Best Matcha in Upper East Side
Updated July 28, 2026 · Ranked by combined rating and review volume
Where to find the best matcha in Upper East Side

787 Coffee
This intimate basement pit stop is celebrated for its unique artisanal brews and a warm, welcoming vibe. Patrons rave about innovative offerings like the tres leches with rum-infused beans and iced drinks served in cool Caprisun-style pouches. The friendly baristas are known for their knowledge and consistency, ensuring every espresso is never bitter and milk is always creamy.

Artara Coffee (Cambodian)
Artara Coffee offers a charming, cozy escape with a distinct Cambodian touch, making visitors feel right at home. The friendly owner and baristas are incredibly welcoming, providing innovative drinks like the Phnom Penh coffee and a delicious strawberry matcha featuring fresh strawberry jam. It's a beloved mom-and-pop shop that brings a refreshing cultural presence to the UES.

Nestled within a church, this cafe offers a truly unique and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere, making it a serene spot for coffee and bites. Its prime location directly across from Central Park and a block from the Guggenheim makes it an ideal stop for tourists and locals alike. Reviewers often highlight the delicious almond croissants, homemade granola, and the overall relaxed, welcoming vibe from the friendly staff.

Blank Street is a popular grab-and-go spot known for its excellent matcha creations and convenient location near Central Park. Matcha lovers praise the variety, from the classic matcha to delightful variations like Strawberry Matcha and Lemon Matcha. The staff are consistently noted for being sweet and friendly, enhancing the experience at this bustling cafe.

Cositas Café is a lovely, Latin-x owned cafe that serves up authentic Latin American pastries and excellent coffee with a warm, friendly service. Patrons rave about the incredible baked goods, including authentic empanadas, almojábanas, buñuelos, and a truly impressive flan. It’s a mini cafeteria that feels like a comforting hug, offering unique desserts and delicious coffee.
Contenders
Places submitted by the community. The top contender with more points than #5 gets promoted.
How we ranked the best matcha in Upper East Side
Every place on this list is scored by a Bayesian weighted formula combined with a volume bonus. It rewards consistent positive feedback at scale, not just a high average rating — a 4.9-star place with 12 reviews ranks below a 4.6-star place with 800.
score = (v / (v + m)) × R + (m / (v + m)) × C + γ × log₁₀(v)
The prior m adapts to each neighborhood: it's the median review count among local candidates. So 200 reviews counts as “small sample” in dense markets like the West Village, but “solid” in quieter neighborhoods. Places with extreme review volume that clearly dominate their peers are promoted to #1. No paid placements — every spot earns its position via the public data.
Frequently asked about Upper East Side matcha
What is the highest-rated matcha in Upper East Side?
787 Coffee has the highest Google rating in our list of the best matcha in Upper East Side, with 4.9 stars across 3,576 reviews.
How are the best matcha in Upper East Side ranked?
Each place is scored using a Bayesian weighted formula that combines its average Google rating with its review count. This pulls small-sample places toward the local mean — so a 4.9-star spot with 12 reviews is ranked below a 4.6-star spot with 800 reviews. Volume and consistency matter, not just an inflated average.
When was this ranking last updated?
This ranking of the best matcha in Upper East Side was last refreshed in July 2026 using the latest Google ratings and review counts. Restaurants and bars change constantly — always verify hours and current status before visiting.
Why isn't my favorite matcha on the list of best matcha in Upper East Side?
To be considered, a place needs enough Google reviews for the rating to be statistically meaningful (at least 5 reviews, ideally 25+). Newer or hyper-local spots can be excellent but score lower until enough people review them. Boundaries also matter — a spot just outside the Upper East Side area may show up on a neighboring ranking instead.