Melbourne’s matcha game has really stepped up recently, with more spots serving rich ceremonial-style lattes and creative green tea drinks alongside food and dessert. Whether you want a serious traditional matcha or something playful with fruit or foam, the CBD delivers in spades. But first, let’s find out a little bit more about matcha.
A Brief History of Matcha
Matcha might feel like a modern wellness trend, but its story stretches back more than a thousand years and begins far from Instagram cafes.
The earliest roots of matcha can be traced to China during the Tang Dynasty, around the 7th to 10th centuries. Tea leaves were steamed, compressed into bricks, then ground and whisked into hot water. This powdered tea was prized not just for flavour, but for its calming yet alert effect on the body and mind.
It was not until the 12th century that matcha truly found its home in Japan. A Buddhist monk named Eisai returned from China carrying tea seeds and knowledge of the powdered preparation method. He believed the drink supported meditation by promoting mental clarity without the jitteriness of other stimulants. His teachings laid the foundation for what would become one of Japan’s most treasured rituals.
Over time, matcha evolved into the heart of the Japanese tea ceremony, known as chanoyu. This was never about simply drinking tea. It was a philosophy shaped by four guiding principles, harmony, respect, purity and tranquillity. Every movement, from whisking the tea to presenting the bowl, was designed to create a moment of stillness in an otherwise busy world.
The cultivation of matcha became just as refined as the ceremony itself. Tea plants destined for matcha are shaded from sunlight for several weeks before harvest. This increases chlorophyll levels, giving matcha its vibrant green colour and boosting amino acids, especially L-theanine, the compound responsible for matcha’s calm, focused energy.
The leaves are then stone ground into a fine powder, a slow process that preserves flavour and nutrients. One hour of grinding yields only a small amount of matcha, which is why true ceremonial grade matcha is both rare and precious.
In the modern era, matcha has travelled far beyond temple walls. It has moved from Kyoto tea houses into lattes, soft serve, cakes and smoothies across the world. Melbourne’s CBD matcha scene is part of this global revival, blending centuries old tradition with a city that has made beverage culture an art form.
Every cup of matcha you drink today is tied to this history. It is not just tea. It is mindfulness, craftsmanship and culture, all whisked into a single, bright green moment. Here is where to find the best matcha in Mlebourne.
1. Naau Cafe
Small but packed with flavour, this cafe is known for bold matcha blends like iced raspberry matcha and pistachio matcha. They also serve hojicha drinks and unique takes like matcha with peanut cream. Address: 276 Russell St, Melbourne
2. OKO Cafe
A CBD favourite for traditional Japanese-style matcha, their lattes use Kohiki powder sourced from Japan, with earthy, slightly dry notes and subtle sweetness. Address: 131 A’Beckett St, Melbourne
A reliable choice if you want a well-balanced matcha latte alongside brunch or pastries. It’s not a matcha specialist, but the latte is creamy and consistently good, and it’s a nice stop while you’re shopping or meeting friends. Address: GD089/360 Elizabeth St
Sensory Lab take a coffee-centric approach to matcha drinks, focusing on temperature and texture so the natural green tea flavour comes through. It’s a great place for a refined latte that’s less sweet and more about balance. Address: 310 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
If you want matcha that’s vibrant and visually striking, this is worth the short walk. It’s known for delivering high-quality matcha with bold colour and flavour, and it’s perfect if you’re after something a bit different from a standard cafe latte.
A Japanese-inspired café that pairs matcha drinks with solid lunch options. It’s a good choice if you want something savoury with your matcha or if you’re in the mood for Japanese-style sweets alongside your drink. This place feels calm and relaxed even during busy lunch hours. Address: Level 2/300 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
A Japanese café where matcha gets love on both drinks and seasonal specials. They sometimes serve matcha with creative twists like kinako or coconut cream on top, along with brunch dishes that make it worth a longer stop. Address: 121 Therry St, Melbourne, 3000
Matcha Treats and Desserts Worth Trying
While drinks are the main draw, Melbourne’s matcha scene also pops up in desserts and specials around the city. A few things to look for:
Matcha soft serve, often featured at specialty spots or seasonal menus.
Matcha-infused pastries or slices at cafés with a focus on tea or Japanese-inspired sweets.
Iced fruit matcha drinks during summer months, where matcha meets strawberry or citrus for a refreshing twist.
How to Spot Great Matcha
Here are a few simple markers to help you know you’re getting quality:
Colour: vibrant green, not dull or murky.
Texture: smooth and silky, not grainy.
Flavour balance: earthy and fresh without being overly bitter or sickly sweet.
Matcha Treats and Desserts Worth Trying
While drinks are the main draw, Melbourne’s matcha scene also pops up in desserts and specials around the city. A few things to look for:
Matcha soft serve, often featured at specialty spots or seasonal menus.
Matcha-infused pastries, slices and pancakes at cafés with a focus on tea or Japanese-inspired sweets.
Iced fruit matcha drinks during summer months, where matcha meets strawberry or citrus for a refreshing twist.
Photo by Monstera Production
Matcha Walk Idea (CBD)
Here’s a relaxed walking route you can do in an afternoon:
Start at Sensory Lab for a precision-driven matcha latte.
