Tea Reviews: Other Countries

Angelina's, Paris, France

Visited: July, 2008.  Meal: Dessert tea.  Type of tea: Loose leaf. Preparation: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: I visited Angelina's with my husband after visiting the Louvre, so we were in need of somewhere comfortable to sit and refreshment. We were seated immediately and provided with a menu. My husband had coffee, I had Darjeling, both were exellent. I also had the most glorious pastry. A sweet pastry case filled with a rhubard compote, then a layer of confectioners custard, topped off with seven fat, sweet strawberries. Heaven! We found the whole experience delightful. There were many families, including young children, who were enjoying the food and drink that were on offer. We will certainly be making Angelina's a part of our next visit to Paris.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Joan 7/08  Add your review  

Visited: August, 2005.  Reviewed: August, 2005.
Meal: Afternoon tea.  Type of tea: Loose leaf and teabags. Preparation: In a teapot.
Tea: n/a.  Food: n/a.  Service: Poor.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: I agree with the American who thought the restaurant staff were positively RUDE, I had taken my daughter and her friend to Paris for her 21st Birthday, we were going to finish the trip with a visit to taste the famous hot chocolate and pastries. We never even stayed long enough to get seated, we felt so unwelcome by the waitress!!! However the lady serving in the shop was unusually pleasant for a French person!!! 
Would you go back? Sorry, no.
Reviewer: Very Annoyed Scot  Add your review  

Visited: May, 2005.  Reviewed: May, 2005.
Meal: Lunch.  Type of tea: Loose leaf. Preparation: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Good.  Appearance: Good.
Comments: I visit Angelina's every year and have always found the service friendly, the tea and food excellent. The best kept secret, however, is Angelina's Hot Chocolate. You cannot find a better cup of Hot Chocolate in Paris. 
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Ann.Parrish  Add your review  

Visited: April, 2003
Tea: n/a  Food: n/a.  Service: Poor.  Appearance: Fair.
Comments: Having traveled extensively throughout the world my whole life and visited many world class establishments I can only say that my family's recent (April '03) visit to Angelina's was a complete nightmare. I wish I could comment further about the food but we unfortunately did not have a chance to eat it. We left as a result of my wife being verbally abused by the head waiter due to my daughter spilling a plate of french fries. This was after the waitress had brought all of our courses at once and crowded them on to a very small table along with a bottle of Heinz catsup which she slammed down in front of me with great fanfare. By the way, the catsup was neither asked for nor wanted. The service was an abomination from the head waiter on down, rude and abusive. I can honestly say I have never been treated so poorly in my entire life. They currently do not want Americans in this establishment and I've been around enough to know where I am not wanted and why. If you are an American do NOT go here ... you'll be sorry. I could go on for days about the horror of this experience.
Reviewer: William Harper  Add your review

Visited: October, 2001
Meal: No meal, just stopped in for a cuppa.  Type of tea served: Loose and bagged.  Preparation: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: as a resident of the united states, i had heard of the history and elegance surrounding angelina's since studying about food and drink in college, but i never imagined that i would have the opportunity to visit. this opportunity came in october of this year as i took breakfast at this parisian institution founded in 1903 where coco chanel once sat and gazed out the window across the rue de rivoli at the beautiful tulleries gardens. angelina's famous "chocolate africain" was served to me in an elegant nearly translucent limoges porcelain pot accompanied by a tiny crystal bowl of whipped cream, a flaky croissant, and glasses of ice cold water to cut the sweetness. the hot chocolate, or chocolate chaud, was so rich that it nearly required a spoon to pour it from the pot into the elegant demitasse cup and saucer. small chunks of chocolate floated in the thick dark river of melted sweetness. absolutely delicious and very rich. the service was impeccable, with elegantly dressed and extremely kind staff tending to our table. afterwards, i visited the small shop at the front of the salon and purchased a bag of their "chocolate angelina rumplemayer" and a set of tea cups, saucers, and milk pitcher to take back to america. a must visit for anyone traveling to paris.
Reviewer: thomas allen barber  Add your review  

