($7.60). +IMO this is one of the best matcha soft serves b/c it's creamy, packed with matcha flavor, and not too sweet. +Hojicha latte was roasty, nutty, and not too sweet. +No upcharge for no ice -Hojicha was grainy, especially towards the bottom. Side notes: 1.) Self-serve napkins, spoons, and straws 2.) Tables available inside and around the mall 3.) Walking distance from MUNI 22, 38, 38R bus stops *Verdict: 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 d/t fast and friendly service. Solid spot for soft serve even if you're not a matcha fan since they always have vanilla and rotating flavors. read more

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Large Hojicha Latte Float with Matcha Soft Serve: Requested no ice - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Darlene A.

162

334

11 months ago

Updated review : Came back to this matcha maiko location to try another item on their menu. The team reached out & kindly offered to give them another shot, I decided to get the matcha latte float. The ice cream was tea forward, smooth & delicious, just how I remembered it to be. The latte itself was also much improved this time, it wasn't gritty, or too sweet although I didn't adjust the sweetness level. My friend tried the black sesame latte & it was also quite good, she subbed it with plant based milk & I think it worked really well. I'm glad I got to stop by and enjoy a better made matcha this time. read more

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Matcha latte float - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Chongwei C.

122

260

4 months ago

Matcha Cafe Maiko is a pretty popular matcha dessert spot in Japantown, and almost every time I walked by, there were people going in and out, so I finally decided to give it a try. Overall, I thought it was good. Not something that completely amazed me, but definitely worth trying if you already enjoy matcha desserts. The biggest strength here is definitely the matcha flavor itself. A lot of matcha desserts nowadays are overly sweet to the point where you can barely taste the tea anymore, but here you can still clearly taste the earthy matcha flavor with a slight bitterness that makes it feel more authentic. The sweetness level was balanced well, so it never became overwhelming or too heavy by the end. If you prefer Japanese-style matcha flavors that actually taste like tea instead of pure sugar, you'll probably appreciate this place more than many trendy dessert spots. I tried one of their matcha soft serve items, and the texture was smooth and creamy without feeling overly rich. The matcha flavor stayed noticeable from the first bite all the way to the end instead of fading away after a few spoonfuls. Everything paired together nicely, and overall it felt like a lighter, more refreshing dessert. Especially after eating ramen or heavier food nearby in Japantown, it was actually a pretty nice way to finish the meal. The shop itself is fairly small, but clean and simple, with the typical Japantown dessert shop atmosphere. It feels more like a quick stop for dessert while walking around rather than a café where you sit for hours, but it fits the neighborhood well. The location is also super convenient if you're already shopping or exploring Japantown. Overall, I'd say it's a solid and reliable matcha dessert place. The matcha flavor is definitely there, and the quality feels consistent, but it wasn't something so incredible that I'd make a special trip just for it. Still, if you already like matcha or happen to be in Japantown, I think it's definitely worth stopping by and trying once. read more

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Laura J.

332

561

11 months ago

Got the boba sundae with the matcha vanilla mix. I went late at night so there were no lines and there were plenty of tables to sit outside. Boba was super soft and chewy, I believe it's coated in some brown sugar syrup, which on its own is probably a bit sweet but the matcha ice cream with its slight bitterness and grassy taste does a wonderful job at balancing it out. Overall this still felt like a pretty light dessert. read more

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Katy W.

187

472

6 months ago

Quick and easy to order drinks from a cashier or an iPad. I ordered my usual strawberry matcha and it's the same amazing quality as their other locations. There's nowhere to sit or throw away your trash. It's not a cafe to hang around or for meetings read more

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Kathleen Y.

232

609

11 months ago

I'm a sucker for a banana matcha latte, and I have to say I'm a fan of Cafe Maiko's! While I get the latte version, my husband gets the blended version. They're both pretty good! I do believe it's a seasonal menu item, so not sure how long it'll stick around. From their base menu, I usually get their strawberry matcha tea or their matcha sparkler. I can never go wrong with either of these choices! Service is pretty decent at this location. They're usually busy, especially on the weekends. But the drinks normally come out quickly. The decor inside is minimal, but the storefront is bright and clean. There aren't places to sit inside, but there's seating available outside. I'm a creature of habit when I come here, so I don't venture too much outside of my usuals. But willing to try some soft serve next time I'm in the mood for it! Give em a try if you're in Japantown! read more

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Amy W.

134

18 days ago

I love the vanilla soft serve. Best ice cream ever. The sugar cone is really good too

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Kay O.

233

1206

5013

11 months ago

Every time I go to this Matcha location there's always a line so I'm sure everything is delicious as well as as their consistency between this particular Japantown location and a couple others in San Francisco. I ordered a Matcha lemonade and it tasted perfect to me! I always wait to enjoy my drink until after the ice has melted, so I can mix in the water from the ice to the drink. Plus, it's a little more room temperature for me. Lol. Everything tasted delicious and I was able to order my drink in a reasonable amount of time since I wasn't lying out the door. My friend got a sample of the Matcha ice cream, which I didn't even know they gave samples of! Goodness, what have I been missing out on?! I was able to get my drink and head off to my movie! I will definitely be back!! read more

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Matcha Lemon Tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Laura L.

283

220

678

6 months ago

Solid matcha! Matcha isn't bitter at all and the matcha itself tastes good. If I had people who were iffy about green tea, I'd definitely take them here. The portions are generous and the service is quick. read more

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Outside - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Mix - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Geovany B.

17 days ago

Good service & quick, Maybe it was quick cause they just poured a whole bottle of milk with green dye and called it a day. The matcha was below MID. Strawberry matcha was ass, and I LOVE strawberry matcha. Normal matcha Latte was decent. read more

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Madison N.

3 months ago

Always very good and quick. They move very fast with the amount of business coming in. The matcha and ice creams are very good. The inside is small but you're in and out anyways. Overall is great quality. read more

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Elaine W.

