Searching for that perfect bowl of matcha in Toronto? The city's matcha scene has exploded, transforming from a handful of traditional tea houses to a vibrant community of specialty cafes and modern interpretations. From ceremonial-grade whisked matcha to creative lattes, Toronto offers something for every matcha tea enthusiast.
Traditional Asian Tea Houses
1. ICHA TEA
Summary
- Two locations located downtown Toronto @ 231 Spadina Ave and 996 Queen Street West
- Relaxed, calming, modern fusion of traditional Asian tea house with Bubble tea at the front
- No seating time limit, only purchase of a beverage or food
- Ideal for first dates, studying and contemplation
- Women-owned business
Toronto's authentic Asian Tea House ICHA TEA stands out for their dedication to traditional preparation methods and high-quality matcha. Established in 2016, by two female entrepreneurs Xing Su and Sijian Chen, they blend traditional Asian tea culture with contemporary elegance, creating a serene tea sanctuary in the heart of Toronto.
Stepping into an ICHA TEA House is like stepping into another world. Their tea bar offers a variety of loose-leaf teas where they host tea workshops They also offer bubble tea and an assortment of desserts. ICHA TEA imports some of the finest grades and most delicious varieties of matcha tea directly from Japan. Their serious commitment to sourcing top quality has them traveling to Japan to study with matcha tea masters.
(Check out ICHA TEA's most recent adventure to Japan to learn the secrets behind the world's greatest matcha)
2. TSUJIRI
Summary
- Located downtown Toronto @ 147 Dundas Street West
- Offers Asian desserts, ice cream & takeaway matcha tea
- Snug, limited seating
Tsujiri brings over 155 years of Japanese tea expertise to Toronto. It was founded by Tsuji Riemon, a legendary-like figure with a statue dedicated to him in Kyoto Japan for his contributions to the Japanese tea industry. They have 10 locations across Canada, including a spot in Waterloo, Ontario. 
Contemporary Coffee & Tea Cafe
3. NEO COFFEE BAR
Summary
- Original location downtown Toronto @ 161 Frederick St
- Offers Western-style coffee beverages
- Blend of UK tea culture and Japanese tea culture
- Desserts and sandwiches
NEO COFFEE BAR, nestled in Toronto's vibrant St. Lawrence Market neighborhood, represents a more Western contemporary café culture with Japanese & UK tea culture influences. They have earned a reputation for exceptional coffee, Japanese-inspired pastries, and matcha tea.
Toronto's Matcha Scene Continues to Evolve
Whatever your matcha preference, Toronto's diverse offerings ensure you'll find your perfect cup. Matcha is trending big time at the moment, particularly with the "wellness industry" online. Social media influencers have been going a little crazy with endorsements. This has led to a recent explosion of popularity and pretty big increases in sales worldwide. Forbes has declared a matcha shortage affecting Japan.
(Check out our blog post about the Best Toronto Matcha Lattes for 2025)
Remember: quality matcha should have a vibrant green colour, smooth texture, and slightly sweet finish with no bitterness. Some tea spots offer multiple grade options - don't hesitate to ask about differences and find your ideal match. Once you find the right matcha tea for you, it's pretty life-changing. You'll be hooked for life! 