Holy Matcha North Park: The Matcha Cafe That Started a Trend in California

A Matcha Oasis on University Avenue

After a long walk through North Park in San Diego, Holy Matcha is one of those spots where you can actually catch your breath and have a completely different kind of cafe experience. It's located on University Avenue — 3118 University Ave to be exact — and right from the start, you should know this isn't your typical coffee shop. Holy Matcha was one of the first places in the entire state of California to really introduce matcha in a serious way, and by now the name is basically synonymous with that green drink.

The Woman Behind the Green: Geraldine Ridaura's Journey from Coffee to Matcha

The founder is Geraldine Ridaura, someone who couldn't drink coffee. That limitation led her to discover matcha during a trip to Japan in 2016 — the ancient Japanese drink made from powdered green tea. She was so struck by the health benefits and the potential of it as a coffee alternative that she came back to San Diego and opened Holy Matcha, determined to bring this culture into her own community. These days, their signature matcha blends are even sold on Amazon, which tells you how far the brand has come.

Hours, Prices, and What Your Money Actually Gets You

They're open every day from 9 AM to 5 PM, and on weekends — Saturday and Sunday — they stay open until 6 PM. Prices usually run between $1 and $10, which for a single drink might feel a little steep, especially once you see the portion size. But honestly, you're not just paying for a beverage here. You're paying for the whole experience.

The Parking Situation: What You Need to Know Before You Go

One thing to keep in mind is that there's no dedicated parking lot, and the street out front tends to be busy. So you'll have to try your luck with street parking. Once you walk in, the first thing you notice is the warm welcome from the staff. The whole vibe is very pink and feminine, but not in a way that feels exclusive. It's more like stepping into a tiny fantasy world.

Pink Walls, Green Matcha, and a Photo Wall Made of Flowers

The decor is a mix of pink and green. The green obviously comes from matcha itself, and it sits beautifully against all that pink. There are walls completely covered in pink and white flowers that have basically become a photo destination on their own. They also have a photo booth where you can get two photo strips for about $2 to $6. Just be careful — those photos don't get emailed or saved anywhere, so if you take them, don't lose them.

The Photo Booth: Cute, Fun, and Easy to Lose

Their slogan is "You, Me, Matcha," and it's written on a board right by the entrance. Inside, the same slogan glows in neon lights shaped like a heart on the wall. Before you even reach the register, you'll pass through a chic, open space filled with stationery and small gifts from local businesses — cards, keychains, that kind of thing. It gives the place this feeling of being more than just a cafe; it's like a little platform supporting small makers.

"You, Me, Matcha": The Slogan That Follows You Everywhere

The menu is built around matcha, lattes, ice cream, desserts, and avocado toast. Everything feels intentional, from the decor to the food. The drinks are whisked by hand but still come out fast. A cute detail is that they usually stencil part of the cafe's name onto the plate using real matcha powder, and the rest of the name is written the same way on top of the drink itself. It's those small touches that make everything feel thoughtfully designed.

What's on the Menu: Matcha Lattes, Avocado Toast, and House-Ground Powder

Some people have criticized the place for focusing too much on marketing, Instagram, and decor rather than developing the menu. But the truth is, they use high-quality matcha and grind it in-house. So you don't have to worry about the ingredients. The real question is whether you actually enjoy the natural, authentic taste of matcha. If you don't, you might feel like you're drinking water mixed with grass — something like green flour. You won't pick up on the flavor you were expecting. But if you do love matcha, this place is heaven.

The Staff Know Their Matcha (And They're Happy to Help)

If you're new to matcha, don't stress. Two of the staff members there are genuinely kind and professional, and they can guide you through the menu really well. If you have a sweet tooth, make sure to ask them for agave sweetener. Another nice thing is that they don't use dairy — instead, they offer plant-based milks like oat milk. And if you're not happy with your order, they're willing to remake it for you. That says a lot about how much they care about their customers.

Plenty of Seats, No Rush to Leave

The cafe has plenty of seating and makes for a nice little rest stop. After you finish your order, they'll clear your dishes, but not in a way that rushes you out. It's more for your own comfort. The business is still evolving, and the look of the place keeps changing. Some people who come just for photos might not love the changes, but it shows the owners are thinking about growth.

Final Thoughts: Is Holy Matcha Your Kind of Place?

If you order the avocado toast and you're not into spicy flavors, definitely ask them to go light on the red pepper flakes. And if you stop by, do yourself a favor and try the banana matcha. It's one of those combinations you wouldn't expect, but it really works.