256

6 months ago

One of my go to spots for matcha and hojiicha teas! The drinks here are always solid and strong. The drinks are customizable. You have sweetness level and non dairy options here. They also sell soft serve ice cream here with seasonal flavors that change every month in addition to their standard vanilla and matcha flavors. The staff is always friendly and they pump out the drinks pretty quickly without jeopardizing the quality. This little cafe gets pretty busy on the weekends! So prepare to wait in line during peak hours. They are always playing music and have limited seating inside. There is plenty of seating outside inside of the mall. read more

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Matcha Cheese Tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Ally W.

153

2196

1902

9 months ago

I have been to several other Matcha Cafe Maiko locations, mainly in the East Coast. Quality and selection varies, but this location has good quality and selection. My favorite soft-serve flavor is their hojicha+ube swirl, but they do not always have it. The current soft serve swirl combination is fermented tea+strawberry, which is very good. The line can get long on weekends. With no seating in the cafe, make sure to grab a table in the common mall area early. There is also no trash can in the cafe! I guess you have to dispose of leftover cups and used napkins in the common mall area as well. read more

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Marsha W.

148

157

4 months ago

They DO NOT have the mango sticky rice soft serve selections. My favorite item to get here is the strawberry soft serve with matcha/vanilla swirl and banana cream on top with corn flakes. The service is okay, but they always keep the cafe clean. I would recommend this place to someone who is in the area and wanting a sweet treat! read more

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Yucy J.

169

7 months ago

I think this place has one of the better matchas in the city. I got the matcha latte float, no sugar, and I wait for the icecream to melt into the drink for the perfect amount of sweetness ; another option I sometimes go for is matcha ice cream with matcha cake at the bottom, and I wait for the ice cream to melt into the cake. read more

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Faith C.

189

961

1 year ago

I usually love Matcha Cafe Maiko for their consistently amazing matcha lattes. I have been to this location, as well as the ones in Chinatown + Westfield Valley Fair, several times. I've never been let down...until today There was only one other person waiting in the cafe when my sister ordered a small strawberry matcha latte. We got it very quickly after ordering. Right off the bat, it did not look right. From the shade of the matcha to the color of the strawberry, it did not give!! The green was muted and not like the usual vibrant color I know and love from this place. Suspicions were validated when I tried it. The strawberry was SO sweet and tasted like a poor-quality artificial jam. I swear I've gotten the strawberry matcha latte before and it definitely did not taste sickly sweet like this. The matcha itself was watery, lacking in richness, and not creamy at all. Not sure if this is due to the matcha shortage, but as someone who values this place for their [usual] consistency and high quality drinks, I was extremely disappointed. I'm scared to return in fear of further tarnishing my now wavering appreciation for Matcha Cafe Maiko. My sister (middle school age) had no complaints and enjoyed her drink. I'm seeing now that other folks have had similar poor experiences with this location's strawberry matcha latte. Hopefully the other drinks are still good--can't say I'm eager to return to try them, though. read more

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Are - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Matcha Cafe Maiko - Strawberry Matcha Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Julie L.

No answers yet. Be the first to answer.

106

585

9 months ago

We stopped by after dinner craving something cold and sweet, and there was a long line! Luckily, it moved really fast, and the staff was super friendly and efficient getting everyone's orders out quickly. This place is always a favorite of mine--the matcha flavor is spot on, not too bitter and not too sweet. I'd definitely come back! They had some good music playing too so the whole store shop was vibing! read more

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More info about Matcha Cafe Maiko

See outside
1581 Webster St
San Francisco, CA 94115
Lower Pacific Heights, Japantown
Directions
(415) 757-0919
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.matchacafe-maiko.com/eng/

Full menu

Hours

What time does Matcha Cafe Maiko open?

Matcha Cafe Maiko opens at 11:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does Matcha Cafe Maiko close?

Matcha Cafe Maiko closes at 9:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.Matcha Cafe Maiko closes at 10:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Mon-Thu, Sun 11:00 AM - 9:00 PMFri-Sat 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Matcha Cafe Maiko take Bitcoin?

No, Matcha Cafe Maiko does not take Bitcoin.

Does Matcha Cafe Maiko take credit cards?

Yes, Matcha Cafe Maiko takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Matcha Cafe Maiko have catering options?

No, Matcha Cafe Maiko does not have catering options.

Does Matcha Cafe Maiko have a drive thru?

No, Matcha Cafe Maiko does not have a drive thru.

Indoor Amenities

Does Matcha Cafe Maiko allow dogs?

No, Matcha Cafe Maiko does not allow dogs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Matcha Cafe Maiko have bike parking?

No, Matcha Cafe Maiko does not have bike parking.

Does Matcha Cafe Maiko have outdoor seating?

No, Matcha Cafe Maiko does not have outdoor seating options.

Does Matcha Cafe Maiko have parking?

Yes, Matcha Cafe Maiko has parking options. Garage Parking, Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Matcha Cafe Maiko wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Matcha Cafe Maiko is wheelchair accessible.

Does Matcha Cafe Maiko have free WiFi?

Yes, Matcha Cafe Maiko has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Matcha Cafe Maiko serves premium Uji matcha from Kyoto's Harima Garden. Our homemade menu offers a variety of floats, frappes, lattes, parfaits and our award-winning soft serve ice cream served in our freshly made waffle cones. Besides matcha products, we also serve certain items with different flavors such as vanilla, kokuto (brown sugar) and hojicha (roasted green tea).

History

Established in 2016.

Our flagship store opened in Hawaii in 2016 and due to rapid growth and brand awareness, we have since opened a shop in Japan and are in the process of expanding in the United States.

Meet the Business Owner: Chris C.

I came across the original Matcha Cafe Maiko while living in Hawaii and was immediately taken away by the authenticity of the taste, quality and the concept of the store. It was because of this amazing experience that has ultimately led me to bringing Matcha Cafe Maiko to share with the matcha lovers of California.

More Info

Health Score

Matcha Cafe Maiko Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Matcha Cafe Maiko

Does Matcha Cafe Maiko accept reusable cups that customers bring in? Trying to avoid plastic as much as I can.

Do they have anything dairy-free besides the tea?? 😅

They have plant based milk for drinks

Does your softserve contain eggs?

Yes. I thought it didn't, but I am allergic and I had a severe reaction to it. Be careful if you are allergic to eggs. I'm okay now though :)

When is jasmine tea flavor coming back?

