Best Matcha Latte
in Richmond, VA

We visited every matcha-serving coffee shop in Richmond and ranked them by taste, quality, and ordering experience. Last updated April 24, 2026.

Richmond's coffee scene has quietly become one of the best in the Mid-Atlantic — and the matcha game has kept pace. Here's where to go.

#1

The Exit Plan

Pop-Up · Richmond · Roaming — follow @findyourexitplan for schedule

5

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.

Order this: Blueberry Matcha Latte — housemade blueberry syrup, ceremonial matcha, stunning color
Gill's PickPop-Up CartHousemade Syrups
Full review →
#2

Afterglow Coffee Cooperative

Scott's Addition · 1719 Summit Ave, Richmond, VA 23230

4.8

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.

Order this: Pandan Matcha Latte — Southeast Asian-inspired, bright green, notably grassy
Top PickWorker-OwnedGratuity-Free
Full review →
#3

Keffiyeh Cafe

South Side · 316 N Arch Rd, Ste B, Richmond, VA 23236

4.7

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.

Order this: Ube Matcha Latte — bold, nutty, and unlike anywhere else in RVA
Hidden GemReal IngredientsDessert Bar
Full review →
#4

Grit Coffee

Scott's Addition · 1621 Roseneath Rd, Richmond, VA 23230

4.6

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.

Order this: Matcha Lemonade — refreshing, balanced, and hands-down the best in RVA
Matcha LemonadeCharlottesville RootsStudy Spot
Full review →
#5

Ironclad Coffee Roasters

Shockoe Bottom · 1805 E Grace St, Richmond, VA 23223

4.6

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.

Order this: Lavender Vanilla Matcha Latte — a year-round barista-recommended classic
Rustic CharmFlavor LabLiving Wage
Full review →
#6

Sefton Coffee Company

Downtown · 24 N 8th St, Richmond, VA 23219

4.5

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.

Order this: Coconut Rose Matcha — floral, creamy, all-natural
All Natural10+ FlavorsDowntown
Full review →
#7

Blanchard's Coffee

Near West End · 3121 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23230

4.3

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.

Order this: Iced Oat Milk Matcha Latte — beloved by regulars, divisive among purists
Local StapleSleek InteriorMultiple Locations
Full review →
#8

Sugar & Twine

Carytown · 2928 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221

4.3

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.

Order this: Matcha Latte + seasonal fruit biscuit — a perfect pairing
Pastry HeavenCarytown VibesExpanding
Full review →
#9

Riverbend Roastery

Church Hill · 2623 E Broad St, Richmond, VA 23223

4.1

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.

Order this: Seasonal Matcha Special — rotating flavors that change with the calendar
Neighborhood GemDog FriendlySeasonal Specials
Full review →
#10

Lamplighters Coffee Roasters

Museum District · 3382 Lauderdale Dr, Richmond, VA 23233

3.8

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.

Order this: Summer Sage Matcha Latte — herbal, sweet, and surprisingly good
Creative SyrupsSeasonal MenuRoastery
Full review →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best matcha in Richmond, VA?

Afterglow Coffee Cooperative in Scott's Addition consistently earns the top spot for its Pandan Matcha Latte, made with Spirit Tea matcha from Chicago. Keffiyeh Cafe on the South Side is a close second for its Ube Matcha.

Where can I get a matcha lemonade in Richmond?

Grit Coffee in Scott's Addition is the go-to for matcha lemonade in RVA. It's earthy, bright, and not oversweetened — the best version of this drink in the city.

Which Richmond coffee shops use the highest quality matcha?

Afterglow sources from Spirit Tea in Chicago (ceremonial grade). Sefton and Ironclad both use natural ingredients without artificial syrups. All eight shops on this list use real matcha powder, not matcha blends.

Are there matcha shops in Scott's Addition, Richmond?

Yes — Afterglow Coffee Cooperative and Grit Coffee are both in Scott's Addition and both serve excellent matcha. Blanchard's on nearby Broad St. is also worth adding to your route.