Aoko Matcha

Great place for anyone who loves matcha or someone who’s never had matcha and is curious about it. They specialize in matcha gelato, soft serve, and drinks. They’re unique in a sense that you get to pick the matcha gelato strength levels. It’s a thoughtful touch that lets you customize the flavor to your preference. However I was very disappointed that they didn’t have level 3. The matcha is super creamy, not too sweet, and packed with clean matcha flavor depending on the level you pick. The hojicha was also really good with a warm roasted flavor that’s smooth, toasty, and comforting. The soft serve was a letdown for me tho. It kind of just tasted like vanilla ice cream with only a light hint of matcha. Nothing crazy especially for the price. Aoko is definitely on the pricey side. The quality and concept make it a great experience and I’m glad I tried it but it’s not necessarily a place I’d go out of my way to return to or wait on a long time for. Beautiful interior though.

As someone that travels all over the world for matcha and coffee as well as used to run a matcha place, I can say confidently that Aoko has good matcha. Not the sugary, watered down, matcha you get from Starbucks but the type you could find all over Japan. if you are looking for exceptional service and high quality matcha, I would definitely recommend Aoko. Also it’s right across from salt hanks which is a super famous sandwich place with long waits. Place an online order there and get some matcha to wait. We got their new strawberry cheese donut series and the hojicha deluxe parfait and absolutely mindblown.

Exceptional ice cream and soft serve and parfait, with Matcha fully in the centre. They have 5 varying levels of Matcha and a few other flavors like taro, black sesame, hojicha and vanilla. Flavor and texture is great, portions and prices are great ($8.50 for 3 scoop) and decent amount of indoor seating. If you like Matcha, a must try, otherwise strongly recommend. The gradation of Matcha was very clear with the lowest having more sweet notes while the highest had earthy lightly bitter taste which was still very enjoyable. The soft-serve was also really good. They do allow sampling.

Nothing to complain regarding the gelato! Great and rich flavor, thick and creamy texture. Definitely worth a visit if u r a matcha lover. Small store but some seats available. (no restroom) 💚🍨🍵Matcha gelato is a must! If u r unsweetened matcha person, go ahead to try the level 5. I LOVED it! Hojicha gelato was legit. The flavor was on the sweet side. 🖤🩶🤍Sesame gelato was super rich and delicious too! 🍰Matcha crepe cake was delicious too. I counted the layers, it got 15 sheets with sweet and fluffy cream in between. Hojicha tea was the only thing I had some comments. It had a weird taste and I wonder if it’s because of the container.

We tried their gelato, soft serve and matcha cheese cake today. I got a 3 flavors gelato in a cone. I choose level 3, level 5, and a sesame gelato. They were all very delicious. The level 3 was just perfect for me. It was strong but not overly bitter. The level 5 was very strong, but it was still very delicious. The sesame was also very good. The gelato was for matcha lovers, I’d say. The soft serving was perfect for beginners. It was more mild and creamy. And the matcha cheesecake, oh my goodness. It was so dense, creamy, and packed with matcha flavor. I’d come back just for the cheesecake! The shop was also pretty clean and organized. The servers were helpful, too.

I stopped by Aoko Matcha on a weekday evening and it was a great, relatively calm experience! I've heard that on a weekend, it's a completely different story—be prepared for a 15-20 minute wait due to the crowds and long line. I ordered the Hot Matcha Brown Sugar Latte and genuinely enjoyed it; the flavors were perfectly balanced and comforting. If you are a serious matcha lover, this is a must-visit. They have a truly massive selection of matcha treats, from a variety of frappes to unique matcha ice cream flavors. It's clear this is the spot for anything green tea! Highly Recommended for Matcha Enthusiasts!

A matcha paradise in true sense!! We went straight for their level 5 matcha gelato and it was insanely good. It's perfect for those who like their matcha strong and not too sweet. Their Matcha cream cheese latte was also amazing! 100% recommended for true matcha lovers!!

Aoko Matcha is a really cool way of experiencing matcha. — Providing you with 5 levels of intensity — I am definitely on a 2-3 scale. If you intend to get the levels 4 or 5, I would highly recommend you inquire about a sample first as they are rather earthy and slightly bitter. — After sampling, I settled with a scoop of the level 4, but truthfully could have gotten a level 3. I also got a scoop of Hojicha because I just can’t help myself. It was toasty, nutty with lots of depth. Delicious!

