Olive & James Cafe - Melrose

I asked two baristas working on Sunday twice whether the Blue Coconut Matcha contained any dairy, and both assured me that it did not. Unfortunately, that information was wrong. I have severe dairy allergies that cause facial swelling and hives, which explains the reaction I experienced over the past week. When I returned today and asked another barista (who was amazing, by the way), they immediately informed me that there is dairy in the cream. I’m grateful to them for knowing the menu and being honest. That said, this is completely unacceptable. Knowing whether drinks contain common allergens like dairy should be basic, non-negotiable training for baristas. This wasn’t a preference, it was a health issue. At least one person clearly knows the menu, but this inconsistency puts customers at risk and is incredibly disappointing. 🤦‍♀️….

The Basque cheesecake was absolutely delicious; rich in flavor with a perfectly velvety, smooth texture. The space is cozy and calming, with a minimalist, clean design that makes it a great spot to slow down and enjoy your coffee. I especially loved the quiet, peaceful atmosphere.

The matcha latte was rich and well-balanced I liked that the sweetness is adjustable. I chose coconut for the americano flavor. The coffee was strong, which I personally prefer. The place is small and usually crowded, so takeout is recommended. The interior is compact but cute, and there’s a free Checkpoint photo machine inside.

Small but open cafe. The basque cheesecake tasted great! Matcha powder can still be tasted in the iced matcha, also the quality of their matcha powder needed to be seriously improved….ice americano with orange scent…. Well…. Basically they poured concentrated orange juice into the americano….tasted sour and artificial…. Not even close to competitions nearby… very disappointed

The (extremely kind!!!) cashier helped me order the blue coconut matcha with vanilla and it was PERFECT! Strong matcha taste and perfectly flavored and sweetened. She also suggested the cheesecake and it was SO lovely. Great matcha and really great vibes!