23 High Tea in CALIFORNIA (Elegant, Charming, & Luxurious)
An English custom known as high tea involves stopping mid-afternoon from work to refuel with warm scones, crustless sandwiches, and freshly brewed tea.
The history of afternoon tea makes it evident that in the 19th century, it was a luxury enjoyed only by the wealthy.
In the newly industrialized Britain, employees had to wait until after work to have tea.
Today, high tea is not just an English tradition but has spread worldwide.
Tea enthusiasts often plan high tea parties, baby and wedding showers, and other special occasions like Mother’s Day celebrations.
The high tea menus at high tea establishments have evolved.
People can pair tea flavors with scones, crumpets, sandwiches, and fruits.
This article explores California’s best high tea locations, from the Redlands to San Francisco and Long Beach to San Diego.
And by the way, you may also want to check out the best Coffee Shops in California.
High Tea in San Francisco, California
1. DarTEAling Tea Room (Ultimate To-Go High Tea Experience)
DarTEAling Tea Room is the ultimate high tea service to-go in San Francisco.
You can enjoy the comfort of a classic high tea experience with a proper Afternoon Tea service in this tea room.
They have many finger foods for you to choose from.
These foods and pastries are served with tea like sandwiches, sausage rolls, savory tea hors d’oeuvres, scones, and small tea fancies.
You can choose the type of tea you want.
The experience becomes better when shared; you can have a mini tea party with family and friends.
This tea room caters to tea parties.
If you have a no-meat policy or are lactose intolerant, DarTEAling Tea Room can make sandwiches, teas, and treats to your specifications.
All snacks and tea are freshly made in the DarTEAling kitchen for you to enjoy.
Address: 470 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94107, United States
2. Crown & Crumpet Tea Salon (Authentic British High Tea Experience)
Crown & Crumpet Tea Salon gives you an authentic British high tea experience.
The tea salon offers a stylish and vibrant ambiance, and the delicious food will transport you to a world of food bliss.
Crown & Crumpet has a location in Ross and another in San Francisco.
This tea salon offers the best afternoon tea service around the bay.
No matter where you are in San Francisco, you can head to Crown & Crumpet for tea.
For the high tea menu, you are served a large pot of your preferred tea with finger foods like sandwiches, scones, savories, crumpets, sweets, and treats.
Certain teas might be too much for kids or older adults.
Crown & Crumpet makes provisions for tea options for children younger than 12 years and adults above 65 years.
The tea salon does not serve teas and finger foods alone, you can choose to have a full meal.
Address: 1746 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States
3. Lovejoy’s Tea Room (Aesthetic, Open Daily)
The Lovejoy’s Tea Room opened in the 90s and has served San Francisco residents ever since.
It is a picturesque and aesthetic place in San Francisco that serves tea four hours a day.
The tea room was first a relic shop that served tea and scones.
Visitors came in more for the tea and scones gained than for the relics.
The idea for a tea room was born as a result of this.
A character called Lovejoy from a classic novel serves as the inspiration for the name of this tea room.
This tea room embodies San Francisco’s fluidity by fusing the customs of English tea service with a fun, warm, and open aura.
There are several tea options available for customers to choose from.
Kids also have a selection of teas.
You can also have some scones, oatmeal cookies, shepherd’s pie, egg sandwiches, salad, crumpets, and chocolate chip cookies.
Address: 1351 Church St, San Francisco, CA 94114, United States
4. Japanese Tea Garden (Serene Setting, Japanese Tea)
Japanese Tea Garden is in the San Francisco Golden Gate Park.
As the name suggests, it is a garden that offers a serene and beautiful atmosphere while allowing guests to enjoy the taste of Japanese tea.
The tea garden has a native Japanese design that reflects the culture and soul of the Japanese people.
It would be a perfect place to reflect, relax, read a book, or catch up with friends over tea.
Japanese tea recipes are known to have soothing and healing properties.
Most of these recipes have been passed down for hundreds of generations, so rest assured that they have been perfected over time.
The venue of the tea garden incorporates several Japanese elements that help you see the beauty of the culture and soul of these people.
This culture makes you appreciate the tea even more.