This is a Matcha lovers heaven! The ice cream selection did not disappoint. I chose a level three Matcha paired with black sesame. The bitterness of the Matcha and the sweetness of the black sesame complemented each other well. I also got a classic Matcha latte that was delicious. I will be back! There is ample seating room inside. You can order at the kiosk or order at the front desk.

We came during the afternoon on a weekend and the place seemed to be very busy. People go in and out really fast so we were able to grab a seat. We tried the level 3/4 Matcha ice cream, Hojicha ice cream, matcha brown sugar latte with oat milk, and a hojicha latte. While I really enjoyed the hojicha ice cream I found that the latte flavor was too strong. I wouldn't get the drink again but the ice cream was amazing and would 100% reorder. The level 3 and 4 matcha were both delicious but I would def go with level 3 if you were only to get one scoop. Im not the biggest fan of sugary drinks, so I'm curious how a regular matcha would taste given the matcha flavor of the brown sugar latte was still really good. Can't wait to come back!

Cute little matcha ice cream shop. Very well lit and the staffers were generous with samples. There aren't too many places to sit when crowded (maybe about 20 seats total including bar and bench seating). There are order kiosks if you want to skip any lines at the counter. The matcha is very strong here; level 4 (12%) was too bitter for me, but level 3 (7%) was just the right amount of sweet, bitter, light and creamy. There are other flavors to try (hojicha and sesame to name a few), but I'd stick with the matcha.

Aokō Matcha is a specialty Japanese café and the first dedicated matcha gelato shop in the United States. Located at 275 Bleecker Street in the West Village, it opened in August 2025 and was founded by Isabella Pang.The shop is defined by its "five-shade tasting experience," focusing on the varying intensities of Japanese green tea. The Gelato Experience-The signature offering is a house-made gelato available in five distinct levels of matcha intensity: Level 1 (Mild): Sweet and creamy with a light matcha flavor (approx. 2.9% concentration). Level 3 (Balanced): A middle-ground described as "safe" and flavorful without being overwhelming. Level 5 (Bold): The most intense, using ceremonial-grade matcha for a rich, bittersweet, and earthy profile. Other Flavors: They also serve Hojicha (roasted green tea), Black Sesame, and Taro gelato. Beyond gelato, the shop offers an extensive menu of tea-based treats. Elaborate desserts like the Matcha Mochi Parfait and Hojicha Warabimochi Parfait ($15-$18). Lattes & Frappes: Options include Strawberry Matcha Lattes, Matcha Brown Sugar Lattes, and specialized frappes with mochi toppings. Cakes: Japanese-style desserts such as Matcha Mille Crepes, Matcha Roll Cakes, and Matcha Cheesecake. A modern, minimalist space that emphasizes "calm and clarity." It is often compared to the nearby 12 Matcha but with a more specific focus on frozen desserts and gelato flights. We had to wait in line about 15 minutes.Drinks and desserts typically range from $7 to $18, with a small surcharge for milk alternatives like oat or almond milk. Yummy all around.

Yelp Review 2025 #264: I'm a huge fan of matcha from Nanaya and Nakamura Tokichi in Japan specifically for their strong matcha gelato, lattes and parfait. Aoko Matcha opened in New York in the summer of 2025 so, I looked up their menu and bookmarked them for when I visit New York. Fast forward to October, I went here for dessert after eating pizza for lunch across the street. The place was paaaaacked! All seats were occupied. People were eating/ drinking standing up hoping to take the next seat that becomes available. People trying to order at the kiosk and at the counter. The kiosk doesn't have everything. You can't order ice cream from the kiosk so, it's kind of pointless to order from the kiosk if you want gelato. Matcha Love Parfait: Matcha pudding, matcha syrup, matcha soft serve, rice crispies, mochi balls, matcha brownies, matcha chocolate. Matcha overload! All the different textures: creamy and smoothie, crunchy, chewy and soft, silky, rich and thick. And I'm here for it! How does it compare to Nakamura Tokichi's parfait? A close second. 4.5/5 Black Sesame Gelato: Their gelato flavors have different intensities for matcha: mild (level 1: lightest) to strong (level 5: darkest green). They also have black sesame and other 3 other flavors. Strong nutty black sesame flavor. Good texture. 4/5 Strawberry Matcha Latte: I ordered a matcha latte but I was charged and given a strawberry matcha latte instead. I like straight up matcha latte and ordering a strawberry matcha latte has never even crossed my mind. I didn't stir it so I only got the matcha latte part without the strawberry at the bottom. I understand they're crazy busy so I didn't have them remake my drink - it's fine, really 4/5 It's a small place so it can get easily crowded and loud. I got lucky, a seat opened up once I got my order. It doesn't have that quiet Japanese cafe vibe.