Hi Andrea, Jasmine will most likely make its return in July (next month will be Hojicha). Unfortunately we only have 2 machines in each location and we can only rotate flavors…

Is the Maiko Special (mixed) Parfait at the Premium Matcha Cafe gluten free? One worker said it is, one said it has cake in it and that it is not.

Hi Anthony I apologize for the miscommunication but the Maiko Special does have our chiffon cake in it which is made with flour hence is not gluten free. Hopefully that helps…

Do you have nondairy ice cream?

Sorry not at the moment but we are working on it :) We do have non-dairy options for all our drinks though!

I usually get a float here and one of the things I love about it is the crunchy, roundish ice cubes. However I was there last week and there were regular ice cubes like I would get from my own fridge. Is this a permanent change?

Hi Leng S, Im sorry but we had to change our ice machine recently as the previous roundish ice cube maker was very unreliable and required constant repairs. After much…

How many oz does the cup that your Maiko Special parfait is in hold? I know your large cup is 16 oz, but I was kind of hoping it possibly came in the medium size?

Hi there Im sorry but our Maiko Special only comes in one size which is already a 12oz serving cup. Hope you have a great weekend!!

Is gold on the menu or do I have to ask for it?

You have to ask for it, although, it might have been a special for a limited time only.

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Is the consistency of the soft serve here creamy and dense, like Matcha Love, or ice crystal-ly and frozen yogurt-like, like Uji and Pinkberry? Also, what is the yellow skin on the ice cream made of? (Yelp won't let you ask a second question.)

It's pretty smoothy and creamy yet light at the same time... yum!

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How much for the gold one?

$9.50

Will you be offering Hokkaido milk ice cream?

Hi David So sorry we just saw this question that was posted a while back. We plan on serving different seasonal flavors in the near future including Hokkaido Milk. Thank you…

Hi when will you have dairy free options?

We currently offer almond and soy milk options on all our lattes. Hope to see you soon :)

Will you guys be serving hojicha soft serve as well?

Hi Jenny We are currently serving 2 flavors: Matcha and Vanilla. However, we are planning on…

What's the daily open hour?

Hi Deery, We are still in our soft opening phase (3pm-8pm for these next few days) and back to normal hours during and after our grand opening:…

Will there be dairy free/gluten free options?

Hi Samira, We will have dairy free options for our Matcha Latte and our Hojicha Latte. All our drinks/floats are gluten free.…

Is it open yet?

Sorry our grand opening is scheduled for early-mid March. Please follow us on Instagram @matchacafemaiko for the latest updates on our opening date. Thank you!!

When will this be open? -12/3/17

Sorry our grand opening is scheduled for early-mid March. Please follow us on Instagram @matchacafemaiko for the latest updates on our opening date. Thank you!!

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This cafe is so nice! Heard a lot about this cafe before coming, so I knew how busy it gets. But we…read morewere lucky and beat a big crowd in line so the wait wasn't too bad. We were also able to get seats despite it being busy. My partner and I got the strawberry matcha cloud and yuzu matcha cloud, though we were also tempted by the seasonal ube flavors. Both were great - on the sweeter side, but that was perfect for a hot afternoon. We ate most of the yuzu foam like ice cream because it was so tall lol then we mixed it into the drink. I think that was a good call because if we mixed all the yuzu foam into the drink, it might have overwhelmed the matcha flavor. Overall had a great time visiting this cafe and enjoyed our drinks. Would definitely come back again to try other drinks on the menu!

It took me a while to get back here, but I finally made it. There was a very small line - I waited…read moremaybe 10 minutes at the most. I tried the strawberry Matcha cloud this time and it was so much better than what I got before, and I genuinely enjoyed it. I look forward to going back again and trying some other things! My first experience, there was not the best because my friend got rancid milk in their Matcha, but the the shop contacted me and let me know that they made changes to prevent something like that from happening again. I really respect and appreciate how they handled the situation.

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4.3(1.1k reviews)

Cozy, upscale cafe located in the vibrant Russian Hill neighborhood…read more I went on a Monday afternoon and there was a great crowd there. Lively customers and staff, good vibes! There was a lot of natural light in the coffee shop, definitely a visually-appealing, 'aesthetic' place. I got an iced red tea and it was delicious. The tea was botanical, smooth and fragrant. Amazing experience! Excited to come back and try the coffee and pastries, which looked super fresh.

First time here for coffee! It's quite a popular shop and you see many sitting inside or waiting in…read moreline. Luckily we didn't have to wait a long line. It seems like there's also an upstairs but did not get the chance to check it out. I got an iced latte with their almond macadamia milk, and they're also so nice to do complimentary cold brew! So we got an extra drink for free. Trying the iced latte, it was pretty disappointing lol. I thought it would be similar to like a Hawaiian style latte with macadamia milk, but it was a lot lighter than I thought. It was definitely very nutty, but it also just tasted like water down latte. Honestly not much going on with the drink, but it does taste lighter in general. Crazy have to pay $1.50 more to add on this milk. Overall, its alright. I do like the natural lighting coming into the shop, but nothing too special.

View from back of the shop.

Yuzu macadamia cookie and orange cream latte

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Black Sesame Kouign-Amann

Flywheel Coffee Roasters

3.9(709 reviews)

1.6 mi•The Haight

Great coffee and great location!…read more I got a cold brew prior to walking around Golden Gate Park. The coffee was bold and smooth and the cafe had good proximity to the Golden Gate Park. The service was fast and friendly. The interior is very spacious with limited outdoor seating in the back. Good vibes all around!

Rude people. They are bias under the guise of being open-minded. They seem to dislike first…read moreresponders. I noticed that they were super rude to them The staff made eye contact and purposely ignore them until they left. So unprofessional. I sensed the negativity and it gave off such uncomfortable and negative vibes. They certainly are NOT the type of people to welcome all. Be warned. This is not the kind of people and business I will support. Take your money elsewhere to people who are truly kind.