Address: 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118, United States
5. Samovar Tea Lounge: Yerba Buena Gardens (Organic Teas, International Cuisine)
Samovar Tea Lounge is in the heart of San Francisco, in Yerba Buena Gardens.
All teas served at the lounge contain organic ingredients with no preservatives or chemicals.
Guests can have small-batch hand-crafted teas paired with sumptuous international cuisine.
The tea selection at the lounge is healthy, safe, and tasty.
There is just enough caffeine in the teas to keep you alert and energized throughout your day without leaving you burnt out after.
Samovar Tea Lounge offers a hand-crafted tea collection with different teas for you to choose from.
They have organic tea, black tea, green tea, and white tea.
It is every enthusiast’s dream come true.
With Samovar Tea Lounge, you experience a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere while enjoying tea.
You can also plan and host private high tea events with up to 150 guests.
Address: 730 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States
6. The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus (Elegant, Fine Dining)
The Rotunda is an elegant restaurant at Neiman Marcus San Francisco.
It offers a fine-dining atmosphere with a specially curated menu selection.
The Rotunda would be perfect for high tea after a long workday or touring the city.
Afternoon Tea services are available for 45 minutes.
It starts at 3 pm every Thursday to Saturday.
All meals served at The Rotunda are made of fresh, organic ingredients.
They also hand-make all their meals.
The Rotunda is open to revising its tea selection or recipe to fit your dietary requirements.
It is an excellent choice for any special occasion or for turning an ordinary day into something extraordinary.
There are private dining rooms where you can host your social gatherings.
The chic, relaxing lounge is ideal for your next high tea with family.
Address: Level Four, 150 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94108, United States
Also see our article on Desserts in California.
High Tea in San Diego, California
1. The Westgate Hotel (Luxurious, Grand Lobby)
The Westgate Hotel offers guests a luxurious and classy high tea experience in its Grand Lobby.
You are treated to an elegant and sweet afternoon, surrounded by beautifully designed interiors and sparkling crystal chandeliers.
The Westgate offers tea, sandwiches, fresh pastries, cakes, savories, and macarons.
Fine dining is primarily expensive, but an afternoon high tea at the Westgate is reasonable, and you get the value for your money.
Adults pay entry fees, while infants between 0-1 year have free entry.
Their tea selections include black teas like organic tea, green tea, jasmine tea, white tea, and herbal tea.
Guests are served three courses.
For the first course, guests can enjoy a selection of salads, muffins, cheese, prawns, and prosciutto.
The second course consists of scones, berries, cookies, cream, and whatever fruits are in season.
Guests can have an assortment of finger foods and mini pastries for the third course.
Address: 1055 2nd Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
2. The Grand Tea Room (Family-Run, Full-Service)
The Grand Tea Room is a family-run, full-service tea room in Escondido, California.
It is an elaborately decorated facility with an ideal atmosphere for a relaxing afternoon treat with family and friends.
Guests can choose from their wide variety of loose-leaf teas, which include black tea, green tea, and white tea.
The Grand Tea Room also has a gift shop where you can buy tea accessories and essentials for yourself or as a gift for someone else.
You can take advantage of their Afternoon high tea menu while you are at it.
They serve freshly brewed tea and freshly baked pastries; you can be sure you will not be served any leftovers.
If you have special dietary requirements, The Grand Tea Room is happy to consider this while making your tea or pastries.
They also serve a selection of petite desserts, fresh fruits, tea sandwiches, scones, salads, and soups, freshly made daily.
The Grand Tea Room is open from Tuesday to Saturday, and you should make a reservation.
Address: 145 W Grand Ave, Escondido, CA 92025, United States
3. Coral Tree Tea House (Historical Setting, Victorian Ambiance)
Coral Tree Tea House offers tea in a unique and historical setting.
When you set foot inside the tea house, it feels like you have gone back in time.
The tea house has a Victorian-era setting, complete with fine china and dressed-up waiters.
You can relax in the dining room while sipping freshly brewed tea and enjoying various treats, including tea sandwiches, scones, desserts, and apple Waldorf salad.
It opens only two days a week and has a special offer for children’s tea for ages 5 to 8.