My friend had her eye set on this place, so off we went during our walking tour of NYC! You order at the kiosk and wait for your order to be ready. They were pretty busy when we went, so it took a while for our order to be fulfilled. Although there is some seating, the space is a bit tight. We ordered the Strawberry Matcha Latte and a triple scoop of matcha gelato at different intensity levels. Just note that you pick the intensity levels at the counter, not the kiosk. I loved the matcha ice cream and you can definitely tell the difference amongst the levels. However, the Strawberry Matcha Latte was a miss taste wise as well as just trying to get the strawberry part.

WHEN: Sat @7pm This place is pretty busy, but don't let the packed house scare you away because you can just order online! Either from your phone or the digital kiosk inside. Here's what I got: MATCHA HOJICHA SWIRL - $7.95 This combo for me always works and it's so good. Really hits the spot even at night if you are a soft serve fan. Too bad it was so packed inside to just sit and enjoy thier lovely shop. Not the end of the world.

I tried this place out when it first opened and cannot believe the quality of the gelato that's for sure. Love the different levels of matcha offered from mild to strong and my sweet spot is either a 3-4 along with a scoop of black sesame which is hard to find. Definitely nothing like this outside of NYC. I need to come back and try all the other treats too.

"MATCHA REIMAGINED --- IN EVERY SHADE OF GREEN." Matcha's growing popularity is surging and surging by the day... and I'm here for it! Aoko Matcha, a specialty cafe in NYC's West Village neighborhood, recently opened in August 2025. It's the city's first matcha gelato specialty shop! What makes this cafe special? It offers five flavor levels, each with varying intensity from light & sweet to bold & bitter. Level 1 (2.9%) Level 2 (5.9%) Level 3 (7.1%) Level 4 (11.9%) Level 5 (17.9%) So whether you like your matcha bitter, sweet, or somewhere in between... you're going to be satisfied. They have other gelato flavors like black sesame and hojicha, but matcha is the star of the show here. Additionally, they also serve lattes, parfaits, Japanese tea, coffee, soft serve, and cake. I visited the cafe on a Friday afternoon. The line was out the door, but it went by quickly. This place is consistently busy and crowded (rightfully so), so you may have to wait awhile and/or you may not be able to find a spot to sit. The interior is simple, modern, and minimalistic with wooden furniture. They have a bench along one wall, a communal table in the center, and stool/counter seating to the side. You can either order at the self-service kiosks or at the counter. I ordered a double scoop cup of gelato (~$7). After you pay, your name and order number appears on a digital screen above the counter. You wait until an employee calls out your name/# and then you go to the counter to sample as many flavors as you want. After sampling, they scoop out which one/s you want. You're also able to try samples before ordering or purchasing anything. I tried all 5 levels and I'm happy to say that the intensity levels are true to their percentages! I am most definitely a gal who loves a BOLD, BITTER, EARTHY, CEREMONIAL-GRADE MATCHA!!! So of COURSE I went with level 5, the most bitter. It's not as creamy or milky as the other four - it has a more grainy texture. BUT I LOVE IT! I also got one scoop of hojicha, a roasted green tea. It was on the sweeter side, but I was still able to taste the toasty, smoky, and nutty flavors. It was the perfect complement to the bitterness of the level 5 matcha. Aoko is a MUST for matcha lovers. For future visits, I would love to try the parfaits, soft serve, and drinks. I REALLLLLLLLLY want -- no, NEED -- a location in North Jersey!!!

