Whether iced, hot, or mixed with a dreamy fruit-flavored cloud, matcha is ideal for every season. While matcha lattes are the perfect, trendy drink to sip and stroll while you explore Columbus’ many walkable neighborhoods, their history is actually over a thousand years old, originally rooted in Chinese culture and later in Japan.
Matcha began sometime in the 7th-10th century in China during the Tang Dynasty, where tea leaves were often compressed into bricks for storage. When the tea was ready for consumption, little bits could be ground and mixed with hot water for drinking. This process led to matcha, which continued to evolve throughout the Song Dynasty. Matcha became a popular beverage amongst Buddhist monks for meditation and focus, and was eventually introduced to Japan by a monk named Eisai after he returned from a pilgrimage to China. (Source: matcha.com)
Matcha’s rich history and evolution has led to a global enjoyment of the drink. Here in Columbus, you can find delicious matcha and matcha lattes in every neighborhood, often paired with a sweet treat or savory brunch bites. Once you have booked your room and are ready to caffeinate, follow our guide to the best matcha spots around the city!
Matcha Me. Source: Author photo
Matcha Me
2348 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202
Matcha Me in the Short North Arts District is a matcha-exclusive shop that serves ceremonial-grade matcha directly from Japan, offering both colorful classic drinks and seasonal favorites.
Milkyway Matcha Bar
4540 Bridge Park Ave, Dublin, OH 43017
Milkyway Matcha Bar is Fukuryu Ramen’s special stop for handcrafted matcha and Japanese street treats like Taiyaki (fish-shaped snacks with a savory or sweet filling).
Callin' your Bluff. Source: Author photo
Callin’ your Bluff
458 W Chapel St, Columbus, OH 43215
With wild west vibes and a Midwest heart, Callin’ your Bluff is your weekend destination for matcha drinks with a cowboy theme. Order from a rotating seasonal menu or try the weekend special, where any drink can be made with espresso or ceremonial grade matcha served with a side of “Yeehaw!”
Little Cat Boba
12 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
212 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205
With two locations, Little Cat Boba offers a variety of matcha, bubble tea, and coffee drinks featuring modern takes on traditional Japanese flavors, like burnt miso, black sesame, and orange blossom. Depending on your preference, you can order most drinks at full sweetness level, half sweet, or without any sweetness!
Source: Ravello's Coffee
Ravello’s Coffee
883 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43201
Ravello’s Coffee is a premier place to grab your next matcha latte or book the cart for an upcoming event. Known for their popular strawberry matcha, the shop also has seasonal matcha offerings to pair with your pastry.
Kokomo Coffee and Juice Paradise
694 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43206
Located on the south side of Columbus is Kokomo Coffee and Juice Paradise, an intimate shop for grabbing a matcha latte with a seasonal flavor, or a lightly sweetened matcha tonic to keep you refreshed on a hot day.
ZenCha Cafe & Tea
2396 E Main St, Columbus, OH 43209
ZenCha Cafe and Tea is a Bexley neighborhood gem, where you can grab lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch in addition to sampling high-quality teas. Their earthy matchas can be made multiple ways, including with a Tarot cold foam.
Moonbird Coffee Co.
1400 Holly Ave, Columbus, OH 43212
Moonbird Coffee Co.’s tiny and charming coffee trailer serves seasonal and delightful coffee, chai, and matcha drinks all year long. Get there early to beat the line – and they might just sell out!
Mjomii Dessert & Coffee House
2560 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH 43220
Start your weekend with Mjomii Dessert & Coffee House, where you can pick up macarons, a variety of baked goods, and a traditional matcha or matcha latte made from high-quality Uji matcha imported directly from Japan.
Belle’s Bread Japanese Bakery and Café
1168 Kenny Centre Mall, Columbus, OH 43220
Belle’s Bread Japanese Bakery and Café boasts more than Japanese and French-inspired baked treats and breads. Check out their hot and iced drink menu for a matcha latte before strolling around the Japanese Marketplace family of businesses.
Pistacia Vera
541 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43215
Located in the heart of historic German Village, Pistacia Vera is an elevated bakery offering pistachio-themed treats and thoughtfully crafted coffee and matcha. Try their Pistachio Matcha for the ultimate Pistacea Vera experience.
Daily Dosa Cafe Matcha Pop-Up
Mobile shop
Daily Dosa Cafe is a pop-up matcha concept known for colorful and creative concoctions like their blueberry butterfly pea matcha, banana pudding matcha, or ube matcha. Following the shop on Instagram is the best way to see their schedule!
No matter how you matcha – be it sweet, with oat milk, or even with bubbles – Columbus has a variety of shops ranging from traditional to experimental to help you find your new favorite matcha spot. Grab your drink, hit up one of our many flowering parks, gardens, or trails, and get Instagram ready.
