PARU - Retail Store

I LOVE Paru’s matcha powder! I get the premium grade in the white bag and when I tell you no other matcha powder I have had compares. It is such great quality I don’t even need to use as much and it lasts me longer. Just look at that color!! It is pricey ($40+ I think) but it is worth it. They also have so many great loose leaf teas and tea making tools. Great place to get gifts for a tea lover that they will have for a lifetime! They do not make matcha drinks!! This is not a coffee/tea shop!!! Every time I go in someone asks for made drinks which they have not done for awhile.

My friend and I ended up chatting with the owner, Amy, and learned she travels all around Asia to find the highest quality of tea to source herself. Then brings it back for others to experience. She's extremely friendly and incredibly knowledgeable about various types of tea. What sets PARU apart from other shops is the amount of effort put into getting these teas, along with the amazing stories that come with them. Definitely worth stopping by!

As both a lover of tea and a supporter of small businesses, I have always been fond of PARU and their mission of sharing tea knowledge and quality garden-direct teas with their community. It always makes a difference in enjoying tea knowing that I am consuming the product that small families have taken the time and care to produce! The employees in the store are very welcoming and are always happy to explain more about the teas that they offer. As for tea education such as preparing matcha or tasting different flavor profiles of loose leaf tea, they offer both private tea experiences and chawan experiences! This store is truly a gem and I recommend anyone who wants to get into tea to stop by the store (they also have an online store)!

PARU Tea Bar in La Jolla is an absolute gem for matcha lovers! From the moment you step into this cozy and contemporary space, you’re greeted with a serene atmosphere and friendly staff who are passionate about tea. Their matcha, milled in-house, is simply exceptional. I tried the Matcha & Oat Milk Latte, and it was perfectly balanced—not too bitter, not too sweet. The attention to detail, from hand-whisking the matcha to the use of high-quality ingredients like oat milk, really sets PARU apart. The shop offers a variety of teas, including unique blends and single-origin options, all sourced from family-owned gardens in Asia. It’s a wonderful spot for both seasoned tea drinkers and those new to the world of tea. Just be aware that it’s more of a grab-and-go place, so seating is limited. Highly recommend for anyone looking to experience top-notch matcha in San Diego!

Stunning little tea store with an incredible selection of pu erh and matcha teas. The space is beautifully designed and stunning, minimal architecture that really makes all their unique products shine on the shelves. Fun fact: Paru even has a grinding stone in the shop where the matcha is freshly ground every day. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable about the sourcing and creation process of all their teas and can even make a variety of them as to go drinks which are delicious. Definitely worth a visit!

Authentic, high quality matcha tea shop on La Jolla drive with a beautiful interior and display of their teas and supplies. Walking in feels like a peaceful art gallery. You can see the mill they sift their matcha in, and they make your tea in front of you. Their menu is simple, matcha/water (iced or hot), matcha latte, and other teas they rotate. They also offer private tea ceremonies! Highly recommend to tea lovers and quality seekers. I only rated 4/5 bc I like my teas a bit sweeter lol.

Friendly staff and love their matcha powder! So many unique tea selections too! We got the ceremonial matcha powder for $45 and the experimental matcha powder they have too which we loved and want to go back for more. I do wish I could have a sample of the tea before spending quite a bit on it but I get that with minimal staff and additional work/costs involved it wouldn’t be ideal. The machine to mill the tea was out when we visited so I’m hoping to go back and get the house milled matcha. We definitely think their grade of matcha is totally worth it and will be going back :)

PARU is a cozy tea and matcha café located in La Jolla. My husband and I made a quick stop here while running our weekend errands. I've always wanted to try PARU, and this place has been bookmarked for quite some time, so it was the perfect opportunity to go. We visited on a busy Saturday when they featured a special pop-up. However, the service was efficient and friendly, and browsing the special loose-leaf teas they had in the shop was enjoyable. I ordered a Matcha Latte, which was pretty tasty, and took home a bag of Dong Ding 12 loose leaf reserve tea from Thailand. I only wished they offered other types of plant-based milk besides oat milk, as oat milk is relatively high in sugar and most brands are ultra-processed, containing additives that are not supportive of optimal health. Overall, it was a great experience with excellent service, and the matcha lattes are tasty.

Such a cute tea house with so many unique options of different tea blends, matcha powders, and tea accessories. I wish they still made their matcha drinks in house, because there are no other good matcha places in the area (we tried a place the worker recommended and were sadly disappointed). Overall a great place and all the workers are very friendly here and great with informing you on all their different teas.

