Matcha isn’t new, but in Melbourne, it’s finally getting the kind of attention it deserves. The city is already known for it's better-than-most coffee, so it should come as no surprise that Melburnians do a pretty good matcha, too. Whether you take yours hot, iced, with oat milk, or topped with a cloud of cold foam, delicious matcha is easy to come by in Melbourne — you just need to know where to look.
We did the work, and found the best sports in Melbourne for a delicious matcha. Peruse our picks, below.
1. Meet Forest, South Yarra
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Tucked just off Chapel Street, Meet Forest's matcha offering has cultivated quite a cult following . You'll find classics on the menu, as well as interesting flavours like iced banana matcha or a hot biscoff matcha. They're paired best with one of their matcha-flavoured desserts, like layered matcha crepe cakes or a square of their burnt Basque cheesecake. If you’re new to matcha, this is a good place to fall in love with it.
2. Yugen Tea Bar (YTB), South Yarra
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Matcha isn't the only thing on the menu here, but it's definitely worth trying. Purists will enjoy their straight-up ceremonial grade matcha lattes, while as those who are happy to drink something a little more experimental should go for the Jasmine Coconut Cloud Matcha.
3. Operator San, CBD
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This is solid go-to if you find yourself in the city. It's a Japanese brunch cafe that puts matcha in the spotlight — from classics, to a rotating menu of specials. Currently, you'll find goodies like lavender matcha, strawberry matcha, and matcha kinako on the menu, as well as our personal favourite: the matcha parfait, which features matcha soft serve, strawberry jelly, dango, warabi mochi, cornflakes, and anko. Yes please.
4. Naau, CBD
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Naau is a great option if you’re looking for matcha with a twist. They offer creative variations like raspberry, pistachio, and sparkling citrus matcha, alongside the classics. A great spot if you’re bored of the usual and want something that feels new without losing the soul of the drink.
5. JuJu's Deli, Thornbury and South Melbourne
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Juju’s is known for its popular strawberry matcha latte. It’s made with a layer of fresh strawberry jam, topped with matcha and strawberry milk, then finished with a sprinkle of matcha powder. Sweet, creamy, and well-balanced — a great option if you’re after something fruity.
6. Balibola, CBD
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Located on Collins Street, this takeaway spot serves creative drinks combining matcha and dessert. Their signature Matchamisu is a matcha latte topped with a thick layer of matcha mascarpone cream and comes with a ladyfinger biscuit for dipping — a nod to the classic tiramisu. Other favourites include iced matcha with vegan coconut foam, and hot matcha with macadamia foam.
7. Faraday’s Cage, Fitzroy
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Known for its all-day brunch menu and relaxed vibe, Faraday’s Cage also serves a unique matcha Mont Blanc. Inspired by the popular Korean drink, this version uses coconut milk instead of cold brew, and is topped with a thick layer of white chocolate matcha cream.
8. Raya, CBD
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Raya is a cosy café and cake shop just off Little Collins Street, known for its thoughtful mix of Southeast Asian-inspired pastries and high-quality drinks. Their matcha, made with premium powder from Matcha Mate, is perfect on its own or paired with one of their signature cakes or cookies.
Need more Melbourne inspiration? Here are our favourite bakeries across the city.
