Short review: If you prefer a smooth but strong matcha with a good amount of bitterness, I would highly recommend it from here. This place is my preference along with Setsugekka, as Ippodo closed. However, I would not recommend this place for matcha lattes, as I find that matcha of this quality is ruined by milk. In other words, since I typically drink matcha with water only, I love this spot. In short, from below, the mid-range SŌKŪ/蒼空 is the best value, as it's not that much more than the base and is much higher quality. Usucha/plain matcha with water comparison: Base HEKISHO/碧霄 has the lightest mouthfeel and lacks any mouth coating, with some mild bitterness and a bit of sweetness, with the quality reminding me of Kettl. The mid-level SŌKŪ/蒼空 is much better, with a good amount of coating and some subtle sweetness counteracting some of the bitterness, and it is similar to some of the medium priced/high priced matcha at Setsugekka, along with it being a bit worse than the now-closed Ippodo. The much more expensive KUSUI/空翠 had a lot of mouth coating, plenty of bitterness, and a subtle sweetness, and because of the mouth coating, it reminded me most of the higher-quality tea at Ippodo used for koicha/thick matcha. Outside of the three matcha comparisons, this place is similar to their other location. The staff is friendly here, and I love the dark, quiet ambiance, which is a nice relief from the chaos nearby in Union Square. For matcha enthusiasts who don't mind paying a premium and prefer their matcha plain with water, I would recommend this place. read more

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I got the Seku matcha latte and it was good! It wasn't too bitter and had a nice flavor profile. If they had a cream top I would give it a 5 stars because I felt like the matcha latte didn't taste all that different from the ones I make. The staffs were really friendly! There's seating by the window where you can enjoy your drink. read more

Sorate - Tea Rooms Near Me - New York, New York

Vibe/ambiance: vibey, modern matcha specialty shop Service: standard Items ordered: matcha latte - Sorate is my favorite spot in the city for a good, well balanced matcha, never goes wrong! the union square location has limited bench seating outside and is perfect when the weather is nice read more

I stopped by Sorate on my way to dinner. I've heard so many good things about Sorate when I began drinking matcha. It's a small space, but feels much spacious because the seating inside is limited. I had the Soku blend as an iced usucha since I was going to be eating dinner soon. The Soku was very earthy, no real sweet or floral quality but very pleasant with just a touch of astringency all the way at the end of the sip. The matcha here is very fragrant. I savored the smell as I saw it being prepared in the ceremonial method, big wooden ladle into the big vat of continuously-warmed water, bamboo whisk, the whole works. The ladies preparing the matcha knew well about their menu, I could tell as I watched them explain different blends and preparations to someone who seemed to be new to ceremonial grade matcha. I oohed and ahhed at all of the blends that were there for purchase-- they had matcha and other teas like hojicha and soba-cha. Sorate really lived up to the hype, and while the quality makes the price point not the best place to start off a beginner with, it's definitely worth going out of the way to visit if you are getting familiar with matcha. I'll be stopping by again next time I'm even slightly close to the area! read more

Sorate - Beautiful presentation - Tea Rooms Near Me - New York, New York

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Potentially the best quality matcha near me in nyc. One of the best in the city. Very good quality, but still not as good as LA matcha. read more

Sorate - Matcha - Tea Rooms Near Me - New York, New York

omg i have reached matcha elitism. don't wanna be a snob but this was so classy lol the staff was highly educated about all types of teas. read more

Sorate - inside - Tea Rooms Near Me - New York, New York

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Very good tea quality. I'm not a matcha fan but I love hojicha. The server recommended maple syrup as sweetener (they don't have simple syrup) and I loved the suggestion. There are a couple of seats inside and some benches outdoors. The staff also maintain some bamboo trees outside so there's some shade. read more

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A cute spot for matcha, the store ambiance is really lovely but there isn't a ton of seating. The matcha powder is really high quality, I loved the Matcha Latte and will be back! read more

Sorate is close to our office, so we stopped by for a quick afternoon pickup. The space is small -- a modern, upscale take on a traditional matcha house. There's little to no seating, so it's definitely a grab-and-go. HOT MATCHA LATTE - 7 +2 for SŌKŪ matcha The barista mentioned the upgraded matcha would be smoother, which it was. I appreciated that it wasn't sweetened, letting the matcha shine, but it lacked the depth I was hoping for. No strong nuttiness or earthiness, just grassy and a bit boring. Easy to drink, but not quite worth nearly $10 for something I finished in 7 sips. read more

Sorate - Iced Matcha Latte - Tea Rooms Near Me - New York, New York

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I was walking near Union Square and stumbled upon this place. I had no idea they had a new location near Union Square and I'm never downtown for the original location. I was feeling like getting ice cream and noticed they have matcha gelato. I chose 2 scoops (matcha, hojicha). The gelato was creamy but still had a strong matcha/hojicha flavor. You could tell they use high quality matcha/hojicha. The staff were super friendly and even took a picture for me. I would definitely come back! read more

