Located on Lytton Avenue in downtown Palo Alto, Rikyū Matcha Café is a modern, minimalist, and inviting café specializing in classic and specialty matcha drinks, Japanese-style sandwiches, and desserts. From sweet sips to full meals, Rikyū has something for everyone.
Matcha Latte ($8.50): 3/10
Simply put, this matcha latte is disappointing. The matcha tastes raw, overly bitter, and unpleasantly strong. Though the drink has a layer of cream at the bottom, once stirred, it gets completely overpowered. If you prefer a bold, unsweetened black-coffee-like matcha, this might be right up your alley. However, for those who prefer their drinks creamy and sweetened, this is definitely not for you.
Yuzu Chicken Sando ($16): 9/10
The Yuzu Chicken Sando is mouth-watering. Served warm, the bread is soft and light, and the golden-battered fried chicken cutlets are tender with a crunchy exterior. The coleslaw, a mix of shredded white and purple cabbage, is deliciously crisp, bright, and tangy. The mayonnaise dressing lightens the sandwich, adding a delicate creaminess. Infused with yuzu juice, the slaw provides a tart, floral-mandarin flavor that cuts through the richness of the bread and chicken, bringing a kick to each bite.
Strawberry Matcha Latte ($7.50): 8/10
The strawberry matcha is definitely a highlight among the menu’s drinks. Made with Rikyū’s housemade strawberry syrup and whole milk and topped with a rich matcha layer, the drink’s smooth texture and perfect sweetness hits the spot every time. At first sip, the matcha is a bit overwhelming, but the strawberry flavor balances it out perfectly. Once some extra agave is stirred in, it becomes the perfect compliment to a signature sando. It is an iconic stand out that should be ordered every time.
Matcha Panna Cotta ($7): 3/10
This panna cotta is an adventure that increasingly falls apart. It has three layers: a lovely, sweet, lemon cream on top, a strange middle layer of red beans mixed with red bean paste, and a bottom layer of tasteless matcha jelly-cake. The flavors clash when eaten together, and the layer of red bean creates a pasty feel. The lemon cream is the highlight, but the more bites you take, the less enjoyable it becomes.
