Matcha Me Wins Local Cafe Vote

Matcha Me secured 375 votes in The Lantern’s 2026 Best of OSU special edition, earning the title of best cafe among Ohio State students and community members. The recognition applies to the shop’s primary location at 2348 N. High St., where it has operated since 2024.

Founder Gardenia Gomez opened the first Matcha Me near the Ohio State campus in 2024. She later expanded the business to a second site at 14 E. Lincoln St. in the Short North. Gomez stated in an email that she aimed to differentiate the cafe from traditional coffee shops by focusing on high-quality matcha and an inviting atmosphere.

“I’ve always appreciated cafes that put a lot of thought into their drinks, branding, and overall atmosphere,” Gomez said. “I wanted Matcha Me to be a place where people could experience really good matcha in a way that felt approachable, especially for people who had never tried it before. I also wanted to create a brand that felt fun modern, and different from what was already available.”

The cafe sources first-harvest matcha from Japan. Gomez said each drink is measured and whisked to ensure a smooth texture. The team develops recipes around the matcha itself to prevent syrups or sweeteners from overpowering the flavor.

“We look at everything from its flavor and color to its texture and how it pairs with different ingredients,” Gomez said. “We also develop our recipes around the matcha itself because we want people to actually taste and appreciate it rather than having it completely overpowered by syrups or sweeteners.”

Brooklyn Theessen, a third-year nursing student, has worked at Matcha Me for a year and a half. She noted that employees prepare many ingredients in-house, including fresh cream tops and almond and oat milks. Theessen said the cafe’s most popular items are the strawberry matcha latte and the Einspänner matcha latte, which features a vanilla cream top.

Gomez said the menu includes seasonal beverages developed through experimentation. She said she monitors customer preferences and seasonal flavors but avoids following every trend to keep the drinks original to the brand.

“I’m constantly thinking about new combinations and how we can create something that feels different from what people are used to seeing,” Gomez said. “I also pay attention to seasonal flavors and what our customers enjoy, but I don’t necessarily want to follow every trend. I want our drinks to feel original to Matcha Me.”

Theessen said the cafe’s atmosphere varies by time of day, serving customers who stop for quick drinks or those who sit to study. She described the environment as cheerful and noted that many customers view their visit as the highlight of their day.

Gomez said she hopes to expand Matcha Me to other cities while maintaining the current level of quality. Theessen said the combination of reliable service, friendly staff, and personal connections keeps Ohio State students returning to the shop.