A curated guide

Richmond's
Finest Matcha

Eight standout coffee shops serving the best matcha in RVA — reviewed, ranked, with insider ordering tips.

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Across the City

W BROAD ST W CARY ST W MAIN ST Monument Ave THE BOULEVARD LOMBARDY ST I-95 / EXPRESSWAY HULL ST BELLE ISLE James River THE FAN SCOTT'S ADDITION DOWNTOWN CARYTOWN SHOCKOE BOTTOM CHURCH HILL SOUTH SIDE N
The Exit Plan
Afterglow
Grit Coffee
Sefton
Ironclad
Blanchard's
Sugar & Twine
Riverbend
Keffiyeh
Lamplighters
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The reviews

Eight Worth Knowing

01

Pop-Up · Richmond

The Exit Plan

Roaming — follow @findyourexitplan for schedule

5
Gill's PickPop-Up CartHousemade Syrups

The most exciting matcha in Richmond isn't behind a counter — it's in a Honda hatchback. Jace Camarillo runs The Exit Plan, a mobile matcha cart built around a deeply personal mission: fund their emigration from the US, then pass the entire business on to the next person who needs their own exit plan. All drinks are made to order, iced, and built around housemade syrups that blend Japanese and Mexican culinary tradition. The blueberry and banana matcha lattes have quietly become Richmond word-of-mouth legend.

Must Try

Blueberry Matcha Latte — housemade blueberry syrup, ceremonial matcha, stunning color

Full review →
Blueberry Matcha Latte
Housemade blueberry syrup meets ceremonial matcha. Deep purple-green and gorgeous — their most-photographed drink.
Banana Matcha Latte
Sweet, creamy banana with earthy matcha. Surprisingly well-balanced and completely unique to this cart.
Strawberry Matcha Sparkling Lemonade
Fizzy, fruity, and refreshing. The housemade strawberry syrup elevates it above every other version in the city.
Hojicha
Japanese roasted green tea — smoky, toasty, warming. A nice departure if you want something other than matcha.
Horchata
Housemade and rooted in Jace's Mexican heritage. Pairs beautifully with any matcha drink on the menu.
Insider Tip

Follow @findyourexitplan on Instagram for current pop-up locations — the cart moves between Richmond parks, bookstores, ice cream shops, and local events. Look for the green umbrella and wood trim. Visit findyourexitplan.com for the full schedule.

"

The Exit Plan is everything I want from a matcha experience. Jace knows exactly what they're doing — the blueberry matcha is stunning, and the mission behind this cart makes every sip feel worth supporting.

Gill Jinnell

"

A matcha cart with a mission and housemade syrups that deliver. The blueberry matcha latte is the best thing I've had in Richmond this year.

Richmond Magazine

02

Scott's Addition

Afterglow Coffee Cooperative

1719 Summit Ave, Richmond, VA 23230

4.8
Top PickWorker-OwnedGratuity-Free

Richmond's first worker-owned coffee cooperative brings serious intention to every cup. Spirit Tea matcha from Chicago, warm unpretentious space, beer and wine after 2pm. The pandan latte has a devoted following — though the distinctly grassy, herb-forward flavor profile is worth knowing before you order. If bright, earthy greens are your thing, this is your spot.

Must Try

Pandan Matcha Latte — Southeast Asian-inspired, bright green, notably grassy

Full review →
Pandan Matcha Latte — $6.50
Their signature. Matcha blended with pandan syrup (a tropical grass with vanilla-coconut notes). Aromatic, never bitter.
Classic Matcha Latte
Clean, straightforward, made with Spirit Tea matcha from Chicago.
Chamomile Honey Latte
Not matcha, but a great follow-up if you want something floral and calming.
Horchata Latte
Cinnamon-forward, creamy, and unique to their rotating specialty menu.
Insider Tip

Ask for the Pandan Matcha iced with oat milk — it's not on the menu board but the baristas know it. Also: they serve wine by the glass after 2pm. Weekends after 2pm get packed since other nearby shops close early.

"

The pandan matcha latte is perfect and aromatic, never too bitter. The staff are absolute chillers — they have done an excellent job with this place.

Yelp

"

Afterglow is the best coffee not only in RVA, but in the state of Virginia. The baristas are phenomenal — not only amazing at making drinks, but just incredible humans.

Google

"

Pandan Matcha with regular milk — very grassy flavor, and not in a good way. Pretty bright green color from the pandan though. Not bad, just not my thing. 5/10.

Gill Jinnell

03

Scott's Addition

Grit Coffee

1621 Roseneath Rd, Richmond, VA 23230

4.6
Matcha LemonadeCharlottesville RootsStudy Spot

Originally from Charlottesville, Grit's Scott's Addition outpost has become a go-to for students and remote workers. The matcha isn't overly sweet — it lets the earthiness come through clean. The space has a natural flow that encourages long stays with plenty of seating.