Coral Tree Tea House offers some of the best cream and curd you have ever tasted.
They will consider your special dietary requirements but at an added cost.
You would also need to give a 48-hour notice.
Address: 2490 Heritage Park Row, San Diego, CA 92110, United States
4. Marlene’s Tea & Cakes (English Style, American Touch)
Marlene’s Tea & Cakes is one of the finest high teas in San Diego, California.
It features a perfect mix of English high tea and the relaxed American style.
Visitors of this facility are entitled to a personalized experience; the staff pays close attention to detail and tries to make each customer’s experience memorable.
It has an air of class and luxury that allows guests to relax and savor their favorite tea and some delicious food.
Marlene’s Tea and Cakes is committed to supporting the local community, reflected in its use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, bread, and coffee.
High tea, generally, offers a relaxing and revitalizing experience that rejuvenates the soul, Marlene’s Tea & Cakes more so than others.
Customers can enjoy a refreshing and unforgettable experience at Marlene’s Tea & Cakes for a brief moment or an entire afternoon.
Address: 14677 Via Bettona, San Diego, CA 92127, United States
5. Shakespeare’s Corner Shoppe (Genuine, English Tea Room)
An English family owns Shakespeare’s Corner Shoppe and boasts of being the only genuine English tea room in San Diego.
It is both a food and gift shop.
They ship all their goods in, especially from England.
Shakespeare’s Corner Shoppe has an authentic English tea room where you are served tea and freshly baked pastries.
You can have your tea on the terrace or in their garden.
They are open to receiving you and a few of your guests if you decide to have a social gathering.
The tea room offers savory dishes like pie, egg salad, finger sandwiches, and cream.
They also have various types of sweets for sale that you can enjoy with your pastries and tea.
Shakespeare’s Corner Shoppe is open six days a week.
You can either sit in for your afternoon tea or take it to go, Shakespeare’s Corner Shoppe caters to both options.
Address: 3719 India St, San Diego, CA 92103, United States
6. The AubreyRose Tea Room (Distinguished, Fine China)
The AubreyRose Tea Room has been the most distinguished tea shop in San Diego since it opened.
They offer fine loose-leaf teas and tasty petite treats that will have your taste buds screaming in joy.
AubreyRose is a perfect location for various social events like solo dates, family and friends gatherings, or even for large celebrations.
Besides serving afternoon tea, the AubreyRose is also committed to providing the best tea-related products like tea cups, teapots of everyday use, and English fine china, infusers, and teapot accessories as home décor.
You can also buy a gift certificate; this affirms that you are a tea lover.
AubreyRose is an affordable tearoom
Besides tea, other items on their menu include delicious soups, finger sandwiches, fruit, scones, sweets, and salads.
They can accommodate vegetarian, nut-free, and gluten-free dietary restrictions for an additional cost.
Address: 8362 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942, United States
Also see our article on Bakeries in California.
High Teas in Los Angeles, California
1. Chado Tea Room (Cozy, Enchanting)
Chado Tea Room is a cozy and enchanting option for your next high tea experience.
It started as a dream to change how people saw tea as strictly for the Europeans.
Chado Tea Room has been able to successfully incorporate a love for tea in every one of her three locations.
Not only does this tea room serve the best tea, but its staff is also kind and welcoming.
The vast menu at Chado features salads, paninis, sandwiches, grilled chicken, smoked salmon, tea sandwiches, and afternoon high tea.
Every time you buy from a Chado Tea Room, a percentage of the proceeds goes to charity.
You are giving back to society indirectly just by buying a pot of tea.
Chado Tea Room is a place you should visit for your next high tea.
Address: Inside Japanese American National Museum, 369 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States
2. Rendezvous Court Café (Exquisite Dining, Biltmore)
Rendezvous Court Café offers an exquisite dining experience at the Biltmore Los Angeles.
The interior of the café is beautiful, enough to warrant a visit not just for the tea but for the views as well.
It offers a traditional high tea menu that includes delicious sandwiches, scones, pastries, and a pot of fine-blended custom tea.
This Café serves some of the best snacks and coffee in the city.
The staff are kind and always ready to serve you.