Sorate - Matcha and Hojicha Gelato - Tea Rooms Near Me - New York, New York

It's actually so refreshing to go to a spot that really knows matcha well and you can tell this is a spot for tea lovers. The vibe itself is so Japan-coded. I'd hang out all day if I had the time just for the calmness the space brings. They provide many options for matcha and tea, but I went with an iced matcha latte. So yummy and not over sweetened. The staff was also very friendly and I was in-and-out. read more

Sorate - Tea Rooms Near Me - New York, New York

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Look how pretty the inside is!! I kept seeing the ad for this place and finally got to go the other day. Little did I know they had this high-end look to their place AND they serve a very high quality matcha. Im from Japan and i had probably one of the best Machas in my life. read more

Sorate - Inside - Tea Rooms Near Me - New York, New York

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The Yelp hours need to be updated - they open at 9am! I went a little before 10am and was able to snag one of the 4 counter seats. My order was placed quickly. The staff was friendly and explained their menu and matcha blends for me. I ordered the Soku matcha latte with oat milk along with a Matcha Financier. The matcha was really smooth! I'm still thinking about this drink. The matcha financier isn't a must but it was nice to snack on something and it paired well with the matcha latte. The cost is a bit steep but it was a good experience for quality matcha. It was nice to relax in the counter and watch the staff whisk the matcha by hand. Will definitely come back if I'm around the area! read more

Sorate - Tea Rooms Near Me - New York, New York

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I am glad I waited until my second visit to write a review for Sorate. My first trip to the 18th Street store was to-go, and whoever was working at the cashier was the same person making the drinks. He was SO rushed and upon scooping the matcha powder, somehow felt (or weighed out) that he scooped too much and then back-tracked by removing powder. Something irked me about this experience after having been to Japan and enjoying the meticulous energy of the ceremony. Should I have gone to Sorate when I personally was in a rush? Perhaps not, but the establishment prides itself on a premium experience. My taste buds know what I like. I'm not the type to have an emotional connection to my matcha...or so I thought! Fast forward to my second trip to Sorate when I had time to sit and enjoy it. The team was welcoming and I was interested in the same order. Soku, hot with water only + another with regular milk, no sugar. I thought of my host in Japan, exclaiming that I had performed a grave violation to ever mix milk into a ceremonial grade powder. Apparently the matcha in Uji is so amazing that the lower-level qualities are what is expected if you are making lattes or ice cream. TBH it is that good. Uji also happened to be my favorite city when I walked away from the tourist crowds. I'll include some visuals in this review. Soku was tasty, in an earthy and grassy manner, strong but not bitter. They didn't skimp on the powder and it was whisked well. The foam on the plain matcha was beautiful and creamy, and I did wish after-the-fact that I snapped a picture for you. I had no regrets while drinking it though! The latte version was delicious too, although I will probably just try the basic version with milk next time. Despite how busy the store became after I sat down, the duo working together had a nice flow and they managed each customer with grace and attention. Come for at least one visit when you can sit down. Choose a bowl to drink from. Watch the action. Enjoy yourself! read more

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I was super excited to see a matcha place open up near Union Square. This is a tiny place with a few bar seats to drink inside but otherwise primarily togo. I was super happy to see someone whisking the matcha for every drink. I got the matcha latte. One thing to know is that this is a pretty strong matcha and also it's not very sweet. I had honey added to mine and I still felt it was on the more bitter side. But it was very clearly good matcha they were using so I enjoyed it. Since they were whisking the matcha for each drink, it just takes a few minutes longer than a coffee place. Will definitely be returning! read more

Sorate - matcha latte - Tea Rooms Near Me - New York, New York

Traditional spot crafting made to order matcha with passion and care. The line was admirably long, but not too crazy. Service was great and I love watching the baristas right in front of you crafting the drinks while you wait in line in the cramped little space. The matcha itself is solid. Expect grassy, bitter, and acquired vs. what you would get from Starbucks. Not my ultimate favorite matcha but a solid addition. Ambiance is pretty relaxing despite the crowd. I also love the patio area outdoors, so you can chill and enjoy your beverage. read more

Favorite matcha spot in Manhattan! Ordered the traditional matcha latte iced unsweetened. Great flavor with no bad after taste. Beautiful green. They whisk it in front of you too, so you know it's fresh. Would 1000% go back with no doubt. read more

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I've heard mixed reviews of this place and was a bit nervous but I was throughly impressed by the experience. The staff was very courteous and professional. They explained the menu very well and gave thoughtful recommendations. This place is more of a takeout spot so I wouldn't recommend coming here if you'd like to work. I like a more bitter tasting matcha latte so I had the lower tier (cheaper) matcha latte and I was quite impressed. I'd definitely come back! read more

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Yum! I tried the Soku Superior matcha sweetened with maple syrup, and it was incredibly nutty and creamy. I will say that the drinks here are on the pricier side, but it's by far the best and most authentic matcha in NYC. read more