Must Try

Matcha Lemonade — refreshing, balanced, and hands-down the best in RVA

Full review →
Matcha Lemonade
Their standout. Earthy matcha meets bright citrus — especially refreshing iced in summer.
Classic Matcha Latte
Clean preparation, not overly sweet. Available hot or iced with your milk of choice.
Dirty Matcha
A shot of espresso pulled into the matcha for a caffeine double-hit.
Insider Tip

Ask for the matcha lemonade with a splash of honey — the baristas will do it off-menu. The Libbie Avenue location is less crowded than Scott's Addition if you want a quieter experience.

"

Very clean and great ambiance to get some work done. The matcha lemonade — hands down the best refreshing drink I've had in RVA.

Yelp

"

A lot of places make their matcha way too sweet, but not here. If you like a cute cafe with good matcha that respects the flavor, this is it.

Google

04

Downtown

Sefton Coffee Company

24 N 8th St, Richmond, VA 23219

4.5
All Natural10+ FlavorsDowntown

Tucked into the financial district, Sefton uses only fresh, natural ingredients — no lab-made syrups. They offer over ten flavor add-ins for matcha, making it the most customizable matcha experience in RVA. Locally sourced pastries with gluten-free options round it out.

Must Try

Coconut Rose Matcha — floral, creamy, all-natural

Full review →
Coconut Rose Matcha
Floral and creamy — the most popular flavor add-in combination.
Blueberry Chamomile Matcha
Fruity and calming. Works surprisingly well iced.
Turmeric Honey Matcha
Earthy and warm — feels like a wellness ritual in a cup.
Classic Matcha Latte
Simple, clean, lets the tea speak for itself.
Insider Tip

You can combine any two flavor add-ins — try Lavender + Honey or Vanilla + Turmeric for off-menu combos the baristas actually recommend. They also host occasional vintage pop-ups from local curators.

"

The owner is so kind and a true coffee and matcha mixologist. Everything is made fresh — great assortment of flavors.

Yelp

"

Head downtown for a classic matcha latte or embellish the earthy flavor with 10+ flavors. Coconut Rose and Blueberry Chamomile caught our eye first.

RICtoday

05

Shockoe Bottom

Ironclad Coffee Roasters

1805 E Grace St, Richmond, VA 23223

4.6
Rustic CharmFlavor LabLiving Wage

Ironclad treats matcha like a craft. Gorgeous rustic decor inside a historic firehouse, with a second-floor loft perfect for lingering. Creative flavor work sets them apart, and they pay all employees a living wage. Two locations across Richmond.

Must Try

Lavender Vanilla Matcha Latte — a year-round barista-recommended classic

Full review →
Lavender Vanilla Matcha Latte
Year-round customer favorite. Floral, smooth, aromatic. Ask for it with macadamia nut milk.
Cool as Minty Matcha
A seasonal creation — mint-forward, refreshing, featured by local content creator Destiny Chew.
Honey Lavender Latte (matcha sub)
Can be made with matcha instead of espresso — the floral-honey combo is incredible.
Seasonal Rotating Specials
They always have something creative — check the board when you walk in.
Insider Tip

Ask for any espresso-based specialty drink subbed with matcha — they'll do it. The Shockoe Bottom location has the upstairs loft, but the West End location (John Rolfe Pkwy) is better for parking.

"

The lavender oat milk latte stands out — a unique and flavorful drink, showcasing attention to detail and quality ingredients.

Yelp

"

Walking into Ironclad feels like stepping back in time with a modern twist. The baristas are helpful with every drink decision.

Google

"

The barista recommended lavender + vanilla matcha and said it's a year-round customer favorite. They were not wrong.

RICtoday

06

Near West End

Blanchard's Coffee

3121 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23230

4.3
Local StapleSleek InteriorMultiple Locations

A multi-location Richmond staple with a loyal following. Sleek modern interior, great coffee, cute latte art. Their matcha divides opinion — many swear by the iced oat milk latte, others find the color and flavor profile off-putting. If you're here for the coffee, you won't be disappointed. The matcha is more of a gamble.

Must Try

Iced Oat Milk Matcha Latte — beloved by regulars, divisive among purists

Full review →
Iced Oat Milk Matcha Latte
Their most-ordered matcha drink. Creamy, balanced, beautiful latte art even iced.
Ube Coconut Matcha
Purple, creamy, and Instagram-ready. Ube cold foam layered over matcha.
Hot Matcha Latte
Simple and warm. Pairs perfectly with their almond horn pastry.
Insider Tip

Ask for pandan cold foam on any matcha — not listed but they'll make it. The Forest Hill Ave location is quieter if the Broad St. flagship is packed. They host local run clubs — post-run matcha hits different.

"

Blanchard's is my favorite coffee in RVA. The matcha lattes are also really good here — highly recommend if you're in the area.

Yelp

"

My first experience with matcha was a game-changer — it was unbelievably creamy and delicious. The oat milk base was pure perfection.

TikTok

"

Vanilla Matcha Latte with oat milk. The color alone is a deterrent — not what you want from a matcha. They should stick to coffee. 4/10.

