The perfect sip is just around the corner.
With its rise in popularity in recent years, matcha has solidified itself as one of cafe lovers’ go-to drinks. From iconic Los Angeles spots like Community Goods, to on-campus cafes like Anderson Cafe and Kerckhoff Coffeehouse, UCLA is surrounded by a variety of delectable and enjoyable matcha spots for matcha fanatics and newcomers alike to try.
Read on to find out the Daily Bruin’s top matcha recommendations around UCLA.
Alfred Coffee
When you have your next matcha craving, go to Alfred.
The iconic Los Angeles-based coffee brand, known for its “But First, Coffee” slogan, was founded in 2013 and boasts numerous locations, including Melrose Place, Beverly Hills, Abbott Kinney and Westwood. The shop – located on Westwood Blvd, just across from the Hammer Museum – is open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day and features a strong slew of latte options, ranging from its World Famous Iced Vanilla Latte to the small-but-mighty Espresso Cloud Cream coffee. Unmatched, however, is its matcha, which can be paired with equally excellent syrup options – including lavender, strawberry and more – for the perfect leafy-green delight.
Matcha lovers and first timers alike will agree that Alfred’s matcha stands far apart from its competition, especially in Westwood Village. Whether customers order it iced – in which case it is never too watery – or warm, the matcha-to-milk ratio is spectacular and the drink pairs especially well with the cafe’s food items. Though Alfred is not known to be budget-friendly, its drinks are perfect for any occasion, whether one wants to bring one on their visit to the Hammer or sip one through a dreaded study session during midterms. Both the coffee and matcha-based drinks typically run on the sweeter side, though customers will still enjoy the tea’s bitter taste up until their final sip disappears.
Sometimes money can buy you happiness, and that happiness is a matcha latte from Alfred.
– Eleanor Meyers
Boondocks
Boondocks may mean the middle of nowhere, but the Westwood cafe is far from hidden.
Located in Broxton Plaza, Boondocks has become popular among students. The cafe, which combines Filipino flavors with delicious beverages, offers both coffee and tea options. Boondocks strikes a balance between the fruity or warm flavors of added syrups and the matcha itself, keeping the flavor profile of the tea in the forefront and avoiding overwhelming sweetness.
The Matchang Matcha Latte, one of Boondocks’s standout drinks, pairs matcha with a choice of mango, rose or the more unusual ube or pandan syrup, creating a flavor experience that is uncommon in Los Angeles. The Matcha Heavy was also recently added to the Boondocks menu. The iced matcha latte topped with a matcha cream layer is any matcha fanatic’s dream. Artisanal drinks are not all Boondocks has to offer, though. The cafe’s serene atmosphere and comfortable couches make it the perfect study spot for UCLA students who were just coming in for a caffeine boost.
Boondocks is putting itself on the map one matcha latte at a time.
– Paige Kun
Ministry of Coffee
Nestled in close proximity to prime errand running locations such as Ralphs, Target and Trader Joe’s, Ministry of Coffee provides the perfect pick-me-up to accompany any grocery run.
The Australian cafe, which has been a mainstay of Westwood since 2017, is most well-known for its wide variety of pastries, sandwiches and all-day breakfast items. However, its quick service and varied selection of matcha offerings deserve their flowers as well, and patrons will be able to find both fruity and creamy matchas to try among the cafe’s stacked menu. Since 2024, the cafe has been sourcing its matcha from Nekohama, a premium first-harvest ceremonial-grade brand that comes from the volcanic areas of Japan.
In particular, the Matcha Cloud Cream drink delivers Ministry of Coffee’s own unique spin to the cloud top trend, adding notes of vanilla to sweeten the otherwise sugar-free drink and preserving the natural earthiness of the matcha. The blend perfectly sidesteps issues that other spots may fall victim to, such as tasting artificial, bitter or too milky, and the cafe’s unique cup design helps to make the experience more memorable as well.
Whether one is aiming for a quick matcha pitstop or an hourslong caffeine-fueled study session, Ministry of Coffee would be more than happy to oblige.
– Bettina Wu
Junbi
Junbi is just where true matcha fans want to be.
The Westwood branch of Junbi Matcha & Tea opened at 10967 Weyburn Ave. in 2020 and has been exceeding expectations for matcha ever since. The matcha shop’s name translates to “preparation” in Japanese, but its consistently short wait times disguise the effort and quality put into every cup of green bliss. Some of the standout options on the Junbi menu include matcha lattes with guava or mango, in addition to the more traditional strawberry option, as well as a variety of matcha cold brews.
In case the matcha beverages available at Junbi aren’t enough to keep customers coming back for more, the shop offers several sweet treats containing matcha, including matcha soft serve and a matcha affogato. Even if the WiFi is a bit spotty and the environment is not conducive to studying, the vibrant colors of the interior make for a charming visit while guests wait for their matcha, and the location near Westwood’s movie theaters make Junbi a convenient place to stop.
For its inventive menu of matcha options and reliably speedy service, Junbi is a must-try.
– Reid Sperisen
La La Land
La La Land’s matcha lineup is proof that the extra walk is worth every sip.
At its core, La La Land is a bright, feel-good cafe that has become a staple for caffeine lovers in Los Angeles who want their drinks with a side of aesthetics. While many know it for its coffee, the matcha menu has built a loyal following. Its matcha lattes can be paired with many different flavor options, including vanilla, strawberry and lavender. The customizability makes it easy to see why its constantly trending cups are everywhere in Westwood and across the rest of Southern California.
La La Land might be a little farther from campus than other matcha spots, as its located in Brentwood, but the menu’s variety means there is a matcha for every mood. From classic iced matcha lattes to sweeter, flavored options, the drinks feel thoughtfully crafted without crossing into pretentious territory. It is approachable without feeling basic, elevated without being intimidating – a combination that can be surprisingly hard to find.
Whether it’s called a detour or a destination, La La Land is worth the walk.
– Caitlin Brockenbrow
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