Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Matcha Cafe Maiko

    4.6 (344 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 7:00 pm

    Matcha Cafe Maiko Photos

    Business Info

    MATCHA CAFE MAIKO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?

    You might also consider

    More like Matcha Cafe Maiko

    Recommended Reviews - Matcha Cafe Maiko

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Deborah M.

    Hokkaido Icecream?! Yes please! I'm in heaven with the vanilla cone- rich mil flavor, not too sweet and and amazing silky mouthfeel! The waffle cone is crispy and light perfection!

    My go-to: matcha soft serve
    Bri W.

    Always amazed with how fast and diligent these baristas/dessert experts prepare orders. Today I grabbed my favorite go-to matcha soft serve and enjoyed every lick to heaven. It's a cute little hole in the wall type of stop with standing counter tables to enjoy these Maiko delicacies. I always feel like I experience a taste of Japan whenever I stop on by. Definitely worth stopping by for a soft serve, a handmade caffeinated beverage, or straight up dessert to go around. The workers are always so cheerful and helpful at Maiko. Can't wait to return!

    Hojicha Latte Matcha ice cream Strawberry Matcha Latte
    Lili M.

    Came here two times during a two-day bday trip for my mom, so glad we got to try this spot together! The inside is small and only fits the people in line and maybe a couple more waiting, but otherwise you do have to wait outside for your order. The staff were nice, very quick with orders despite the long lines, and it is worth dealing with parking to try this spot. My brother loved the iced strawberry matcha latte, my mom loved the matcha soft serve in a waffle cone, and I loved the match and vanilla swirl boba sundae. I also tried their iced hojicha latte, and it was a bit grainy and bitter. I would get it again with some soft foam and see if that changes it. Would come back!

    Pat C.

    There can be long line but it moves quickly. There are not a lot of seats inside and most people just get their food and leave. Got the matcha soft serve on a cone. It was very good! Cone was very crunchy and had the right amount of sweetness.

    Matcha soft serve
    Sonya H.

    Lovely matcha cafe and ice cream spot! I typically don't *love* sweets, but I was super impressed by this spot. I came by for dessert after grabbing dinner with a few friends in Chinatown, and it certainly lived up to all their recommendations. I got their matcha ice cream, which was super creamy and smooth, and it had a lovely matcha flavor without being either overly sweet or bitter / herbal. I think I would've preferred even less sweet, but this seemed like a great balance for the average set of tastebuds. If you want it to be a little extra sweet, you can get it swirled with their vanilla. Very randomly, they also have the best waffle cone I've ever had -- it's super crunchy and crispy, has a good amount of sweetness, and is remarkably thin for how good its structural integrity is. They also have a fun rotating duo of seasonal flavors -- jasmine and ube for our visit -- that the staff is more than happy to let you sample before you order. The ube didn't have a particularly strong ube flavor, but I loved the refreshing and floral flavor of the jasmine -- if I could've swirled the matcha and jasmine together, I absolutely would have.

    matcha soft serve
    Gigi G.

    The line goes by so fast and I promise you... YOU WILL NOT REGRET trying this place. I was so excited to try everything. I got the matcha soft serve, matcha latte and was so overly caffeinated, but never happier in my life. The matcha was so rich and delicious. Next time I visit, I think I will try the hojicha. 10/10 recommend!

    Menu 12/2025
    Brian V.

    Ice cream/ soft serve and beverage shop located in Chinatown that specializes in matcha - specifically Uji matcha from Kyoto. It's a small corner shop and there are some counters where you can eat at, but it's mostly an order and takeout type of place. The people here are very friendly and the service is really quick. Came here after our late lunch with my parents. We walked the neighborhood and found this spot. We each got some matcha soft serve and I got that bling looking gold cone lol. Delicious soft serve with decent prices and quicker. Such a great place and it's a great treat.

    Alice D.

    I've been to another location for this chain so I knew what to expect coming in. This spot is not too different from other stores, but not a lot of seating here and it felt more like a grab and go spot because of it. The menu had a good selection of desserts and drinks and post lunch, we stopped by for a sweet treat. My cup was fine and the portion was decent. Service was a bit slow as we were the only ones in the store but it still took quite a bit, but otherwise, the experience was fine. The matcha flavor is on the sweeter side, but delicious nonetheless. Overall, if you're looking for a matcha dessert, this spot will satisfy your craving easily!

