We had a wonderful break here before going home from SD. The atmosphere of the shop was very soothing and I appreciated the no laptop/phones rule to be present with your conversations. I got a hojicha latte with cream top and my partner got a cold brew with cream top along with the croffle and hojicha basque cheesecake. The cake was super heavy and I could've done without it especially since I was already drinking hojicha haha but I imagine it would go well with a coffee. The croffle was very tasty though! I recommend getting there early as there are only a few seats if you want to chill and stay a while. We arrived around 9:30AM on a Sunday and there was plenty of space, but the line got super long out the door once we sat down and got our drinks. Otherwise, their to go drinks would be just as tasty as I saw many people order to go. read more

Disappointing experience. We came here for the strawberry matcha but it was no longer available. The matcha drinks we did get were just ok. I saw this place hyped in a few food blogger videos but it did not live up to the hype. They didn't have many choices for pastries either the Wednesday that we came. Also the service was not great. The person at the counter chatted up the group in front of us and was extremely friendly. Then we get to the front and she seemed very cold and almost looked annoyed we were asking about things we saw in those vlogs. Doubt we'll be back to this place, disappointing to cause the ambiance was very nice inside. read more

So this coffee shop has been on my highly anticipated visit list when in town! Didn't get a chance to go my last SD trip but finally had the opportunity to since we were on our way to SDCC we decided to swing by to see how long the line was. It wasn't too bad so we (party of 8) decided to drop in. Parking can be challenging since it's street parking. They only allow a max of 4 groups at a time. The inside is simple and modern. They have a lot of cute merch! I ordered a matcha crème top with oat milk! My husband ordered a matcha latte with expresso and we also ordered one sweet corn canele. My matcha crème top was delicious!!! The matcha here is Ceremonial Grade Matcha and the quality you can taste, the crème was smooth! It was one of the best matcha drinks I've ever had! I've never had a canele and that too was delicious! Crunchy shell and chew on the inside! So glad to have tired! Will definitely recommend and revisit! read more

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I love this coffee shop! I picked up some pastries and a chocolate hojicha for myself for August birthdays two years ago. I've come a few times for their iced hojicha! I've also tried their financiers, basque, canele, and croffle! Everything I tried was good and not too sweet. read more

Rikka Fika - chocolate hojicha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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Refreshingly simple- not a complicated menu, open and phone-free space. Delicious cafe cream top. read more

Rikka Fika - Cafe cream top - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

This is a cute little coffee shop in downtown with very Japanese, simplistic decor. I'm so glad I discovered this cafe will I was visiting SD! I literally came here everyday for their drinks. The baristas take a lot of time and care to prepare the drinks, and you can tell! The matcha latte with or without the cream top was my favorite drink to get. A most definite 5/5. The matcha latte was well balanced with milk and matcha. As you can see from the photos, we love to see that bright green!! Hojicha latte was also 5/5. The roastiness really comes through and again, you can tell they do not skimp out on the hojicha powder when preparing the drinks. Cold brew coffee 5/5. Their Hibi House Blend was used for this cold brew. It tasted fruity and balanced as well. So much so, I got a bag of beans to bring home! Thanks Rikka Fika for fueling me every morning while I was visiting SD. I really wish I had a coffee shop like this closer to me! I'll be thinking about your drinks until I see you again some time! read more

Rikka Fika - Matcha Cream Top - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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Went here a few weeks ago on a lovely cafe hopping session with some friends! This was stop one! We ordered a few different drinks and just one pastry to start: Black sesame morning roll: 5/5 - would be better warm - Strong black sesame flavor that I really enjoyed Hojicha latte- 5/5 - absolutely delicious!! After this one I went on a little hunt for more hojicha! Matcha cream top 4/5 - want a stronger matcha taste but super creamy and smooth Matcha yuzu fizz - 4/5 - strong yuzu flavor and overall great and refreshing for a hot day The place itself was really cute and you could buy coffee and matcha related supplies as well as some cute cards too I believe. read more

Rikka Fika - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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Love the aesthetic and vibes of this cafe. I've been wanting to try it forever. The matcha was good and simple. It was a good amount of matcha flavor, sweetness was perfect, and the cream was delicious. The hojicha pairs perfectly with the dark chocolate as well. I just wish the cups were a bit bigger. Otherwise, it's a good choice for a simple matcha. The service was fast and the workers were kind. read more

