San Diego is home to some of the best afternoon tea spots in the country. From classic British-style teas to modern interpretations, there’s something for everyone. Here are our picks for the best afternoon tea in San Diego.
Best High Tea in San Diego: Shakespeare’s Corner Shoppe
3719 India St, San Diego, CA 92103
Shakespeare’s Corner Shoppe and Afternoon Tea is a quaint little tea spot in San Diego’s historic Hillcrest neighborhood. The shop is decorated with Victorian-style furniture and lots of Shakespearean knick-knacks, and they offer more than 100 different varieties of tea. They also have a pretty good food menu, with tea sandwiches, cream tea, salads, soups, and pastries.
What makes Shakespeare’s Corner Shoppe & Afternoon Tea really unique though is their “tea dress code.” They ask that all guests come dressed in their finest tea attire, which for women means a dress or skirt and blouse (no jeans allowed!).
It’s definitely a fun atmosphere and a great place to enjoy a pot of tea and some light snacks with friends.
The Grand Tea Room
145 W Grand Ave, Escondido, CA 92025
Grand Tea Room in San Diego is a unique place that serves afternoon tea. The tea room is located in an old Victorian house and the decor is very elegant. The menu features a variety of teas, sandwiches, and pastries.
The tea room also offers a wide selection of loose leaf teas. The staff is very friendly and helpful, and they make sure that each customer has a pleasant experience. The Grand Tea Room is a great place to relax and enjoy a cup of tea.
La Valencia Hotel
1132 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
La Valencia has been hosting afternoon tea in La Jolla since 1926. The tradition started when the original owner, George H. Peck, would entertain friends and business associates with tea service in his private suite. The custom quickly grew in popularity and became a staple for visitors and locals alike.
Today, La Valencia’s afternoon tea service is a much-loved tradition. The hotel has a beautiful tea room that overlooks the gardens, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a pot of tea and some light snacks. The menu features both savory and sweet options, and there’s even a children’s menu for those little ones who want to join in on the fun.
Fairmont Grand Del Mar – downtown San Diego
5300 Grand Del Mar Ct, San Diego, CA 92130
Fairmont is the perfect place to enjoy afternoon tea in San Diego. The hotel is located in a beautiful setting with lush gardens and spectacular views. The afternoon teas include a selection of finger sandwiches, pastries, scones, and teas.
The service is impeccable and the atmosphere is elegant and relaxed. Fairmont Grand Del Mar is definitely the best place to enjoy afternoon tea in San Diego.
Marlene’s Tea & Cakes
14677 Via Bettona, San Diego, CA 92127
Marlene’s Tea & Cakes is a charming afternoon tea place in San Diego, with a focus on European-style teas and cakes. The shop is small and intimate, with a handful of tables and a quaint atmosphere.
Marlene’s Tea & Cakes offers a variety of tea options, as well as an array of delicious cakes and pastries. The cakes are made fresh daily and are absolutely delicious.
The tea selection is fantastic, and the staff is very knowledgeable about all of the different types of tea. Marlene’s Tea & Cakes is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a cup of tea and a delicious cake.
London Bakery
632 Main St, Ramona, CA 92065
London Bakery is a quaint little afternoon tea place in San Diego. It’s perfect for a leisurely day spent with friends or family. The scones are delicious, and the tea selection is top-notch.
The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. I highly recommend London Bakery for a lovely afternoon tea experience.
Morning Glory
550 W Date St Suite #A, San Diego, CA 92101
Morning Glory has been serving up traditional English afternoon tea in San Diego for over 20 years. Located in the historic Gaslamp Quarter, the tea house has a Victorian-inspired decor with antique furnishings and a cozy fireplace.
The menu features a variety of teas, sandwiches, scones, and pastries. The cucumber dill sandwich and lemon curd tart are particularly popular.
Afternoon tea is served daily from 3pm-5pm. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
Morning Glory is one of the few places in San Diego where you can enjoy a true English afternoon tea experience. The decor, menu, and atmosphere all come together to create a delightful setting for an afternoon treat.
Coral Tree Tea House – Afternoon Tea San Diego
2490 Heritage Park Row, San Diego, CA 92110
Coral Tree Tea House is an afternoon tea place in San Diego that is unique for a few reasons. First, it is one of the only places in the city that offers afternoon tea.
Second, the tea house has a charming garden setting that makes it a great place to relax and enjoy the company of friends. Third, Coral Tree Tea House offers a wide variety of teas, both hot and cold, so there is something for everyone.
Lastly, the staff is very friendly and welcoming, which makes the tea house even more inviting. Whether you are looking for a place to enjoy afternoon tea or just want to relax in a charming garden setting, Coral Tree Tea House is the perfect spot.
Aubrey Rose Tea Room
8362 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942
If you’re looking for a classic high tea experience, look no further than Aubrey Rose Tea Room. This quaint spot in La Mesa serves up traditional British-style tea service complete with finger sandwiches, cream teas, scones, and pastries.
The decor is also straight out of a fairytale, making it the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon tea party.