    Menu
    Ryan A.

    Review #983 Posted on 1.6.26 We came here for some matcha tea after dim sum for lunch on New Years Day after spending the night in the City on New Years Eve. This is a tiny little spot on Grant Ave SF, right in the heart of Chinatown. The place is essentially a takeout/togo spot, no places really to sit at inside. The menu is deeper than you'd think walking by it or seeing the inside. We tried a few different things. I got the matcha fruit tea with Boba, it was good. My kids tried the soft serve, one ube, the other matcha/vanilla mixed. Wifey got matcha tea. All items were good. Try out this local spot.

    Katy W.

    Quick service and great quality drinks. I got the matcha strawberry tea and you can taste the freshness of the fruit. The matcha was well blended and aromatic. They didn't overflow the cup with too much ice which is what I liked

    Boba sundae and matcha coffee
    Ting C.

    I'm no stranger to Matcha Maiko but this was my first time trying it in SF Chinatown. There was a bit of a line on a Friday afternoon. Service was quick and efficient. The place is small with simple decor and while there's a small counter seating area it'll get crowded very quickly with people ordering and waiting. We got a boba sundae (matcha + vanilla) and a matcha coffee. The matcha coffee was surprisingly smooth and well mixed. The soft serve was perfect. The chewiness of the boba was satisfying and the ice cream was creamy. Definitely recommend stopping by for a sweet treat as you walk the streets of Chinatown.

    Sesame smoothie
    Qian L.

    I've never had boba in ice cream/soft serve, this was one of the best things I've ever tried! Matcha and vanilla mix with boba, and a black sesame latte. 10/10 I would risk diabetes to eat tubs of this stuff.

    How cute
    Sun L.

    Street parking only Small establishment but service is very quick and friendly Clean neat small decor like the green plants but nothing much inside Got a Hojicha latte and a mix matcha vanilla soft serve swirl So thick so creamy so good, should've got more haha No restroom no seating Just in and out so you can continue your tour around Chinatown

    Vanilla and Thai tea/Milk tea swirl

    See all

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    16 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 3
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0

    15 hours ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bri W.
    119
    316
    1573

    14 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    25 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    20 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Ting C.
    0
    14
    10

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jen S.
    9
    214
    229

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 2
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 2
    Love this 8
    Oh no 0

    19 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 9

    Matcha Cafe Maiko Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Matcha Cafe Maiko

    Hi do you cater? Or do you have a food truck?

    No sorry, we don’t have either. Just our physical store locations. Hope you’ll come to visit!

    Hi owners/managers, anything you recommend if I can't have wheat, flavoring, gluten? I can do pure matcha. I can do dairy. jUst not anything barley, rye, wheat, bread-based.…

    How about a kuromitsu boba sundae in a cup?

    Does your location offer the Maiko special? The menu seems to have that offering taped over last time I walked by.

    Hi Julie, We still aren’t offering Maiko Special at our Chinatown location, our staffing/operations are still limited by Covid. Thank you for your understanding.… Read more

    How is the soft serve packaged to survive delivery?

    Hi Emily, We put the soft serve ice cream in a cup with the cone on the side and separate from the ice cream. Our delivery partners then use a cooler bag to keep the soft… Read more

    They have delivery services?

    Hi Gigi, We are in the process of setting up our delivery services with Postmates. It should be up and running by end of next week. Thank you!

    View All 6 Questions

    You might also consider

    Saint Frank Coffee

    Saint Frank Coffee

    4.3
    (1k reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$

    All around pleasant experience in terms of both the service and coffee. I had the flight and…read morethought it was overall good. They explained that the flight includes an espresso shot, espresso shot with milk, hot coffee, and iced coffee. I hadn't had a straight espresso shot before, so this wasn't for me personally just because it was so overpowering. I enjoyed the other three though. Like the majority of SF, parking is difficult to locate. I was dropped off nearby the location. There is indoor and outdoor seating; I was able to grab an empty spot late in the morning on a weekend, but I don't think seating is always readily available. It's not a huge space.

