Best Matcha Lattes in Washington DC – UPDATED!

Raise your hand if you love a green tea matcha latte! Sometimes when you’re hankering for a more gentle caffeine buzz, matcha is the perfect answer — matcha’s caffeine release is more delayed than coffee, providing a calm alertness. However matcha has various grades, from cooking to ceremonial, and if you’re familiar with matcha, you know a poor quality matcha latte can taste too much like green grass … We’ve gathered some of your BEST options for matcha lattes in Washington, DC so that you can show your friends that you know green tea like an expert.

Updated in 2026: We’re highlighting 7 of our favorite DC cafes to enjoy a delicious matcha latte.

Start your very own “DC Matcha Latte Tour” today! Visit all of them in July with us to celebrate America 250. 7 matchas for the 7th month (July)!

Maketto

Our #1 recommendation for truly the most exceptional matcha latte in DC is Maketto. If you’re able to travel to NE, DC we doubt that you will be disappointed by this shop/cafe that has outdoor seating and awesome vibes. Maketto’s matcha latte is smooth, wonderful and delicious – the perfect pairing for a pastry or one of Maketto’s excellent breakfast or snacks. We go here for a truly unique DC experience and some hip hop, Asia aesthetic. Outdoor seating = check. Please go 🙂

Little Hat

Second choice. This one always gets slept on. We highly recommend their coffee and matcha. Just like their baseball hat logo, the brand has a 2000s hip-hop band vibe, for only the cool skater kids, but you’re invited to the show. Adorned with tattoos, a vintage shirt and slouchy jeans, the barista might give you some ‘tude, but they remember your name, and the matcha is straight from Tokyo. You can’t miss this little cafe inside of Streets Market near U St. Tucked behind the cash register area, you’ll see a shrine adorned with tiny plastic figurines and toys, and a bright blue menu…just order from here. Promise? The matcha latte is top notch. We’ve been a few times and love their iced matcha on a hot summer day. Unforgettable experience overall. Trust. Outdoor seating = no, but take a stroll!

The Royal

Third choice, bronze medal, for a truly top notch matcha latte in DC is absolutely positively at The Royal. Grab one of the matcha lattes to-stay and order it with one of their excellent breakfast sandwiches or a guava pastry. This place is a very solid recommendation in DC—you won’t find a better casual/modern Latin kitchen with caffeine (matcha and coffee) offerings in Shaw, if not in all of DC. The chef’s always deliver interesting seasonal drinks and we love to go here for the high ceilings, tasty food, and artsy aesthetic. Outdoor seating = check.

Aslin Coffee

Are you on 14th Street? Coming in commendable fourth place, Aslin has coffee and matcha, and both are exceptional, 4 stars! It’s a surprise to us that more folks aren’t writing about Aslin’s coffee shop (just look at that creative menu!); we’ve consistently had great caffeine experiences at this location. The matcha is smooth and delectable, and best of all, Aslin opens early in the morning. All of our interactions with the baristas have been positive, and we enjoy that this place isn’t packed. People come here with their dogs, and there’s almost never a long line. Aslin is so much more than a beer company: they roast coffee! Please be brave and try their caffeinated drinks, matcha or coffee. Outdoor seating = check, ample; sit in the enclosed parking lot area benches and enjoy.

Dolcezza

We had to give this one 4 stars too; we go back again and again to Dolcezza for everything—gelato, coffee AND their matcha latte; it is really tasty, and you can get sweetened or non-sweetened. Dolcezza is our #1 choice for caffeine at the moment. In terms of green tea, as of 2026, they source Rocky’s brand matcha. Dolcezza is always a great option for drinks and gelato, of course. We love their brand. Outdoor seating = some, depending on the location! We hope that you find exactly what you’re looking for.

Teaism

Teaism restaurant is celebrating 30 years in the District this year. How special is that?! They have a couple of prime locations across town, and all are lovely. Teaism consistently delivers some of the best fast casual food in the city, and has become our go-to to gather with friends or colleagues over comforting dishes. We love their iced matcha latte. If you’re grabbing something sweet with your matcha, we suggest a delicious ginger scone or one their divine salted chocolate oatmeal cookies… You can also buy truly stunning matcha gear here, like the matcha bowls/chawans, matcha whisks, etc, plus the matcha tea powder itself, which gives this place another edge above the rest if you drink matcha at home. Outdoor seating = depends on your Teaism location 🙂

Two Nine (29 Cafe)

We have tried this matcha and found it very strong (in caffeine and in taste). We highly recommend experiencing the matcha, but it was too potent for our tastebuds. We loved that they only offer 10 matcha drinks a day, and we loved their cup and the restaurant seems to have great offerings. 3 stars. We may have to give this one another go. Outdoor seating = no; this is in an alleyway!

BONUS: Thirsty for an exceptional matcha (and coffee, too), but only on the weekends? MORENA by Kayu in Dupont Circle. Absolutely mind-bending matcha and bites. A treasure.

You can also find some solid matcha drinks at chains such as Maman and local chain: Emissary, but we prefer some of the others on the list above. We have yet to try Flor’s matcha.

TIP: Just starting out with your matcha ritual at home and need ceremonial grade matcha and tools? The best selection in the District is at Rice Market, and we also love Hana Market, plus Teaism.

Thanks for joining us on a matcha latte tour of DC. Which cafe on this list is your favorite? Let us know! Comment with a 5-star rating (5 the best) and your experience, below.