I'm so glad my girlfriend and I stopped by Paru before they changed up their business model this month to no takeout drinks. She is an avid matcha drinker, so we had to stop by this poppin' cafe in La Jolla. Upon arriving, we waited 45 minutes in line for our drinks to be made! Once inside the shop, reading more about where they source their matcha and checking out their tea products was fascinating. Shoutout Kinto! Also, a plus was that the employees were very friendly and allowed dogs inside. As for the product, it tasted fresh and less sugary than other spots. My girlfriend got the Iced Matcha Latte (they sold out of the house milled- matcha), and I ordered the Paru Milk Tea. Both came with oat milk and were great drinks, but they were not worth the wait. It's super interesting that they are shifting over to a different business model. My take is that it's probably because of their line and the influx of people entering their business, blocking that hair salon next door. If that's not the case, they should close early and do the tea education after closing in the late afternoon!

Oh how I wish PARU could've stayed my precious little secret. If you thought you've tasted the best matcha of your life, you haven't been to PARU. They're absolutely blowing up on socials! While I'll miss the calmer days of no lines or crowds, I'm so stoked to see them get the recognition they deserve. Also, their quality and service has stayed consistent throughout it all. Huge props! This isn't just a regular schmegular matcha or tea shop, it's a whole experience! As you watch your drink get meticulously made in front of you, the team will sometimes chit chat about little facts/history of the store, drink making best practices, and of course, all things matcha! My go-to is their Iced Matcha & Oat Milk. So strong, so creamy, so perfect. Skipping over all the possible adjectives I could use to sing it's praises, this drink is just simply perfect. Regarding sweetness, they add just a touch of maple syrup. I usually don't take any sweetener with my matcha, but this is always lovely.

Sad to hear but so glad that my friends and I were able to visit Paru before they stopped their takeout teas (as of 8/2/24). We visited on a Sunday mid-afternoon and waited around 30mins (long line). It was definitely worth the wait - we all got iced hojicha lattes and loved how perfect it was! Creamy, slightly sweet, and not watered down. We each bought a bag of their hojicha powder (so glad we did since they stopped takeout) and I was pleasantly surprised by how big the bag was. It was 175g of powder for $39 - definitely worth it! They also list exact instructions on how they make it in-house. I've made it at home twice so far and it's pretty much spot on to the takeout tea. Even though they aren't doing takeout teas anymore, I highly recommend the powder they sell on their website. So happy that I can make it at home!

Ordered: Blue Jewel (~$6): hand-shaken iced tea latte featuring blue chamomile blend (chamomile, butterfly pea flower, rose, and lavender) and oat milk Aya's take: The blue chamomile blend literally has 3/4 ingredients that I absolutely love in my lattes. The drink itself is a pretty blue color and you can see how each drink is perfectly crafted while waiting for your order. The Blue Jewel is silky, smooth, and refreshing; however, it fell short in terms of flavor. I didn't get much rose and lavender (which I absolutely love) and the drink was super neutral in sweetness. It definitely could've benefited from a bit of sugar. Good try overall but I'd probably stick with the matchas!

Paru is an experience. I recommend parking in the neighborhood close by and making a short walk here, since there isn't ample parking. This is more of a tea store or tea bar than a cafe so there is no indoor seating and less than a handful of seats outside. I got the Hojicha since I wanted less caffeine and it was great! The tea tasted high quality and not watered down at all. Hojicha has a more roasted earthy taste compared to matcha and the Hojicha here had a taste reminiscent of chocolate. The line to order is long, but ordering is quick and efficient. The staff is friendly and helpful. The tea store is clean, bright, modern yet cozy. The store sells a lot of teas, tea sets, matcha whisking sets, etc. It felt like walking into a museum.

PARU is an artisanal API owned tea shop specializing in some of the finest teas. There is street parking all around the area so that will be your best bet. Be prepared for lines to get long due to the shop having to limit amount of customers inside to provide everyone with a more intimate experience. Wifey and I stopped by about 20 minutes after they opened and the wait was about 30 ish minutes. They have two separate lines: one for those just looking to buy retail products and one for those looking to order drinks. We got the Paru Milk Tea and the House Milled Matcha and it was awesome to see the staff make the drinks right in front of us! We could taste the quality in both drinks through the depth of flavors developed in both drinks. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our experience at PARU. The staff here are very welcoming and accommodating. They have many items for sale in this retail shop along with a mini art gallery in the back of the shop as well. We will definitely be back next time we're in the area!

