Forest Tea Bar

Forest Tea Bar

2628 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA

★★★★★4.8(75 Google reviews)

Crema's Take

Forest Tea Bar is a matcha lover's dream in Berkeley, where each bowl is whisked to order with such care and quality that regulars compare it favorably to shops in Japan itself. The precision extends beyond their signature matcha to creative iterations like genmaicha matcha lattes and rose-infused versions that somehow taste both adventurous and perfectly balanced, paired with thoughtfully made pastries in a space designed for slow, intentional sipping. While the drinks skew small and it's worth a visit if you're in the neighborhood rather than a destination drive, the consistency of praise around their emerald-green matcha and attention to traditional technique makes it a standout spot for specialty tea in the Bay Area.

What to expect

Strong matcha and tea selection, with creative signature drinks. Slow-sit spot. Pastries on the menu.

Slow sitSignature drinksMatcha & teaPastriesSpecialty drinksTraditional drinks

Google Reviews

Andrea Hernandez
★★★★★2 months ago

Finally got to try this spot and can say that the matcha quality is very good! The hojicha as well was toasty and nutty (aside from the sesame that blended with it so well). The service was also very pleasant and helpful. Definitely will stop by to try other matcha and hojicha…

francisco sanchez
★★★★★3 months ago

This is a good spot, but definitely not somewhere I’d do a long drive just to visit. The matcha is very fresh and well prepared, and the carbonated drink was tasty. That said, the drinks are small, you’re realistically done in 3–4 sips (or two if you take big ones). The cups are…

Lisa Quan
★★★★★3 months ago

Hands down the best matcha spot I’ve tried outside of Japan and so glad it’s close to home. Their matcha is strong, smooth, the perfect emerald green and milk to matcha ratio, made to order in a lovely atmosphere with great staff. I’ve tried pretty much everything on their menu…

Phuong Luong
★★★★★5 months ago

Unfortunately the genmaicha matcha latte is one of the best matcha beverage I've had: so perfectly balanced, not too sweet, good quality matcha that really shines alongside the genmaicha. They absolutely do take their time whisking the matcha for that "zen" appearance (imo most…

Snow Go
★★★★★7 months ago

This matcha shop has been on my list for a long time, finally I have time to visit today! The matcha with rose flavor is my favorite, I believe is the best matcha I have had so far in the Bay Area! The design is neat and comfy. I will stop by again for my matcha when I go to…

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