Matcha Me wins 2026 Best of OSU cafe award

Matcha Me was named the best cafe in Ohio State University’s 2026 Best of OSU poll.

The shop at 2348 N. High St. received 375 votes from students and community members. The award recognizes the cafe’s focus on specialty matcha beverages and its rotating menu.

Gardenia Gomez, the founder and owner, opened the first location near campus in 2024. She later added a second location in the Short North neighborhood at 14 E. Lincoln St. Gomez stated that she wanted to create a space that differed from traditional coffee shops by emphasizing high-quality matcha and an inviting atmosphere. She noted that she wanted to make the experience approachable for people who had never tried the drink before.

The cafe uses first-harvest matcha sourced from Japan. Gomez said each drink is measured and whisked for a smooth texture. The team develops recipes around the matcha itself to ensure the flavor is not overpowered by syrups or sweeteners. Employees prepare many ingredients in-house. Brooklyn Theessen, a third-year nursing student who has worked at the cafe for a year and a half, said the staff makes cream tops fresh every morning. The team also produces almond and oat milks on site.

Gomez said the students have played a major role in the cafe’s growth. She described the recognition by the same community that supports the business as special. Gomez expressed pride in the team for interacting with customers daily. Theessen, who has worked at Matcha Me for 18 months, said the vote reflects the effort employees put into creating a welcoming environment. She noted that the atmosphere is cheerful and that many customers stop in for a drink that marks a highlight of their day.

The cafe’s most popular drinks are the strawberry matcha latte and the Einspänner matcha latte. The Einspänner is a vanilla matcha topped with a vanilla cream. The menu also includes seasonal beverages developed through experimentation with various flavors. Gomez said she aims to keep the drinks original to the brand rather than following every trend. She mentioned that she pays attention to seasonal flavors and customer preferences.

Gomez said she hopes to expand Matcha Me to other cities while maintaining the current quality standards. Theessen said students return because the staff is reliable and friendly. She noted that she drinks a matcha almost every day and has not grown tired of it because of the drink quality. The employees strive to build relationships with regulars to make their day.

The cafe serves customers throughout the day. Some visitors stop in for a quick drink, while others sit and study. Gomez said she wanted the space to be aesthetically pleasing without being intimidating. She aims for a consistently good experience whether someone is stopping in before class or meeting a friend.