Aoko Matcha

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

Today was Aokō’s soft opening and I had the opportunity to try a couple of their menu items. I tried the Matcha Warabimochi Parfait and the Hojicha Latte. I am a certified matcha hater… YET Aokō’s matcha was so delicious. There was never a time I willingly bought a matcha item and thoroughly enjoyed it. However, since Aokō specializes in matcha items I just had to give it a go and I don’t regret it one bit. The Matcha Warabimochi Parfait is a full cup of matcha soft serve with a scoop of red bean paste and a couple of pieces of matcha warabimochi on top, rice cripsies inside, and mochi at the bottom. The warabimochi was so soft, just melts in your mouth. (image attached) I tried hojicha for the first time today! The Hojicha Latte was rich and nutty, really really good. (image attached) One thing I didn’t get to try that I was really intrigued by was their gelato. They have 5 levels of matcha gelato! 5 levels with different matcha intensities. (image attached) AND THE PRICES?! Everything about this new matcha spot is just amazing. The sleek minimalistic interior and seating, perfection. I heard the Grand Opening is on Saturday 08/23!! I will be going back to give their matcha gelato a try and this spot is a 11/10 would recommend (from a certified matcha hater ;) )!!! MATCHA REIMAGINED!!

Nice place, with a great selection of drinks and ice cream. I really like the selection of matcha strength for the gelato. There were no hot drinks available when I visited, hopefully next time they will be available. Also, it would be nice to offer matcha drinks without sugar.

As a matcha lover, I had to visit Aokō Matcha, NYC’s first-ever matcha gelato café, and it did not disappoint! Their matcha gelato comes in five levels of intensity (from sweet to bitter), and I tried every single one: • Level 1 (2.9%) – very light, perfect for beginners • Level 2 (5.9%) • Level 3 (7.1%) • Level 4 (11.9%) • Level 5 (17.9%) – super bold and earthy, true matcha lover territory! And matcha isn’t the only star here; they offer hojicha, black sesame, mint, and strawberry gelato. They also serve lattes, fraps, parfaits, cakes, soft serves, Japanese teas, and great coffee options. I tried: • Matcha Soft Serve Latte – creamy matcha latte topped with their signature soft serve • Hojicha Chocolate Latte – roasty, chocolatey, and topped with whipped cream • Hojicha Warabimochi Parfait – layered with red bean and chewy mochi • Black Sesame Float with Mochi – black sesame latte with their black sesame gelato and soft mochi on top This spot is super aesthetic, full of unique menu items, and everything I tried was fantastic. I genuinely think it’s going to blow up soon. Already can’t wait to go back and try more!

I recently visited Aoko Matcha on Bleecker St and had such a great experience! I walked in around 7:30pm when it was pretty busy, but the ordering process was super smooth . I used the kiosk and only waited about 5 minutes before my name was called. I tried the matcha mochi parfait and the double matcha gelato in a cup, flavors were the light matcha gelato and strawberry gelato. Everything was absolutely delicious and the matcha flavors were rich and smooth, and the gelato was some of the best I’ve had. The vibe of the shop was warm and welcoming, with plenty of seating and tables to enjoy your desserts. The staff were amazing too so friendly and smiling, which made the whole experience even better. If you’re a matcha lover (or just love good desserts), Aoko Matcha is definitely worth a visit!

We tried four of the flavours (2.9%, 5.9%, 7.1% matcha and hojicha) and they were all so good. They weren’t too sweet. Would have liked to try the black sesame but it was sold out. Initially purchased three scoops and it was so good, we had to order another two scoops! The different matcha levels were distinct from each other, looking forward to trying their other menu items. Note: would be great to clearly label which spoons were clean and dirty.

Outstanding matcha! Tried 3 scoops, level 2 / level 5 matcha and hojicha. Never had such high quality matcha. The gelato was very smooth and the sweet/bitter balance was perfect. I also tried the hojicha azuki latte with Mochi. This was also very impressive. I will definitely return to try the soft serve. Was open pretty late too for a gelato spot. Highly recommend.

Really tasty! Went during soft opening. I wish the menu described what each item was, like all the different type of parfait. The owner and friends helping out were so lovely and answered all of my questions about the menu. I’ll have to try the gelato next.

