Matcha Cafe Maiko
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Made my brother got me a matcha soft serve, or did I planted him the idea and he willing bought me one? hahaha.. I did not quite remember... Anyway, it was so yummy!! SERVICE 5/5 Staff was friendly. They made my soft serve and it looked so pretty; the soft serve was topped with matcha powder. Thank you! AMBIANCE 5/5 There was a line but the staff worked really fast. This was more like a grab-and-go store. FOOD 5/5 We both were so full from our dinner; I told my brother I wanted to walk back to Matcha Cafe Maiko to buy soft serve. I probably gave him the puppy look? He got me one and I was happily eating the matcha soft serve when we walked back to the hotel. It was high quality matcha soft serve with home made waffle cone. I am sure I could have another if he wanted to get me the 2nd one.. hehe.. Ahh.. I went to bed that night really happy :D
Matcha Cafe Maiko is a popular spot for matcha throughout the Bay Area and across the nation. While hosting some family friends from Japan, we realized they were missing matcha, so we decided to drop in. Their Chinatown location is a small shop. Not much space to wait in line or to pick up your items. Hence, Ordering is simple: place your order and pay at the counter, then wait for your number to be called. Minimal service interaction and not a good place to hang out, since it's primarily a to-go spot. I got the Matcha Latte with Soy Milk, and they got the Matcha Soft Serve. She said the soft cream tastes like Japan, and I agree. My matcha latte was good, definitely earthy and well-balanced. Personally, it was a bit too sweet for me, so I'd ask for less sweetness next time. If you're in Chinatown and craving matcha, Matcha Cafe Maiko is the way to go! It's a popular spot with long lines, but it's worth a visit. Find them at the corner of Grant Ave., with limited street parking nearby.
I have to say good quality matcha, the service is quick grab and go. I have to try their other flavors matcha! Their ice cream is creamy and delicious! Looking forward to have their ube flavor ice cream back on the menu!
When I saw this familiar soft serve shop on Grant Avenue in Chinatown, it gave me pause since I was used to the original Japan Center location. Given the escalating political tensions between China and Japan, perhaps the owners felt a cup of soft serve sprinkled with matcha could serve as a wreath of peace between the two nations. Or maybe it's a slam dunk to know Asians can't live without their soft serve. I just know from similar ice cream shops in Chinatown that this represents a fresher suite of flavors than most. On my first visit here, I went for the $6.90 Boba Sundae, a matcha-vanilla twist with kuromitsu boba drizzled with a matching syrup (Photo 6). I liked it because it possessed the uniquely Maiko combo of sweet flavors. I went more generic on a follow-up visit and ordered the standard $6.40 Matcha Vanilla Soft Serve (Photo 5). Not as tantalizing but it did the job. Someday I'll get ambitious and order the latte float or cheese foam, but I'll see how peace negotiations go before committing. FOOD - 4 stars...uniquely Maiko but generic soft serve works, too AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...clean space but no place to sit SERVICE - 4 stars...attentive enough TOTAL - 4 stars...a refreshing sweet option in Chinatown RELATED - Exploring SF's Chinatown? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/0bITd49TyB
Good variety. Tasty matcha drinks. Clean shop. Friendly staff. Good our order quick. Friendly staff. Can't miss in the middle of Chinatown.
I've been to this franchise of Matcha coffee shops a handful of times before but only in the south Bay/Silicon Valley. This is my first time going to one in Chinatown. Service was as fast as it could be since their menu is all the same. We got a Matcha lemonade and oh hot Matcha latte for my sore throat. Everything tasted delicious and we got a sample of the Matcha soft serve also! We got our food within five minutes and we're out the door! This particular store was rather small, but I would definitely go back again since the café itself is very consistent on its flavor from location to location! I appreciate the consistency and delicious much flavor!!
