Matcha Cafe Maiko - Escondido

Horrible. Only the cheapest cafe food you can get, typical for California. I paid for two of the smallest portions of tiramisu ive ever seen. Maybe a fifth or sixth the size of the box it came in. I can't believe someone packaged it and didn't feel embarrassed knowing it would go to a customer. Tiramisu is easy to make but of course it's some frozen, premade sysco sheet cake they're selling to you for 4-5 dollars a slice. The ice cream was average, the waffle was fine but arrived ice cold even with express delivery, only a 12 minute delivery time. Just a gimmick spot, they aren't proud about anything they sell.

Their soft serve is so good! Everything they serve is so generously portioned, we have to share anything we get here. Their matcha is authentic and they really perfected it in everything they make. Their ube flavor soft serve is also very good, not overly sweet or fake-tasting. There's so many things on the menu that you can have add-ons to and such. There's a few tables and a super cute little nook with counters and seats perfect for studying or hanging out.

Matcha latte with Ube foam so yummy

Delicious dessert option! I only wish they had more space inside for dining in. I got the matcha/ube bubble waffle.

The matcha and ube soft serve is next level! I stumbled upon this spot in Kearney Mesa after eating at another spot in the same plaza. I live in North County and I was craving the soft serve. After a quick search, I discovered that they have an Esco location. The staff is super sweet, the music is fun and it's cute in there as well. Check it out, and don't forget to sign up for their rewards program!

Love the ice cream but hope the portion is bigger at lease fill up the cup

We loved this place. The food was great. The atmosphere was awesome and the waitress was great. Food on point. You won't be disappointed.

Placed a pick up order only to find out the order was quickly made and the pick up time was 30 minutes away. I received a text letting me know it was ready. I called them and advised the pick up time was at 3:15. It was 2:50pm. I called them at 3:10pm and they said the order had been on the counter. They let me know they would remake the order. I arrived at 3:18 pm. The workers pulled my drink from a refrigerator in the back room. Why would they have to do that if the order was to be remade? I asked them if the remade the order. They said yes. That was false. The drinks no longer had ice cubes. They were ice chips. The drinks were watered down and separation of the ingredients were visible. Horrible. Just horrible. To spend $20 on drinks and to have this kind of service? This is twice now that their online ordering system has failed. Teaspoon across the freeway will be my go to. Better service and amazing tea. Shame on you Maiko.

This is a definite yes, cute cafe their Ube with matcha ice cream is a Win!!!! Come check it out it’s over by the McDonald’s

Delicious 😋

Just tried their banana pudding matcha late and it was so flipping good! My girlfriend and I rate it a 10/10 would buy again and again and again!

Would give zero if I could!!! I ordered 2 drinks from here. They spilled one of them and as I was helping them clean it up they failed to thank me for my help. Along with that, I ordered the Banana Pudding Latte with Boba and they informed me they did not have any more Boba, but would substitute it with Crystal boba. They filled more than half the cup with the substituted add on that cost $1 along with Ice and Bananas. I took two sips and there was no more matcha latte to drink after that. I was just left with all these toppings. For almost $10 I got 2 sips. I bought a whole sandwich from next door for the same price. TOTAL SCAM

Order at the kiosk. And Bam delicious matcha is out before you know it.

As someone who works nearby, Maiko Café has been a steady favorite of mine for a while now. It’s got that calm, almost meditative atmosphere that makes it perfect for taking a breather, reading, or knocking out a study session. The staff is always friendly, the self-serve kiosks make ordering smooth, and overall it’s the kind of place that welcomes regulars with consistency.

That said, I’ve gotta point out something that left a sour taste in my otherwise mellow matcha routine: the recent menu update. I usually order a simple, no-frills matcha—no toppings, no milk, and often no ice. It’s just how I like it. But to my surprise, there’s now an extra $1 charge for opting without ice. That’s right—removing something from the drink now costs more.

I’m not one to complain about pricing without reason. I understand businesses have to adjust, and Maiko has always leaned toward the premium side. But charging more for what’s essentially preference? That’s a tough pill to swallow—especially for a regular customer who’s been ordering the same thing for months.

It doesn’t change the fact that this is still one of my favorite spots in the area. The matcha itself is quality, the space is clean and calming, and I’ve had genuinely great experiences here. But I hope they reconsider the pricing logic around something as small—but telling—as an ice charge. Regulars notice.

When my kids and I saw Matcha Maiko, our attention was driven by a person coming out of the cafe holding an amazing cone of ice cream and made me want one since it looked so good. Little did I know I was going to be surprised by how large the menu was. I have not yet tried everything because I loved the Matcha & Ube sooo much that I almost every time I go back, I literally can't resist to repeat. I highly recommend it.