Most authentic Japanese food in maryland. Delicious with tons of vegetarian options! Check out the matcha time gift shop too for all sorts of interesting merchandise and snacks. Very, very yummy. I can't wait to go back! P.s. give the Yuzu sparkling juice a try, you'll thank me later.
The cafe was welcoming and the food delicious. I was able to outline a paper for a class and the wifi was easy to connect. Overall a very good experience, especially with delicious tea!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kristel Melendres
Their beef bowl is really good!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jen M
Tucked away little shop serving rice ? balls, soup, small snacks, and beverages located behind la palapa. Nothing to write home about. We wanted to try something new but nothing really blew us away. We got the salmon skin rice ball and the unsweetened chai. It wasn’t too flavorful and it came with not enough ice so it wasnt too refreshing. I feel like it would’ve been a cooler atmosphere if they didn’t move *all* of their cute merchandise down to the store front by cozy cafe. 1. People would be more likely to drop a few bucks on a cute little figurine or some cute Korean office supplies when they’re spending some time in there eating/drinking, 2. It would make the place feel a little less bare and emptied (you can tell there was stuff there and now it feels a bit like an after thought ?)
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
EUNICE LEE
My friend and I visited this place after we went to the Matcha time Gift shop! I ate the Shrimp tempura udon and my friend got a regular sized ramen. We both paid $15 for our noodles, and I got a $6 matcha. The udon was okay, it tasted good but I think it's normal udons, 7.5/10. I'm not sure how the ramen tasted but she said it was good also. The servings aren't huge compared to the price, so keep that in mind. The matcha was good, I'd rate it a 6.5/10. We got window seats and the sunlight was great for photos and talking. We also got 2 kids version shaved ice, matcha and mango. They were $3 each and came with a cute bowl. The matcha flavor was very bitter, but it may be because I asked for only a little condensed milk. I'd definetly recommend adding some condensed milk if ur more of a sweet matcha lover like me. The mango flavor was really good, and surprisingly very flavorful.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Shrimp Tempura Udon
Mike & Nancy M
If you can find a place to park in the large parking lot in OEC, make sure you look 'up' hill to spot the Matcha Time Cafe. They serve steamed rice packets that are so, so yummy. They have a little gift shop on Main Street, down towards the river on the left, too, if you're missing those fun shops in Asia where you could buy everything from teacups to keychains to stickers to tea accessories...The atmosphere at the cafe is a little crowded, and informal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Steamed Buns, Chicken Curry Rice, Pork Bun
Amber Collier
One of my favorite places in old ellicot city. I love the onigiri boxes. I usually find something in the gift shop to take home too. Since moving nothing compares to this cute homey Japanese Cafe.Kid-friendliness: I've seen many families with little childrenParking: It's a large shared parking lot I usually don't hVe trouble getting a spot unless there is a event of wedding going on, even then I don't find it difficult
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Japanese Fried Chicken, Edamame, Steamed Buns, Soup
Arely Ditto
I came in the last half hour and ordered a meal that included two onigiris (rice balls), edemame, sausage, and little omelets. They were kind enough to make it as long as I was okay with waiting and doing take out. It's a really good and tasty meal! I also had an iced blue jasmine tea and it was extremely refreshing! They also have ramen and desserts such as shaved iced and yuzu cheesecake. They do have vegetarian options as well :) There were lots of cute little knickknacks to look at and the staff is super friendly! Highly recommend checking out this spot. :) Also, there's two places with the same name, but one actually serves food and the other is a gift shop :)Vegetarian options: I saw vegetarian options but don't recall if there were vegan options.Parking: Park in parking lot D which can be accessed on Main street.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kevin Scrimgeour
