Rikyu

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A modern matcha café in downtown Palo Alto rooted in Japanese tea culture, serving ceremonial-grade matcha, Japanese sandos, chirashi bentos, and hosting private events.

Rikyu is a modern matcha café at 121 Lytton Avenue in downtown Palo Alto, born from an experimental concept developed inside the culinary kitchen at Hiroshi, the Japanese omakase and fine dining restaurant in Los Altos. The team wanted to create something more accessible than fine dining but no less thoughtful — a neighborhood café built around matcha as a daily ritual. The name is a nod to Sen no Rikyū, the 16th-century Japanese tea master whose philosophy centered on simplicity, humility, and intentional presence. That same spirit shapes the space: natural materials, soft lighting, clean lines, and an atmosphere designed for both quick stops and longer stays. The menu centers on ceremonial-grade matcha prepared with care, alongside Japanese sandos and chirashi bentos. The food is purposefully unfussy — simple flavors, thoughtful preparation, nothing excessive. Private events and gatherings are available. Online ordering is available through the Rikyu website.