I don’t even want to tell you people about it, but that just seems so selfish. The mochi here is REALLY good-they bring it in fresh every day, production is in San Jose. Which is great because it’s so good, but bad because in my experience they start running out late afternoon. There isn’t much to say, it’s just really high quality and fresh. It is a little bit on the sweeter side though. The made to order red bean paste snacks are awesome as well, only reason I don’t get them every time I go is because I get so much mochi.
Overview
Kissako Tea is a charming tea house nestled in the heart of San Francisco, offering a serene environment that’s perfect for anyone seeking a peaceful tea experience. Located at 1581 Webster St Ste 195, San Francisco, CA 94115, this inviting spot is a gem for tea lovers and those looking to explore authentic Japanese tea culture.
The moment you step inside, you're welcomed by the soothing aroma of freshly brewed tea, setting the tone for a relaxing visit. Kissako Tea is known for its variety of matcha, a finely powdered green tea, which has become a beloved drink for many. The cafe offers a wide selection of matcha-based beverages, from lattes to traditional bowls, allowing visitors to enjoy the full spectrum of this vibrant, antioxidant-rich drink.
One of the standout features of Kissako Tea is its dedication to the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. The staff, well-versed in the craft, take pride in preparing each cup with precision and care. Their expertise ensures that every sip offers the rich, smooth flavors matcha aficionados are familiar with, whether enjoyed as part of a latte or in its purest form. For those who are new to matcha, the team at Kissako Tea is always ready to share their knowledge, offering helpful tips on how to appreciate this age-old drink.
The menu is another highlight. It’s not just about the drinks - Kissako Tea also serves an array of delightful Japanese-inspired treats that pair perfectly with their beverages. From mochi and delicate pastries to savory bites like onigiri, the options are both satisfying and diverse. These items, carefully crafted, complement the flavors of the teas, ensuring every visit is a complete sensory experience.
But what truly sets Kissako Tea apart from other tea spots in the city is the attention to detail. The tranquil atmosphere, combined with their thoughtfully curated menu, creates a calming experience that encourages you to slow down and savor each moment. Whether you’re grabbing a quick tea to go or settling in for a leisurely afternoon with a bowl of matcha and mochi, Kissako Tea makes every visit memorable.
Moreover, the cafe has earned glowing reviews for its friendly and knowledgeable staff. Many patrons appreciate how the team takes the time to explain the different types of tea and the subtle differences in their preparation. Whether you’re a matcha expert or a newcomer, the welcoming atmosphere makes it a place you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Located conveniently in San Francisco’s vibrant neighborhood, Kissako Tea provides an authentic taste of Japan. Whether you’re in the mood for a simple cup of matcha or a more elaborate tea experience, you’re sure to leave feeling refreshed and content. The unique offerings and focus on high-quality ingredients make it a standout among the many tea cafes in the area, ensuring its place as a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
Good to know
Service options
âś“ Delivery âś“ In-store shopping âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-inHighlights
âś“ Great dessert âś“ Great tea selectionPopular for
âś“ Solo diningAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seatingOfferings
âś“ Coffee âś“ Comfort food âś“ Quick bite âś“ Small plates âś“ Vegetarian optionsDining options
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Dessert âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ ToiletAtmosphere
âś“ Casual âś“ TrendyCrowd
âś“ Family friendly âś“ Groups âś“ TouristsPlanning
âś“ Quick visit âś“ Accepts reservationsPayments
âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cardsChildren
âś“ Good for kidsPhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 151 reviews
Good onigiris! They also come individually wrapped, just like typical Japanese konbini. Quick service and low price for a little snack. Beware it gets very busy! Came during a slow week day and even though they were churning onigiris left and right, I still waited ~10min to get mine (~10 customers before me). Super recommend!
I liked this place overall. We tried two rice onigiri (okaka [bonito flakes] and tenmusu [shrimp tempura]), which were pretty good and freshly made but could have used more flavor. We also tried the mochi. The berry mochi had an artificial flavor, but the the haru mochi were good. We went again and the second time liked the onigiri (plain and chicken teriyaki) better. The mango mochi had an artificial flavor reminiscent of the berry mochi, but the habutai mochi was good. I guess the moral of the story is to get the traditional Japanese mochi rather than the new-fangled fruit flavored ones.
This shop has been here for so many years! I always dropped by when I was still in high school. According to the employee they changed hands 4 years ago, but looks like the new owner is doing a good job of keeping the old menu & authenticity of this place, also added some new items. Surprisingly the prices haven't changed much! The onigiri was freshly made (rice was warm when they gave it to me); the mango mochi I ordered had nice texture but was too sweet. I'd definitely go for more traditional flavor like matcha next time.
matcha monaka is good here. inside is coated with chocolate to keep the monaka dry and crispy