0.7 mi•Alamo Square, NoPa

Macchiato

Matcha Latte

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The Mill

4.0(1.5k reviews)

The Mill has a very industrial look in terms of how the cafe is laid out, and they have plenty of…read moreseating. Their pastries also look delicious! I thought their coffee was not quite as specialty as what I typically get, but they were able to make some modifications for me, which I really appreciated. Both the coffee and pastry I got were really good, but I would personally lean more toward their pastries than their drinks. They're definitely a very hopping spot, too. They had a lot of people coming in, and every time I walked by, they were completely packed. Overall, a cute spot with good pastries and coffee!

Great coffee shop! I had a decaf latte with simple syrup and really enjoyed it! I also highly…read morerecommend the kouign amann! And I love that they allow you to bring your own cup and give a 75 cent discount if you do! They have a lot of seating inside and outside but it's quite a popular place (at least on a Sunday morning!) so it was hard to find an open table. The employees were very friendly and were happy to answer my questions about the various pastries they have.

Two GS/3s and a Little love.

Four Barrel Coffee for sale.

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Elicia & Tim, jovial baristi.

Delah Coffee

4.6(647 reviews)

1.8 mi•SoMa

Cute and cozy spot! It's great place to hang out with friends or do work…read more We had the chai and rose cake - both were tasty. The chai is great for sharing, we comfortably shared a large amongst 4 people. The rose cake is light and moist. Staff were all friendly.

My friend and I were catching up after a long drought and chose to meet up at Delah because it was…read moreso we'll rated. It's located at the filthy corner of 4th and Clara, which made the outside smell of urine. Fortunately the cafe itself is pretty clean, which is a nice escape from the street. I ordered an Americano and my friend got one of their $8+ lattes, which were fine, but nothing special. My biggest gripe was the service and absolute scorn of the customer. My friend and I sat at the counter basically in a staring contest with the woman behind the counter, who just stared right back. After some 30 seconds, we finally flagging her down to place our order. After turning around the drinks suspiciously quickly, my friend and I sat down to catch-up in the empty cafe. Before long, the barista pumps up the volume, increasing higher and higher every 5 minutes or so, as if to signal to us that our time was up. I asked her to turn down the volume, which she tuned down from an 11 to a 7, but minutes later it continued to creep up, like the snooze setting of an alarm clock coaxing you to wake up - except in this case, to get out. Ultimately, the volume got unbearable and we finally threw in the towel and got out of there to let the barista enjoy her music. Definitely never going back there - they clearly don't want the business. Food: 5/10 Service: 0/10 Price: $$ Atmosphere: 4/10

Beehive bread and chai

Fresh croissant.

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Rose milk cake

Kiss Of Matcha

4.3(611 reviews)

1.9 mi•Inner Richmond

I was there! Kiss of Matcha on Clement Street in San Francisco…read more My Yelp Elite friend treated me to my very first Matcha soft serve. Hmm, I don't believe I've ever had matcha soft serve before. It wasn't what I expected. I thought maybe it would be gritty and bitter. It was actually smooth, creamy and had an earthy taste just like green tea. It also had a strikingly pretty green color. It looked too nice to eat. The shop itself is tiny and resembles a Japanese tea house. It has ordering kiosks, a pickup booth, and only four stools along the front window. My friend and I grabbed two stools up against the wall. My stool wobbled a bit. As more customers entered, the shop filled up quickly. I like the place, but it's a bit small. Located nextdoor to See's Candy. Street parking

The last time I had Kiss Of Matcha, my ice cream came out gritty and inedible. The owner / manager…read morereached out and apologized and offered a small gift card to come back. I came back and tried their matcha latte which was solid. A bit on the sweet side but overall decent matcha notes, sweet/ perfectly bitter. Would love to come back to try a different drink next time.

Matcha Jasmine Latte

Uji Matcha Latte, Matcha Frappe

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Taiyaiki Soft Serve

Black Bird Bookstore and Cafe

4.5(265 reviews)

4.4 mi•Outer Sunset

Just loved this charming and delightful spot! Enjoyed a Delicious peqch matcha latte and spiced…read morechocolate donut. Tasteful selection of books and gifts. Lovely aesthetic inside, beautiful garden in the back. Very kid-friendly with several spaces for children to frolic. I saw a sign that they have storytime and a boba book night for older kids- plus more events. Packed on a Saturday morning, parking was a challenge, but worth the effort.

great customer service, drip coffee wasn't too shabby and the matcha was enjoyable. However they…read moreprepare their peach concentrate it was reallyyy yummy. the drinks themselves may not be the best you've ever had but honestly the cute book store with a children's play area made it a spot I'd love to come back to a beautiful little corner in the city (:

Iced peach matcha (@joeynht)

Ham and cheese croissant (@joeynht)

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Rose Pastry

Oishii Matcha

4.1(197 reviews)

1.4 mi•Castro

This might be my new favorite matcha spot in the city. They use a lot of matcha in the latte and in…read morethe foam, you can adjust sweetness, and they have so many fun drinks on the menu that you will have a hard time choosing. Mango matcha with matcha foam at 50% sweetness was perfect for me. Not so sweet, great mango flavor, and tons of matcha. Will definitely be back to try more!

Great matcha, but horrible ethics. Just finished ordering a matcha when I overheard a customer say…read moreout loud, "Wow, I really love the music here!" The owner/employee said, "Oh, thank you! It's AI! It's 2026, gotta do it!" Do any of the thousands and thousands of bands, songs, and albums made by actual human soul and creativity not suffice? Are you that soulless yourself? SF is unfortunately being bombarded by AI and tech, but as a small business...why??? Why??? This just makes it so sterile, uninviting, and overly gentrified. I guess this business doesn't care about the negative environmental, economic, and social impacts of AI usage. Also...no, you don't "have to do it." Be a respectable human being and don't succumb to horrible AI slop. I will never step foot here again. And that sucks, because, oh, how good the matcha is here!!!

Hōjicha Latte | $6.95 + 50 cents oat milk (I think the ratio of milk to tea was flipped).