? Restaurant Review: Matcha Time Cafe - A Fusion Delight in Ellicott City! ??Recently, I had the pleasure of dining at Matcha Time Cafe, a charming Japanese-influenced restaurant nestled in the heart of Ellicott City. Known for their unique fusion creations, I couldn't resist trying their SPAM and rice roll—a delightful blend of sushi and pure yumminess. Here's my review of this one-of-a-kind culinary experience! ?From the moment I stepped inside, the cozy and welcoming atmosphere of Matcha Time Cafe instantly transported me to the vibrant streets of Tokyo. The traditional Japanese decor, complete with sliding doors and beautiful lanterns, added an authentic touch to the dining experience. The staff members were incredibly friendly and attentive, providing helpful recommendations and ensuring our visit was exceptional.Now, let's talk about the star of the show—the SPAM and rice roll. As a fan of both sushi and comfort food, I was intrigued by this innovative combination. The moment the plate arrived, I was captivated by the artistic presentation. The roll was beautifully crafted, resembling a traditional sushi roll but with a playful twist.Taking my first bite, I was immediately greeted by a burst of flavors. The SPAM, with its slightly salty and savory profile, paired perfectly with the delicate and seasoned rice. The addition of fresh vegetables and a touch of tangy sauce added a refreshing element, elevating the overall taste.What impressed me most was the careful balance between traditional sushi elements and the fusion twist. Matcha Time Cafe managed to create a dish that paid homage to Japanese cuisine while infusing it with a playful and unexpected ingredient. It was a true culinary adventure, and each bite left me craving more.Beyond the SPAM and rice roll, the menu at Matcha Time Cafe offers a diverse selection of Japanese-inspired dishes. From bento boxes to ramen bowls, there is something to satisfy every palate. They also have an extensive tea selection, including matcha-based beverages that perfectly complemented our meal.In addition to the incredible food, Matcha Time Cafe also stands out for its commitment to excellent service and a cozy ambiance. The staff's knowledge and passion for Japanese cuisine added to the overall experience, making our visit truly memorable.If you find yourself in Ellicott City and have a taste for unique flavors, I highly recommend paying a visit to Matcha Time Cafe. Whether you're an adventurous foodie or simply looking for a cozy spot to enjoy delicious Japanese fusion cuisine, this restaurant is a must-try.I can't wait to return to Matcha Time Cafe and explore more of their delectable offerings. Kudos to the team for creating a delightful dining experience that perfectly blends traditional Japanese cuisine with a creative twist. ??#RestaurantReview #JapaneseCuisine #FoodieAdventures #FusionFood #EllicottCityEats #MatchaTimeCafe #SushiLovers #JapaneseInfluence #FoodExperience
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michael Franklin
Miso and Pork Buns are AMAZING! I travel for an hour to visit this great hidden gem. Even my teen daughter said it lived up to my compliments. Can get busy during peak hours but patience is rewarded with flavors.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in the area. Me and my mom come here all the time. Their chicken curry is absolutely amazing! Totally recommend.
Iain Cook
This place offers you a little taste of Japan. Not only with their food, but with their hospitality as well. Refreshing teas and hot foods that will make you happy. Reasonably priced hand-made Onigiri, which is always what I go for, Meccha-Oishii!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ravon H.
A lovely little tea shop in scenic old Ellicott City. My daughter absolutely love this place and it never disappoints. Very interesting Japanese decor throughout the small cafe they have. It's located behind La Pa Lapa right off Main Street. You can park in the lot but it fills up fast. Small menu but excellent rice balls and matcha tea. Staff are always super friendly and welcoming. The dinning area is very small but when the weather is nice they will have tables set up outside for additional seating. They have a gift shop located a little bit further down Main Street if you would like to purchase and of the decor.
Jasmine P.
I have eaten at this cafe a few times and loved every time I have been here. It might be a bias because I love japanese food but even so, it is still good. To others, the portions may be on the smaller size but they are perfect for me. It's not too much food that I feel stuffed but not too little that I am still hungry later on. You can go with a friend and order some delicious food and tea then just relax and talk. It is a very small spot so it can get loud pretty quickly and parking is a bit of a beast because there are a lot of business sharing the limited spaces (especially on the weekends), but when it is quiet, it is such a wonderful place to go to and just let time pass you by. Nothing to rush or worry about. The staff are wonderful and nothing is over-priced. It is the perfect quaint little establishment to just get away and relax for a bit before returning to the chaos of the regular world.
阳阳
Don't order chicken curry,It's just a few slices of chicken with sauce and rice,and it's not value to 15$,waste money to get food from there. I thought they just reheat the frozen food,Cause I heard the sounds from microwave,Never come back,Bad experience.