This is for all my matcha lovers! The space is minimalistic and clean just like any Japanese spot embodies. The have kiosks to self-order or at the cashier too. There's a variety of matcha drinks and desserts to choose from, but I had my eye on their gelato. They offer 5 matcha intensity levels along with vanilla, black sesame, hojicha, and ube. I mean, I wish I could have it all. They do let you sample two flavors, so we were able to see the intensity of the matcha flavors. We ended up getting three scoops ($9.95) consisting of black sesame, hojicha, and level 4 matcha. The variety is nice because the matcha flavor can be really intense even for a matcha lover like myself. Surprisingly, my favorite was the hojicha for that perfect nutty and roasted flavor. This is a must whenever I'm in the area!

I tried the level 4 and 5 matcha and the hojicha ice cream. The level 5 matcha ice cream definitely left a bitter aftertaste that wasn't overpowering but lingered. The hojicha had a great nutty flavor. Both tasted very authentic and I look forward to coming back.

Came on a Saturday afternoon and it was rightfully packed! We order off screens for the most part, but you can also pay at the counter if you have specific questions. The menu consists of bevs, ice cream, and parfaits across a few Asian flavors (Matcha, Hojicha, Black Sesame). The order screens are right by the door, so it's very crowded once you walk in. You get a number and wait until they call you to retrieve your order or sample ice cream. The sweetness/bitterness ranges, but they start your sample at the middle (30%) and you work your way from there on more/less bitter. I think 30% is perfect, imo, but order to your heart's desire. I ended up ordering the Hojicha scoop and it wasn't overly sweet! No bathroom for customers, but there's a good amount of seating. I saw people on their laptops too, although it gets pretty noisy from the packed crowd. Overall, a nice spot for a post-meal treat!

After I had lunch across the street, I happened to walk by Aoko Matcha and figured it was the perfect spot to grab some dessert! There were 2 giant tablets by the door to order from (register was also an option) and order numbers and names are displayed on the TV uptop. For gelato orders, the staff called out order numbers and I was able to sample a few of the different levels of matcha before deciding. 1-was definitely the tamest flavor and was sweet but not overly sweet. 3-I could taste the matcha and it was slightly bitter but still not overly so. 4- the bitterness of this level was a bit much for me so I went with 1 in the end. The scoop of gelato was very creamy though I would've liked the texture to be a bit smoother. It looks like they also have waffle cones but only available for soft serve orders. Seating is spread out in the store and people don't seem to linger long after they've finished eating their ice creams/drinks/parfaits.

This place is the perfect spot for people who love matcha! The store is on a smaller side so there might be a line out the door but no worries, it goes by fast. They have so many matcha options and even great choices for non matcha lovers. I loved that their ice cream has different levels of matcha and you can definitely taste how authentic eveything is. I also got black sesame flavor and it was so so good. I definitely want to come back to try their matcha latte and other options!

Yummy matcha spot in East Village! Dropped by around 8:30PM on a Saturday evening and there was a decent line. We placed our order via the kiosk and went up to the counter to chose our flavor. I tried both level 2 and level 3, and 3 felt like the perfect amount of richness without being too bitter. My friends ordered the hojicha float & the level 2 matcha and both enjoyed as well! The hojicha soft serve melted pretty quickly, so just something to keep in mind if you eat slower. Overall, I would definitely recommend for those who enjoy matcha/hojicha/taro/black sesame!

So much Matcha flavor in every bite! I am in love with Aoko! Once inside, we looked over the ice cream case to see the various Matcha flavor intensities. The staff was very helpful in sampling the flavors. It is a small interior but our party of 3 was able to snag our seats quickly after ordering on the digital menu. It was easy to order and see exactly what you're getting. We got Matcha Tea, Matcha gelato, a Parfait & Cheesecake. All exquisite!! Great customer service, clean store and delicious product!! Can't wait to visit again

came here after my friend has been wanting to try it for awhile. you can either order up in front with the staff or via the kiosk. you can also have free samples of the icecream before ordering. i ended up getting two scoops of the icecream. level 5 was definitely really bitter where as level 1 was super sweet/milky. level 3&4 was truly the sweet spot for my taste. i also got the hoijicha to balance out the matcha. this place has to be one of the best matcha places i've been too in a long while (comparable to 12matcha but this place has better matcha icecream for sure). the space itself is semi-big, they have high chairs or a long table where you can sit family style with strangers. fortunately it wasn't that busy so we were able to sit comfortably and chat and not feel compelled to leave. overall, HIGHLY recommend if you're in new york and wanting authentic matcha ice cream!

