Matcha, what's not to like? It's the drink of the year and if you've been to Japan and you're chasing those memories from the trip, or want to live vicariously, we've got the nine best spots in Melbourne for you to check out.
So whast is matcha exactly, and is it high in calories? It isn't, the powder itself is low in calories and if you're having it straight with water or almond milk you're laughing. Watch out for those loaded sugary, strawberry ones though, they can stack up.
The ground green tea powder has risen in popularity for its nutritional potency, caffeine hit and complex flavour profile, balancing umami with sweetness and a hint of bitterness. However, the emerald jewel of Japanese culture traces its origins back to 12th-century tea ceremonies.
We’ve all experienced the disappointment of receiving a watery, pale green matcha that contributes to its debated ‘grass-like’ reputation. That’s precisely why we’ve taken it upon ourselves to research and identify the best matcha lattes in Melbourne. Here are our editor-approved, tried and tested spots to get matcha lattes reminiscent of Japan, from a self-proclaimed matcha enthusiast.
INSIDER INTEL: A brighter or deeper green hue is generally a good indication of high-quality or ceremonial-grade matcha—considered the crème de la crème. Now, you’re ready to embark on your matcha journey.
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Without further ado, here are nine spots to get an excellent matcha or matcha latte in Melbourne:
Osoi
Unit 3/219 Albion Street, Brunswick
Image: Osoi | Supplied
Osoi explores different matcha cultivars, with their standard matcha latte featuring a premium saemidori blend, honoring each unique variety in their creative adaptations. The ichigo (strawberry) matcha, mango genmaicha—reminiscent of mango sticky rice—and matcha cloud—a pandan- infused matcha cream levitating atop coconut water—are highly sought-after.
It’s tucked away off the Brunswick bike path in the Nightingale complex and it’s the perfect spot to chill out or grab a takeaway before you hit Sydney Road.
Oko Cafe
131 A’Beckett Street, Melbourne CBD
Named after the Japanese word for experiments, Oko Cafe exudes a laboratory feel with minimalist and abstract light fixtures. While the cafe isn't afraid to deviate from traditional formulas, their matcha lattes are as authentic as they get, sourced straight from the matcha farms in Uji, Japan.
Using Kohiki matcha powder, a premium culinary grade characterised by its robust and full-bodied flavour profile, Oko’s matcha features subtle dryness, sweet undertones, and a light astringency. Round out your matcha order with a croissant filled with matcha cream sourced from By Garon Bakery—they’re absolute fire.
Naau
276 Russell Street, Melbourne CBD
Image credit: Naau | Instagram
Specialising in matcha lattes, Naau is Oko’s sister venue so you already know it's of high calibre. Despite having recently joined the matcha scene, the hole-in-the-wall cafe quickly earned a reputation as one of the best matcha spots in Melbourne, having gone viral for its signature iced raspberry matcha latte made with fresh, in-house raspberry puree.
Naau takes the traditional matcha latte to new heights with creative variations like sparkling yuzu matcha, iced matcha topped with smooth peanut cream, and their latest creation—pistachio matcha. Their matcha checks all the boxes of matcha aficionados—bold in flavour with an electric green hue.
Operator San
121 Therry Street, Melbourne CBD
Image credit: Operator San | Supplied
Having gone viral back in the day on Reddit for their matcha hotcakes, Operator San is one of the matcha OGs. The Japanese brunch cafe takes the craft seriously, frequently conducting matcha tastings to source the perfect roast from Fukuoka, Japan.
The iced matcha is traditionally prepared—whisked with a bamboo chasen in a zigzag motion until a frothy layer forms on the surface before it’s poured over milk. Each matcha is whisked to order, ensuring the umami aroma is fresh and pungent. Using a house-made sugar syrup with a touch of vanilla, the strong matcha flavour becomes well-balanced.
Hareruya Pantry
15-17 Lincoln Square, Carlton
Residing behind a red-brick frontage in Lincoln Square, Hareruya Pantry is a convenience store specialising in all things Japanese. Think bento boxes, mochi-wrapped gelato and baked goods.
Their matcha lattes are on the sweeter side and sage green in colour, meaning that the matcha flavour is medium in strength, so it's ideal for matcha newcomers. Among their offerings, the matcha cookies, featuring mochi, red bean, white chocolate and matcha, are by far the best of their baked goods.
Miyama
300 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne CBD
Image credit: Miyama Melbourne | William Luu
Dedicated to the art of omotenashi—the Japanese concept of hosting mindfully—Miyama is a Japanese-inspired cafe nestled between a strip of shops on the second level of Melbourne Central.
Miyama sources its culinary-grade matcha from Uji, Japan, delivering a brew with grassy undertones and an umami-rich flavour. The café offers a variety of matcha drinks, including iced matcha strawberry latte, matcha and white chocolate latte, and iced kuromitsu (Japanese black sugar syrup) matcha latte. For an authentic Japanese experience, try the Usucha matcha set, featuring a luxurious ceremonial grade matcha served in a traditional bowl with a bamboo whisk.
Hikari Life
317 Swanston Street, Melbourne CBD
With an outpost in Tokyo, Hikari Life, a Japanese coffee and homewares store, is a cornerstone of the Melbourne matcha gang. Their matcha travels from Kyoto, sourced from small local farms that offer the finest single-origin teas, later hand-whisked and carefully prepared into every matcha drink.
The team have perfected their recipe, creating a rich, creamy matcha with vegetal notes and an ideal level of sweetness. For those looking to replicate the experience at home, they sell bespoke ceramic bowls from Japan and Kurasu matcha powder, which tends to sell out as quickly as they restock it.
Lunar By Hikari
458 Sydney Road, Brunswick
Image credit: Lunar by Hikari | Supplied
With a queue of patrons spilling out onto Sydney Road eagerly awaiting specialty coffee, onigiri and their killer egg sandos, Lunar by Hikari is just as popular as its sibling venue, Hikari Life.
Perch yourself up on their bench seating to get first-class intel on how they prepare their matcha brew. While they use the same recipe as Hikari Life, the matcha tends to be milder, so for those who prefer a full-bodied flavour, ask the team for a strong matcha latte—they always deliver.
K5 Kona
RMIT, Building 14, Unit 14, Melbourne CBD
Formerly known as Matcha Kona, K5 Kona has been titled one of the best and most affordable matcha spots in Melbourne, situated in the student stomping ground of RMIT University.
Their matcha, sourced from Matcha Kona, is whisked to order, providing an earthy and deep green colour that strikes the perfect balance between strength and bitterness. The menu spans original matcha, iced cloudy matcha, strawberry matcha and ube matcha—a latte that marries the lavender-purple hues of ube (purple yam) with the verdant tones of matcha.
Leading image credit: Operator San | Supplied
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