Visited: October, 1999
Tea: --  Food: Excellent.  Service: Good.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Angelina's has such a delightful ambiance, we actually went there twice during the week we were there. The first trip, it was very crowded, noisy, and had decent service. The food and ambiance brought us back again. Our second trip was much less crowded, and much more relaxing. Service was much better, too, as can be imagined. The food was still excellent. They have a large selection of pastries, cookies, etc., as well as a lunch menu for those looking for something a bit more substantial. Salads and sandwiches were excellent. We actually didn't have their tea, because we were dying to try their famous hot chocolate (made of melted candy bars, topped with REAL whipped cream. Very thick and rich, delicious!) My next trip to Paris, whenever that may be, I'm definitely going back to Angelina's!
Reviewer: Teresa  Add your review

Pommes Teashop, Wynnum, Queensland, Australia

Visited: January, 2006.  Reviewed: May, 2006.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf and teabags. Preparation: In a samovar.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: good alround service 
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: davidclutterbuck001 Add your review  

Le Loir dans la Théière, Paris, France

Visited: September, 2000
Tea: Fair.  Food: Good.  Service: Fair.  Appearance: Fair.
Comments: I have visited this tea salon for several years on my annual trip to Paris, and while I was living there as well. Patricia Wells originally listed it in her food lovers' guide to Paris and of course it became a hit with tourists. It was wonderful in the early 90s but can't live up to its past. The décor was grungy fifteen years ago; it worked then but I don't think they have upgraded a thing. With all the smoking that goes on it is impossible to enjoy anything about the place. It is not a real tea room per se, but a small overpriced restaurant. The food is ok, but not worth the price. The service tends to be aloof, which one expects in Paris, but this is particularly offensive. I must add that I always visit this teahouse with my French husband, so we are not subjected to the French snobbery they love to impose on foreigners. The cakes, displayed along an old buffet, look gorgeous, but alas, never taste as good as anticipated. Why waste your time when there are so many outstanding places to eat in Paris?
Reviewer: voilafoods  Add your review  

Mariage Frères, Paris, France

Visited: October, 2001
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Preparation: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Not everyone thinks of tea when they travel to Paris. But even if you only enjoy this ancient beverage as an occasional break from your favorite triple-shot caramel latté, there are several compelling reasons to experience what has been called the "French Art of Tea." You see, just as in food and wine, the French place great emphasis on preparation and presentation, surrounding the act of tea drinking with food that is good enough (and beautiful enough) to be called, well, French. And if that isn’t enough to pique your curiosity, let me introduce you to one teahouse in Paris that will have you saying ‘ooh-la-la’ before you even take your first sip.
The mother of all tea cafés is Mariage Frères, which has three locations in Paris. The original one (and local favorite) was founded in 1854 in the Bohemian Marais district. From the moment you arrive, you experience the sensual mélange of more than 500 varieties of teas from all over the world. You’ll also be charmed by the plantation-like elegance of your surroundings: the potted palms, the comfort of the rattan furniture and the servers in their white linen suits. The extensive menu includes smoked salmon quiche, foie gras salad and assorted finger sandwiches, as well as some of the most delightful pastries you’ve ever seen or tasted. The tea is served in white porcelain teapots and is perfectly infused. And don’t worry, if choosing one tea from over 500 seems a little daunting, your knowledgeable server will suggest the perfect tea to accompany your meal. 
Finish off your experience by browsing the tea shop, where you’ll find unique teapots, as well as exclusive items like tea-scented candles and tea-flavored jams, chocolates and cookies. And, of course, tea. Mariage Frères is perhaps best known for its exquisite tea blends, such as Marco Polo (black tea with Chinese and Tibetan fruits and flowers), Tea at the Opera (green tea flavored with fruits and spices), and the aptly titled Diplomat Blend (made from the finest Indian, Chinese and Japanese teas). A little overwhelming? Naturally! The French wouldn’t have it any other way. And even if you leave empty handed, you won’t soon forget your brief stop in what savvy Parisians consider "un petit paradis sur terre." A little bit of heaven on earth.
Reviewer: Tony Boutté  Add your review  