This place was all over my social media but I haven't had a chance to stop by. They are known to have five different levels of matcha flavor but they also have other flavors as well such as Hojicha, Black Sesame and vanilla. They also have latte drinks as well so there is something for everyone! My friend and I decided to get one scoop - I tried both the level four and two and I thought the level four was a little too bitter for my liking so I went with the Level 2 which I thought was really good for ice cream. It was very creamy, had good matcha flavor and not too bitter or too earthy. The level 3 was not bad as well but more earthy tasting compared to the level 2. Overall if you are a fan of matcha I highly recommend checking this place out. Even if there is a line it moves very quickly and you are allowed to try the different flavors before you pick which one you want which is nice as well!

This is that new matcha place that I've been dying to go, and finally got to visit during my weekend trip to NYC! In the West Village neighborhood, Aoko Matcha serves up not just matcha ice cream, but like literally different intensities of matcha ice cream. There are 5 levels with 1 being the sweetest, and 5 being the most 'bitter.' I'm more of a 5 because I'm all about that earthy taste life. In addition to matcha, Aoko also has hojicha and sesame flavors of ice cream. Make it a parfait too if you want ice cream AND toppings, or if you fancy a drink order a matcha latte. Space inside is small but feels clean and with a cutout of a cat (random). My YT short if you are an audio-visual type like me: https://youtube.com/shorts/P4CifZ3Dwtk?feature=share

Yum! Tried three of the five matcha levels and each was so good. You could actually taste the difference between them all! My favorite was level 3, but my friend preferred level 2 (a mix of 1+3 in this case). Level 5 was strong, but as someone who likes bitter flavors, I thought it gave a good punch. We also tried the non matcha flavors (hojicha, black sesame, and ube) and all three were amazing. You really can't go wrong with any of them and I would love to try their soft serve next time!

Delicious! I got a matcha soft serve ice cream, ordered on doordash. The pick-up was quick and seamless and professional with the staff. Surprisingly, it came with a waffle cone too! It was so soft, creamy, and smooth. It's too much ice cream for one person. I'll definitely share it. It came with such a cute to-go bag, utensils and napkin included. I'll definitely come back to try their other flavors, especially the harder ice creams where you can choose the matcha bitterness level.

Love the matcha gelato! I got level 3, it was rich and not too sweet. I'd love to try other flavors. The matcha latte is very creamy and the matcha flavor is strong. The staff are extremely friendly. The interior is clean, with a bit of seating.

Yes, I am obsessed with matcha right now, just like everyone else and I want nothing more than the matcha love parfait every single day for the rest of my life!!!!!!! When you walk in, there's kiosks for you to order and my order came out in literally one minute and I'm not even exaggerating. I was shook bc there were a lot of people. It also smelled like freshly brewed tea and I wish my room, my car, my house, could smell like it 24/7. It was so pleasant! There's seating inside, but limited. The matcha love parfait had matcha pudding with matcha syrup on the bottom, a layer of matcha soft serve, rice crispy, another layer of matcha soft serve, topped with mochi, matcha covered jelly, matcha chocolate..... so good!!!!! Never had anything like it and I really liked the contrast between the rice crispy and the soft serve I also tried the matcha gelato at the highest intensity (17.9%), which they advertise as bitter but it is not bitter at all!! It is not bitter, but not sweet. It just makes sense. It is perfectly matcha. You can ask for samples of the gelato, just in case you are unsure which intensity to choose The matcha soft serve in the matcha parfait was also not too sweet but when I compared the soft serve to the gelato, I immediately noticed how much more creamy and mild the matcha was in the soft serve I would come back here in a heart beat. I think anyone who loves matcha ice cream, or desserts that are not too sweet, would love this place! Highly recommend

Love, love, love this matcha place!! Rich and intense matcha flavors. Cozy atmosphere but the space is small with limited seat for the amount of people entering. At least at the time I went (Sun 4:45pm). They offer gelatos, lattes, parfaits... with the option of you choosing the right matcha intensity,fun. I opted for the matcha latte with oat-milk and strawberry purée. Delicious!!