PARU is a shop known for their matcha drinks, but also sell various products related to all things tea/matcha. They carry a variety of powders/tea leaves/whisking sets, etc. This allows you to personally make these drinks at home. Instructions are listed in the front of their packaging. Their walls are filled with so many options that it's all really tempting. In terms of their drinks, a good thing to note is that they only offer Califia Oatmilk (which I didn't know prior to walking in). I was kind of worried when I heard that because I'm someone who always prefers regular cows milk, but I'm happy to say, I really did enjoy my drink. It made me change my perspective about oatmilk (in a positive light). That's high compliments from someone who's had bad tasting experiences with oatmilk. Towards the back, you can see the employees at their stations making each beverage from start to finish. They each have their whisking tools and seem to take their work very seriously to provide each customer with the best whisked drink. I personally got the iced matcha latte. The oatmilk complimented the drink well. The matcha powder was whisked very well - I didn't taste the chunks inside. I felt like the matcha is super rich/earthy yet not too bitter because of the hint of honey. It was the right amount of sweetness for me. It's definitely a quality drink.

Super cute matcha spot in La Jolla! They don't have many options in drink choices, but what they do serve, they do it to perfection. Parking can get difficult as there is not that much street parking but there is a shopping plaza right next to the store you can park at. You order and then watch your matcha being made right in front of you like you're in a lab. This place gets really busy on weekends and is usually a 15-30 minute wait. This is the highest quality matcha I have had and at $7 it is definitely worth the price. There are three options of unsweetened, normal, and extra sweet with the ability to add more if you are unsatisfied. The matcha comes default with oat milk, but it is blended so seamlessly into the drink and is so smooth This drink is definitely for people that truly love matcha as it is very concentrated on the purity and quality of the matcha itself. They do not sweeten it much so I suggest adding more syrup if you are not used to a strong matcha taste. There is also a wide selection of loose tea you can purchase as well as utensils to make matchas at home. We ended up getting the matcha whisk, strainer, and scooper. I would definitely recommend this place if you're in the area!

ORDER matcha latte (4/5) one of the best matchas ive had :P i just wish it was made with whole milk, but thats just my personal preference. definitely worth trying if you're in the area. SERVICE quick and friendly service :) AMBIANCE very unique interior!

Paru has become my husband and I's go-to tea shop to visit in San Diego! The interior aesthetic is minimal and clean with similar vibes to what you might find in a modern Japanese tea shop. They source teas from all over Asia and display the different tea leaves on their shelves with samples that you can smell. I love coming here and seeing what new teas they have. :) My usual go-to order is a hojicha latte but their matcha latte and other brewed teas are also delicious. They make the lattes in front of you which is a fun experience. For my husband's birthday, we reserved a separate tea tasting with Amy, the owner. She's so friendly and we had such a wonderful experience getting to try and learn about four different teas! She even let my husband cut from their pu-er tea cake for his birthday. I would highly recommend this experience for anyone who is into tea and would like to learn more about it.

LOCATION: Girard/Pearl PARKING: Street Parking WHAT WE ORDERED: * Iced Matcha Latte ($7) * Hojicha Latte ($6) Paru is pretty legit. They have delicious matcha--quality in a cup. The hojicha latte was nutty and grainy. All drinks are prepared with oat milk, and they don't allow adjustments to their drinks because they are made to be perfect the way they are. They have a short and simple menu of wonderfully crafted drinks. I enjoyed the entire process, from ordering to watching the baristas whisk your drink before you. I loved the ambiance of Paru. I felt so tranquil here. Definitely coming back the next time I'm in La Jolla to try their House-Milled Matcha and other drinks on the menu.

Loved the place from the moment I stepped inside. It smells wonderful, full of the aroma of tea leaves. The ambiance is very calm, clean and relaxing. The service was very friendly and I was surprised by the welcome tea sample I was provided while I waited for my order. And I've never been to a shop that mills their own matcha! I was able to peruse all of their loose tea and tea accessories in their store area while I waited. I ordered the iced matcha latte which is made with oat milk. I loved it. Refreshing with just a hint of sweetness. I really enjoyed my first time here and look forward to coming back.