I stumbled upon this matcha spot while wandering around Chinatown, and what an amazing surprise! I've been wanting to try this brand for a long time, so I was really excited to finally find it. The matcha soft serve was perfectly made--creamy, smooth, and packed with a strong matcha flavor. You can really taste the quality of the matcha. The mochi balls were also really good! About 30 minutes after finishing the ice cream, I actually came back for a double matcha latte with 25% sugar. You can taste the premium matcha flavor beautifully alongside the milk without it being overly sweet. The shop is very small, with no tables or chairs, but they do have counter seating. There was only one employee working when I visited, but she was incredibly friendly and super fast! P.S. I just wish they would add a trash can nearby--it would make the experience even more convenient.
Lovely matcha cafe and ice cream spot! I typically don't *love* sweets, but I was super impressed by this spot. I came by for dessert after grabbing dinner with a few friends in Chinatown, and it certainly lived up to all their recommendations. I got their matcha ice cream, which was super creamy and smooth, and it had a lovely matcha flavor without being either overly sweet or bitter / herbal. I think I would've preferred even less sweet, but this seemed like a great balance for the average set of tastebuds. If you want it to be a little extra sweet, you can get it swirled with their vanilla. Very randomly, they also have the best waffle cone I've ever had -- it's super crunchy and crispy, has a good amount of sweetness, and is remarkably thin for how good its structural integrity is. They also have a fun rotating duo of seasonal flavors -- jasmine and ube for our visit -- that the staff is more than happy to let you sample before you order. The ube didn't have a particularly strong ube flavor, but I loved the refreshing and floral flavor of the jasmine -- if I could've swirled the matcha and jasmine together, I absolutely would have.
Perfect for a rare sunny day in SF. It's a pretty good size to share. There were no lines so service was quick.
I'm no stranger to Matcha Maiko but this was my first time trying it in SF Chinatown. There was a bit of a line on a Friday afternoon. Service was quick and efficient. The place is small with simple decor and while there's a small counter seating area it'll get crowded very quickly with people ordering and waiting. We got a boba sundae (matcha + vanilla) and a matcha coffee. The matcha coffee was surprisingly smooth and well mixed. The soft serve was perfect. The chewiness of the boba was satisfying and the ice cream was creamy. Definitely recommend stopping by for a sweet treat as you walk the streets of Chinatown.
This is a great spot for a little sweet treat on a warm day. I decided to try with the gold as a treat which I probably would skip next time. The soft serve itself is delicious and they have more flavors. It was melting pretty fast but it just made me eat it faster. They have matcha drinks and other items too if you're not feeling for some soft service but I highly recommend.
Ice cream/ soft serve and beverage shop located in Chinatown that specializes in matcha - specifically Uji matcha from Kyoto. It's a small corner shop and there are some counters where you can eat at, but it's mostly an order and takeout type of place. The people here are very friendly and the service is really quick. Came here after our late lunch with my parents. We walked the neighborhood and found this spot. We each got some matcha soft serve and I got that bling looking gold cone lol. Delicious soft serve with decent prices and quicker. Such a great place and it's a great treat.
Hokkaido Icecream?! Yes please! I'm in heaven with the vanilla cone- rich mil flavor, not too sweet and and amazing silky mouthfeel! The waffle cone is crispy and light perfection!