Rikka Fika - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Rikki Fika is a cute little café tucked near Little Italy and a great stop if you're a matcha lover. I tried both the hot ceremonial matcha and the iced hojicha latte, and both were delicious. The matcha was smooth, vibrant, and high quality, while the hojicha had a rich, toasty flavor that was perfectly balanced. I'd happily order either again. The café has a cozy, minimalist vibe that's perfect for a quick break or catching up with a friend. Service was pleasant, though the welcome wasn't quite as warm or engaging as I was expecting. A little more hospitality at the front would make the experience even better. Overall, the drinks are definitely the highlight and worth the visit. I'd come back for the quality matcha alone. A solid 4 stars. read more

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I really enjoyed Riki Fikka that last time I was in San Diego and had to stop by again. I went with a matcha latte and liked the color of my drink but felt that the matcha was too grainy or tasted more on the milky side. I would have loved to taste the matcha flavor more. I really enjoyed my matcha last time so it was a little disappointing this time around. In the interior is lovely and has a clean aesthetic where there are various items for purchase. In terms of parking, there is metered parking. I think I'd give Riki Fikka another chance, whenever I'm in the area. read more

Rikka Fika - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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Yumm legit matcha not far from gas lamp district! This place is very Japanese inside, not alot of tables but seemed like enough. There was a long line on Sat afternoon but it went quickly. Ordered the iced matcha with oatmilk and it is already perfectly sweet. Matcha is perfectly strong and on the grassy side. I like mine more umami but this is still good and quality. Male worker who took my order was very nice and helpful. The banana bread is to die for as well, so spongy, has real bananas and was warm like it just came out of the oven. Overall would def check out if in the area! read more

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This place is pretty cool in that they actually make everything right then and there. When you order a matcha (I got both the matcha and the hojicha), they make sure to whisk it right as you order it. The parking is not too much of the problem as well which makes it super convenient. The interior is pretty darn cute too! I would say that I wish the drinks were a bit more strong in their flavor but overall, not a bad experience at all. Matcha -- 5/10 Hojichua -- 6/10 read more

Rikka Fika - matcha latte and hojicha latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

I was looking to try some delicious pastries and coffee on a Sunday morning. We found this spot and when we got there saw a line of at least 15 people waiting. We assumed it's worth a try so we waited for over an hour. Unfortunately didn't make it for their scones but this was the best matcha latte I have ever had. Its very much a Japanese style interior with extremely talented baristas. They are very intentional while making each drink, almost like crafting an art piece. They had imported speciality coffee beans and just state of the art coffee press. I am not a coffee enthusiast but Rikka Fika for sure knows their beans. The basque cheesecake was also pretty amazing, Im for sure returning on a week day to try some of the other scones posted. read more

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We came here on a Saturday morning hoping to stop by for a drink before the farmer's market. Since it was during spring break, there were so much street parking, the line was short, and the wait time was reasonable (2-5 mins). There aren't a lot of seating, and the tables are small, so I wouldn't recommend studying here. We got their Hojicha latte [3/10], hoping for a change as I've previously heard bad reviews about their matcha, and it tasted a bit watered down and had little to less of the hojicha flavor. As a disclaimer, I am from LA and OC, which is where I'm often comparing drinks from. It was a bit disappointing to buy a drink only for it to taste mostly like milk. I was also a bit taken aback that their honey sticks and stickers costs money? Idk, but when we went to the farmers market, the honey sticks there were free. read more

Rikka Fika - Hojicha Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Very small little shop next to Lola 55 downtown east village. What I really wanted to try was the strawberry matcha but they don't serve that anymore ;( ordered a matcha and it was fine. Service was fast and friendly! Nothing really stood out for me, I always see a line. read more

This is a cute cafe with a nice minimalistic design. Came on a Tuesday around 1130am and there was a very small line, about 5 minute wait to order. There's metered parking right outside. Ordered the matcha latte with oat milk and the matcha was great - it had a nice strong and smooth nutty flavor. read more

Rikka Fika - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

I've been visiting Rikka Fika since their pop-up days, and it remains a consistent spot for coffee and pastries. We usually stop by early in the morning, which makes it easy to beat the crowds, though it does get noticeably busier on weekend afternoons closer to closing time. There's paid-street parking all around the block. We've ordered the kyoto matcha latte, it's subtly sweet and very matcha-forward. Their cold brew is pretty smooth with zero acidity, and adding the cream top elevates the drink. The strawberry latte, when they used to offer it, was delicious if you want something fruity and sweet! My boyfriend loves to order their selections of pour over and always insists we sit and sip. They frequently rotate their pastry selection with new items, but the black sesame morning bun, the waffle, and their scones are definite standouts. The interior has expanded recently, offering a cozy and minimal design that closely resembles the quiet atmosphere of a cafe in Japan. read more