Ube matcha

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Black Sesame Latte and Dirty Matcha

Sweet Glory

4.7(322 reviews)

2.4 mi•Inner Sunset

Very good cakes. My friend bought 4 pieces and shared them at dinner and they were all really good…read more I hope this review helps you better make decisions on selecting what flavors / types of cakes you wanna get. Early grey crepe cake- if you like earl grey tea and crepe cake this would be a strong contestant. The tea flavor was immense and I liked how the layered cream was airy and a bit foamy that makes the earl grey cream the main character of the cake. Passion fruit - really good!! The passion fruit flavor was deep and strong with real seeds in the cream. It has a very slight hint of tangy and a very well done flavor profile! Sesame basque - if you like a creamy basque cheesecake and sesame then this would be wonderful. For me, basque cheesecake usually isn't my go-to as I like something more light and airy, but the black sesame was very rich and tastes almost a bit savory. Flavor profile is a bit neutral and neither too sweet or savory. Pandan sponge cakes- pandan flavor stands out and I love how they use coconut flesh in between the layers. It's pretty creative! There's texture (soft pandan sponge cake + crunchy fresh coconut ) in this cake which is interesting, but when you cut the cake it might fall apart. I would say this cake plays more with texture and creativity and less on the perfecting the taste. Don't get me wrong it's still good! Not sure about service but my friend said she interrogated the staff so that she could select the best cakes for us :) Will Def be back !

This is a great place for sliced cakes, especially if you like Asian inspired flavors. They have a…read morereally nice variety of mille crepe cakes and other desserts, with flavors like pandan, matcha, ube, taro and more. I love that you can get individual slices instead of committing to a whole cake, which makes it so easy to try several flavors in one visit. The cakes are really pretty and have so many thin layers that each bite feels light and creamy. This is perfect if you enjoy lighter cakes. I think the Asian flavors are what make Sweet Glory stand out from a lot of other cake spots in the city. There are plenty of familiar flavors, but also combinations that you don't see anywhere else. The space is also surprisingly spacious, with plenty of indoor seating and a cute patio in the back. It's a nice place to sit down with a few slices and take your time. Great dessert spot if you want to try a few different cakes in one visit. The fact that you can order by the slice makes it especially easy to explore the menu without having to choose just one.

0.2 mi•Lower Pacific Heights

Japanese Sesame Basque Burnt Cheesecake

Pandan Coconut Mille Crêpe ($11) + Hōjicha Latte w/ oat milk ($7.50)

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Pandan basque cheesecake ; Lychee rose cooler

Compton's Coffee House

4.6(286 reviews)

i am a native and moved out of sf a couple years ago, and every time i come back to the city this…read moreis the place i always go because of how much i miss it. drinks are delicious, staff are so nice and helpful, and the space is a perfect place to chat with friends, get some work done etc. if this cafe were to ever close i would give their franchise all my money to open it back up. highly recommend for anyone, but especially coffee enthusiasts.

Solid vanilla latte. Not too sweet. Very good coffee flavor…read more A couple of my friends ordered the raspberry matcha which was delicious. I'd come back!

Matcha Latte

Earl Grey

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Inside of comptons where you wait for your drink

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Austin Z.

240

857

2 years ago

Last weekend, I decided to try out Matcha Cafe Maiko in San Francisco, hoping for a delightful experience with their renowned matcha treats. As soon as I arrived, I noticed that the line extended outside the door. Despite the anticipation, the inefficiency in line management was immediately evident. The staff seemed overwhelmed, and there was no clear system in place to streamline orders. Customers stood waiting for prolonged periods, which caused frustration and restlessness. The lack of organization significantly dampened the initial excitement and set a disappointing tone for the visit. Inside the cafe, the atmosphere was nothing short of chaotic. The seating area was not only crowded but also poorly arranged, making it difficult to navigate through the throngs of people. The compact space amplified the bustling noise, making it hard to hold conversations or relax while enjoying the treats. This overcrowded environment, combined with the lengthening line outside, showed a disconnect between the cafe's popularity and its capacity to accommodate patrons comfortably. The overall ambiance felt more stressful than inviting, detracting from the enjoyable aspect of dining out. Despite these hurdles, the matcha tea and boba swirls were undeniably delicious. The rich, earthy flavor of the matcha paired perfectly with the soft, chewy boba, creating a harmonious blend of taste and texture. This delectable offering almost made up for the subpar service and crowded setting. The ultimate disappointment lay in the contrast between the high quality of the matcha treats and the mediocre service experience. With better line management and a more spacious, well-organized interior, Matcha Cafe Maiko could easily become a favorite spot for many, maximizing the potential of their truly delightful matcha creations. read more

Charles C.

Elite 23

140

3 years ago

Cafe Maiko is a matcha enthusiast's dream come true. With its excellent selection of soft serve ice cream and matcha drinks, this little gem has won my heart. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by a world of matcha delights that will leave you craving more. The soft serve ice cream at Cafe Maiko is a true treat for the taste buds. Creamy, rich, and bursting with matcha flavor, each lick takes you on a delightful journey of sweetness and earthiness. The quality of the soft serve is outstanding, and the balance of flavors is simply perfection. Whether you opt for a classic matcha cone or decide to indulge in one of their creative seasonal flavors, you won't be disappointed. The matcha drinks at Cafe Maiko are equally impressive. From traditional matcha lattes to refreshing matcha iced teas, every sip is a moment of pure bliss. The matcha used is of premium quality, resulting in a vibrant green color and an authentic taste that will transport you to the tea fields of Japan. The drinks are expertly crafted, and the attention to detail is evident in every pour. While Cafe Maiko's popularity is well-deserved, be prepared for a line, especially during peak hours and weekends. However, don't let that deter you. The line moves fairly quickly, and the staff efficiently serves each customer, ensuring that everyone gets their matcha fix in a timely manner. The anticipation only adds to the excitement of finally getting your hands on their delectable treats. It's worth noting that weekends can get a bit crowded, as matcha lovers flock to Cafe Maiko to satisfy their cravings. But don't let that deter you from experiencing the magic they have to offer. The cozy ambiance and the friendly staff make the wait well worth it. read more

Emily N.