1 month ago
A small shop located on street corner in Chinatown. You can't go wrong with their menu! I've tried multiple items on their menu, and everything is solid. Their matcha is on the creamier side and sweet. If you have not tried their mochi topping yet, I'd recommend giving it a try. My favorite drink is the matcha frappe and favorite dessert is the matcha soft serve in a cone. The sprinkle of match a powder on top of the soft serve is a nice added touch. Line can get long during peak hours on the weekends. Note there is no seating inside so everything is to-go, but overall great place to stop by and get a sweet treat! read more
Small space in Chinatown packing some incredible matcha flavors. Friendly and efficient service, with a menu packing great coffee, tea, blended drinks and soft serve options. Went with an Iced Banana Matcha Latte and it was delicious. Smooth, creamy, top-quality matcha flavor and ingredients. Can't go wrong with anything on the menu. read more
1 month ago
You can't go wrong with cafe Maiko! All items are pretty solid. Best to get soft service, Hojicha, and fruit matcha latte. The space is really small, so a line is bound to happen. This location needs a TRASH CAN. Straw wrappers were o the ground, and there's no trash can nearby outside either unfortunately. The matcha latte is sweetened, but still has great nutty umami taste. The banana matcha is not too sweet and good banana flavor. Overall, matcha maiko always hits. read more
2 months ago
Made my brother got me a matcha soft serve, or did I planted him the idea and he willing bought me one? hahaha.. I did not quite remember... Anyway, it was so yummy!! SERVICE 5/5 Staff was friendly. They made my soft serve and it looked so pretty; the soft serve was topped with matcha powder. Thank you! AMBIANCE 5/5 There was a line but the staff worked really fast. This was more like a grab-and-go store. FOOD 5/5 We both were so full from our dinner; I told my brother I wanted to walk back to Matcha Cafe Maiko to buy soft serve. I probably gave him the puppy look? He got me one and I was happily eating the matcha soft serve when we walked back to the hotel. It was high quality matcha soft serve with home made waffle cone. I am sure I could have another if he wanted to get me the 2nd one.. hehe.. Ahh.. I went to bed that night really happy :D read more
Matcha Cafe Maiko is a popular spot for matcha throughout the Bay Area and across the nation. While hosting some family friends from Japan, we realized they were missing matcha, so we decided to drop in. Their Chinatown location is a small shop. Not much space to wait in line or to pick up your items. Hence, Ordering is simple: place your order and pay at the counter, then wait for your number to be called. Minimal service interaction and not a good place to hang out, since it's primarily a to-go spot. I got the Matcha Latte with Soy Milk, and they got the Matcha Soft Serve. She said the soft cream tastes like Japan, and I agree. My matcha latte was good, definitely earthy and well-balanced. Personally, it was a bit too sweet for me, so I'd ask for less sweetness next time. If you're in Chinatown and craving matcha, Matcha Cafe Maiko is the way to go! It's a popular spot with long lines, but it's worth a visit. Find them at the corner of Grant Ave., with limited street parking nearby. read more
I have to say good quality matcha, the service is quick grab and go. I have to try their other flavors matcha! Their ice cream is creamy and delicious! Looking forward to have their ube flavor ice cream back on the menu! read more
When I saw this familiar soft serve shop on Grant Avenue in Chinatown, it gave me pause since I was used to the original Japan Center location. Given the escalating political tensions between China and Japan, perhaps the owners felt a cup of soft serve sprinkled with matcha could serve as a wreath of peace between the two nations. Or maybe it's a slam dunk to know Asians can't live without their soft serve. I just know from similar ice cream shops in Chinatown that this represents a fresher suite of flavors than most. On my first visit here, I went for the $6.90 Boba Sundae, a matcha-vanilla twist with kuromitsu boba drizzled with a matching syrup (Photo 6). I liked it because it possessed the uniquely Maiko combo of sweet flavors. I went more generic on a follow-up visit and ordered the standard $6.40 Matcha Vanilla Soft Serve (Photo 5). Not as tantalizing but it did the job. Someday I'll get ambitious and order the latte float or cheese foam, but I'll see how peace negotiations go before committing. FOOD - 4 stars...uniquely Maiko but generic soft serve works, too AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...clean space but no place to sit SERVICE - 4 stars...attentive enough TOTAL - 4 stars...a refreshing sweet option in Chinatown RELATED - Exploring SF's Chinatown? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/0bITd49TyB read more