Most authentic Japanese food in maryland. Delicious with tons of vegetarian options! Check out the matcha time gift shop too for all sorts of interesting merchandise and snacks. Very, very yummy. I can't wait to go back! P.s. give the Yuzu sparkling juice a try, you'll thank me later.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Edamame, Steamed Buns, Soup, Miso Ramen, Inarizushi
The cafe was welcoming and the food delicious. I was able to outline a paper for a class and the wifi was easy to connect. Overall a very good experience, especially with delicious tea!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Their beef bowl is really good!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tucked away little shop serving rice ? balls, soup, small snacks, and beverages located behind la palapa. Nothing to write home about. We wanted to try something new but nothing really blew us away. We got the salmon skin rice ball and the unsweetened chai. It wasn’t too flavorful and it came with not enough ice so it wasnt too refreshing. I feel like it would’ve been a cooler atmosphere if they didn’t move *all* of their cute merchandise down to the store front by cozy cafe. 1. People would be more likely to drop a few bucks on a cute little figurine or some cute Korean office supplies when they’re spending some time in there eating/drinking, 2. It would make the place feel a little less bare and emptied (you can tell there was stuff there and now it feels a bit like an after thought ?)
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
My friend and I visited this place after we went to the Matcha time Gift shop! I ate the Shrimp tempura udon and my friend got a regular sized ramen. We both paid $15 for our noodles, and I got a $6 matcha. The udon was okay, it tasted good but I think it's normal udons, 7.5/10. I'm not sure how the ramen tasted but she said it was good also. The servings aren't huge compared to the price, so keep that in mind. The matcha was good, I'd rate it a 6.5/10. We got window seats and the sunlight was great for photos and talking. We also got 2 kids version shaved ice, matcha and mango. They were $3 each and came with a cute bowl. The matcha flavor was very bitter, but it may be because I asked for only a little condensed milk. I'd definetly recommend adding some condensed milk if ur more of a sweet matcha lover like me. The mango flavor was really good, and surprisingly very flavorful.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Shrimp Tempura Udon
If you can find a place to park in the large parking lot in OEC, make sure you look 'up' hill to spot the Matcha Time Cafe. They serve steamed rice packets that are so, so yummy. They have a little gift shop on Main Street, down towards the river on the left, too, if you're missing those fun shops in Asia where you could buy everything from teacups to keychains to stickers to tea accessories...The atmosphere at the cafe is a little crowded, and informal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Steamed Buns, Chicken Curry Rice, Pork Bun
One of my favorite places in old ellicot city. I love the onigiri boxes. I usually find something in the gift shop to take home too. Since moving nothing compares to this cute homey Japanese Cafe.Kid-friendliness: I've seen many families with little childrenParking: It's a large shared parking lot I usually don't hVe trouble getting a spot unless there is a event of wedding going on, even then I don't find it difficult
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Japanese Fried Chicken, Edamame, Steamed Buns, Soup
I came in the last half hour and ordered a meal that included two onigiris (rice balls), edemame, sausage, and little omelets. They were kind enough to make it as long as I was okay with waiting and doing take out. It's a really good and tasty meal! I also had an iced blue jasmine tea and it was extremely refreshing! They also have ramen and desserts such as shaved iced and yuzu cheesecake. They do have vegetarian options as well :) There were lots of cute little knickknacks to look at and the staff is super friendly! Highly recommend checking out this spot. :) Also, there's two places with the same name, but one actually serves food and the other is a gift shop :)Vegetarian options: I saw vegetarian options but don't recall if there were vegan options.Parking: Park in parking lot D which can be accessed on Main street.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
