Where To Find Auckland’s Best Matcha, According To Two Matchaholics
Alice Rich
Contributor & Former Editor | Urban List NZ
Let’s talk matcha. Made from finely ground green tea powder matcha is caffeinated but thanks to the amino acid L-Theanine, the caffeine is released much more slowly into the body than caffeine from coffee. This means you skip the sudden energy spike (and drop) you get with coffee. Swish, right? Coffee’s longstanding reign may be nearing its end.
Whether you’re a matcha convert or you’re curious about the vibrant green tea that's taken the world by storm, Tāmaki Makaurau has you sussed. From traditional matcha to refreshing iced versions and trending strawberry matcha, this city delivers with cosy cafes and spots that are hella ‘Gram-worthy. We’ve curated the Urban List edit of the best spots to find your perfect match-a.
Cups at the ready, here's Auckland's best matcha.
Maru's House
14 Melrose Street, Newmarket
Image credit: Maru's House | Instagram
From the folks that brought us Mibo Bakery comes Maru's House, a small yet idyllic matcha shop tucked into the old Nature Baby digs, reimagined as a relaxing third space. Showcasing their own label, Maru Matcha, you can choose from two types—bold, matcha-forward 'natsu' (which means summer) or more of a subtle, floral note 'haru' (which means spring); or hojicha. Here, strawberry is nowhere to be seen, instead think salted maple, banana pudding and coconut matcha cold foam.
Kompass Coffee
2 Kitchener Street, Auckland CBD | 22 Fanshawe Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Kompass Coffee | Instagram
Kompass Coffee is the creme de la creme when it comes to the Auckland matcha scene. For a classic hit, order your matcha hot or cold and—here's our favourite part—choose your level of sweetness from "sweet", "less sweet", or "no sweet". And for those days when you want something a little fancy, they do a bangin' strawberry matcha but their einspänner's the true star of the show served as a hot or cold matcha base topped with house-made sweet cream.
Slow Koi Manual Kohi Brew Bar
227 Queen Street, Strand Arcade, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Slow Koi | Instagram
Breathing life back into Strand Arcade in the sleekest of ways, Slow Koi is a Japanese-style cafe that's a tonic for tightly wound nervous systems. The interiors are black, brightened only by a minimalist aquarium behind the brew bar where koi fish potter around mesmerisingly. Perhaps that's also why the green of their matcha seems so verdant, and their manual brew coffee, so punchy. Choose from oat or regular milk, Thea or Slow Koi's own matcha blend then sit back and revel in just existing.
Re.Union
Shop 14, 27 Union Street, Auckland
Image credit: Re.Union | Alice Rich
Matcha isn't just a morning ritual anymore, thanks to the folks at Re.Union—Tāmaki Makaurau's first late-night matcha joint. Doubling as a vinyl listening bar, the booze-free establishment is laid-back and upbeat and they do one heck of an iced mango matcha. Pull up a pew at their Space Invaders table, challenge a friend to chess, and indulge in a delightfully slower pace of living.
Parable House
45 New North Road, Eden Terrace, Auckland
Image credit: Parable House | Instagram
Parable House is as cosy as home (possibly even cosier) and it'll lure us off the couch any day with the promise of the oat foam-topped salted maple hōjicha. Now, for the unitiated, like matcha, hōjicha is made from green tea, but it has roasted notes, closer to coffee than matcha, but with less caffeine than both. Consider it a dreamy, decaf-esque option but if you're a diehard matcha fan, you'll be stoked to know Parable House does all your favourites iterations of matcha too, plus pairings you've never sipped before, but will be sure to crave again, and again.
Matcha Cafe K2
292 Hibiscus Coast Highway, Ōrewa, Auckland
Image credit: Matcha Cafe K2 | Alice Rich
We're firm believers that a cup of matcha can solve 99 problems, the only problem it can't solve being its eyebrow-raising price tag. That was until we discovered Matcha Cafe K2. Hit the motorway and make for Ōrewa, fellow matcha-lovers, because this spot does matcha for as little as $4. This is not a drill.
And before you ask, the price is no indication of quality—these guys are slinging the real deal. From straight matcha that runs bitter and true to lattes spiked with brown sugar and large strawberry matcha that tops for a mere $8, it's the holy grail of green. Plus, their $12 matcha parfaits (pictured above) are a great snack to take to the nearby Ōrewa Beach.
truth/dare
9/23 Customs Street East, Snickel Lane, Auckland CBD
Image credit: truth/dare | Emily Raftery
We'll admit, a matcha-dusted, matcha mousse-stuffed pavlova is a pretty specific craving but—trust us—you're going to want to hit this over and over again. Perfectly crisp, the smooth, round shell gives way to a cloud-like interior. The sweetness of the meringue is balanced with a generous ratio of Thea matcha mousse, the golden bitterness off-setting the sweet. A strawberry and port compote reminiscent of homemade strawberry jam, and the savoury crunch of pistachio seals the deal. Head to truth/dare and be prepared to fight your friends for the last bite.