Today was Aokō's soft opening and I had the opportunity to try a couple of their menu items. I tried the Matcha Warabimochi Parfait and the Hojicha Latte. I am a certified matcha hater... YET Aokō's matcha was so delicious. There was never a time I willingly bought a matcha item and thoroughly enjoyed it. However, since Aokō specializes in matcha items I just had to give it a go and I don't regret it one bit. The Matcha Warabimochi Parfait is a full cup of matcha soft serve with a scoop of red bean paste and a couple of pieces of matcha warabimochi on top, rice cripsies inside, and mochi at the bottom. The warabimochi was so soft, just melts in your mouth. (image attached) I tried hojicha for the first time today! The Hojicha Latte was rich and nutty, really really good. (image attached) One thing I didn't get to try that I was really intrigued by was their gelato. They have 5 levels of matcha gelato! 5 levels with different matcha intensities. (image attached) AND THE PRICES?! Everything about this new matcha spot is just amazing. The sleek minimalistic interior and seating, perfection. I heard the Grand Opening is on Saturday 08/23!! I will be going back to give their matcha gelato a try and this spot is a 11/10 would recommend (from a certified matcha hater ;) )!!! MATCHA REIMAGINED!!

I'm so glad that the concept of having different levels of matcha intensity of gelato is being brought to the states at last. I went during the soft opening and after they opened. The service is quick for how busy it is. Ambiance could use some work; it's a bit chaotic in there and the layout of the store does not help. I tried 2 scoops of lv 3 and 4 matcha gelato on my first visit and 2 scoops of lv 2 and 5 matcha + 1 scoop hojicha gelato on my second visit. Both were great, but I'd stick with lv 3-4 matcha and hojicha in the future. Lv 5 leaves a little bit of stinging and dry mouth feel for me personally whereas lv 4 is perfect imo. They also have parfaits, soft serves, etc. Solid spot and decently priced at the time when I visited, but I have heard the price has gone up since... hopefully it isn't too crazy.

The concept is interesting that you can try different intensity of matcha, but removing two stars because (1) long wait, (2) prices have gone up since two weeks ago. During my visit, the line was around the corner of the street, maybe took 20 minutes to get to the store. There is someone directing the line outside. You can order and pay on the kiosk by the door, then wait again to pick your ice cream flavors at the counter. You can sample them before deciding what to get. No hojicha flavor was available today, so I sampled black sesame and level 5 matcha, just to say if I am okay with the most bitter one; ended up ordering level 2 and level 5. There are ice cream texture, not really soft serve texture. While eating, it didn't feel so bitter, but the aftertaste is still bitter. Overall I didn't mind trying but would have been a better idea to try it after the hype is over. It's disappointing that they raised prices right after the opening.

I was going to visit Japan later in the year, so I was interested in trying the different level matchas at AOKO. I came during their grand opening weekend, and I do agree with another review stating that the direction and organization is a little messy. So when directed inside there was a line in front of the gelato glass, as well as to the cashier. It was unclear to me as to where to go. I did not know that if I waited for the line in front of the gelato glass then I could ask to sample, so I ended up getting in the cashier line and just ordered a double scoop without trying anything. Additionally, I agree that the music was too loud and you could hardly hear the staff yelling out order numbers. I ordered the Hojicha and the Level 5 Matcha ($6.95). Hojicha was sweet, a little icier and fell apart a little. I would have liked for the tea flavor to be stronger for this one. Level 5 matcha was bitter and rich in a good way. I enjoyed pairing the 2 flavors together though. I would be interested in coming back to sample the other levels.

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!

The parfait is SO good- the crowds and line move quickly but it can be tricky to find seating. Super loud inside and nowhere to stand or move but worth it. There was one worker who was literally screaming the order numbers but aside from that, good. The parfait was so delicious and had this matcha pudding/jello on the bottom which was yummy.

