Melbourne's best matcha cafes and matcha desserts

Whether it's a traditional whisk and bowl affair or a cream-loaded cold foam iced matcha latte, Melbourne's got a matcha treat for all tastes.

Cult-status matcha cafe

You know the matcha hype is real when one of Japan's biggest players arrive in town. Famous Tokyo cafe Nana's Green Tea has expanded with two new locations in Melbourne. However you like your matcha, the menu will leave you spoilt for choice. Order a classic matcha latte, top it with soft serve or tackle a towering parfait.

Ceremonial-grade matcha

You can't get more fresh than matcha milled in the same cafe it's served. Try it for yourself at Japanese tea house Matcha Kobo. This new cafe uses four stone mills to grind fresh matcha every day. Also on the menu are specialty items like matcha yuzu soda and a new series of honeycomb drinks. Pair your beverage with a triple matcha tart or delicate crepe cake.

Hand-whisked premium matcha

Tucked away in Merriman Lane is Melbourne's newest hidden gem. The cosy cafe, Omo, is inspired by traditional Japanese coffee shops. The premium Kyoto-sourced matcha is best enjoyed with oat or soy milk. Can't get enough umami? Go for a double matcha. Or try the cute-as-a-button matcha berry rolls.

Matcha dessert bar

New Japanese food hall OMI 380 has a dedicated bar for green tea lovers. Explore three grades of matcha, each with a unique flavour profile. For a matcha rich in umami, try the Sanzen variety. Or indulge in a sweet brew with creamy foam, strawberries or vanilla ice cream. For something a little extra, get a matcha affogato or soft mochi dessert with red bean.

Flavoured matcha lattes

Bali's famous matcha cafe has made its way to Melbourne. Look for Balibola's cute hole-in-the-wall kiosk at 259 Collins Street and order the creamiest matcha lattes. These aren't your classic green tea drinks though. We're talking flavours like sweet potato, coconut, and strawberry. There's even a Basque matcha cheesecake on the menu well worth a try.

Matcha celebration cakes

If you've got a matcha-lover's birthday coming up, make their day and order a cake from Lovey Patisserie at 26 Berrbang Lane. Celebrate with the premium matcha charcoal swiss roll. This delicate chiffon sponge is filled with matcha cream made with the finest ingredients from Kyoto. Or go for the premium matcha shortcake. It's infused with creamy white chocolate and yuzu zest.

Sweet and salty matcha treats

Say hello to one of Melbourne's cutest Vietnamese dessert cafes. Located at 145 Lonsdale Street, TamiSweet is serving up heaps of matcha treats. The creamy matcha cheesecake pairs perfect with the popular salted cheese foam matcha latte. Feel like something more fruity? There's even strawberry and blueberry jam varieties on offer.

Matcha crepe cakes

Fancy a crepe? Why stop at one, when each Millé and B crepe cake has 20. The matcha and adzuki (red bean) cake is an eternal favourite, featuring silky pastry cream layered between paper thin crepes. Topped with white chocolate matcha ganache and a fine dusting of bittersweet green tea powder, this one's for the true matcha devotees.

Matcha shaved ice

Now this is what we call an epic matcha treat. Swing by Fuwa Kakigori and order the azuki matcha dessert. This mini mountain of shaved ice is topped with matcha sauce, condensed milk and cream. But the fun doesn't end there. Take one big spoonful and you'll find sweet red bean paste and a mini matcha ball inside.

After-dark matcha cafe

Mosey on down to Hardware Street after dark and you'll find Matcha Mate – a cute neon-lit cafe slinging all sorts of treats into the night. Think giant Korean shaved ice desserts, retro-style milkshakes, matcha cakes and chewy house-made cookies.

Iced matcha latte from Kyoto

A tiny slice of serenity awaits on this busy corner of Swanston Street. With flawless light timber design and Japanese homewares, Hikari is like a little trip to Tokyo. The perfectly aesthetic matcha is made with single origin, premium-grade powder from Kyoto. Order your latte over ice with oat or almond milk for a refreshing, slightly sweet coffee alternative.

Supercharged matcha lattes

Level-up your matcha latte at Naau Cafe. This tiny spot is where green tea lovers go for their caffeine hit. We're talking shots of tangy raspberry, peanut cream and sparkling yuzu. And if you want our advice, don't go past the matcha-filled croissants on your next breakfast run.