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D.O.S.E On High
5 High Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: D.O.S.E. On High | Instagram
D.O.S.E On High is a chic Japanese espresso bar with a minimalist black interior that's just straight up vibey. Originally intended to be a cocktail bar, the matcha you get here (which is by Thea Matcha) feels like it was dreamed up by a mixologist. Take their signature shake-like matcha, honey miso and oat cream which comes topped with an island of freeze-dried honey; or their toasted macadamia, white chocolate hōjicha which is stunning hot or cold. D.O.S.E On High is an elevated pit stop for your daily drop of green goodness.
Rumours Specialty Coffee
19 O'Connell Street, Auckland CBD
*The* spot for coffee enthusiasts, Rumours is also a top spot for matcha that's not too sweet, with space to sit down and take a break from the frenetic existence of daily life. A relaxed, inviting atmosphere blends with minimalist interiors and friendly service, and you've got a hideaway you could park up at for hours.
Ellie Cafe
57 Fort Street, Auckland CBD
Ellie Cafe is your charming local spot with a warm, inviting atmosphere and a focus on freshly made treats each day. Their matcha is a delightful blend of bold and subtly coconutty sweet, crafted from premium Uji matcha imported straight from Japan. Bonus? They don’t charge extra for alternative milks, so you can enjoy your matcha just the way you like it.
Issys
110 Kitchener Road, Milford, Auckland
Image credit: Issys | Instagram
If the algorithm has you chomping at the bit for a strawberry matcha but sweet drinks don’t tend to be your thing, Issys is the place to hit. Their traffic light-esque matcha is made with ceremonial powder with a sensational umami after-taste and pairs well (both aesthetically and taste-wise) with their subtle strawberry jam. Insider intel: While strawberry matcha is classically served iced, Issys’ is just as great hot. They also do caramelised pistachio croissants, just sayin’.
Receptionist Cafe
Unit 7/59-67 High Street, Auckland CBD and Exchange Lane, Auckland CBD
Receptionist Cafe is a quaint, concept-driven cafe where your charming receptionists are dressed in suits. It doesn’t just look the part—they serve a matcha that’s as authentic as it gets, sourced directly from Uji, Japan. Their matcha strikes the best balance: smooth and only slightly sweet. For a real caffeine kick, try their dirty matcha with an espresso shot—a double dose of energy to power your day.
Omusubi Cafe Plat
29 Vulcan Lane, Auckland CBD, Auckland
It’s no secret we love a ‘Gram-worthy fit-out but if it turns out to be all style no substance, we’ll give it a miss. The opposite is true, too. Omusubi Cafe Plat is an unassuming spot on Vulcan Lane specialising in Japanese rice balls and matcha. Made with powder imported from Japan, their matcha has smooth umami notes and no added sugar (unless you request it). Don’t leave without snagging a couple of rice balls for the road.
MOKKI
Inside Commercial Bay, Harbour Eats, Auckland CBD
If you'll hunt down a killer açai bowl, you'll likely know this biz as OH AÇAI which carved a name for its top tier purple bowls on the farmers market circuit. But they also sling one helluva green and have rebranded as MOKKI just in time to set up permanent digs in Commercial Bay's Harbour Eats foodcourt. Here you can still get your fix of their signature açai bowl (make it saucy with a swirl of passionfruit) but the real star of the show is their matchamisu latte made with thick mascarpone and topped with a ladyfinger. Indulgent bliss.
Remedy Coffee
1 Wellesley Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland
This lively little central city café is packed with personality—and matcha! Remedy Coffee provides both ceremonial-grade matcha—a mix of Okumidori, Matsu, and Yabukita—and a premium matcha which is a Uji and Sandomidori blend. Straight from Japan, their matcha is the real deal. Feeling adventurous? You’ve got to try their Okinawa Time—a premium matcha latte with coconut water that's revitalising and unique, just like this homey spot.