Gill Jinnell

07

Carytown

Sugar & Twine

2928 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221

4.3
Pastry HeavenCarytown VibesExpanding

The Carytown staple that pairs matcha with some of the best baked goods in the city. Seasonal fruit biscuits alone are worth the trip, and the matcha latte is clean and well-balanced. Expanding into adjacent retail space soon.

Must Try

Matcha Latte + seasonal fruit biscuit — a perfect pairing

Full review →
Matcha Strawberry Latte
Seasonal strawberry syrup mixed into matcha — surprisingly well-balanced, not too sweet.
Classic Matcha Latte
Clean, earthy, pairs beautifully with their pastry case.
Iced Matcha
Shaken, not stirred. Light and refreshing for Carytown shopping sprees.
Insider Tip

The almond horn pastry is the sleeper hit — pair it with any matcha and you'll understand the hype. Arrive before 10am on weekends to skip the line — Carytown foot traffic makes this place busy by mid-morning.

"

Got a marshmallow macaroon and a matcha latte. One of the best macaroons I've ever had and the matcha was perfectly balanced.

Yelp

"

The seasonal fruit biscuits are always buttery and flavorful. The matcha is quietly one of their best drinks.

Google

08

Church Hill

Riverbend Roastery

2623 E Broad St, Richmond, VA 23223

4.1
Neighborhood GemDog FriendlySeasonal Specials

Church Hill's everyday spot brings a laid-back neighborhood feel to its matcha game. Seasonal specials rotate regularly, and there's a solid menu of flavor add-ins. Sidewalk seating is perfect for bringing your dog along.

Must Try

Seasonal Matcha Special — rotating flavors that change with the calendar

Full review →
Seasonal Matcha Special
Changes regularly — past hits include strawberry cream matcha and spiced chai matcha.
Classic Matcha Latte
Simple, dependable, made with care by neighborhood baristas who know your name.
Matcha with Flavor Add-Ins
Customize from their add-in menu — honey, lavender, vanilla, and more.
Insider Tip

After your matcha, walk around the corner to the Little Free Library and head to Libby Hill Park for one of the best views in Richmond. Ask the baristas what seasonal matcha they're running — they love to geek out about it.

"

This Church Hill spot is an everyday stop for lots of locals. Browse the menu for flavor add-ins or put your trust in the seasonal matcha special.

RICtoday

"

Bring your pup along for a sidewalk sit and sip, just outside the shop. The perfect low-key neighborhood hang.

Local Guide

09

South Side

Keffiyeh Cafe

316 N Arch Rd, Ste B, Richmond, VA 23236

4.7
Hidden GemReal IngredientsDessert Bar

A newer addition that's quickly earned a cult following. The owner is described as a true matcha mixologist, and everything is made with real ingredients. The Dubai Strawberry dessert has people driving across town, but the matcha holds its own — earthy, rich, and never over-sweetened.

Must Try

Ube Matcha Latte — bold, nutty, and unlike anywhere else in RVA

Full review →
Ube Matcha Latte
Bold and nutty with real ube — gorgeous purple and green layering.
Classic Matcha Latte
Made with real matcha powder and whole ingredients — no shortcuts.
Dubai Strawberry Dessert
Not matcha, but the reason half the customers walk in. Worth trying alongside your drink.
Insider Tip

Ask the owner for a custom matcha creation — they genuinely love experimenting and have made off-menu drinks on the spot for regulars. Closed Mondays and close early Fridays for prayer, so plan accordingly.

"

I grabbed an iced matcha latte and it was made amazing. The service was quick and they are very kind — a real hidden gem on the south side.

Yelp

"

People can't get enough of the Dubai Strawberry dessert. The matcha is just as good — real ingredients, no shortcuts.

RICtoday

10

Museum District

Lamplighters Coffee Roasters

3382 Lauderdale Dr, Richmond, VA 23233

3.8
Creative SyrupsSeasonal MenuRoastery

Lamplighters leans into seasonal, creative syrup pairings for their matcha — think sage, lavender, and rotating herbal additions. The roastery roots mean coffee is the star, but the specialty matcha drinks are worth exploring if you're in an adventurous mood. Flavor-forward, herbal, and decidedly sweet.

Must Try

Summer Sage Matcha Latte — herbal, sweet, and surprisingly good

Full review →
Summer Sage Matcha Latte — $5.50
Seasonal herbal syrup meets earthy matcha. Sweet and fragrant. Go in knowing the sage leads.
Classic Matcha Latte
Clean base, well-made. The roastery precision carries over from their coffee program.
Rotating Seasonal Specials
New syrup pairings arrive with the seasons — worth checking what's on the board.
Insider Tip

The seasonal specials are the reason to come — the classic matcha is fine but the creative pairings are where Lamplighters actually distinguishes itself. If you want stronger matcha flavor, ask them to double the matcha powder.

"

Summer Sage Matcha Latte with oat milk — sweet, herbal, decent color. Didn't get enough matcha flavor through the sage, but I'd go back to try another syrup. 6/10.

Gill Jinnell

"

The rotating seasonal lattes are always interesting here. Lamplighters puts real thought into their specialty drinks.

Google