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Kiss of Matcha
Master Critic Review
Kiss of Matcha
8.1
Tiny Japanese dessert bar known for thick matcha and black sesame soft serve, parfaits, and affogatos. Not too sweet and meticulously whisked, it’s a go-to after Clement dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Matcha soft serve parfait, Black sesame–vanilla swirl cone, Matcha affogato
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Ceremonial-leaning matcha soft serve with focused Japanese flavors.
Who should go: Matcha and sesame fans
When to visit: Post-dinner 8–10pm to dodge peak lines
What to order: Matcha parfait; sesame-vanilla swirl; croffle + soft serve
Insider tip: Ask for extra mochi or brown-sugar jelly to customize parfaits.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Clement and 5th Ave; typically easier after 8pm but competitive during dinner rush.
Dress code: Casual—most guests stop by post-meal in everyday attire; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Low to moderate—small space with soft background music, easy to hold a quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for counter seating or takeaway during peak dessert hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quieter afternoons before 6pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—most desserts are vegetarian, including soft serve, parfaits, and croffles.
Vegan options: Limited—some drinks and sorbets qualify but soft serve contains dairy.
Gluten-free options: Partially—parfaits can be customized without croffle or cookie add-ons.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's an intimate, quiet dessert bar with elegant presentation and Japanese minimalist charm that feels thoughtful without pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's walk-in only with counter seating; just arrive early if you want to sit inside rather than take out.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy matcha and soft serve; younger children may find the flavors more bitter than typical ice cream.
Best For
Better for: Refined, less-sweet Japanese-style desserts with deep matcha flavor and precise presentation.
Skip if: You prefer classic American-style sundaes or large, shareable portions—this leans minimalist and subtle.