:'D my sister and I drove an hour+ to SD to try this spot and it was honestly a waste of gas. My sister and I tried their house-milled matcha ($9) and their 10k ceremonial matcha ($6). I found it really cool and intriguing how they mill their matcha in-house, but for an extra $3 I couldn't tell much of a difference between the two matchas we ordered. In all honesty, we couldn't even taste much matcha. I was initially really excited because the proportion of matcha to milk looked perfect; but the drinks just tasted like milk with a tinyy hint of matcha when you really try to force yourself to taste the matcha flavor. It definitely is located in a very nice street that's nice to walk around, and the interior of the shop itself is very pretty. I did like how most of the baristas were kind and very professional. Something funny that happened was that I was really excited to record a video of the matcha being poured into the cup and asked for the barista to wait for me to start the video, but they didn't :DD I for sure would not reorder their matcha, but if I was in the area I would want to try their hojicha because I heard that one is much better

Best matcha lattes in La Jolla! Paru is very unique compared to other matcha spots, it has homey ambiance with lots of products on display. I got their iced matcha latte, and it was so good! It has an earthy and umami flavor, and the matcha powder is very well blended. I do wish that it was a bit sweeter, but that's just personal preference. If you're a matcha enthusiast, I would definitely recommend this place! The workers are very helpful when explaining the difference between the iced latte and house milled matcha. I would try the house milled next time, but it is quite pricey. The service is quick during non-peak hours. overall ratings drinks: 4.5/5 ambience 5/5 service 5/5

Matcha from Kyoto Iced/hot option Tea house No parking Made to order Grinding stone Whisked in front of you Good quality Fresh taste One of the top matcha places for me Japanese store 'pearl' Loose tea Closed Monday and Tuesday Not open after 5pm Wednesday through Sunday No restrooms

THE BEST MATCHA LATTE IN SAN DIEGO. like look at how green it is!!! This place has the best tasting matcha, and strongest flavor, I've had in San Diego so far. They mill their own matcha in house and all the employees are very attentive to the customers and displaying their matcha making process for each person. It makes the experience very enjoyable and personalized! I was surprised to see that they use 2 HUGE SCOOPS for each latte. No wonder it's so green and the flavor is so strong!! I feel like I wake up instantly after taking the first sip. They also frequently have samples displayed of other tea blends which I love. The interior is very cute but there's not really any seating. They also offer a lot of their own goods you can purchase like matcha, tea blends, any tools you'll need to make your own matcha at home like a whisk and a bowl.

I've been buying teas + tea sets from Paru since 2020 (even have some old cards and a beloved Paru t-shirt gifted by a friend!) and in its new La Jolla space, it has only become filled with so much more charm, expertise, and passion. Thanks to Amy and Lani for all the chats over the years explaining all the different teas they offer - they have always been so welcoming and willing to share the joy of their products - and for how much more accessible quality tea has become in the San Diego community. I encourage anyone visiting to look at the array of teas they have and notice how much thought and intention has been put into their selection. My favorite teas over the years include their Hanadoki and Blue Chamomile and as a Filipina, I was happy to spot 'Ingat'! I'll always have love for their first store, which was so intimate and cozily tucked in near Point Loma, and I look forward to coming back to enjoy their ever-expanding menu (signed by a former SD resident who still loves to come back after moving to LA). Thanks for everything!

Lovely tea shop! As a tea aficionado, I am passionate about finding new teas whenever I travel. On a weekend trip to San Diego, I stumbled upon PARU, and I'm so glad I did! Service was exceptional and the ambiance is lovely. They have a wide selection of teas and even offered a welcome tea for anyone in the store. They have jars for you to smell the tea blends which was much appreciated. I picked up two different blends and can't wait to try them when I get home!

If you're a matcha connoisseur, definitely give Paru a try! I stopped by here after a museum date in La Jolla and got an iced matcha oat milk latte and hojicha latte. I was expecting to like the matcha more than hojicha but this place may have converted me into a hojicha lover. My boyfriend devoured his matcha latte and claimed that this is the best matcha he's tried thus far (will come back to update if it's the best after we visit Japan soon). I love my teas to be nutty and roasted so the hojicha latte definitely hit the marks on that. If you're into sweet matcha drinks, this might not be the place for you because the flavor is really dependent on the matcha powder rather than sauces and syrups added to it. I love the ambiance of this little cafe shop as they have an area where they show samples of other teas that they sell where you can smell it and even buy a pack! Very interesting to see where all their tea comes from and they even had a little tasting area where the worker offered me some tea to try. Will definitely be back!

