Here’s where to get your fix.
Globally, matcha is prized for its antioxidant properties and slow-release caffeine, offering calm, focused energy without the crash. Locally, it’s taken on a new identity: aesthetic, Instagrammable, and deeply tied to wellness culture.
Sea Point, with its promenade runs, yoga studios, and health-conscious crowd, is the perfect backdrop. Add in beautifully designed cafés, ceremonial-grade imports from Japan, and creative menu innovation (think strawberry matcha or Basque cheesecake), and you’ve got a trend that feels both global and distinctly Cape Town.
Tucked away on St John’s Road, Cova Café is one of Sea Point’s quieter matcha gems the kind of place you almost want to gatekeep. Known for its blend of matcha, coffee and indulgent desserts, it strikes that perfect balance between casual café and curated experience.
Cova leans into the aesthetic side of matcha culture – beautifully presented drinks, minimalist interiors, and a menu that feels both comforting and elevated. It’s the ideal spot for a slow morning or a mid-day reset, where matcha isn’t just a drink but part of a broader café ritual.
If matcha were a philosophy, Ceremony Matcha would be its temple. Located along the Sea Point Promenade, this space blends Japanese ritual with Cape Town’s coastal calm. Everything here is intentional – from sourcing high-grade matcha directly from Japan to the way each cup is prepared and presented. The experience goes beyond the drink: it’s about slowing down, being present, and embracing matcha as a daily ritual rather than a trend.
With ocean views and a wellness-first ethos, Ceremony feels like a natural extension of the Sea Point lifestyle – equal parts café, community hub, and mindful escape.
Arguably the poster child of Cape Town’s matcha boom, Nice to Matcha has built a cult following – and for good reason. Located on Main Road, this compact café is known for its high-quality ceremonial-grade matcha sourced from Japan’s Uji region. Expect queues, vibrant drinks, and a menu that leans playful – from vanilla bean iced matcha to indulgent matcha cheesecakes. The space itself is bright, minimal and designed for that perfect social media moment, reinforcing matcha’s crossover into lifestyle and culture. It’s energetic, buzzy, and unapologetically trendy – a must-visit if you want to experience the heartbeat of the city’s matcha scene.
Situated inside the ever-popular Mojo Market, Love Matcha brings energy, accessibility and innovation to the mix. It’s one of the most recognisable names in the city’s matcha scene, known for bold flavours and a menu that pushes beyond the traditional. From strawberry matcha lattes to matcha-infused treats, Love Matcha leans into creativity while still maintaining a focus on quality, sourcing its matcha from Japan and celebrating its origins. The vibe here is lively and social – perfect for a quick stop after a promenade walk or as part of a larger foodie exploration through Mojo Market.