I came on a Sunday afternoon, forgetting it was a Sunday and therefore a weekend crowd- and boy was it crowded!! Not only was there a line inside but also a line outside that wrapped around the corner, at least a 30+ people line. My friends and I didn't hesitate for a second to NOT wait on that ridiculous line and went elsewhere in the area. So then comes Monday afternoon, you know when people are normally at work? Yep, good timing and good call because there was no line at all, both inside and outside! I got to order right away after sampling the levels of matcha and was able to get seats for both my friend and I right away at the big table and benches (shared with other people). The entire time it was relatively quiet and we were able to chat without shouting so definitely a plus. I ended up ordering a triple scoop of the matcha gelato- levels 3, 4, and 5. I think levels 1 and 2 are nice but definitely sweeter and not enough matcha for me. For reference, I love matcha and drink a matcha latte every morning without any sweetener. On the rare occasion, a little honey. I think level 3 was similar to that - a little bit of honey. Level 4 and 5 I'd say are more bitter but not enough to turn me away. Personally, I loved level 5 the best because it had such a rich concentrated matcha taste, similar to maeda-en matcha ice cream. Most people I think order level 4 though because they had to refill that one before I was able to get a scoop. I also got a hojicha latte with oat milk but this one was kind of disappointing as it was grainy/powdery on the bottom even when thoroughly mixed. Taste wise, it wasn't good quality hojicha because it was too earthy, almost like dirt. Pass on that one. My friend got the Matcha Brown Sugar Latte. It seemed to be a matcha latte with whipped cream and then topped with brown sugar. Before it was mixed, it tasted exactly like a matcha latte, which on its own was pretty good! When mixed, it's definitely sweeter but the brown sugar is subtle. Definitely not as sweet as Starbucks brown sugar drinks or bubble tea shops. For the future, I'd definitely come again on a weekday afternoon, so there's no crowds. Order gelato, skip the hojicha latte, and then try something new like their parfaits or something because quite a number of people also ordered them! They also have other gelato flavors in addition to the 5 levels of matcha - they have vanilla, hojicha, mint chip, and strawberry. All of them seemed to also be popular options.

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 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. Matcha shops are a dime a dozen right now and this is not worth the headache or hassle.

Solid spot if you're craving Hojicha soft serve. Or feel like testing your taste buds against five grades of increasingly bitter matcha ice-cream (the bitterest isn't too bad, but hardly something I'd pay for). Prices are higher than comparable stores in Flushing, but that's that West Village tax for ya.

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

So glad I got to try this popular spot! Their menu has a lot to offer - beyond the viral Levels 1-5 matcha ice cream - so definitely look before ordering. I got the Hojicha and Matcha soft serve which was delicious and had the perfect balanced notes of nuttiness and fragrance. There are two lines to order - one via kiosk and another with one of the staff members, so the line moves fast.

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!

Matcha ice cream was perfect for the hot weather. The highest intensity (17.9%) is not super bitter...it was actually our favorite intensity bc the rest are good but not anything mind blowing. The highest kind of tastes like a slightly stronger Haagendaz matcha. Workers are super sweet but there's 2 lines (one for ice cream flavor choosing- they call your number anyways so dw if you lose your place in line / the other for premade & any other none flavor choosing on the spot items)... Prob bc they opened not too long ago, but the lines inside were chaotic

Tried their matcha love parfait. It's very good. Matcha soft serve was strong and great. Very good quality matcha. Place is clean and nice. I went there on a friday afternoon and there was no line. They have few indoor seating areas too. Service is fast. I would love to be back to try more items from their menu.

A place for the matcha lovers! This dessert place has various ice creams and drinks that have matcha or hojicha. I came on a weekday late afternoon and there was no line. I was able to order from the kiosk with card. When they call your number, you can then come choose your flavors. They had 5 levels of matcha gelato as well as a few non-matcha flavors. As a huge matcha fan I tried level 5 (strongest) and level 3. My friends each got a scoop of level 5 and levels 1 and 2. Level 5 was suuuuper strong and probably something I wouldn't get again because it was quite bitter. Level 3 was my favorite as it had a good balance of bitter and milky. Level 1 tasted like a creamy matcha latte and level 2 was just slightly more bitter. I'll def come back to try their other matcha desserts!

I ordered a hojicha soft serve using their self service screen. It came out almost instantly. The hojicha flavor was prominent! Very smooth and sweet. It melts fast so eat it quickly. I would definitely order another one of these.

I've had the 7 levels matcha gelato in Japan and this place is really comparable! I got the matcha latte with no sugar, which had a great ratio of matcha to milk. There was an astringency aftertaste, but I didn't mind it. It wasn't bitter at all without sugar in my opinion. I also got the level 4 & 5 matcha ice cream and black sesame. 5 was my favorite. It had a strong matcha flavor and wasn't bitter in my opinion. 4 was sweet compared to 5, but still enjoyable. Black sesame tasted like what I expected. Giving this place a 5 star since it's unique with the levels of matcha ice cream.