My friend and I stopped by PARU while visiting La Jolla and it was such a great experience! Located in La Jolla, PARU doesn't have its own dedicated lot and relies on street parking. We went on a Saturday and were able to find parking rather quickly, but that's also because we planned to walk around throughout the day as well. The interior of the shop is very modern and classy. They have a designated area to ordering drinks and then another section where they display their vast tea and matcha glassware selection, matcha samples, and even a mini art hallway in the back to learn more about harvesting matcha. I loved how that they had such a wide variety of teas to choose from, and I ended up buying their matcha latte powder since it was the most versatile for a daily matcha. While we were browsing, there was always someone asking us if we needed any assistance and also took the time to explain the difference between their different matcha powders and styles. When we ordered, the same associate was very friendly and patient with us, while also giving us her recommendations for several drinks. I ended up getting their House Milled Matcha and Water, which is kind of like an americano but for matcha and unsweetened. I usually don't get affected by caffeine, but this drink definitely woke me up in the gentlest way! I also was not too familiar with the different umami tastes that matcha can exhibit, but after tasting this one I think I can finally understand what that means. Definitely a refreshing pick-me-up! Overall, I highly recommend checking out PARU if you're a tea/matcha fanatic!

This is a great place to stop by for an authentic matcha experience! They have their own hand-milled matcha lattes, house made milk teas, and even hoijicha lattes! They have a really nice space filled with natural light and is decorated with tea pals/tools, authentic teas, and matcha powders that you can purchase. There is a bit of a wait, but the staff is dedicated to the process of making their drinks! Would recommend if you're willing to wait roughly 30-45 minutes!

My friend had seen this place on TikTok and we got to stop by when we were walking around at the farmer's market. The interior is such a thoughtfully decorated spot and it feels so serene and clean. Came by on a Sunday afternoon and there was a short line but they make each drink with such care that it took a while for our drink to be prepared, but a super cool experience to watch it being made. We got the House-Milled Matcha. Definitely the most pricey matcha drink that I've ever ordered but the quality is supreme. Since this was essentially just a tea without any milk, it was incredibly strong. The matcha is smooth but I was very caffeinated after having just a few sips. I definitely think the latte may have been the way to go but a good excuse to come back I guess :).

I was very excited to try PARU but unfortunately they were sold out of the house milled matcha that I came for. I opted for the 10k Matcha as recommended by the staff for the second most popular item. It was a rainy day so I asked for a hot latte and it was pretty simple; hot water, oat milk and matcha on top. They do add a little sweetener and I think I prefer my teas to be a little on the sweeter side so I asked for more. The staff will also make adjustments if you need any. It's a cute little store that's very aesthetically pleasing. They have tea sets, matcha bowls and various bags of teas displayed. Cashless transactions only by the way. Highly recommend if you're a tea/matcha enthusiast. Unfortunately, I was not cultured enough to appreciate the quality.

I ordered the iced matcha latte and it was very tasty. The staff was very nice even though they were very busy. Small menu and great loose leaf tea selection for purchase. Super cute spot with authentic matcha!

I tried the matcha latte from here for the first time with a friend. It was not too sweet and the matcha flavor was great. We also got to sample an oolong tea as they also sell teas. The staff were friendly and even with a long time it was quicker than I expected. The interior is very nicely decorated as it has a clean aesthetic.

Best matcha in SD (or maybe the best I've ever had, and I whisk my own at home as well). It's so strong and smooth, and goes so well with the oat milk! I got the original matcha latte iced with no changes. It's barely sweet so I would just get the regular (don't get unsweetened) LOVE THIS PLACE

Modern, classy, and quality matcha and teas. Quite an experience in-store! My friends tried a variety of their drinks: Iced Matcha Latte, Hojicha, and the Paru Milk Tea. Overall, their drinks are too sweet (which is understandable) but none of the flavors stood out to me. The drinks came with oat milk (I usually prefer cow milk with matcha) and it wasn't my personal favorite. Definitely try the hojicha though, my favorite out of the bunch. They have a bunch of welcoming and nice staff, all willing to give us suggestions and help us with their offering! Their products (beyond the beverages) were pretty expensive but there is a wide variety--always new things to try or admire. Gonna give it another try!

Such a cute place. I love how they make your drink right in front of you. The matcha latte with oat milk was so good. Definitely will be coming back. A little pricy but definitely worth it.