Guests have reviewed that they offer the best services in Los Angeles.
Rendezvous Court Café would be the perfect place to host your next friends’ get-together or even a high tea date for tea enthusiasts.
You must make a reservation before you can be admitted into the Café.
An admission entitles you to your pickings of the selected menu of food and tea, and a complimentary glass of champagne for adults.
Address: 506 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90071, United States
3. The Cat & Fiddle Pub & Restaurant (Cozy, Intimate, Outdoor)
The Cat & The Fiddle has satisfied the taste buds of guests since the early 80s.
Kim Gardner and his wife Paula established the restaurant and bar.
The restaurant has a cozy and intimate setting.
There is also an outdoor sitting area where you have your meals amidst beautiful plants and flowers.
They offer high tea menus on Saturdays and Sundays only, so you should keep this in mind for Sunday brunch.
The Cat & The Fiddle try their best to present an English menu for high tea.
This includes pies, scones, and baked pastries.
You can either eat in or take it to go.
If you have any personal requests, they will consider them while preparing your order.
Besides Tea, they also serve beer, wines, and cocktails.
Address: 742 N Highland Ave, Hollywood, CA 90038, United States
4. The Rose & Blanc Tea Room (Specialty Tea House, Tea Culture)
The Rose & Blanc Tea Room is a specialty tea house in Los Angeles.
It aims to promote tea-drinking culture and offer the finest teas in the local market.
Guests who want an afternoon high tea can choose one of the two options menu options available.
The menu includes tea, scones, egg tart, sandwiches, and fruit cups.
Vegetarian options are available upon request but cannot accommodate dietary restrictions such as gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, or egg-free.
You can make reservations for a private tea party.
All your guests will leave satisfied.
The tea room has no outdoor sitting area, but you will not miss out on anything because it is a cozy and refreshing place.
They can cater for private events and request that guests inform them of any changes to their reservations in advance.
Address: 301 S Western Ave #202, Los Angeles, CA 90020, United States
Also see our article on Ice Cream Shops in California.
High Teas in Pasadena, California
1. Longitude 118 at Le Méridien Arcadia (Unique, Tea Cocktails)
You have likely tried several types of tea, but have you ever heard of tea cocktails?
Longitude 118 offers guests a unique and elevated high tea experience with a twist of a tasty cocktail pairing and tea.
Their tea selections are innovative and specially curated; you will not find them anywhere else in the city.
You can have your chest day at Longitude 118.
They offer many sweets and treats that will make you go for more.
Longitude 118 serves finger foods like cakes, tarts, savories, crumpets, and sandwiches with special teas and tea cocktails.
Besides Tea cocktails, there are black teas, Chinese tea, jasmine tea, milk tea, and green teas available.
Guests are required to make a reservation at least 24 hours before they come in.
Address: 130 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91007, United States
2. Tea Rose Garden (Famous Over 20 Years)
Tea Rose Garden has been famous in Old Town Pasadena for over 20 years, offering afternoon high tea and floral arrangements for special occasions.
The garden has played host to several private events and gatherings.
Whatever type of gathering you are planning- an intimate day of tea between family and friends, or even a work meeting, they will welcome you.
Their tea menu offers a variety of teas and traditional tea sandwiches, open-faced sandwiches, cheese, fruits, chocolates, sweets, and cakes, among others.
Some families have made it a tradition to have high tea at the Tea Rose Garden every week.
The staff must be doing something right.
You can head over for high tea on any day of the week.
Guests can brew their tea in charming little china teapots to maximize the experience.
You can make a reservation for a kid’s tea party.
Address: 70 N Raymond Ave #250, Pasadena, CA 91103, United States
3. Madeline Garden (Charming, French-Style)
Madeline Garden is a charming and beautiful restaurant in an old French-style building.
They serve specially curated teas with a hint of European flair.
Madeline Garden offers a delightful dining experience for all; it does not matter if you prefer seafood with your tea or if you do not eat meat.
They focus on giving you healthy meals, which is why they use all organic ingredients and why all ingredients are farm fresh.
This restaurant serves brunch, high tea, international cuisine, and treats.