I've been to this franchise of Matcha coffee shops a handful of times before but only in the south Bay/Silicon Valley. This is my first time going to one in Chinatown. Service was as fast as it could be since their menu is all the same. We got a Matcha lemonade and oh hot Matcha latte for my sore throat. Everything tasted delicious and we got a sample of the Matcha soft serve also! We got our food within five minutes and we're out the door! This particular store was rather small, but I would definitely go back again since the café itself is very consistent on its flavor from location to location! I appreciate the consistency and delicious much flavor!! read more
2 months ago
I stumbled upon this matcha spot while wandering around Chinatown, and what an amazing surprise! I've been wanting to try this brand for a long time, so I was really excited to finally find it. The matcha soft serve was perfectly made--creamy, smooth, and packed with a strong matcha flavor. You can really taste the quality of the matcha. The mochi balls were also really good! About 30 minutes after finishing the ice cream, I actually came back for a double matcha latte with 25% sugar. You can taste the premium matcha flavor beautifully alongside the milk without it being overly sweet. The shop is very small, with no tables or chairs, but they do have counter seating. There was only one employee working when I visited, but she was incredibly friendly and super fast! P.S. I just wish they would add a trash can nearby--it would make the experience even more convenient. read more
Lovely matcha cafe and ice cream spot! I typically don't *love* sweets, but I was super impressed by this spot. I came by for dessert after grabbing dinner with a few friends in Chinatown, and it certainly lived up to all their recommendations. I got their matcha ice cream, which was super creamy and smooth, and it had a lovely matcha flavor without being either overly sweet or bitter / herbal. I think I would've preferred even less sweet, but this seemed like a great balance for the average set of tastebuds. If you want it to be a little extra sweet, you can get it swirled with their vanilla. Very randomly, they also have the best waffle cone I've ever had -- it's super crunchy and crispy, has a good amount of sweetness, and is remarkably thin for how good its structural integrity is. They also have a fun rotating duo of seasonal flavors -- jasmine and ube for our visit -- that the staff is more than happy to let you sample before you order. The ube didn't have a particularly strong ube flavor, but I loved the refreshing and floral flavor of the jasmine -- if I could've swirled the matcha and jasmine together, I absolutely would have. read more
I'm no stranger to Matcha Maiko but this was my first time trying it in SF Chinatown. There was a bit of a line on a Friday afternoon. Service was quick and efficient. The place is small with simple decor and while there's a small counter seating area it'll get crowded very quickly with people ordering and waiting. We got a boba sundae (matcha + vanilla) and a matcha coffee. The matcha coffee was surprisingly smooth and well mixed. The soft serve was perfect. The chewiness of the boba was satisfying and the ice cream was creamy. Definitely recommend stopping by for a sweet treat as you walk the streets of Chinatown. read more
3 months ago
This is a great spot for a little sweet treat on a warm day. I decided to try with the gold as a treat which I probably would skip next time. The soft serve itself is delicious and they have more flavors. It was melting pretty fast but it just made me eat it faster. They have matcha drinks and other items too if you're not feeling for some soft service but I highly recommend. read more
Ice cream/ soft serve and beverage shop located in Chinatown that specializes in matcha - specifically Uji matcha from Kyoto. It's a small corner shop and there are some counters where you can eat at, but it's mostly an order and takeout type of place. The people here are very friendly and the service is really quick. Came here after our late lunch with my parents. We walked the neighborhood and found this spot. We each got some matcha soft serve and I got that bling looking gold cone lol. Delicious soft serve with decent prices and quicker. Such a great place and it's a great treat. read more
4 months ago
Hokkaido Icecream?! Yes please! I'm in heaven with the vanilla cone- rich mil flavor, not too sweet and and amazing silky mouthfeel! The waffle cone is crispy and light perfection! read more
Came here and tried both soft serve swirls. Matcha and vanilla and sesame and hojicha. If it wasn't raining I would have ordered four of them but it was cold so two swirls is what we ordered. The soft serve was perfectly creamy with the perfect balance of savory and sweet. Will definitely come back and try the flavors individually read more