Atelier Shu
6D Kent Street, Newmarket, Auckland
Image credit: Atelier Shu | Alice Rich
Auckland's cutest dessert shop, Atelier Shu, is serving up some bangin’ matcha too. They use premium-grade matcha powder from Yamamasa Koyamaen, Japan, resulting in a vibrant green colour of matcha that’s as pretty as it is delectable. Could you want anything more than an iced matcha paired with a scrumptious madeline?
Benedict's Cafe
1/30 Saint Benedicts Street, Eden Terrace, Auckland
A beloved spot for those after a big brekky Benedict's Cafe, pioneered by owners Emma Zhao and Jay Yang, also excels in matcha. Their matcha is mildly sweet, and showcases a deep green hue that signals high-quality ingredients. You’ll appreciate the rich, complex flavour that highlights the café’s dedication to delivering authentic matcha.
Leafe Cafe
Westfield, Level 2/277 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland
Hidden away in the Newmarket Westfield mall, Leafe Cafe offers an energising break from your shopping spree. With its vibrant green and leafy ambiance, it’s the ideal location to try the green-tea goodness. Their matcha is rich but more on the sweeter side, making it a fantastic introduction for those dipping their toes into the green scene.
Blackdrop Eatery
44 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland
Image credit: Blackdrop Eatery | Instagram
Blackdrop Eatery is a must-visit for anyone on a matcha journey, with an impressive collection of matcha drinks on the menu all of which are created with premium-grade Thea matcha. Famous for their insta-worthy strawberry matcha, they also serve a classic matcha that's a bit sweeter, making it a great gateway for first-timers. For those feeling adventurous, the matcha foam and cold brew earl grey is a showstopper. Pair your drink with one of their heavenly cookies, like the matcha strawberry jam—because you can never have too much matcha.
Toastie
106 Carlton Gore Road, Newmarket, Auckland 1023
Known for their specialty coffee and mouth-watering toast (ummm.. Bulgogi toast anyone?), Toastie also takes matcha to new heights. Their Strawberry Matcha Garden is a standout—rich, creamy, sweet, and totally indulgent. For the purists, they also serve a classic matcha that’s anything but ordinary, using their own secret recipe with ceremonial-grade matcha. Whether you’re feeling adventurous or prefer sticking to the basics, Toastie’s got your matcha cravings covered.
‘biskit Cafe
215 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland
Image credit: 'biskit | Instagram
Laid-back, counter-serve cafe ‘biskit is a local go-to for breakfast but it also serves up both classic and strawberry matcha. Have your matcha and eat it too with matcha-stuffed croissants, muffins, and more. It’s the perfect spot to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Dear Deer
130 Onehunga Mall Rd, Onehunga and 58 Davis Crescent, Newmarket and 739 Whangaparaoa, Stanmore Bay and 23 Gossamer Drive, Pakuranga Heights, and Shop 3/120 Main Highway, Ellerslie
With multiple locations across Auckland, Dear Deer, helmed by Yukichi Shikano, brings its authentic Japanese touch to the local matcha scene. This hardcore coffee roaster dishes up a matcha using Bon Accord Matcha powder, made in New Zealand but with the matcha grown in Japan. With classic matcha lattes on offer, or a dirty matcha latte with a single shot of espresso, you’re never far from a quality matcha.
Vanilla Cafe
5 Williamson Avenue, Belmont, Auckland 0622
Image credit: Vanilla Cafe | Instagram
Vanilla Cafe is an underrated location made for aficionados or first timers alike. They proudly use Thea Matcha, sourcing organic, premium-grade matcha from Uji, Japan. Their classic iced and iced strawberry are summer staples and their matcha Basque cheesecake—a verdant green, thick and creamy slab—is straight out of a matchaholic’s dream.
Chur Bae
Shed 13A/90 Wellesley Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Chur Bae is your go-to for a unique Asian fusion breakfast that’ll have you saying “churrrr” after every bite (nope, we're not sorry). Pair that with their matcha which is a creamy dream. It's smooth and not overly grassy, balanced flawlessly with just a hint of cinnamon for an unexpected twist. It’s just right for those who want their matcha without the bitterness but still full of flavour.
Hazy Tiger
22 Durham Street West, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Hazy Tiger | supplied
As self-identifying matcha addicts, we’ve always got an eye out for the next best matcha manifestation so you can bet we were delighted when we spied the Thea Yuzu Matcha cocktail on the menu at Hazy Tiger. The trippy wonderland of Korean eats may not be the first spot that springs to mind for a matcha mission but it certainly should be. Just as coffee was destined to be married with booze in an espresso martini, a lush matcha (especially one that comes in a dainty green goblet spiked with yuzu) is simply sublime.
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Main image credit: Blackdrop Eatery | Instagram.