Sorate - Soku - Tea Rooms Near Me - New York, New York

This marks the most expensive matcha latte I have ever had ($11!!!!!). The vibes here are immaculate, but I felt a bit meh about my drink. To be fair though, I think it's because I burnt my tongue on soup which is why my matcha latte (hot, sōkū matcha, sweetened with honey) tasted a bit off. The outside is beautiful and discrete, and the inside is also beautiful. Our drinks came out pretty quickly, and the servers were all so nice. There's also some little cookies you can order to eat. Seating is very limited (four bar seats and a narrow bench). I don't believe there's a bathroom available for the public. I would return to order something else! read more

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It is a serene Japanese teahouse in Flatiron blending Japanese tradition with Italian sensibility, offering premium Uji matcha, traditional wagashi sweets, and tea ceremonies in minimalist, calming spaces designed for mindfulness, creating a tranquil escape with high-quality teas and unique fusion treats like yuzu spritz and savory matcha boxes. We had checked their hours and we were there at 3:30 pm (it said they were closing at 4 pm) Christmas Eve and they almost didn't serve us. Well, it is cozy and it is nice but they should keep their hours that they say! My daughter loved her matcha so that was a plus! read more

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3.5/5 tasty but not worth waiting or the price in my opinion. The latte was fine and did not stand out to me except in its high price point.

This was my second time coming to Sorate. It's a very small store with minimal seating. The inside is very minimalistic and clean, where you can see the matcha setup and the baristas creating the drinks in front of you. They have a very intentional and unique selection of drinks. This time, I got the Matcha Sparking Yuzu for $15. It is a little bit pricey but the drink was very refreshing and neither the yuzu and matcha were overpowering. read more

Sorate - Matcha Sparkling Yuzu - Tea Rooms Near Me - New York, New York

Sorate has become a mainstay for my zen and relaxation after a day in the city. SoHo or Flatiron is great. There's nothing alike outside NYC. I've come to love the Flatiron tearoom for its beautiful interior and more elbow room to move around. The owners Silvia and Nicola are great people. They always serve up the best and will remain as one of top favorite tearooms. read more

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Right next to Union square, this spot makes legit matcha , premium quality marcha, not the sugar loaded and diluted kind. Space is a small with few seats, but expect to wait alittle in a crowded room. It's next to Union square park so you can always take a stroll or goto park to sit and enjoy your matcha. Def recommend here for your matcha cravings. read more

Sorate - Tea Rooms Near Me - New York, New York

We walked in on a weekday afternoon and the small shop was busy. They have a few counter seats, but it looked like the customers were maybe doing a matcha tasting, I'm not really sure. The interior is clean and minimalistic and the service was friendly. I ordered a hot matcha unsweetened. I though the matcha was good, but small and very expensive, and not the best I've had. read more

Sorate - Tea Rooms Near Me - New York, New York

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So excited that Sorate opened a second location with more emphasis on a tea room! Loved the spacious environment, dim lighting, and calming vibes. I got to try their soku matcha latte which was an additional 2 dollars and it was worth it!! The matcha flavors were very prominent with a earthy profile and mixed very well with the milk. Felt that the ratio of milk to water was appropriate; not too creamy nor watery! My friend's house matcha was alright; matcha flavors weren't as intense and definitely not as vibrant as mine. The matcha ginger ale was also interesting! Although ginger flavors were not very strong, it still had a nice subtle matcha flavor with a sweet soda background. The cookies were also very buttery with their respective tea flavors (matcha, hojicha). Staff were polite and I overheard another staff really taking the time to explain their matcha powder origin/background to another couple. Seating is limited indoor and the waiting area isn't that big. I'd come back for the soku matcha! read more

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i absolutely love sorate's soho location so was thrilled to see it open up by union sq since i recently moved to the area. but the experience and taste has been a bit hit or miss for me -- i've gone a handful of times over the past month and either my drink is only halfway full, or overly sweetened, or a bit rushed. i always get the matcha latte with superior matcha and maple. i think the soho location takes their time perfecting each drink no matter how long the line is, so that spot will remain my go-to (alongside 12 Matcha). like a couple other reviewers said, for $11, the drink and vibes should be at a higher standard! but this is def nice to have in the area. note there's only a few bar seats, similar to the one in soho, so this isn't a place to hang with friends for an afternoon. read more

There's been an influx of matcha places popping up throughout the city. Some are overrated, but Sorate is actually quite good. This location is a small place with one person manning the register and making the matcha drinks as well, so it can take some time to get your order. Love the sweet treats as well. read more

excited that Sorate landed in flatty because i've been meaning to try it! It's so special and zen inside and the service was stellar. The matcha itself is authentic, ceremonial and perfectly traditional. It was too expensive at $11.16 for a matcha latte but would I get it again? yes. It's a really good matcha!! I think if the cost was $7ish- that it would feel more comfortable going often. read more

I didn't like the seating (4 stools only). One of the customers took up an extra seat and the other two were snobbish, acting entitled that I moved over to make it more convenient for them. The staff didn't do anything about it and they didn't make my drink in a "to-go" cup. The matcha was mediocre and made worse by the other customers. read more

perfect relaxing vibes and always such good quality. some of my fav matcha in the city

a lot less crowded than the original soho location. the space is bigger here, however they take a while to get your drink finished. would prefer to probably go to the other location, but both are great read more