YES! So happy they finally brought this to NYC! This is the matcha spot we've all been waiting for. Love that you get to try different levels of matcha intensity! The flavor was spot-on. I loved Level 5, though be warned, it was a little too bitter for my friend so we opted for level 4 & 3. And love that they have seats inside, which is great for yapping. And I'd recommend going on the weekend, the lines are way shorter surprisingly

I had been seeing this matcha ice cream spot all over Instagram, so I was really excited to finally try it out! What drew me in most was the fact that they offer different intensity levels of matcha which was something I've only seen in Japan and haven't been able to find much of in the U.S. The interior was clean and modern, which made a great first impression. The staff member who helped us was also kind and offered a sample before we ordered, which I really appreciated. I ended up really enjoying levels 3 and 2--both were fantastic. Level 2 leaned a bit sweeter but still had a strong matcha flavor, while level 3 struck what I felt was the perfect balance between sweetness and the bold matcha notes. Beyond level 3, I noticed the ice cream got thicker and more intense, but level 3 hit that sweet spot for me. What impressed me most was the quality of the matcha--it was strong, earthy, and true to flavor. I also loved that the shop clearly labeled the percentages of matcha for each level so you know exactly what you're getting. Overall, I'd definitely recommend trying level 3 as your base because it struck a balance for me, and if you want a second scoop for contrast, go for level 2 for its sweetness. This place really lives up to the hype, and I'll definitely be back!

It was busy on a Friday afternoon. It was tight and hard to get around when I went around 1pm. You can order from the kiosk but since it's my first time there, I wanted to try out the different matcha levels before I decide and the staff were very nice and patient with me in deciding what I want. I ended up choosing hojicha and level 4 matcha. The hojicha was creamy and smooth, a little tad too sweet to my liking but has a good intensity of the tea flavor. The level 4 matcha tasted just right when I tasted it in the beginning but it started to taste bitter towards the end. I think I would opt for level 3 next time. The place is decent size and has a couple of tables for you to sit but it was very stuffy inside with a lot of people so I decided to eat outside. Overall, this is perfect for any tea and ice cream lovers and I would come back to try out the other matcha levels.

This place was very packed on the weekend, with the line out the door, but the line goes by fairly fast! Once you go inside, there is a kiosk for you to order and you wait till its your turn to pick out your ice cream (you're able to try the flavors before purchasing) I got the Level 4, which imo had the perfect punch of matcha flavor without it being too overwhelming The black sesame was pretty solid in flavor and it was refreshing to eat while eating the Level 4

One of the best strawberry matchas I've had. My friend opted for a plain matcha latte while I went for the fruity strawberry. I reeeeally enjoyed the bigger pieces of sweet strawberries mixed into my drink, and that the whipped cream added a creamy sweetness also. Matcha flavor still came through without ever being bitter. So good! Definitely coming back to try their ice cream concoctions.

This place is certainly for matcha lovers. Got a icecream cup with 3 scoops - sesame, lvl 3 and lvl 4 matcha as well as a matcha mochi parfait which had a lower lvl matcha. We sampled the lvl 5 matcha icecream but it was too extreme for us. Lvl 3 is the sweet spot. Overall everything was delicious. Sesame icecream, surprisingly, also was a favorite.

They have five different levels of Matcha ranging between level 1, sweet and creamy, to level 5, darker more richer in Matcha taste. For those who are not used to matcha, they would probably like level one. I myself tried the level three and level four larger scoops and I didn't get level five because they were basically out of that. They aren't too sweet but they are still ice cream so they maintain their level of creaminess. The line was somewhat long when we arrived, but it moved relatively quickly.

Had a hojicha parfait and it definitely lacked compared to the parfait at Nana's Green Tea in Ktown. Soft serve-wise Matcha Maiko is superior to both

This is a late post but I came on their grand opening day in the summer so the place was packed and busy. Lines out the door and around the corner but it was worth the wait. Limited seating inside so definitely more of a grab and go kind of spot unless you're lucky enough to get a seat. I ordered their gelato and got to try the different levels of matcha intensity along with their hojicha. Would definitely come back to try more of their menu.