Le Palais des Thés, Paris, France

Visited: October, 2000
Tea: Excellent.  Food: n/a  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments:  Le Palais des Thés is the loveliest place to buy tea. They sell over 250 products, 150 items and china, and offer the best customer service I've ever seen. I've tried their green teas premium flush, a Yu Huan, and I've bought since a ton of other teas I didn't know. All their classical teas seem to have been picked up in the tea garden yesterday! 
They make a very particular flavoured tea which is called le Thé des Moines. I've drunk it with a sweet cake and discovered something else. In addition to that, they have an Internet website in three tongues that offers both information on tea and an efficient merchant system that ships tea all over the world.
Definitely my favorite tea merchant !
Reviewer: arpeges@yahoo.com  Add your review  

Maison de gouts Charmeroy, Saint-Rémy de Provence, France

Visited: May, 2004.  Reviewed: June, 2004.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Preparation: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Fabienne, the owner, is very charming! The lavender tea was just perfect -- not over-laden with the lavender. I had lemon tart made with lemon curd -- magnifique! If I ever get back to Provence, I'll head straight for this dear little tearoom on the rue Carnot. She also sells beaucoup flavors of delicious ice cream! And the lime and wine colors of her tearoom are especially pleasing! 
Reviewer: Marie Stevens Bengtsson Brunswick, Maine, USA Add your review  

Visited: August, 2003
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Preparation: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: I love Charmeroy so much that every time I am in Provence, I have to make a special trip to St. Remy. The owner, Fabienne, is very nice and has decorated the place with the most incredible attention to detail. In addition, the tea is very good and she has many different types to chose from. The store is decorated in pink and celadon green. Although there are not many treats to chose from, the cakes and cookies are good. If you have a chance, eat dinner there. The cook does a wonderful job and uses the freshest ingredients!
Reviewer: swiss_miss_v Add your review

Visited: June, 2001
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: I arrived in St. Rémy de Provence in the South of France at the beginning of June. St. Rémy is the most charming of all the towns in Provence, steeped in history, surrounded by fields of lavender and sunflowers, set against the backdrop of Les Alphilles. After admiring the ancient fountain of Nostradamus, and allowing the hot Provençal sun to wash over me, I slowly walked up the cobbled street enjoying the beauty of it all, when I came upon this absolutely charming French tea room. It wasn't until I sat down at one of the tables and read the menu that I realized how hungry and thirsty I was! I ordered a pot of their English blend and some of their tomato quiche. Both were outstanding. The tearoom is perfection, beautifully decorated, shelves laden with teas from around the world, cute teapots for sale. All this plus a menu of dishes which are made from organic fruits and vegetables. It really was superb. The tearoom owner, Madame Charmeroy, is also extremely charming. Her English is excellent, so she and I enjoyed a conversation concerning the preparation of the teas, which was extremely interesting. I highly recommend for anyone who may be lucky enough as I, to find themselves in St. Rémy de Provence, to visit Maison de gouts Charmeroy, for they will not be disappointed. 
Reviewer: Heather McDaniel Add your review 

Tea Lovers Limited - Darjeelingz Café, Auckland, NZ

Visited: October, 2003
Meal: Just a cuppa. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Preparation: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: An amazing array of tea in this shop, over 150 different teas to choose from, including the very special white tea! Also have those truly wonderful hand-sewn green and white teas which are just magical!!  A great selection of teapots and other accessories too. Really amazed at the quality of the the tea, and the food is great!  A very nice and relaxed peaceful shop/café, with friendly knowledgeable staff.
Reviewer: Rebecca  Add your review  

Visited: November, 2002
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Preparation: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: The mood, feel, and appearance of this tea shop are fantastic, and the staff are great! There is a massive range of tea blends form all over the world and lots of unique/fascinating accessories ... food is good too!
Reviewer: chris - a happy customer  Add your review  