Head to Matcha Kobo for a vibrant drink and photos.
Stop by Miyama Melbourne for lunch or a matcha dessert.
Finish at Axil Coffee Roasters for a final latte and pastry close to Melbourne Central.
Melbourne CBD might be known for its coffee, but the matcha scene is quietly growing and offers some fantastic spots for both purists and those who like a creative twist.
Melbourne’s matcha game has really stepped up recently, with more spots serving rich ceremonial-style lattes and creative green tea drinks alongside food and dessert. Whether you want a serious traditional matcha or something playful with fruit or foam, the CBD delivers in spades. But first, let’s find out a little bit more about matcha.
A Brief History of Matcha
Matcha might feel like a modern wellness trend, but its story stretches back more than a thousand years and begins far from Instagram cafes.
The earliest roots of matcha can be traced to China during the Tang Dynasty, around the 7th to 10th centuries. Tea leaves were steamed, compressed into bricks, then ground and whisked into hot water. This powdered tea was prized not just for flavour, but for its calming yet alert effect on the body and mind.
It was not until the 12th century that matcha truly found its home in Japan. A Buddhist monk named Eisai returned from China carrying tea seeds and knowledge of the powdered preparation method. He believed the drink supported meditation by promoting mental clarity without the jitteriness of other stimulants. His teachings laid the foundation for what would become one of Japan’s most treasured rituals.
Over time, matcha evolved into the heart of the Japanese tea ceremony, known as chanoyu. This was never about simply drinking tea. It was a philosophy shaped by four guiding principles, harmony, respect, purity and tranquillity. Every movement, from whisking the tea to presenting the bowl, was designed to create a moment of stillness in an otherwise busy world.
The cultivation of matcha became just as refined as the ceremony itself. Tea plants destined for matcha are shaded from sunlight for several weeks before harvest. This increases chlorophyll levels, giving matcha its vibrant green colour and boosting amino acids, especially L-theanine, the compound responsible for matcha’s calm, focused energy.
The leaves are then stone ground into a fine powder, a slow process that preserves flavour and nutrients. One hour of grinding yields only a small amount of matcha, which is why true ceremonial grade matcha is both rare and precious.
In the modern era, matcha has travelled far beyond temple walls. It has moved from Kyoto tea houses into lattes, soft serve, cakes and smoothies across the world. Melbourne’s CBD matcha scene is part of this global revival, blending centuries old tradition with a city that has made beverage culture an art form.
Every cup of matcha you drink today is tied to this history. It is not just tea. It is mindfulness, craftsmanship and culture, all whisked into a single, bright green moment. Here is where to find the best matcha in Mlebourne.
1. Naau Cafe
Small but packed with flavour, this cafe is known for bold matcha blends like iced raspberry matcha and pistachio matcha. They also serve hojicha drinks and unique takes like matcha with peanut cream.
Address: 276 Russell St, Melbourne
2. OKO Cafe
A CBD favourite for traditional Japanese-style matcha, their lattes use Kohiki powder sourced from Japan, with earthy, slightly dry notes and subtle sweetness.
Address: 131 A’Beckett St, Melbourne
3. Axil Coffee Roasters – Melbourne Central
A reliable choice if you want a well-balanced matcha latte alongside brunch or pastries. It’s not a matcha specialist, but the latte is creamy and consistently good, and it’s a nice stop while you’re shopping or meeting friends. Address: GD089/360 Elizabeth St
4. Sensory Lab – Bourke Street
Sensory Lab take a coffee-centric approach to matcha drinks, focusing on temperature and texture so the natural green tea flavour comes through. It’s a great place for a refined latte that’s less sweet and more about balance. Address: 310 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
5. Matcha Kobo – Level 2, 258 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
If you want matcha that’s vibrant and visually striking, this is worth the short walk. It’s known for delivering high-quality matcha with bold colour and flavour, and it’s perfect if you’re after something a bit different from a standard cafe latte.
6. Miyama Melbourne – Level 2/300 Lonsdale St
A Japanese-inspired café that pairs matcha drinks with solid lunch options. It’s a good choice if you want something savoury with your matcha or if you’re in the mood for Japanese-style sweets alongside your drink. This place feels calm and relaxed even during busy lunch hours. Address: Level 2/300 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
7. Operator San
A Japanese café where matcha gets love on both drinks and seasonal specials. They sometimes serve matcha with creative twists like kinako or coconut cream on top, along with brunch dishes that make it worth a longer stop. Address: 121 Therry St, Melbourne, 3000
Matcha Treats and Desserts Worth Trying
While drinks are the main draw, Melbourne’s matcha scene also pops up in desserts and specials around the city. A few things to look for:
How to Spot Great Matcha
Here are a few simple markers to help you know you’re getting quality:
Matcha Treats and Desserts Worth Trying
While drinks are the main draw, Melbourne’s matcha scene also pops up in desserts and specials around the city. A few things to look for:
Matcha Walk Idea (CBD)
Here’s a relaxed walking route you can do in an afternoon:
Melbourne CBD might be known for its coffee, but the matcha scene is quietly growing and offers some fantastic spots for both purists and those who like a creative twist.
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