One of the best authentic Japanese Tea shop around San Diego! If you are a fan of Matcha you should come give it a shot. We got a 10K Matcha Latte and a Blue Chamomile Tea. The iced Blue Chamomile tea had a fantastic blue color and was very refreshing (perfect for our stroll around La Jolla on a warm summer day)! These drinks did a great job of showcasing the tea, flavors were balanced and nothing took away from the tea experience. The ice that is used in their drinks was special as well. I believe it was called Kuramoto Ice, an ultra-pure luxury ice with nearly zero impurities, imported from Japan. It is the clearest ice I have ever seen; it even had a different sound to it. It melts slowly to help retain the flavor of your drink without diluting it. Even when it did melt, the water tasted fresh. Paru grinds their own Matcha with a special mill from Japan (I was told only a handful of businesses in the US own this machine). A friendly barista walked us through their matcha brewing process of sifting, weighing, whisking, and steeping. It was great to see the attention to detail that each cup receives. The shop itself has a great vibe, was clean, and had a great selection of various teas and supplies to brew your own cup at home. The staff was very friendly/inviting and answered all my questions about tea! If you are ever in the neighborhood do yourself a favor and try this place!

Update! Lani reached out and gave a detailed explanation on how the Paru Milk Tea was brewed and prepared. I totally get where she's coming from and why Paru did what they did to prepare the drink that way - so that other ingredients wouldn't overpower the tea flavor. Thank you Lani!

Absolutely amazing matcha lattes! All are made to order so it isn't the fastest service but any wait is well worth the high quality, rich matcha that's ground in-house. The best matcha lattes in San Diego, I haven't had the strength to try anything else since the Iced Matcha and Oat Milk ($7) is SO GOOD. There is street parking and the shop is right next to the Sunday La Jolla Farmer's Market. The store also sells tea sets and tea leaves. There are a few outdoor tables and chairs. The staff is friendly and explanatory. A wonderful experience for tea lovers and matcha lovers!

From the moment I walked in to the moment I took my first sip of my iced matte latte, I felt incredibly zen. The light colored decor, the flow of the shop, and the mastery of the drinks, I felt a sense of calm. The menu is simple which is perfect. I got the iced matte latte that is automatically made with oat milk. The sweetness can be adjusted though I liked mine at its default. While waiting for my drink to be made, I explored (aka sniffed) their fragrant tea selection. They would make great gifts for others or even yourself. Limited seating available outside.

Mm I had pretty high hopes for PARU, since I am a pretty big fan of matcha. My sister and I got both the house-milled matcha latte and the 10k one (so a $6 vs $10). Honestly, I couldn't tell a difference between the two- and they both just tasted like oat milk only to me.. My sister could tell the difference a little, but I'm not sure if it was because she was forcing herself to try because of the price difference hahah. I really did give it multiple tastes to see, but yeah, just tasted like oat milk. Pretty disappointing D: Wish we could've actually tasted the matcha flavor. We came on a Friday afternoon (street parking! really easy) and it wasn't too busy, so we were able to get our orders in quickly and just explore the shop. The shop was pretty cute inside; I also liked their music since it matched their aesthetic! There's a lot to look around, since they display all their different teas. We sampled their Pandan waffle tea, which I thought was unique (though I don't know what to think of it). The service was great! But yeah just wished their drinks were stronger, to at least taste like matcha.. I heard their hojicha was really good? Maybe I'll give that a shot.

I was really craving quality ceremonial grade matcha and decided to drive 30min to La Jolla to try out Paru. I'm so glad I did because their matcha was so smooth and really hit the spot! I had gone to Matcha Maiko Cafe the day before and it didn't satisfy my craving because of the poor quality, and Paru is way better (and roughly the same price) if you have high standards for matcha! I was initially hesitant because I was worried Paru would just be an aesthetic store front with average matcha, but it was more of like matcha/tea experts/fanatics with an aesthetic store front! I went on a Sunday afternoon, and the 10k milled matcha was sold out so I asked the cashier what's the difference between the sold out milled matcha vs the available classic matcha. Basically the sold matcha is milled in house (you can see the mill machine in the store) so it's a lot fresher but also more limited in how much they can produce a given day. It doesn't always sell out, and was sold out that day because it was the end of the weekend. The store sells a bunch of great products for any tea lovers, such as controlled-pour tea kettles, tea pets, cold brew tea supplies, etc. I felt like a kid in a candy store, although had to resist the urge to burn a hole into my wallet and impulse buy everything! Especially the tea pets were sooooo cute!!!!!!! Love the vibe of this store, and it's in a lovely location. I'll definitely be coming back for more! And to try the 10k matcha. The store also showcases how they source their tea, and I appreciate how they provide an inside look and let you learn more about the process. For example quality tea leaves are often grown in high elevation areas in the high mountain because of the altitude and other benefits! It's makes me happy to see small businesses like this flourishing and bringing culture to San Diego!