Note: I went during soft opening last Sunday (8/17). They only accepted zelle, venmo or cash only. Credit card wasn't setup at the time. Grand Opening: August 23-24, 2025. I stopped by the store to check out out. There was a line though not too bad. After ordering, the line was out the door and down the street. They have 5 level of matcha, black sesame, and hojicha soft serve. I asked to try level 1, 3, and 5: Level 1 was light Level 3 was more ceremonial Level 5 was intense and grainy. Before you say, I can take level 5. You can though will the item be enjoyable is a different question. I have to try black sesame and hojicha next time. Go enjoy the matcha items! Enjoy!

I once had the famous 7-level matcha gelato in Asakusa, Tokyo. Level 7 there ruined all other matcha ice creams for me... UNTIL I tried Level 5 at Aoko Matcha. This is, without a doubt, the RICHEST matcha gelato I've ever had. Absolutely unreal!! The utimate guide of what you should get: - Level 5: very intense, bitter and slightly grainy matcha (my top pick) - Level 4: very rich matcha but with a slight hint of sweetness. - Level 3: slightly bitter with a sweet aftertaste. - Level 2: a well balance of sweet and earthy. - Level 1: a crowd favorite--sweetest among all. To get the full experience, I strongly recommend getting triple with level 1, 3, and 5 -- these three levels taste divine together. Don't sleep on their black sesame gelato -- it is nutty and delicious. Hojicha gelato is good but a tad too sweet for my liking. ＊single $5.25, double $6.50, triple $7.95 ＊matcha/hojicha jelly latte $7.25

a good quality matcha spot in the west village. I came here with two friends and they both enjoyed their drinks! what we ordered: - iced matcha latte ($6.50): on a scale from grass to nut, their matcha is grassier. not too sweet with 5/10 thickness. service: very nice employees! main takeaway: pretty decent matcha at a fair price. I didn't get a chance to try their gelato, but I would go back to try that next time!

Matcha shops are a dime a dozen right now and this is not worth the headache or hassle. I walked in around 10pm on a Friday in an attempt to avoid a crowd during the now soft opening. There is no sound dampening whatsoever - loud background music, employees yelling, customers chatting. It's so loud that it takes all 3 of the employees behind the counter yelling the same number over and over again. I tried to make sense of a line - someone NOT on the line is at the counter and the other people in their party is at the display, sampling. I get to the counter and ask a dude behind the counter that is seemingly doing nothing, to sample the 7.1% matcha gelato. He literally looks at me and turns away, without a word. I'm confused and I asked him if he heard what I said - the other dude says they're busy right now preparing orders hence him ignoring me? MEANWHILE, the girl behind the counter turns to me and I have to repeat myself several times and then point to the sign to let her know what matcha gelato I'd like to sample. Again, it's extremely loud. I'm at the counter and trying to place my order, and a customer comes to pick up her order and then tries to place another order, while I'm waiting. She clearly saw me and decided to cut the line and place a new order anyway - the guy behind the counter takes her order obliviously. I finally order and the girl is having trouble repeating the order back to me - doesn't inspire much faith. The pickup process is insane - the people sampling are in the way of people picking up orders and so are the people at the counter waiting to order. My order is WRONG and I bring it back to the counter, and they tell me go to back and wait while they finish preparing the orders placed after me?? Meanwhile they're getting orders wrong left and right, even after getting my correct order, I witness another girl go up with an incorrect order after checking her order. At this point I'm overstimulated beyond words, and I just leave. I can't appreciate the concept of the 5 different levels of matcha gelato being new to the US, and I would have loved to but what a complete shitshow. I'm honestly nobody and just 1 person but this was my experience.

The gelato was delicious!! I tried the level 4 flavor but found it too bitter so I opted for the level 3 flavor. Thank god they let me sample before deciding. It was relatively busy since it's a weekday and right next to Washington Square/NYU. But the interior was super cute and pretty. Would totally come back to try their hojicha since I love hojicha ^_^

I think this is the first time I've seen a matcha place with different matcha intensities here in NYC! They're definitely something I've only seen in Japan. I personally preferred the second highest intensity, and that's what I got here today. I also got their hojicha flavor, I think this is my first time trying some sort of hojicha ice cream!

Phenomenal! I have tried matcha all around the world and the quality of matcha here is very high. I tried the iced matcha and love parfait and sesame ice cream and they were all amazing. Service was quick and nice as well. I will definitely be a regular customer here! It was so good that we went again the same day!