3 years ago

Travelled from Walnut Creek all the way here with my mom to get some matcha ice cream. I asked for a matcha latte float and if they could add some vanilla/matcha ice cream swirl with it. Came out and the whole ice cream was vanilla. So I went back and said to the tall Asian guy working there while smiling " I'm so sorry but I think I got all vanilla is that ok if I get the matcha ice cream with it?" Mind you I paid 8$ something for it and he went looking for my ticket for a whole minute and ended up not finding it probably in case I was lying. So he got a cup and filled it with ice cream and sprinkled a crap ton of matcha powder on top and gave it to me and said "enjoy". I smiled and said thank you so much and went back to my mom. THE WHOLE CUP OF ICECREAM WAS VANILLA AND HE JUST SPRINKLED MATCHA POWDER ON IT. I wanted the matcha icecream. All because it's free doesn't mean I want it because that's not what I asked for. If I wanted a whole two cups of vanilla ice cream I could have bought a tub from Safeway for less than 8 dollars. I felt so bad for my mom because she told me it's ok maybe he didn't understand you and he's probably really busy. But at this point I felt like that guy did it on purpose because he thought I was complaining to get something free. I don't want some basic vanilla icecream if he wasn't sure he should have asked me. The drink turned into a sweet vanilla milkshake and the matcha turned in to a light pale green due to it being drenched in vanilla. My mom had to force herself to eat it so I wouldn't throw it away. Told her no more of this place even though she loves the matcha. So unprofessional. Sorry if this seems rude but I'm a really nice person I never cause trouble so this pisses me off. read more

Quynh A.

366

160

617

3 years ago

Nestled in the heart of Japantown, this bustling spot is always packed for good reason. It's undeniably one of the best places to indulge in your matcha fix. Their array of matcha-infused desserts are not only delectable but also visually stunning and perfect for social media snaps. Quick service is a given here. However, the real star of the show is their matcha soft serve. It boasts a creamy texture and a subtle sweetness that doesn't overpower the distinct matcha flavor, making it the perfect indulgence. Their Maiko Special (#3) is a parfait that comes with cornflakes, agar jelly, mochi balls, azuki beans, and more. Just a heads up, the soft serve may appear fuller than it actually is due to the cornflakes at the bottom of the cup, I suggest taking your time to eat the bottom as well so you have a perfect ratio with every bite. The Matcha Tea Float (#26) is also super yummy. I love a good float when you can't decide if you want a drink or a creamy soft serve. It strikes a perfect balance between the two, with the richness of the soft serve shining through without being overly sweet. Overall, I highly recommend Matcha Cafe Maiko to all matcha enthusiasts out there. The combination of their high-quality drinks and desserts, paired with their speedy service, makes it a definite 5-star spot that's worth returning to time and time again. read more

Sonia T.

141

414

3 years ago

Matcha Cafe Maiko in Japantown offers a delightful experience for matcha enthusiasts and dessert lovers alike. We recently indulged in their homemade matcha and vanilla soft serve. It is served in a fresh, crispy cone that added the perfect crunch to each creamy bite. The balance of flavors was perfect, with the earthy notes of matcha harmonizing beautifully with the subtle sweetness of the vanilla. In addition to the soft serve, we also sampled their strawberry matcha tea, which featured homemade strawberry purée that added a burst of fruity flavor to the refreshing matcha base. The combination was both unique and satisfying, making for a delightful beverage option. Despite the long line of customers, the worker behind the counter managed to handle both cashier duties and the preparation of our order with efficiency and friendliness. The service was prompt, ensuring that we didn't have to wait long to enjoy our treats. The interior of the cafe was clean and inviting, albeit with limited seating options along the window. However, there were a few tables available outside, shared with neighboring cafes, providing a spot to savor our treats while enjoying the bustling atmosphere of the surrounding area. Whether you're a matcha aficionado or simply looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, Matcha Cafe Maiko is definitely worth a visit. read more

Makai C.

1 month ago

Matcha Cafe Maiko was such a great place to visit, and I really enjoyed the experience. The atmosphere was welcoming and relaxing, making it a nice spot to grab a drink and enjoy some Japanese-inspired desserts. Everything looked fresh and well made, and the matcha flavor really stood out. One of my favorite drinks was the Yuzu Frappe. It had a refreshing citrus flavor that made it different from a typical sweet frappe. The combination of yuzu and the creamy, icy texture was really enjoyable, especially if you want something refreshing and flavorful. I also recommend trying the Hojicha latte. It has a smooth, roasted flavor that is different from matcha but just as enjoyable. If you like drinks that aren't overly sweet, the hojicha is definitely worth trying. Overall, Matcha Cafe Maiko is a place I would definitely recommend. The drinks were delicious, the flavors were unique, and there are plenty of options to try. If you visit, make sure to get the Yuzu Frappe and Hojicha latte--they're both worth trying! Service was amazing. read more

Kevin C.

See more unrecommended reviews

238

456

1976

2 years ago

Matcha Cafe Maiko is a fantastic spot for a quick matcha ice cream fix or a refreshing matcha-based drink. I always stick with the classic matcha soft serve--it's my go-to treat after dinner or whenever I'm craving something sweet. The rich, creamy soft serve pairs perfectly with their crispy cone, which adds just the right crunch. If you're in the mood for a drink, the matcha frappe is a wonderfully refreshing choice with just the right balance of matcha flavor and sweetness. Seating is located in the middle of the outside hall, but it can fill up quickly with other patrons. During peak hours, the lines can stretch around the Japan Mall, but the staff does a great job keeping things moving efficiently while staying friendly. A funny warning--don't inhale the matcha powder on the ice cream like my friend did; they ended up choking on it! Lesson learned: enjoy it slowly! Whether you're a matcha lover or just looking for a delicious treat, Matcha Cafe Maiko is a must-visit. Just be patient during busy times and savor every bite! read more

Lynn Y.

6 years ago

The order and pick up system at this location needs finetuning-no proper signage. TODAY: we placed our orders OUTSIDE the mall and waited for our number to be called - observed the staff would speak to his colleague inside the store via a 'walkie talkie' or vice versa. When he announced that our order is ready, we went inside and noticed another queue ... apparently some people did not realized that they have to place their orders outside. Also, overheard one ONLINE order customer approached the staff when SHE SHOULD wait OUTSIDE the mall to wait for her name to be called .. ??!! We picked up our ice-cream cones - it was sitting inside a fridge and as I head out to eat, I noticed that my cone was broken in several and I had to rush to finish ... :-((( p/s: On hindsight I should have taken a pic but I was trying to finish it before the whole cone falls apart ! My order number is #60. read more

Eden S.

