Santa Monica locals are known for being fit and health-conscious, so it comes as no surprise that the city has an abundance of high-quality options for matcha and green tea lovers. Offering everything from straight-up teas, to lattes, to ice cream, these four Santa Monica matcha spots should help inspire a care-free, Santa Monica summer mood.
Where to Enjoy Santa Monica Matcha
Shuhari Matcha Café
This little tea shop in Venice is known for its outstanding teas, lattes, ice creams, and refreshing, fizzy matcha drinks, called sparklers. It has a cute, if small back patio, so don’t plan on sticking around. Instead, we’d recommend a stroll down the street. Abbott Kinney Boulevard was recently named “The Coolest Block in America” by GQ, due to its abundance of antique shops, home goods stores and designer clothing boutiques.
Shuhari Matcha Cafe: 1522 Abbott Kinney Blvd; 424-238-8324
Photo courtesy of Shuhari Matcha Café on Instagram.
Urth Caffé
This Main Street hot spot partners with a 900-year-old Japanese tea farm to bring you sustainably grown, exceptional matcha teas and lattes. It also has a reputation for hosting a fabulous brunch. Locals recommend the breakfast paninis, and the Sunrise Pizza—a house speciality is covered in sausage and bacon, and topped with a perfectly runny egg.
Urth Caffé: 2327 Main St.; 310-314-7040
Photo by Vivid courtesy of Urth Caffé on Instagram.
True Food Kitchen
Vegan and gluten-free visitors rejoice—True Food Kitchen’s Santa Monica outpost caters to Ocean Park’s heavily active, health-conscious, insert-alternative-diet-here crowd. It’s known for its matcha horchata latte, and its honey lemonade, which features hints of both matcha and cucumber. If you’re looking for a little afternoon snack, regulars rave about the edamame truffle dumplings.
True Food Kitchen: 395 Santa Monica Place, Suite 172; 310-593-8300
Photo courtesy of True Food Kitchen on Instagram.
The Refinery
This minimalist, industrial-style cafe lies in the heart of Santa Monica, just a few steps away from the promenade. It’s one of the few places in the city that you’ll find both an expertly crafted pour-over, and a sweet, earthy matcha latte. Baristas are known for being both knowledgeable and kind– creating a classy coffee shop atmosphere without pretense.
The Refinery: 413 Santa Monica Blvd.; 310-986-2776
Photo courtesy of @georgialynnonmymind at The Refinery on Instagram