Guys when i tell u this is a whole experience ..... went on a sd trip with some friends and this was at the top of our itinerary. Sadly they are closed on mondays and tuesdays, so we couldn't visit until the last day of our trip. ur greeted by a nice decadent interior the moment u walk in--shelves full of some of their own merchandise and matcha accessories and powders that are purchasable. there's even a small exhibit in the back of the cafe that i def recommend checking out while waiting for ur order! the giant stone mill grinding matcha right before ur eyes def excited me the most ... I already knew my drink was gonna be good. i ordered a standard iced matcha latte and first of all can we just admire that beautiful green color. i feel like a cow on the grassy plains with the wind blowing across the beautiful blue sky. the drink was 1000000/10. the matcha flavor is so beautiful i could actually make out with it. there's a slight nutty, deep flavor profile that isn't overpowered by the slight maple sweetener they use. u can ask for ur matcha unsweetened or extra sweet as well, so they can accommodate for everyone's matcha preference! staff are just absolutely amazing, so nice and knowledgeable about the drinks they serve, and the open counters allow u to watch as they prepare ur drinks with such precision and delicateness. this is definitely one of my favorite matcha places everrrrr I will be dreaming about it every night until i come back .

amazing matcha here, drink is already set to be lightly sweet, with oat milk for the girls~~ the matcha is earthier and feels fresher which is awesome, and the folks there are so sweet with a keen focus on quality. the inside is decorated beautifully it was really busy or else i would've taken more pictures of the history and the ambiance! please beware that there are long wait times here because of their focus on quality plus their popularity, please expect 20 mins on a busy day but honestly i don't mind because i love their taste! this isn't a study cafe fyi !

Best authentic matcha place in La Jolla!! You are in for the aesthetic and a show to watch them whisk up the matcha right in front of you. Staff were really friendly and informative for it being my first time there and learning about the different matcha options and how they prepare it. Reasonable price for the size ! My latte already has oat milk/maple syrup in it and I'll say it was the perfect combination. NOT bitter at all, not too sweet, but very strong matcha flavor (how I prefer it). Wasn't watered down by the milk at all. *only con is they don't have restrooms* you can takeout or there's a couple of tables outside. Highly recommend if you're looking for some authentic tasting matcha.

I Love the matcha latte. The tasted was Not too tart, bitter, or powder. Definitely coming back soon!

The best place for tea lovers! We first met the owner Amy at her booth at the Cherry Blossom Festival several years ago and then started frequenting the Point Loma location. I'm so glad they opened this beautiful location in La Jolla! Amy, Lani, Scott, and the entire staff are very friendly and helpful. They are all knowledgeable and passionate about tea. They provide great recommendations and tips for tea and tea making. One of the most unique features of the shop is their matcha mill! They freshly mill matcha in house. It doesn't get any fresher than that. A visit here is not complete without ordering the iced house milled matcha latte. It's the best quality matcha you'll find in San Diego. It's difficult to enjoy matcha from other places after having it here. I also love the Okinawa sugar, and my other half enjoys the blue chamomile. We also love to make the loose leaf tea blends at home. They source the tea from small farms all over Asia. Some of our favorites are the Pandan Waffle, Milky Oolong, and Coconut Chai. The tea is tasty and high quality. We've even started making cold brew tea during the warmer months of the year. They also sell the cutest tea accessories.

I finally found my matcha place in San Diego! For some reason, quality matcha is difficult to find around here. Paru does it right! I haven't had any challenges finding parking but I've visited during hours that were ideal, at the end of the farmers market on a Sunday and after lunch on a Wednesday. I do wish this place had more hours and were open earlier in the day. I don't understand the late opening when people want to be caffeinated early. They are crazy busy on the weekends so expect a long wait for your drink. It wasn't clear to me when I walked in where to order a drink but it's the first counter when you walk in where the menu is located. Weekdays are ideal as they aren't as busy. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. There isn't anywhere to sit inside so plan to take your drink to go. It can be quite narrow inside as well when there are multiple people. They have many teas for sale but at $45 per container of 10k ceremonial matcha, I'll pass. I've found good quality matcha for much less. Worth the stop if you're a matcha lover. The drinks are dark green which means plenty of matcha to milk ratio for the latte. I'll certainly be back, I just wish they had a location farther east.