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This place is incomparable, in a league of its own. It must be experienced to taste the goodness. Top quality products, great customer service and relaxing atmosphere. On our first trip we made two visits. Today on our first day of this trip we had two drinks each. Who knows how many drinks we'll get tomorrow! The smoothness of the espresso and quality of the ceremonial matcha are by far the absolute best I've ever had. Each drink has its unique notes with subtle yet distinct flavors. I can't say that I have a favorite because I've enjoyed each one. In addition to the espresso and matcha we tried the summer passion fruit refresher soda and loved every sip of it. Until next time. read more

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The space is decorated in a way that emanates a quiet peace, especially when the sun shines in through the windows like during our visit. Unfortunately the cafe was closed to seating on the inside but you could still explore their shelves of books and other Japanese curated trinkets and merch. I feel like you'd feel really calm and productive here despite the persistent flow of patrons. Earl Grey Canelé 4.5/5: $3.50/1 or $10/3 I'd never had a Canelé before this time, but this was definitely my gateway because I cannot stop thinking about this pastry and how to get my hands on more. Exactly what a canelé should be. Crispy outside with a custardy inside. The Earl grey taste is all on the inside and while subtle it is still fragrant. The custard was almost a little underbaked looking but it felt intentional and not off putting, if anything made it better. It does feel a little small for $3.50 but I enjoyed the chance to try an Earl Gray Canele, I haven't heard or seen that flavor anywhere else. Matcha Cream Top 4.5/5: $7.25 Not too sweet, had a great earthy matcha taste that you'd expect from good matcha. If you're a matcha connoisseur, you won't be disappointed. Matcha Yuzu Lemonade 3/5: $6.80 Yuzu is the main note; it's generally a pretty bright ingredient. Matcha is just a quiet compliment to the drink. While I appreciated it, I'd probably opt for the Matcha Cream Top. This wasn't satisfying as a lemonade or as a matcha. A simple space with delicious drinks and treats made with care. I'd love the opportunity to be back. read more

Rikka Fika - Menu 2/2 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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I came specifically for the strawberry matcha just to realize this item was no longer on the menu The second I walked in, I was instantly reminded of Japan. The seating at the bar, the uniforms, the curtains over the doors. Although there were no strawberries, the matcha was amazing. Real matcha. We also tried the yuzu sparkling drink and this flavor was very reminiscent Japan's soft drinks. read more

Rikka Fika - Outside - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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I've loved Rikka Fikka since they were at a farmers/crafts market as a little tasting stand pop up days. I remember I went out of my way to go downtown and try their little pastries. Since moving back to town, this was on the top of my list to go visit their standalone store, which they finally have. Absolutely love it, beautiful interior and relaxed seating. The iced Matcha with cold foam was delicious, very smooth and had a hint of sweetness. Everything is handcrafted and made with really good ingredients whether it's coffee or Matcha or tea. Highly recommend if you're in the mood for a Matcha. I'll definitely come back for their coffee. Service was also friendly. The merch is cute, everything from tote bags to mugs to stickers and postcards. read more

Rikka Fika - Matcha with cold foam - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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Popped in for a pick me up on a Friday morning and were able to walk right in. This spot has been on our list for a while and it was perfect. It feels like we stepped into a Japanese cafe. I almost bought all the pens and stationary, but settled for a delicious cold brew with honey cold foam. The coffee was so deeply flavorful, a testament to the single origin beans that they select and rotate regularly. The baristas made our drinks with love and care, and it showed in how delicious each drink was. read more

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Several of my friends recommended this spot to me so I had to check it out. The place was nicely decorated, giving it a modern and soothing atmosphere. There was limited seating with signs placed stating that computers aren't allowed, which is not what I have often seen in many shops. It wasn't too busy when we arrived. There were only a few people working and they were both taking orders and making drinks. Espresso con panna: This was an interesting drink. The espresso came in a cute little cup with the honey cream on top and a small side of seltzer water. This wasn't my drink so I didn't necessarily enjoy this one. The espresso was too sour for me. Hojicha choco: I really enjoyed this one! It was so creamy with a perfect balance between hojicha and dark chocolate. I really enjoyed the natural sweetness that the milk and chocolate brought out. Extra stars for the beautiful latte art! read more

Rikka Fika - Hojicha Choco and Espresso Con Panna - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

A nice spot to have a coffee and a pastry. I barely noticed it as I was walking up, once inside there's a small gift shop and then a seating area. I ordered the black sesame bun and the sparkling yuzu pour over. I really enjoyed the flavor of the yuzu and coffee. The service was friendly and quick. read more