I've been to another location for this chain so I knew what to expect coming in. This spot is not too different from other stores, but not a lot of seating here and it felt more like a grab and go spot because of it. The menu had a good selection of desserts and drinks and post lunch, we stopped by for a sweet treat. My cup was fine and the portion was decent. Service was a bit slow as we were the only ones in the store but it still took quite a bit, but otherwise, the experience was fine. The matcha flavor is on the sweeter side, but delicious nonetheless. Overall, if you're looking for a matcha dessert, this spot will satisfy your craving easily! read more
Came here two times during a two-day bday trip for my mom, so glad we got to try this spot together! The inside is small and only fits the people in line and maybe a couple more waiting, but otherwise you do have to wait outside for your order. The staff were nice, very quick with orders despite the long lines, and it is worth dealing with parking to try this spot. My brother loved the iced strawberry matcha latte, my mom loved the matcha soft serve in a waffle cone, and I loved the match and vanilla swirl boba sundae. I also tried their iced hojicha latte, and it was a bit grainy and bitter. I would get it again with some soft foam and see if that changes it. Would come back! read more
Review #983 Posted on 1.6.26 We came here for some matcha tea after dim sum for lunch on New Years Day after spending the night in the City on New Years Eve. This is a tiny little spot on Grant Ave SF, right in the heart of Chinatown. The place is essentially a takeout/togo spot, no places really to sit at inside. The menu is deeper than you'd think walking by it or seeing the inside. We tried a few different things. I got the matcha fruit tea with Boba, it was good. My kids tried the soft serve, one ube, the other matcha/vanilla mixed. Wifey got matcha tea. All items were good. Try out this local spot. read more
Always amazed with how fast and diligent these baristas/dessert experts prepare orders. Today I grabbed my favorite go-to matcha soft serve and enjoyed every lick to heaven. It's a cute little hole in the wall type of stop with standing counter tables to enjoy these Maiko delicacies. I always feel like I experience a taste of Japan whenever I stop on by. Definitely worth stopping by for a soft serve, a handmade caffeinated beverage, or straight up dessert to go around. The workers are always so cheerful and helpful at Maiko. Can't wait to return! read more
There can be long line but it moves quickly. There are not a lot of seats inside and most people just get their food and leave. Got the matcha soft serve on a cone. It was very good! Cone was very crunchy and had the right amount of sweetness. read more
The line goes by so fast and I promise you... YOU WILL NOT REGRET trying this place. I was so excited to try everything. I got the matcha soft serve, matcha latte and was so overly caffeinated, but never happier in my life. The matcha was so rich and delicious. Next time I visit, I think I will try the hojicha. 10/10 recommend! read more
Street parking only Small establishment but service is very quick and friendly Clean neat small decor like the green plants but nothing much inside Got a Hojicha latte and a mix matcha vanilla soft serve swirl So thick so creamy so good, should've got more haha No restroom no seating Just in and out so you can continue your tour around Chinatown read more
Quick service and great quality drinks. I got the matcha strawberry tea and you can taste the freshness of the fruit. The matcha was well blended and aromatic. They didn't overflow the cup with too much ice which is what I liked read more
Love Matcha Cafe Maiko, it's always been a reliable hit for me and my friends. My mom and I stopped by here for a sweet treat and their September 2025 Flavor of the Month was Thai tea and milk tea!!! I had to get the swirl to experience both. The soft serve here is so creamy and yummy. One thing I will say about Matcha Cafe Maiko is that it does tend to err on the sweet side, especially for Asian dessert. I'm a big fan of their drinks here, but the same can be said for them compared to other more local mom and pop shops. This spot has the perfect location in the middle of Chinatown- I'll be sure to be back! read more
I came here on Saturday afternoon and it was packed! I feel like this matcha chain is really poplar and the drinks, ice cream, floats are all really good. I usually get their ice cream but I got their seasonal banana matcha latte this time and it was really good. It was pretty flavorful and I can taste the banana and matcha. However I wish the service was a little faster. But overall a good matcha spot in SF! read more
1 year ago