    Maybe I had very high hopes, nevertheless I wasn't slblown away by the coffee, the almond macadamia…read moremilk or the small bites offerings. At 11 am on a Sunday they were out of their best- black sesame Kouign Amann and the Raspberry Almond Croissant, which I took care of by paying a visit to Juniper bakery (sister business) later in the day. The Mocha with the house made nut milk fell flat. It needed something. I am not a fan of syrupy coffees and appreciate the more purist approach but this one just didn't do anything for me. The chai latte which I would never order was actually the best chai latte I have ever had, it was smooth like silk. Maybe I just had the wrong coffee order. Besides that, got the hot chocolate and the coffee tasting. I was surprised there was no explanation provided with the coffee- I figured it's all Honduran but an overview of some sort would have helped. I enjoyed all the coffees in there except the latte. Will visit again, earlier in the day so they are not out of their best sellers and try a different order.

    Photos
    View from back of the shop.
    View from back of the shop.
    Yuzu macadamia cookie and orange cream latte
    Yuzu macadamia cookie and orange cream latte
    Black Sesame Kouign-Amann

    See all

    Black Sesame Kouign-Amann
    The Coffee Movement

    The Coffee Movement

    4.6
    (749 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    Coffee Movement is a spot for folks who truly appreciate the simplicity of a great espresso…read more I've been to Coffee Movement a couple of times and have thoroughly enjoyed it each visit. Both locations have limited seating, though the Nob Hill location does offer a small outdoor high-top table where you can stand and enjoy your coffee. Every location I've visited has also had a line, but honestly, the service is so efficient that the wait never feels too bad. When you walk in, the ordering process is somewhat similar to Philz. You place your order with the barista who starts your drink, it gets passed down the line for preparation, and you pay at the register at the end. While you're there, you can also decide whether you'd like to grab a sweet treat to go along with your daily dose of caffeine. The coffee here is strong and bold without being bitter. Everything I've tried has been incredibly smooth. While my most recent visit was for one of their coffee flights--something I'd been wanting to try for a while--I usually stick to their cocoa cappuccino, which is small but mighty and finished with a sprinkle of cocoa, or simply a classic drip coffee. If you're looking for elaborate latte flavors and seasonal creations, this probably isn't the spot for you. But if you want a coffee that will truly wake you up and you enjoy exploring the natural flavor profiles of coffee beans, Coffee Movement is absolutely worth checking out.

    The Coffee Movement is a small specialty coffee shop that focuses on doing a few things extremely…read morewell. We walked into a minimalist, compact space with limited seating and more of a grab and go setup rather than a place to spend hours working. The simple design fits the concept well, putting the attention entirely on the coffee rather than the atmosphere or extra features. The space feels intentional, the kind of place where every square foot is used efficiently and nothing is added for the sake of decoration. The biggest reason to visit is the coffee itself. The drinks are carefully crafted, with espresso based options like cappuccinos and lattes standing out for their balance and smoothness. The cappuccino was a highlight, with rich espresso flavor, well textured milk, and a natural sweetness that came through without needing to overpower the drink. The milk was steamed to the right consistency, and the espresso held its own without getting lost. Seasonal drinks like the ginger latte and specialty options add some creativity while still keeping the coffee as the focus, showing that the kitchen is willing to experiment without straying too far from what they do best. The Coffee Movement also has a strong selection for anyone interested in exploring different flavors, including drip coffee, espresso drinks, and coffee flights. The menu stays focused without feeling overwhelming, and each drink feels thoughtfully made rather than just another café option. We found the pastries more limited compared to a full bakery, but they paired well with the drinks if you want something small, offering a light complement to the coffee without competing for attention. Because of its reputation, lines can form during busy hours, but the service moves quickly and the workflow behind the counter is impressive. The team handles the volume with efficiency, and the pace of the visit stays smooth even when the line stretches. The lack of indoor seating is the main thing to keep in mind, as this is better suited for a quick coffee stop or enjoying your drink outside rather than a long café session. The seating situation is clearly a design choice, keeping the focus on the coffee and the turnover rather than encouraging lingering. The Coffee Movement is a great example of a coffee shop that does not rely on a large space or elaborate menu to stand out. The focus on quality, consistency, and the craft behind each drink makes it one of the spots worth seeking out if you are serious about coffee in San Francisco. It delivers a clean, well executed cup that feels intentional from start to finish.

    Photos
    Iced Vanilla Rosemary Latte (~$6)
    Iced Vanilla Rosemary Latte (~$6)
    Seasonal vanilla rosemary latte
    Seasonal vanilla rosemary latte
    Cocoa cappuccino

    See all

    Cocoa cappuccino

    Matcha Cafe Maiko - coffee - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...