? Restaurant Review: Matcha Time Cafe - A Fusion Delight in Ellicott City! ??Recently, I had the pleasure of dining at Matcha Time Cafe, a charming Japanese-influenced restaurant nestled in the heart of Ellicott City. Known for their unique fusion creations, I couldn't resist trying their SPAM and rice roll—a delightful blend of sushi and pure yumminess. Here's my review of this one-of-a-kind culinary experience! ?From the moment I stepped inside, the cozy and welcoming atmosphere of Matcha Time Cafe instantly transported me to the vibrant streets of Tokyo. The traditional Japanese decor, complete with sliding doors and beautiful lanterns, added an authentic touch to the dining experience. The staff members were incredibly friendly and attentive, providing helpful recommendations and ensuring our visit was exceptional.Now, let's talk about the star of the show—the SPAM and rice roll. As a fan of both sushi and comfort food, I was intrigued by this innovative combination. The moment the plate arrived, I was captivated by the artistic presentation. The roll was beautifully crafted, resembling a traditional sushi roll but with a playful twist.Taking my first bite, I was immediately greeted by a burst of flavors. The SPAM, with its slightly salty and savory profile, paired perfectly with the delicate and seasoned rice. The addition of fresh vegetables and a touch of tangy sauce added a refreshing element, elevating the overall taste.What impressed me most was the careful balance between traditional sushi elements and the fusion twist. Matcha Time Cafe managed to create a dish that paid homage to Japanese cuisine while infusing it with a playful and unexpected ingredient. It was a true culinary adventure, and each bite left me craving more.Beyond the SPAM and rice roll, the menu at Matcha Time Cafe offers a diverse selection of Japanese-inspired dishes. From bento boxes to ramen bowls, there is something to satisfy every palate. They also have an extensive tea selection, including matcha-based beverages that perfectly complemented our meal.In addition to the incredible food, Matcha Time Cafe also stands out for its commitment to excellent service and a cozy ambiance. The staff's knowledge and passion for Japanese cuisine added to the overall experience, making our visit truly memorable.If you find yourself in Ellicott City and have a taste for unique flavors, I highly recommend paying a visit to Matcha Time Cafe. Whether you're an adventurous foodie or simply looking for a cozy spot to enjoy delicious Japanese fusion cuisine, this restaurant is a must-try.I can't wait to return to Matcha Time Cafe and explore more of their delectable offerings. Kudos to the team for creating a delightful dining experience that perfectly blends traditional Japanese cuisine with a creative twist. ??#RestaurantReview #JapaneseCuisine #FoodieAdventures #FusionFood #EllicottCityEats #MatchaTimeCafe #SushiLovers #JapaneseInfluence #FoodExperience
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Miso and Pork Buns are AMAZING! I travel for an hour to visit this great hidden gem. Even my teen daughter said it lived up to my compliments. Can get busy during peak hours but patience is rewarded with flavors.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
This is one of my favorite restaurants in the area. Me and my mom come here all the time. Their chicken curry is absolutely amazing! Totally recommend.
This place offers you a little taste of Japan. Not only with their food, but with their hospitality as well. Refreshing teas and hot foods that will make you happy. Reasonably priced hand-made Onigiri, which is always what I go for, Meccha-Oishii!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A lovely little tea shop in scenic old Ellicott City. My daughter absolutely love this place and it never disappoints. Very interesting Japanese decor throughout the small cafe they have. It's located behind La Pa Lapa right off Main Street. You can park in the lot but it fills up fast. Small menu but excellent rice balls and matcha tea. Staff are always super friendly and welcoming. The dinning area is very small but when the weather is nice they will have tables set up outside for additional seating. They have a gift shop located a little bit further down Main Street if you would like to purchase and of the decor.
I have eaten at this cafe a few times and loved every time I have been here. It might be a bias because I love japanese food but even so, it is still good. To others, the portions may be on the smaller size but they are perfect for me. It's not too much food that I feel stuffed but not too little that I am still hungry later on. You can go with a friend and order some delicious food and tea then just relax and talk. It is a very small spot so it can get loud pretty quickly and parking is a bit of a beast because there are a lot of business sharing the limited spaces (especially on the weekends), but when it is quiet, it is such a wonderful place to go to and just let time pass you by. Nothing to rush or worry about. The staff are wonderful and nothing is over-priced. It is the perfect quaint little establishment to just get away and relax for a bit before returning to the chaos of the regular world.
Don't order chicken curry,It's just a few slices of chicken with sauce and rice,and it's not value to 15$,waste money to get food from there. I thought they just reheat the frozen food,Cause I heard the sounds from microwave,Never come back,Bad experience.