Elite 18

494

329

305

2 years ago

Matcha Cafe Mako is absolutely incredible! The matcha drinks are perfectly balanced, rich, and authentic, while the desserts are like little works of art--beautiful and absolutely delicious. The boba sundae is amazing, with perfectly chewy boba and a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The matcha soft serve is so rich and full of flavor--it's an absolute must-try for any matcha lover. The quality and attention to detail in everything they make are unmatched. The cafe itself is cozy and welcoming, with friendly staff who are happy to answer any questions or make recommendations. This is hands down my favorite spot for matcha in the city. Highly recommend for anyone who loves authentic Japanese flavors and high-quality treats! read more

Carmen J.

158

3 years ago

The staff at Matcha Cafe Maiko are incredibly friendly and passionate about their craft. The lady there was patient and the service was quick. If you're a ice-cream lover like me, Matcha Cafe Maiko is an absolute must-visit. It's a haven for flavor explorers and those seeking the perfect indulgence. Treat yourself to a scoop (or two, or three) of their delectable Matcha, and prepare to be transported to a world of pure delight. I can't recommend Matcha and Vanilla mix enough. It's a true ice cream paradise that deserves all the praise it receives. Trust me, once you've experienced their heavenly creations, you'll keep coming back for more. read more

Konstantin R.

8 years ago

Excellent matcha for you drinks and desserts. They have an excellent choice on the menu. Had a soft serve matcha ice cream, and it reminded me of our trip to Kyoto, Japan. The service was also excellent and friendly. Very nice and clean hotel. They use green tea from Uji, Kyoto, Japan, where Premium matcha is produced. Delicious dessert on a hot Summer day in the center of Waikiki. It was a great pleasure after udon for dinner at the restaurant around the corner. It is a pity that the room was not an accommodation in the room, however, I understand that the value of real estate is high in Waikiki. read more

Ivan G.

8 years ago

This store was quite popular maybe because it is a newer store in japantown, but DEFINITELY not worth going for. We tried two different items, the Matcha soft serve and the the Matcha with shaved ice. I give it one and a half stars because its a new place that looks clean, but I didn't know I would be getting ripped off for frozen Matcha cream. I think this store caters to a customer base that doesn't know Matcha, all the customers were young kids taking pictures for the Instagram, and I can understand why. Looks nice, but has no identity with that soft green tea taste and hint of bitterness. read more

Traci W.

184

475

5 years ago

Had been wanting to try this place for a while and was not disappointed! Even with the long lines, the staff moves everyone through very efficiently. The soft serve was so worth the wait. We had the swirl of hojicha and matcha both times. Both were delicious and you could tell they use such fresh and high quality ingredients. I like that they add a little dusting of matcha powder. The cones were also incredible. Light and crispy and paired well with the ice cream. They have a lot of interesting drink and float options as well which we hope to try at some point as well. read more

Minia L.

Elite 24

312

1 year ago

We stumbled on this gem in the heart of Chinatown, and oh my gosh! This matcha ice cream was precious. The portion was actually pretty big, so it's perfect if you want to share (I split it with my 2 kids and it was just right). The matcha flavor was spot-on. Smooth, creamy, and not too sweet or bitter. So you don't get tired of it halfway through. It felt like the perfect balance, enough to satisfy without overdoing it. Only heads-up: parking in Chinatown is basically a game of luck, so be ready to walk a little. But honestly, totally worth it for a treat this good. read more

Joshua M.

Elite 25

227

636

8362

7 years ago

Matcha Cafe Maiko is an absolutely wonderful spot in Japantown for those with a sweet tooth for green tea desserts. On my multiple occasions here, I typically order one of their various floats and can easily recommend them all. They come with a base of either matcha or hojicha and has a good serving of soft serve on top. It also goes well with their kokuto jelly which is very unique and has a nice sweetness to it. I just love that their teas have a strong flavor to them which blends well with the surrounding sweetness to form a refreshingly delicious dessert. read more

Carolyn C.

171

2 years ago

I stopped by Matcha Café Maiko while walking around Japantown and got the vanilla-matcha soft serve swirl for a sweet treat! The swirl was creamy and perfectly done, and the cone was nice and crispy. The service was super fast, which made it easy to enjoy it on the go while exploring the area. The shop is spacious and has a little seating area with mostly standing room. The service is really fast, which makes it an easy stop. Definitely one of my favorite spots to grab something sweet while exploring the area! read more

Supalerk L.

120

16 days ago

The matcha had almost no flavor--it tasted like milk with just a faint hint of matcha. The hojicha was the same: practically water with a very light aroma. I understand that drinks may be prepared in batches, but they should at least be shaken or stirred properly before being poured and served. This place used to be much better, but the quality has continued to decline. At $6-$7 per drink, the quality was far below what you would expect at this price point. Such a waste of money. read more

Matthew R.

2 years ago

Matcha Maiko in Valley Fair Mall is a gem for matcha lovers! The matcha ice cream perfectly balances bitterness and sweetness, making it a refreshing treat. The portions are generous and worth the price, especially with add-ons like red bean. The cafe has no indoor seating, but plenty of benches in the mall make it easy to find a spot. The matcha latte is strong, so watch out if you're sensitive to caffeine. Highly recommend, and I'll be back for the boba sundae next time! read more

Stacy L.

8 years ago

-1 star for the long line. This is my go to if i ever want matcha deserts. My favorite is #17 Kokuto Matcha Kuromitsu, it feels light and you taste the dense matcha in the drink. The quality of matcha that they use in their drinks are high end not watered down. The location is pretty hard to get to if you don't live in San Francisco, if you want dango there is a shop right cross in the middle that sells them, they are tasty! read more

Judy H.

