The menu at Aokō Matcha knows that matcha is way more than just a latte. The café, from first-time owner Isabella Pang, is an ode to Japanese specialty shops, serving up five levels of matcha gelato, from lightly sweet to a verdant ceremonial-grade treat, plus soft serve, parfaits and frappes.
The vibe: Bright, sleek, and designed for discovery, Aokō is part tasting room and part café. The West Village storefront has a clean aesthetic that puts the focus on the striking shades of green inside. It’s a spot built for both casual walk-ins and TikTok-fueled destination seekers.
The food: The star is the “five-shade” gelato tasting, which lets you work your way through all levels of matcha intensity. Beyond that, there are soft serves, hojicha, warabimochi-topped parfaits and other treats made to highlight the nuances of matcha.
The drinks: Start with a straightforward matcha latte to see what they can do with your favorite morning pick-me-up, or sweeten it up with mixed-in strawberries or drizzled-on chocolate.
Time Out tip: Tasting all five levels of matcha with a “flight” is the fastest way to figure out your perfect matcha. (Plus, now you’ll know exactly what “ceremonial grade” should taste like.)