Rikka Fika - Yuzu pour over - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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I came here early on a Sunday morning because the last time I tried visiting later in the day, the line was so long that I decided to come back another time. Getting here early definitely helped, I didn't have to wait in a long line. That said, the ordering process still felt a little slow, although my latte came out pretty quickly. I wasn't very hungry, so I just ordered a latte, but all of their pastries looked really tempting. I'll definitely have to come back to try one next time. They also have a no-laptop/no-screen policy, although I'm not sure how strictly it's enforced. It actually makes the café feel like a great place to unplug. There are plenty of bar-style seats, and I saw lots of people reading books, so it's a really nice spot if you're looking to read, journal, or just enjoy a coffee without distractions. By the time I was leaving, there was already a line forming outside, so I was glad I came early. I'll definitely be back to try some of their pastries on my next visit. read more

Rikka Fika - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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My friend spoke highly of their matcha here. Minimalist cafe with a cute gift shop in the front & several tables where people were working, studying & hanging out with friends. Along with matcha, they serve coffees, teas, less caffeinated drinks & pastries. The matcha was gritty & lacked flavor. Located in East Village, metered parking. read more

Sunday's matcha craving brought us to RIKKA FIKA in Downtown sunny San Diego! I actually discovered Rikka Fika through Gareth Eats on YouTube. I mentioned it to my SIL and she said "OMG it's been on my list forever....lets go!" Rikka /Li-kka/ · Japanese: The name for First Day of Summer, usually in early May. Fika /Fee-ka/ · Swedish: An essential daily ritual to slow down and take a coffee break. First impression. Zen. Clean. Refreshing. Kind. Thoughtful. I love that it's an actual cafe with tables and chairs available to enjoy your beverages. I knew that I wanted to try something with a Cream-top since it's made fresh daily with coffee blossom honey and available until sold out. I also noticed that coffee was part of their menu. So, I ordered two drinks: HIBI House blend Espresso shot and a Matcha Cream-top. The espresso was strrrrronnng since I didn't include milk. It did its job though...I'm wide awake to get me through my flight home tonight from SAN to LAS. The Matcha Cream-top was DELICIOUS. The ceremonial matcha is directly sourced from Kyoto, Japan. The beverage is only available iced. Customer service was excellent!! Metered parking was available curbside and Sundays are free! I love the merchandise available once you enter. Coffee, tea, stickers, books, etc. read more

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Been seeing this coffee/matcha place online for a while and finally got a chance to try their matcha. The service was super friendly and helpful with how informative they were about their selection of drinks ranging from teas, pour overs, matcha, and even coffee. I got a matcha latte with a cream top. Not very sweet but just right. I know a lot of places over do the sweetness but this one was just right. Ambiance felt like an experience with a small book selection and coffee gadgets. The minimalist look in the interior with wood furniture. Super cool spot with Japanese inspired drinks. read more

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Such a cute coffee shop. We came early on a weekend morning and only waited about 10 minutes in line. The space is super clean and really aesthetic. I got the matcha cream top and my husband ordered the hojicha latte, both were delicious and really flavorful. The only downside is that the drinks are a bit pricey for the smaller cup size. We also tried the Earl Grey scone and the scallion roll. They were solid, but the drinks definitely steal the show. read more

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Stumbled across this matcha spot while in town and there was such a long line! We decided to wait to see what the hype was about. The line took pretty long since they only allow a certain number of people inside. Once inside, the vibe is really aesthetic and they have a cute display of things for sale. I ordered a matcha cream top (the hojicha hot chocolate was tempting too) and a canele and brown sugar croffle. The bakery items are quite tiny but were a fun small bite. The canele was better since I found the croffle to be slightly dry. The matcha was also not too sweet and you could taste the matcha flavor behind the cream. The staff were super friendly and there was a good amount of seating inside. read more

Rikka Fika - inside - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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Rika Fika is a must-visit if you're serious about matcha. Their matcha latte is the real deal- rich, earthy, and not overly sweet. My go-to order is the matcha cream top, which has the perfect balance of sweetness without overpowering the tea. You can tell a lot of care goes into every cup. The ambience is absolutely adorable and genuinely feels like stepping into a cozy tea house in Japan. It's calm, intentional, and beautifully curated, making it a great place to slow down and actually enjoy your drink. One thing to note: this isn't a work café. Laptops aren't allowed, which might be a downside for some, but it's clearly a deliberate choice to keep the space traditional and focused on tea, conversation, and presence. If you're looking for authentic matcha and a thoughtful, serene experience, Rika Fika delivers. read more

Rikka Fika - Matcha cream too - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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Amazing coffee experience! Personal favorite is the S.O. On the rock, which is concentrated cold brew on the rock. You have to try really hard to wait for the ice to melt every once a while and expect different flavors coming out of your sip. I also liked the canele a lot. Very soft and creamy texture inside and extremely dark caramelized crust outside. read more