Very lovely spot to keep energies up as you walk around Chinatown. Long line during the Mid autum festival but they were still very kind at the front desk with many orders within one tab and they came up fairly quickly. Really wanted the ice cream as it looks amazing but for non-dairy option, I got the latte with oat milk instead and the boba was great for the sweetness quick and nice chewiness! Came with a big group and they were great. read more
Delicious and strong matcha flavor! Soft serve on a cone, drinks, soft serve sundaes This spot is very small so it can get crowded inside and everyone is in each others way because you don't know who ordered already or who is just waiting for their order No seats inside just take it to go and eat elsewhere read more
For the Matcha lovers. Located in Chinatown at a corner street, hard to miss. The Matcha was top tier. The inside was small and only have countertops to drink or eat your floats at. Place gets busy, was there on a Saturday morning right at opening. The line gets long and there was only one worker doing everything. Worth the wait! read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
Came in on a Friday at 6:25pm. There was no wait at all. I noticed they had some new items such as banana matcha frappe, banana cream lattes and the seasonal soft serve flavors were calpico and mango. I decided on the mix and in a cup for $6.40. I thought they would go well together but I just didn't like it. The calpico alone would have been fine but the mango tasted too artificial. Definitely can't go wrong with their matcha soft serve though. read more
My go to matcha spot in the city! I'm in the city once a month and this is always my first stop! It's located in Chinatown! Parking is always tricky there I recommend parking in the nearest parking garage. Don't get intimidated by the long line. It's worth the wait! The employees are quick! It's very small inside it's meant to grab and go. Me and my girls got the matcha latte float with matcha ice cream! Absolutely delicious! read more
Stopped by Matcha Cafe Maiko while exploring Chinatown and treated myself to the Adzuki Sundae--definitely a solid decision. The matcha soft serve was rich and earthy without being too bitter, and the texture was super creamy. Loved the contrast with the sweet red bean (adzuki) and the chewy mochi pieces--it was a really satisfying mix of flavors and textures. The presentation was beautiful too, very Instagram-worthy if you're into that. I forgot to take a picture once received but made it work anyway. Service was quick and friendly, even with a small line forming behind me. The price is a little steep for a sundae, and the matcha can be intense if you're not used to it--but if you're a fan, this place delivers. Would definitely come back to try more of the menu! read more
Busy shop in the heart of Chinatown. Line looks typical, two people churning out matcha products like clockwork. Very impressed with the matcha and the speed at which they work. Basically a grab and go type situation. My party got a plethora of products - lattes, soft serve, you name it. Every single one was great, 0 complaints. read more
3 months ago
5 months ago
1 year ago
Matcha soft serve from Maiko is so delicious! I would recommend splitting it because it's pretty massive. Their strawberry matcha is not my favorite, they use a jam almost like substance for the strawberry, and it is not great. I recommend just getting the pure matcha or the ice cream! read more
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More info about Matcha Cafe Maiko
756 Grant Ave
San Francisco, CA 94108
Chinatown
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(415) 658-7748
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https://www.matchacafe-maiko.com
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Ask the Community - Matcha Cafe Maiko
Hi do you cater? Or do you have a food truck?
No sorry, we don’t have either. Just our physical store locations. Hope you’ll come to visit!
Hi owners/managers, anything you recommend if I can't have wheat, flavoring, gluten? I can do pure matcha. I can do dairy. jUst not anything barley, rye, wheat, bread-based.…
How about a kuromitsu boba sundae in a cup?
Does your location offer the Maiko special? The menu seems to have that offering taped over last time I walked by.
Hi Julie, We still aren’t offering Maiko Special at our Chinatown location, our staffing/operations are still limited by Covid. Thank you for your understanding.…
How is the soft serve packaged to survive delivery?
Hi Emily, We put the soft serve ice cream in a cup with the cone on the side and separate from the ice cream. Our delivery partners then use a cooler bag to keep the soft…
They have delivery services?
Hi Gigi, We are in the process of setting up our delivery services with Postmates. It should be up and running by end of next week. Thank you!
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