On Labor Day Sunday we passed by around 5-6pm, but there was a line around the block. I asked the person at the front of the line how long they had waited, and they said 30 minutes. We came back a little before 10pm and there was no line! It was still crowded inside, but how nice to not have to wait on a line. There is a strong Jasmine fragrance emanating from the store which is very nice. At the kiosk, i selected the 3 scoops of ice cream. Then i went to the case to see if we could taste different flavors. All of the Level 2 and 3 matcha ice cream were gone. We went with level 1, level 4 (level 5 was too bitter for us) and the sesame. They all complemented each other very well! Any one of them by themselves would have been a little too bitter or sweet. It was an excellent dessert! Never had such high level of intensity of Matcha in ice cream before. Thought the price was very fair for the three scoops. This place is new, so it can be a little bit more organized with perhaps someone directing which counter people should go to, Or whether they have to order from a kiosk. Seems like the counter in the back was taking walk ups. And the counter in the front was dealing with people who already ordered from the kiosk, And can sample different flavors for their final choices. Also, I feel bad for the girl who was scooping out the ice cream. It seemed like the ice cream was rocksolid and she was working really hard to get a little bit out at a time. And I hope she didn't throw out her back. I think there's a trick where you can warm the metal scooper in hot water so that the ice cream comes out easily.

Wow, I really loved that the triple gelato cone can be customized. Tried their black sesame, hojicha and level 5 matcha ice cream on a waffle cone. The associate is attentive as he had asked if there was any particular preference when it came to the order of these scoops of ice cream on the cone. You could see that there is dedication being put into this dessert shop business. The black sesame ice cream is more on the sweet and nutty side, but the hojicha and matcha ones definitely are impressive! The heavy-duty level 5 matcha ice cream has a strong matcha kick to it while the hojicha ice cream nuance is spot on. Wouldn't be surprised if I visit this matcha dessert shop again. You could sit down and eat matcha-inspired desserts at Aoko Matcha. A well-lit matcha dessert shop with a woodsy tea-themed ambiance. Be sure to stop by especially with their grand opening coming up on Saturday this week! Definitely a treat for matcha fans!!

Was so excited to try out this place since I love matcha and ice cream! We arrived shortly after they open at 11am on a weekday and there was no line. You order and pay at one of two kiosks in the front and then head to the counter to tell the server which "levels" of the matcha you want. We ordered one double and one triple cone so that we can try all 5 levels. IMO, there isn't a stark difference between the flavors that are 1 level apart so if you want more of a contrast in terms of flavor profile, I would recommend getting a scoop of Level 1 and a scoop of Level 5. Some reviews say Level 1 is too sweet and doesn't have much matcha flavor but I disagree and would say that it's comparable to the sweetness of matcha soft serves at other places. Likewise, some say Level 5 is too bitter but I found it quite tame and enjoyable. What did catch me off guard was the texture of the ice cream. It was quite hard, as made evident by how much muscle power the server had to expend in scooping out the ice cream. Would prefer a softer texture since my scoops were practically frozen and I had to start biting into it because it was starting to melt. Other than that, I enjoyed the ingenuity and flavors as well as the friendly service and decor.

Came in today for the soft opening and I was blown away!!!!! I just moved here from LA and I've had a hard time finding as many perfect matcha spots here as I did in LA, but this place is by far my top spot now! The matcha was so strong, so it wasn't just a milky drink. It was the perfect sweetness and a great size. I met the owner, Bella, and she was so sweet!! She deserves all the success, and I can't wait to come back and try the matcha cream cheese latte once they do the grand openening on the 23rd. Everyone come here!!!!!

Service was really terrible. Wanted to try a couple flavors since I've never had matcha ice cream before, and one of the employees rolled her eyes for every flavor I requested to try. Another one simply ignored me. The ice cream might taste good, but the service makes me never want to go back.

matcha is really good and authentic! even though it was a little bit crowded but the process of ordering and receiving drinks was really fast

It is an amazing place the matcha is really good and everything is absolutely amazing.

I've tried them a few times and they're excellent. I love the bitter matcha -- it makes me feel healthier. I just wish the line were a bit shorter.

love matcha gelato There are have different matcha levels .For me i like level 3 --7.1% ，its not too much sweat