Visited: November, 2002
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Preparation: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: This is a lovely shop -- the colours, look, and layout are wonderful. We were thrilled to see such a big range of tea available and also that we could buy tea and accessories to take away ... this is the best tea shop I have seen! The food was varied and great value for money as the serving sizes are generous!
Reviewer: John  Add your review  

Visited: December, 2002
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Preparation: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: We discovered Darjeelingz while on holiday in Auckland -- what a fabulous place. A real tea drinker's haven. The selection of loose leaf teas was amazing and the best thing is we can order from their website and have them sent to us in Christchurch. The staff were so friendly and helpful and had a great deal of knowledge regarding all the different types of teas, and the food was yummy! We will definitely return to Darjeelingz on our next trip to Auckland.
Reviewer: Cheryl - A Happy Tea Drinker  Add your review  

The Tea Centre of Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden

Visited: July, 2004.  Reviewed: May, 2005.
Meal: Retail shop only. Type of tea: Loose leaf and teabags. Preparation: n/a
Tea: Excellent.  Food: n/a.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: This tea shop is a "must see," like a tea museum of the most charming  teapots and accessories that you may imagine, in a dimmed wood-paneled room with all the ambiance and magic of tea. The owner, from Sri Lanka, spoke to us in English and assisted us in purchasing our favorite tea, Soderblandning ie, Southern blend. This blend became known to me through a Swedish roommate friend of mine in Israel. The fragrance is unbelievable. My children love it.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Elisa from Israel  Add your review

Visited: November, 2000
Tea: Excellent.  Food: n/a.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Apart from visiting the Vaasa ship, the second best reason to visit Stockholm is to visit the The Tea Centre! The South Stockholm Blend is, BY FAR, the best tea I've ever had ... It's worth purchasing just to smell it. All my friends agree. As best as I can tell, the shop is just for purchasing tea -- no restaurant, sitting area, or anything. And just just fine. The tea is incredible. Enjoy!
Reviewer: snausages@home.com  Add your review  

The Windsor Hotel, Melbourne, Australia

Visited: November, 2007.  Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Preparation: In a teapot.
Tea: Average.  Food: Average. Service: Average.  Appearance: Good.
Comments: Having partaken of many "high teas" [sic] over the past few years, I have become very discerning and would rate high [sic] tea at The Windsor "very ordinary". The venue is nothing special and despite advising at the time of booking we were not meat eaters no provision had been made for us and we had to wait while sandwiches made - the fillings were very unimagative. We also asked for more savoury than sweet items but didn't receive them. The sweet items were of the type mass produced for hotels and too many were chocolate.
Would you go back? Sorry, no.
Reviewer: Deb 6/08 Add your review

Visited: December, 2003.  Reviewed: January, 2004.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Preparation: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: The Windsor Hotel is described as the last grand hotel in Australia, and is just a few minutes walk from the center of the shopping district. The hotel opened in 1883 and is currently celebrating its 120th year anniversary.
The Traditional Afternoon Tea includes a selection of fresh finger sandwiches, French pastries, cakes, freshly baked scones with jam and cream, and a selection of twenty different teas and tisanes. There is also a seasonal Dessert Table which is out of this world and is almost beyond description. We visited in December 2003, when the dessert table theme was "Classic Indulgence," including everything from chocolate crackles to Pavlova with passion fruit.
The tea prices range from $30-$45 Australian (American dollars $18-37), depending on whether you choose the 120th Anniversary Tea, the Traditional Afternoon, or the Devonshire Tea.
Traditional Afternoon Tea is served Monday to Friday from 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm. Saturday and Sunday an "Indulgent Afternoon Tea" is served, which includes the scones, pastries, cakes and finger sandwiches, plus tea or coffee.
Call ahead if you can so you won't be disappointed if they are fully booked. We visited on a wet and rainy day while in town for the day on a Princess Cruise, and even though they were supposedly completely booked, they graciously accommodated us. They even served us quickly, as we had to leave early to catch the trolley back to our ship out in the harbor. Visit the web site for pictures of this gorgeous tearoom.
Reviewer: Jennifer Patrick Add your review