8 years ago

This place is my favorite whenever I'm in Honolulu. I was so excited when I saw they opened one in SF!!! It's basically the same menu as Honolulu location. I love matcha but don't care for the drinks. I usually just get the regular soft serve or the parfait, and both are so damn delicious! My only complaint is the parfait doesn't come in a larger size...but that's probably for the best. read more

Matcha Cafe Maiko - coffee - Updated September 2026

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WOWWWWWW I've tried nearly 20 different matcha brands around SF and this place truly has one of the…read morebest matchas I've ever had. The ice cream was fantastic as well! The Hokkaido cheese tart was delicate, soft, and absolutely delicious. Everything was so good, definitely coming back soon.

this drink was really bland unfortunately, there was absolutely no matcha taste…read more the peach was good tho!

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Loved this afternoon treat, an espresso soda and these cute matcha mochi were great at the broadway…read morelocation. It was even easy to seat and enjoy them with my baby in the stroller.

Ordered the matcha bamboo parfait but unfortunately or fortunately they ran out of matcha so…read moreordered the hojicha instead. The hojicha soft serve is everything I love about hojicha. Really amazing flavor. It came in a bamboo cup that we were allowed to keep. I've had their vanilla/matcha parfait at their inner Richmond location and thought it was amazing. If I had to choose one, I'd get the vanilla/matcha parfait over the bamboo parfait but definitely wouldn't mind getting the bamboo parfait again.

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Small space in Chinatown packing some incredible matcha flavors…read more Friendly and efficient service, with a menu packing great coffee, tea, blended drinks and soft serve options. Went with an Iced Banana Matcha Latte and it was delicious. Smooth, creamy, top-quality matcha flavor and ingredients. Can't go wrong with anything on the menu.

You can't go wrong with cafe Maiko! All items are pretty solid. Best to get soft service, Hojicha,…read moreand fruit matcha latte. The space is really small, so a line is bound to happen. This location needs a TRASH CAN. Straw wrappers were o the ground, and there's no trash can nearby outside either unfortunately. The matcha latte is sweetened, but still has great nutty umami taste. The banana matcha is not too sweet and good banana flavor. Overall, matcha maiko always hits.

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4.0

(1.1k reviews)

Maybe it was the flavors I chose the first or second time I went here but I wasn't too crazy about…read morethis place. I've been here about 10x since my last review because the tourists we take to Japantown always want something from here. The soft serve is so good now. The most recent flavor I got was yuzu something and it was smooth, creamy, and had a nice yuzu flavor. The fish cone is pretty good, I enjoy both types the regular fish shaped cone and the mochi version. The mochi version is indeed mochi. I wish they would use an unscented floor cleaner because the smell of the cleaner is really strong and wafts out into the area where people order at the kiosk and wait to pick up their ice cream. It's an unpleasant fragrance to smell while you're waiting or trying to enjoy your food. They've finally added more tables outside the shop where people can hang out and eat their ice cream. They could add even more tables and chairs, and there'd still be plenty of walking space.

Okay. No sampling allowed. Long queues. Maybe people know…read morewhat flavor they like? There are two self order kiosk at the end of the queue and various flavors to choose from. Ordered ube/yam and matcha swirl in their classic fish shaped waffle (not sire what its called) Be careful as the cone leaks very quickly. No seating of any kind at this outlet. Revisit score - 3/10

Kopi Kita Coffee

4.7

(547 reviews)

Cute spot for Indonesian inspired drinks. Been here a few times to study. They have small circular…read moretables extending from a bench (they arent big enough to fit a laptop, so if you have a whole spread with books and notes, probably not the best spot) and some high countertop spaces. They offer free wifi. I tried the pandan matcha. If you like pandan, would recommend trying it. It's not too sweet, but the pandan flavor overpowers the taste of the matcha. Also tried the kopi ginger. The ginger adds a little kick to the coffee, but its not too bitter since there is palm sugar added to the coffee. I asked to reduce the sugar and they were able to do so. Staff is super friendly and willing to provide recommendations if you have a hard time deciding. Will be coming back to this place to try the other drinks and food options.

Gee, I didn't know there was an Indonesian coffee spot in the city. I think it might be the only…read moreone in the city, though there's apparently one in the Pacific Film Archive over in Berkeley (Kopi). Located at Lombard near Van Ness, this particular spot has been around a few years and looked fully occupied by regulars with their laptops. I happened by on a weekday afternoon, and it was percolating. I was one of those lost-looking customers who entered the premises and had no idea what to order when he got to the register. The smiling server realized I was confused and pointed to the signature menu on the wall. I thought I should start basic and order the $7.25 Iced Kopi Pandan, a tantalizing mix of dark single-origin espresso, housemade pandan syrup, and almond milk over ice (Photo 8). It was delicious, maybe a tad too sweet for me as the pandan lent a pronounced vanilla-like flavor. The same flavor was more effectively applied to the $6 slice of Pandan Bread which I saw waiting for me to order on the counter (Photo 9). It was more a sponge cake and less a dense quick bread with coconut milk and egg whites keeping it fluffy. It was a tasty treat worth the indulgence. COFFEE / FOOD - 4 stars...uniquely Indonesian flavors, sweetly satisfying AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars..,compact space well maintaine...I managed to get a seat for a bit SERVICE - 4 stars.. politely friendly TOTAL - 4 stars...trying something different has its benefits RELATED - Exploring the Marina? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/PdqFwZEOKJ

Asha Tea House

4.0

(802 reviews)

Good but definetly a hype shop, unless they have the cool flavors they advertise. When I visited,…read morethey only had very basic flavors other than lavender as everything "exotic" or different was not in season. I visited mainly to try their "cool" flavors such as blood orange, but it was not available. (Not their fault, should've checked doordash/looked for an updated menu) I ended up getting a Lavender oolong, but I'd definetly check out their doordash before visiting in case you want to try their blood orange or asian pear flavors and its not in season. The drink was good, but it wasn't what I came for and I most likely would've not visited if I knew the blood orange wasn't available. Inside was pretty crowded and bright. They had lots of guest dining in and enjoying their tea. The service was great, staff was kind. It was quick and easy for me to order and grab my drink.

this is still my favorite tea place in sf!! :)…read more i've been coming here for over 10 years, and i love their fruit jasmine teas the best, especially the lemon jasmine tea with strong tea. their hk milk tea is also delicious, and the boba is great too. i wish they could open a peninsula location one day... thank you for all the delicious tea :)

Junbi Matcha & Tea

4.4

(171 reviews)