Love this cute little matcha spot! It had decent parking but can get crowded overtime. I love the ambiance of this place with the many teas you can buy and tea sets. I got the iced matcha latte extra sweeten. It was one of the most unique matcha I have ever tasted. It was so smooth and the perfect balanced of sweetness. I wish I had a PARU near me but if I'm ever back in SD I will def come back here!

An amazing selection of loose leaf teas, accessories, and art. I would recommend this place for anyone who enjoys strong, authentic tea and chill vibes. They are known for their matcha (which was delicious), but my favorite was the hojicha. The service here was also outstanding. Everyone was super friendly and able to answer any questions we had about the drinks or items around the store. 10/10 would recommend!

Hands down the best matcha latte I've had in San Diego. Beautifully designed store with an assortment of teas and accessories to browse while you wait for your matcha to be made (it does take a few). The matcha itself had wonderful, rich undertones with minimal sweetener added that allowed you to really savor the matcha. Must visit for matcha lovers!

My husband and I are huge fans of tea, particularly after visiting Asia so we frequent Paru. We appreciate how much love and care they put into to their teas and love the fact they grow their own all around Asia. We have also attended some special events they've held for tea tasting. It's always such a pleasant and enriching experience. Amy is also so delightful and her staff is wonderful as well - you can tell they care a lot about their craft. The shop itself is cute and gives peaceful vibes. They also welcome dogs which is a plus!

The service was great here and each of the baristas were very informative about the menu. I purchased a lavender earl grey tea to take home that I love. I also got a blue chamomile tea when I was there I enjoyed it a lot. It was very calming and was a nice tea to drink on my walk to the other nearby shops.

I was looking for some cafes nearby since my parents just ordered coffee at Bird Rock Coffee but I'm more into teas. Came across this matcha place that seemed promising so decided to stop by. Upon arriving there, this place definitely gave me Japanese vibes. I was really excited to come here as I heard they had their own matcha mill and matcha is directly imported from Kyoto. The interior was minimalistic and they sold a lot of things-- from (loose) tea bags, Japanese matcha powder, art, and whisk. There was an open kitchen where you can see the employees make the matcha drinks right in front of you using the Japanese whisk and technique. It was really therapeutic to watch honestly. I decided to order the following: 1) 10K Ceremonial Matcha: 6/10 Matcha is very strong but this drink was simply just matcha and hot water so it tasted bland. If you really really love matcha I would get this but personally I'm more into matcha lattes. Top tier matcha quality though 2) House Milled Ceremonial Matcha: 8/10 This was really good! The matcha and oat milk was a good combination and it really helped enhance this drink. Compared to other places that make matcha latte, I can tell the matcha is very authentic. 3) Blue Chamomile Latte: 3/10 My least favorite drink. Drink is a pretty blue color but just tasted like soap tbh... Overall, pretty good matcha store and as a matcha lover myself, I would come back if I'm in SD :)

Great, high quality matcha! It was so cool to see the matcha milled and the staff create your drink in front of you! It was so tasty! Often, I get disappointed by the matcha because it lacks in quality or it tastes off, but this place is so good! Parking: street parking. You may need to park and walk, but eventually you should find something. Ambiance: cute store. You could drink outside, but it's pretty small inside. Has lots of tea options for you to buy and take home.

PARU is a cozy tea and matcha café located in La Jolla. My husband and I made a quick stop here while running our weekend errands. I've always wanted to try PARU, and this place has been bookmarked for quite some time, so it was the perfect opportunity to go. We visited on a busy Saturday when they featured a special pop-up. However, the service was efficient and friendly, and browsing the special loose-leaf teas they had in the shop was enjoyable. I ordered a Matcha Latte, which was pretty tasty, and took home a bag of Dong Ding 12 loose leaf reserve tea from Thailand. I only wished they offered other types of plant-based milk besides oat milk, as oat milk is relatively high in sugar and most brands are ultra-processed, containing additives that are not supportive of optimal health. Overall, it was a great experience with excellent service, and the matcha lattes are tasty.