Sipping tea and chatting with friends is an unhurried affair. Southern California has a range of tea rooms to turn your afternoon into an afternoon delight. Sample tea sandwiches, savories, scones with clotted cream and decadent desserts in charming and cozy environments complete with kitsch décor. Tantalize your taste buds with signature and elegant teas. Throw on a boa or fancy hat and pamper yourself with an afternoon tea in one of Southern California's tea rooms.
In the San Diego neighborhood of Point Loma is Tea-Upon-Chatsworth on the corner of Chatsworth and Voltaire. Set within elegant Victorian décor, the attentive staff serves an array of gourmet treats.
Select savories, fresh fruits, scones and desserts from their set seasonal and children's menus. Delight in rosemary chicken and almond tea sandwiches or brie and wild mushroom en croute. Savor lemon curd tartlets and Scottish shortbread dipped in chocolate. Vegetarian options are available on request.
Take pleasure in the extensive tea selections of black, green or fruit flavored, such as their signature tea with chocolate and strawberry called "love affair."
Tea-Upon-Chatsworth features special events such as the Naughtea & Nice Valentine menu. This upscale tea room accepts credit cards. Reservations must be made in advance. Street parking is available.
Tea-Upon-Chatsworth
2180 Chatsworth Blvd., Suite B
San Diego, CA 92107
(619) 858-2848
cu4t.com
Located in La Mesa Antique Village is The Aubrey Rose Tea Room. Take your seat in the inviting and stylish Victorian surroundings while friendly staff point out daily selections.
Five tea menus are presented including the Lady Anne's gluten-free option. Tiered trays are laden with an assortment of tea sandwiches, fresh fruit, fresh scones with lemon curd and pastries.
Sample the tea room's aromatic carrot and ginger soup or savor chicken tarragon tea sandwiches and asparagus rounds with garlic and cheese.
Loose leaf tea selections include jasmine, black, herbal, and green along with the signature AubreyRose tea.
Reservations are recommended with set seating on the hour and half hour. Business attire is suggested. Indoor and outdoor dining is available. Credit cards are accepted.
The AubreyRose Tea Room
8362 La Mesa Blvd.
La Mesa, CA 91941
(619) 461-4832
theaubreyrosetearoom.com
Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Madre is The Four Seasons Tea Room. Housed in a California bungalow, this tea room is decorated in early American décor and antiques. Tables are graced with fine bone china tea sets and sterling silver.
Four types of tea sandwiches are served such as the traditional cucumber and cheese or the local pumpkin and cream cheese, all with edible flower garnishes. Freshly baked scones with cream and raspberry preserves are a house favorite. Loose tea leaf choices are limited but include the house blend Darjeeling and Assam.
Special events include Alice in Wonderland and Faerie Tale to name a few.
Moderately priced, this tea room has indoor and outdoor seating available. Credit cards are accepted and reservations are suggested but not required.
The Four Seasons Tea Room
75 North Baldwin Ave.
Sierra Madre, CA 91024
(625) 355-0045
4seasonstearoom.com