What set Madeline Garden apart is its delectable dishes and the performances by talented artists, all for you.
The restaurant tries to preserve and exude the charm of this historic building.
Guests say they can feel the energy and brilliance of the building.
Come and experience the magic of Madeline Garden for yourself!
Address: 1030 E Green St, Pasadena, CA 91106, United States
Also see our article on Pizza in California.
High Tea in Long Beach, California
1. Hojas Tea House (Quaint, Soothing Atmosphere)
When you step into Hojas Tea House, the soothing aroma of tea and freshly baked cookies welcomes you.
Next, the quaint and upscale tea room unravels before your eyes.
The waiter ushers you to your seat then comes the best part; they serve you the best traditional English tea and treats you have ever had.
Hojas Tea House offers unique, healthy, and life-changing teas.
It is one of the best locations for high tea in Long Beach.
They specialize in loose-leaf tea, and their menu features a wide variety of teas, including black tea and flavored teas, as well as other mouthwatering English treats like pastries, tarts, cookies, and cakes.
Hojas Tea has a special tea latte that can only be made by them; you will not find it anywhere else.
Each meal contains farm-fresh ingredients and lots of love.
The restaurant provides a cozy and refreshing atmosphere for quiet afternoon tea or special occasion.
There are more than enough seats for friends, family, or meetings.
Address: 4501 E Carson St #109, Long Beach, CA 90808, United States
2. Dream Come True Tea & Party Room (Whimsical, Fairytale-Themed)
Dream Come True Tea & Party Room is a whimsical tea room and event space, perfect for fairytale-themed parties for kids or adults.
It offers indoor and outdoor seating for its afternoon high tea service.
Dream Come True is known for its magical ambiance.
It is primarily a favorite for kids because of the make-believe castle and closet full of costumes.
Kids can dress up in costumes as fairy tale princesses, superheroes, or fairies.
It is always a struggle to get the kids to leave when the party is over.
They offer food, cupcakes, games, face painting, sparkle makeup, and dress-up for children and adults.
The tea room offers almost 50 types of tea, sandwiches, scones, salads, and desserts.
You can make a reservation for your next themed party at Dream Come True.
They bring your dream party to life.
Address: 4350 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach, CA 90807, United States
Also see our article on Seafood Restaurants in California.
High Tea in Redlands, California
1. Martha Green’s The Eating Room & Tea Room (English Feel, Imported Tea Blends)
Martha Green’s The Eating Room & Tea Room is the perfect place for afternoon high tea in Redlands, California.
There must be something about the tea or the technique that makes English teas so different.
Martha Green’s Tea Room has mastered the art of making English tea and imports the tea blends from England.
The tea room gives you the proper English feel; they serve treats on tiered racks.
Guests can have fruit tarts, scones, mini sandwiches, and small cookies with their afternoon tea.
It would be suitable for a family lunch or a get-together between friends.
All foods served are from fresh organic ingredients.
The staff provides exceptional services.
Martha Green’s has a bakery where all the scones and pastries are freshly baked every day.
There is no better feeling than when pastries melt in your mouth and taste like they were dipped in the finest honey.
Address: 107 E Citrus Ave, Redlands, CA 92373, United States
2. The Meek House (Family-Owned, Kindness-Driven)
The Meek House is a family-owned coffee shop that tries to spread kindness one cup at a time.
It has the best-roasted coffee in the Redlands.
Their menu includes European pastries, French press, and espresso drinks.
Guests can enjoy their tea in a comfortable lounge with a free internet connection.
You can also see breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
The staff bakes their pastries daily.
They can make allowances for vegetarians and gluten-free pastries and teas.
You can request to add plant milk to your hot or iced drinks.
The Meek House is a charming place where they believe in staying humble and making kindness a lifestyle.
They are passionate about giving and have been involved in various giving projects over the years.
Their humble cups of coffee have a significant impact on the lives of people globally.
Address: 27471 San Bernardino Ave Suite #140, Redlands, CA 92374, United States
If you liked this article, you may also like to read about the best Italian Restaurants, Chinese Restaurants, and Bed and Breakfast in California.
Looking beyond California? Check out our article on the best High Tea in Texas and Florida.