Julia Donzelli is a student at the University of Georgia and a Featured Blogger. She is studying with ISA in London, England.

I’ve been a self-proclaimed latte addict for the past six years. So when it came time to study abroad in London, I was genuinely worried about my caffeine consumption. The fast-paced city life, public transport, late-night outings, and constant exploring seemed like the perfect storm for increasing my coffee intake rather than cutting back.

But now, four weeks into my time here, I can confidently say that my fears were unfounded. Surprisingly, I’ve actually been able to ease off coffee! While the abroad lifestyle is filled with excitement and adventure, I’ve found that there’s a natural balance between staying busy and getting rest. My class schedule helps as well, with a workload that consists mostly of two big projects, meaning I don’t feel overwhelmed. Of course, there are still mornings when waking up feels impossible—especially with London’s famous lack of sunshine—but I’ve learned to embrace those moments when the sun does make an appearance.

Enter Matcha: My New Fix

Rather than reaching for my usual coffee, I’ve turned to matcha. Not only does it have less caffeine, but it also comes with several health benefits, like boosting brain function and being packed with antioxidants. And I’m not alone—matcha is huge here! It seems like more people in London opt for matcha over coffee, and it’s easy to see why with so many amazing spots to choose from.

My Top Three Matcha Spots in London

If you’re looking to cut back on coffee but still want a cozy café experience, here are my top three matcha spots in London:

1. Abuelo

Abuelo is the perfect place for those who love a good pastry or sandwich alongside their drink. The dark wood interiors and modern music create an inviting atmosphere, making it easy to lose track of time. My only gripe? The main seating area doesn’t allow for laptop usage, so it’s not ideal for getting work done—unless you’re just catching up on emails on your phone.

2. Ozone

Head over to Shoreditch, a vibrant, artsy area I like to think of as the Wynwood of Miami. While there are countless coffee spots here, Ozone stands out for its atmosphere, matcha, and food. The café is spacious and laptop-friendly, designed as a half-diner, half-coffee bar. One side of the bar lets you watch the chefs in action, while the other is dedicated to brewing coffee and tea. Their matcha is smooth and pairs perfectly with their life-changing eggs on toast.

3. Alaia

For a luxurious experience, Alaia on Bond Street is a must-visit. Yes, it’s dangerously close to some of the best shopping in London, but that just makes it more of an adventure! The café is tucked away on the third floor of the Alaia store, featuring an aesthetically pleasing coffee bar, exquisite pastries, and a collection of limited-edition books. It’s the perfect spot to take a break from shopping and enjoy a beautiful cup of matcha.

Final Thoughts

Even in a city where coffee culture is strong, I’ve found it surprisingly easy to cut back. The smaller serving sizes here already do half the job for you! Plus, with matcha being so widely available, there’s always a great alternative to keep you going. If you’re in London and looking to reduce your caffeine intake, I highly recommend embracing the matcha culture—you won’t regret it.