Matcha lattes are a popular beverage made from finely ground green tea powder and steamed milk. Originating in Japan, matcha has become increasingly popular at Campo and around the world due to its unique flavor and reported health benefits. With their beautiful green color and rich taste, matcha lattes have become a popular alternative to traditional coffee drinks. In The Claw’s opinion, here are some of the cafes in the Lamorinda and Berkeley area to visit that offer matcha lattes, listed in no particular order.

Caffè Strada
2300 College Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704

Caffè Strada, situated on the picturesque UC Berkeley campus, is a charming and intimate café that exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere. Upon arrival, I couldn’t help but appreciate the café’s outdoor seating area, which is surrounded by lush green plants that imbue the space with a natural ambiance. The patio, in particular, is a great spot to unwind on a sunny spring afternoon, with an ambiance that’s perfect for studying or simply relaxing.

During my visit to Strada, I decided to order an iced matcha latte, a personal favorite. I was impressed by the speed with which the barista made my drink, but unfortunately, the taste didn’t quite live up to my expectations. The latte tasted watery, with a flavor that was notably weaker than what I had hoped for. The matcha’s powerful taste felt diluted, while the milk seemed unusually thin.

Asha Tea House
2086 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704

Asha Tea House is a charming and trendy cafe that has become a popular destination for tea lovers and coffee enthusiasts alike. Located in a vibrant and lively downtown Berkeley neighborhood, this tea house offers a warm atmosphere that invites visitors to come in and enjoy the vibes.

As a tea enthusiast, I was excited to try the original matcha latte at Asha Tea House. While the price of the latte was on the high end, I was eager to see if it would live up to the hype. When my latte arrived, I was immediately struck by the vibrant green color of the matcha powder on top of the frothy milk. The latte looked and smelled amazing. The tea flavor was bold and robust, yet still smooth. The creamy milk balanced out the bitterness of the matcha, creating a perfect ratio of tea and latte.

I felt that the Original Matcha Latte at Asha Tea House was well worth the higher price point. The quality of the matcha and the creaminess of the milk were exceptional, and I would definitely order it again on my next visit.

One Plus
2161 Allston Way, Suite C, Berkeley, CA 94704

One Plus is a popular boba shop located on the West end of the UC Berkeley campus. The atmosphere is quiet and peaceful, making it the perfect spot to study, catch up with friends, or simply relax after a long day.

When I visited One Plus, I decided to order matcha milk tea. The drink looked stunning. However, upon my first sip, I was slightly disappointed to discover that the drink had a strong herbal flavor that was not solely matcha. While the drink did have a noticeable matcha flavor, it was mixed with other herbal teas like jasmine, which I personally am not a fan of. The flavor was not as smooth and balanced as I had hoped for, and the mixture of different teas created a slightly bitter aftertaste. Despite the herbal taste, I must say that the drink was still enjoyable, especially for those who appreciate a more complex tea flavor profile.

Bondadoso Coffee and Tea Collective
2195 N Broadway St, Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Bondadoso Coffee and Tea Collective is a small and cozy cafe that provides a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. Despite its small size, the cafe is well-designed and offers comfortable seating options for those looking to relax with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

I ordered their matcha latte, excited to try their highly rated drink and see the latte art for myself. However, upon trying the matcha latte, I was disappointed to find the drink tasted watery and plain. The latte art was visually impressive, but it seemed that the cafe may have prioritized the appearance of the drink over its taste and quality.

It’s unfortunate that the matcha latte at Bondadoso Coffee and Tea Collective did not meet my expectations in terms of flavor and taste. However, it’s worth noting that the cafe’s latte art was still spectacular and looked stunning.

Peet’s Coffee
3518 Mount Diablo Blvd #E, Lafayette, CA 94549

Peet’s Coffee is a well-known coffee chain that has been serving high-quality coffee and tea for over 50 years. The store was clean and well-organized, and had a welcoming atmosphere.

At Peet’s, I ordered their iced matcha latte. I wasn’t sure what to expect from a chain that specializes in coffee, but the matcha latte was surprisingly good. The matcha flavor was rich and earthy, with just the right amount of sweetness to balance it out. The latte also had a beautiful green color that looked great in the cup.

I would definitely recommend giving Peet’s Coffee a try, especially if you are looking for a great tasting matcha latte at an affordable price. Their quality and atmosphere make them a standout choice among coffee and tea chains.

Living in the Bay Area, there are so many different cafes and restaurants to choose from. After reviewing 5 cafes in the Lamorinda and Berkeley area that offer matcha lattes, while the quality varied, I found that each had its own charm and atmosphere. Asha Tea House’s original matcha latte stood out for its vibrant color and impeccable quality, while Peet’s Coffee surprised me with their rich and earthy iced matcha latte. Whether you are a matcha enthusiast or just curious to try something new, there is a matcha latte out there for everyone to enjoy.