The shop is small, but with a good amount of seating, so it felt a bit crowded. The service was fast for the ice cream, and a bit slower for the drink. We ordered a 2 scoop ice cream and a matcha drink. I'm glad that we were able to sample the different matcha levels before picking the ones we wanted!

I had Aoko Matcha at the top of my must try list on my recent trip to New York. After I saw the 5 levels of matcha gelato with different matcha intensities I knew I had to come. I absolutely loved the gelato here! I typically go for stronger matcha so the level 5 was perfect for me. They didn't have level 3 when I was there so I ended up getting 1, 2, and 5 for my triple scoop and should have stuck with 4 as well as I found 1 and 2 to be a bit too sweet without the strong matcha flavor. The gelato does melt quickly so gotta eat it fast but I have to say it was definitely worth the wait. You can also sample the gelato as well before you choose which level you want!

Very busy Saturday night. The gelato was delicious. We got the sesame and level 4 matcha. The flavors were very pronounced and rich. I highly recommend!

The Brown Sugar Matcha Latte was quite good. The matcha color was perfect and had the right balance of matcha powder to milk. The gelato here is really good quality and I like that they have levels based on the strength of the matcha ranging from level 1 to level 5. I got a scoop of the level 1 but to be honest, the scoops are so small. I wish they'd fill up the cup more. However, I like that you can sample different flavors to determine what you like before ordering and the service is pretty quick. You order on a tablet and then they call out your number. There's also a decent amount of seating options inside. It is a new spot, so it's very clean. There is no bathroom!

Aoko Matcha offers customizable matcha scoops, parfaits, and lattes. I got 2 scoops with different intensity levels and noticed a slight difference with one being a little stronger but both were deliciously sweet and creamy! Service was pretty quick making the scoops and the ambiance can be lively. Don't miss out and give it a try

My friend and I came here on a Sunday afternoon and expected to wait in a line, but it went by pretty quickly! It's a small spot with limited seating and got pretty packed inside. We ordered at the kiosk and my friend and I both got a single scoop of the gelato. I liked how we were able to sample what we wanted before we chose - I got the level 5 and my friend got the level 4, which was just a little sweeter than level 5. I'd like to come back to try the soft serves. It's also listed as gelato, but the texture is more of an ice cream texture to me. The main thing that got to us were that we both ordered a single scoop, however, there was a HUGE difference in how much I got vs how much my friend got as shown in my photos. Hopefully they become more consistent with how much they're scooping per customer as I would want to get the same sized scoops if I always order a single the next time I come.

Desserts look great here but I stopped in only for a hojicha latte. They're normally quite pricey at over $10/cup but it's a large size, packed in a fancy insulated bag, and I had some DoorDash credits to spend. It was a nice treat on a chilly day; it was sweet but not overly.

A solid spot for matcha lovers with a sweet tooth! The first few bites of the matcha ice cream were a little bitter and quite strong (levels 2 and 3) but got sweeter as our taste buds grew used to it. Double scoop was perfect to share amongst the three of us. You place your order on a kiosk, and after they call your name you can pick up the order or select which matcha levels you'd like if you got the ice cream. It was around a 15 minute wait on a Saturday afternoon. Limited seating inside.

As someone who's tried Suzukien in Tokyo, hearing this new place to open in my hometown was nothing short of amazing. I knew I had to try it out and quickly ~ My friend and I went on a Saturday afternoon post lunch date and the line was around the corner. The wait time though, was surprisingly quick. We could order via pads (they had 2 set up near the doors) or at the cash register up front. The only caveat to this place was that it felt a little chaotic. Once your order is in, you'll see your number and when it says it is that they are working on your order, it means drink or parfait, not the scoops (I had to clarify with the staff). The music there was pretty loud so when they called out the number for the scoops, you really had to pay attention. And if the people on the line didn't know that they called your number, they might give you a glare or two for "cutting" or just smush you out of the way (which sort of happened to me) until they realized you had a reason you're there (hence why I think it's a little chaotic here). Overall, I loved the taste of the level 5 matcha gelato while my friend loved her level 4. If you are undecided or nervous about how youd like it, ask the staff to try the one you were originally going to go for :) Overall, I would definitely recommend this place to any matcha lover. But if you aren't a matcha fan but are friends with one, there are other options for you as well!