Dearest gentle reader, do you have an idle afternoon, a posh celebration or, of course, want to give a nod to the newest season of the Netflix hit “Bridgerton”? There are a lot of reasons you might be searching for the perfect establishment to enjoy a sip of tea.
Often known for their lush interiors, gorgeous glassware, delicious appetizers and peaceful settings, tea houses offer a unique dining experience that’s perfect for most occasions. And, luckily, Southern California has ample offerings.
So, break out your most elegant clothes, ready your Instagram and get thirsty, because here’s a rundown of some staff-recommended tea spots around the ton:
Los Angeles County
Rose Garden Tea Room, Huntington Library
1151 Oxford Road, San Marino
Taking your tea in a sun-drenched room overlooking the gardens at the Huntington Library is a special experience. This local favorite recently, which opened in 1911, went through a more than $11 million renovation and reopened last April after being closed during the pandemic. The tea house has three separate dining areas in which to enjoy your tea. The menu offers the traditional cucumber sandwiches but also has smoked salmon and pepper-crusted New York strip sandwiches for their savories. Keep in mind that this one requires you to pay for admission to the gardens (about $25) to visit the tea room. But you’ll want to see the gardens and the museum anyway, so it’s worth it.
Price: $62-$75. Closed Tuesdays.
Garden Tea at the Getty Villa
17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades
After enjoying the many exhibits on display, visitors can enjoy afternoon tea, “Tea by the Sea,” at the Getty Villa that utilizes ingredients in the Villa Herb Garden. The menu includes a basket of sweet scones and tea breads, savory sandwiches and sweet desserts.
Price: $60 per adult, $50 per child, plus tax and 18% service charge. Parking for the Villa is $25.
Chado Tea Room
(Multiple locations in Pasadena, Hollywood, LA and Torrance)
This tea room offers you a huge variety of tea – their site says about 200 – for your afternoon cuppa, and is a bit more modern and less old lace than many on the list. Their celebration tea menu has wine-inspired iced tea and tea-infused chocolates. And a bonus is there are 4 spots across Southern California to try.
Price: $36.95-$28.95
Chocolate-dipped strawberries were offered with tea at the Enchanted Rose Tea Parlour in San Dimas. (Photo by Jody Collins/SCNG)
Enchanted Rose Tea Parlour
120 W. Bonita Ave., Suite G, San Dimas
Take a moment to catch up with a friend and renew your spirits at this intimate tea room in San Dimas, located off Bonita Avenue. Seasonal chocolate-covered strawberries are part of the tiered tea service, which includes salad or soup served in a tea cup. They are open Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the first tea service at 11 a.m. It’s a budget option that doesn’t feel like you’re skimping on the experience.
Price: $12.75 for cream tea up to $18.95 for a full tea
Tea at Shiloh
2035 Bay St, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Looking for a sober, social destination for your late night hang outs? Look no further than Tea at Shiloh, open from 7-11 p.m. from Thursday through Sunday for late night tea and 7-10 p.m. from Monday to Wednesday for creative workshops and practices. The space also offers daylight hours Thursday-Sunday. Reservations and adherence to house rules are required.
The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills
1020 N. San Vicente Blvd, West Hollywood
The London works closely with world-renowned Henrietta Lovell, founder of the Rare Tea Company, to provide this afternoon tea at the luxury hotel. Only available on weekends from 12:30-3:30 p.m. with a reservation.
Price: $84 per person, $42 for guests under 12. Additional add-ons available
Buena Vida Tea Bar and Garden
726 Montana Ave., Santa Monica
This small tea shop in Santa Monica makes you feel as though you’re grabbing tea with friends near your greenhouse. You can pretend to be Violet Bridgerton catching up with friends over scones while her kids play Pall-Mall in the yard.
Price: $50
Rendezvous Court Café at the Biltmore Hotel
506 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles
In 2022 the Millennium Biltmore Hotel hosted not only the Bridgerton Experience in Los Angeles but also offered a themed afternoon tea for the Netflix series. The hotel continues to offer their Biltmore Traditional Afternoon Tea at the Rendezvous Court Café. For any Taylor Swift fans, the hotel is also where parts of the “Delicate” music video were filmed. The tea is available on Saturdays from 2 – 5 p.m.
Price: $75 per person
Orange County
Tea House on Los Rios
31731 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano
If you want a little garden with your afternoon tea, this charming spot on a lovely street in San Juan Capistrano is the place to go. You can sit outside under the stained glass in the garden or inside the cottage. There are lots of little photo spots, including a pink English-style phone booth.
They offer warm homemade scones and cream, traditional sandwiches and soups and salads, as well as a full menu if you’re craving more. Their Royal Tea includes a glass of Veuve Clicquot champagne. Once you’re done, you can stroll along the historic Los Rios district, which is chock full of quaint shops to explore. Bonus, the train station is a short walk away if you want to skip the drive.
Price: $39-$72 for the full teas, children’s teas are $29-$45.
McKenna’s Tea Cottage
237 Main St., Seal Beach
This English-themed tea parlor filled with antiques is in the heart of Old Town Seal Beach. Their menu includes dozens of teas to choose from, including a proprietary blend, and homemade scones and quiches. You can sit on an outdoor patio to enjoy your afternoon out.
Price: $20-$50
Knife Pleat
3333 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa
This upscale afternoon tea is located within the restaurant on Saturdays only. It’s offered from 11:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Their sandwich choices include truffle brie and caviar deviled egg. You can add caviar service to the tea, if you’re so inclined, for an extra charge.
Price: $115 per person
Morning Lavender Boutique & Cafe
330 El Camino Real, Tustin
The cafe makes the most out of their namesake and has a picturesque lavender backdrop, which for Bridgerton fans, resembles the flower decor outside of the family home as well as the cover art for the updated first installment of the series with the Netflix cast. The cafe takes reservations 30 days in advance and is also available for guests to rent out for parties. Additionally, they offer tea boxes to go, perfect for those who want to host a tea party at home.
Price: $39 for adults, $29 for children
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Riverside County
Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
3649 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside
The national historic landmark recently brought back its afternoon tea. It’s available in the Mission Inn restaurant from Wednesday through Sunday from 2-4 p.m. by phone reservation.
Price: $62.88-$75.71 with a glass of champagne
San Bernardino County
Olde Magnolia Tea Room
201 N 1st Ave., Upland
Just off a busy downtown street in Upland, this spot is small but charming. The interior feels like you’re dining in a vintage shop. They offer a full tea service with soup, salad, a selection of sandwiches, desserts and a homemade shortbread cookie. Note, this tea house doesn’t allow children under 10 years old. The team room is open Friday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the last seating at $2 p.m.
Price: $20-$39 per guest, depending on tea package