Rikka Fika - S.O. on the rock - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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This cafe was a sweet and pleasant surprise in the busy area of DTSD. The atmosphere reminds me of the serenes cafes that you would find to.w in Japan. I wanted to just pick up a quick matcha latte here but was sat to take in the full experience. Being there helped calmed my mind and I'd imagine working at this cafe would be a treat too. Matcha latte with oat(9/10): came out to be ~$6.8 which is very reasonable for matcha these days. I am a huge critic when it comes to matcha for various reasons..this matcha is superb. It is a very vibrant green, properly hand mixed and took me back to japan. read more

Rikka Fika - Matcha latte with oat - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

I came here on a whim to try some of the amazing strawberry matcha that everyone was raving about, but unfortunately they didn't have it anymore! The cafe itself is pretty small with simplistic decor. There a few tables inside. The parking in this area is not the best. There are some paid meter parking spots right in front if you're lucky. They have some items for sale including coffee and matcha at the front, a nice selection of pastries, and drinks. I'd come back again to try more options on their menu. Drink review: Honey foam matcha: (4/5) This was pretty tasty. It was a delicious, strong matcha flavor which I appreciate since a lot of places out here fill the cup mostly with milk and it tastes watered down. The honey foam was delicious!! read more

Rikka Fika - Matcha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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Drinks: 1) Matcha cream top w/oat milk 2) Wildflower coffee latte Logistics: -accepts cc only -paid street parking only -limited seating indoors read more

I've been going here since their pop up days in Miramar and the one thing that hasn't changed since 2022/2023 is the fact that there's always a line. They've come so far and it's cool to see their progress. Now it's a cool minimalistic cafe in East Village and every drink is made with care and perfection. My favorite is the matcha cream top and I love how they do oat milk by default. This is a strictly a cafe to have drinks and catch up with a friend. No outlets for studying. Their pastries are always good too. My wife and I always get a canele, but all their pastries compliment their drinks, and are still good on their own. read more

Rikka Fika - Pastry case - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Drinks: The drinks at Rikka Fika are EXCELLENT. I had the Hojicha Choco and the cold brew with cream top. I liked both but I think my fave of the 2 is the Choco. Service: service was great as well and the person helping us was very informative. Ambiance: Overall ambiance is chill and reminded me of a small cafe in Japan. We will definitely be back...in fact we are going back today. read more

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I especially appreciated the zen and minimalistic design here! I enjoyed the hojicha latte which had a mellow earthy, nutty flavor. Personally, I prefer a more pronounced, stronger roasted hojicha. There wasn't a line when we arrived ~9am on a Sunday morning and was able to find many open seats, but the place got packed ~1030am & had long line. Small selection of pastries. My scallion morning bun was okay, a little dry and didn't have much of any flavorings. Paid street parking, free on Sundays & holidays. Another note is that there are little signs on the tables encouraging no laptops to "enjoy an offline and unplugged experience", though intentional, not a coffee spot to study. Plus the interior seating area is not ergonomically designed for it.. read more

Rikka Fika - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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We walked into the shop about an hour before they closed but ended up being one of the last parties to order since they had ran out of their inventory. I ordered their yuzu fizz matcha while others in my group ordered the matcha cream top. My drink was pretty strong and the yuzu dominated the matcha flavor but the cream top was clearly the favorite by others. I'd love to come back again and try their cream top when I'm no longer dairy free (and to try their amazing looking pastries). read more

I've been hearing about the matcha drinks from Rikka Fika for a very long time and finally had the chance to try it. We parked right in front of the store since we weren't staying long but if you want to hang out inside, just be aware that the spots are all metered. I really like the whole minimalistic design inside. But because of this, the seats don't look very comfortable, especially the small little chairs and tables outside. When we arrived, we were lucky that the line was super short. I've seen videos during peak hours where the lines were out of the store. Once I ordered, the drinks came out within 5 minutes! Super fast service so I wonder how long it would normally take if there were a lot of people. I ordered the Kyoto Matcha Latte and tried a bit of the Strawberry Milk. The Matcha Latte isn't sweetened (I'm not sure if you can request to add sweetener) and the matcha flavor was really good. The Strawberry Milk is just...that. Simple and sweet and they use real strawberries. Overall, the drinks were good but I was disappointed in the price and portion size. It's expensive for such a small cup but I guess you're paying for good quality matcha. If you don't really care for that, then I'd recommend a regular boba shop. read more

Rikka Fika - Kyoto Matcha Latte, Strawberry Milk - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California