Chado Tea Room, Los Angeles, CA

Visited: June, 2005.  Reviewed: July, 2005.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Fair.  Appearance: Good.
Comments: My daughter and I visit Chaddo on 3rd every time I go out to LA. Our only complaint is that the service is a bit slow, and on our last visit, when questioned, the waitress didn't have any idea if a certan tea was decaffeinated. The atmosphere, though, is one of peacefulness and the food is quite good.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: bellyjel   Add your review   

Visited: July, 2003
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: The Chado Tea Room in Pasadena is a great place for afternoon tea. I've visited the Chado Tea Room in Los Angeles and the Pasadena location is just as wonderful as the original. It's located just off of the famed Colorado Blvd and it's a great place to have tea and shop in Pasadena. The food is excellent as well as the tea. There is a vast variety of teas to choose from, as it will appeal to everyone's tastes. The staff is extremely friendly as well as very knowledgeable. The Chado Tea Room is highly recommended! 
Reviewer: LNJOI   Add your review   

Visited: May, 2003
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Chado has an excellent variety of teas available to purchase, or try out in a "cuppa." The noon rush was about finished when I walked in, but the servers were all soft-spoken and attentive, without a sign of being tired. The afternoon tea came with a variety of sandwiches, and I must say, though I was impressed with the chicken and Scottish smoked salmon, I found the other two rather unappealing. The scone was delightful, though a little too soft in the middle for my personal preference, and the jam and cream were superb! My only complaint was that there was no choice of desert, although I may be in a minority when I admit I am not a huge fan of chocolate. I did, however, find a charming "teapot drip catcher" available for sale, similar to the one used on the teapot my server poured with. What a marvelous idea! This was the first time I had ever seen such a clever way to catch those unintentional little spills. It came in a variety of styles, and although a little pricey, I couldn't help but make one a part of my home collection. I recommend to anyone who serves tea at home to use one, as it saves your linen from tea stains!
Reviewer: dragynzlayr   Add your review   

Visited: February, 2003
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Chado Tea Room in Los Angeles is a hip and casual place for afternoon tea. The food is fantastic. I definitely recommend ordering the "Afternoon Tea" where you get an assortment of wonderful sandwiches, a freshly baked scone with fresh cream, a decadent dessert, and cookies ... all this along with a fresh pot of tea of your choice. They have 250 varieties of teas to choose from. Be sure to ask your server if you are unsure on your choice; they are very knowledgeable. A wonderful place for tea lovers. If you want to take your experience home, be sure to stop by the tea shop and buy your favorite tea. 
Reviewer: LNJOI   Add your review   

Visited: January, 2000
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Chado is a funky, hip tea room. No chintz or Victorian décor here! There loose teas are lovely and the food is great. When I last visited you needed to order the full tea in advance, however their sandwiches are so good, I didn't mind missing the whole show.
Reviewer: femprof   Add your review   

Four Seasons Hotel, Los Angeles, CA

Visited: April, 2004.  Reviewed: June, 2004.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Good.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Good.
Comments: Afternoon tea here was enjoyable. I had to ask our waiter for more water to be added to my teapot, however. There was definitely enough food; we all left stuffed! The décor was very proper and nice, but a bit boring and stuffy. My pet peeve is when a tea room does not have whole milk, and I am happy to report that they had it here. (It makes a big difference!)
Reviewer: PG Tips Girl   Add your review   

Visited: June, 2001
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: I have had tea at the Four Seasons many times over the past 10 years, including my bridal shower. The food is second to none in the Los Angeles hotel tea scene. The service is impeccable. The décor is lovely. It is, however, restaurant style service rather than the lounge, small couches, and club chairs that are found at the Peninsula. Thus the debate among my friends for our birthday tea ritual: atmosphere of the Peninsula or better food/service of the Four Seasons? Either way you won't be disappointed!
Reviewer: femprof   Add your review  

Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles, CA

Visited: May, 2007.  Reviewed: October, 2007
Meal: Private adults' party. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Fair.  Food: Fair.  Service: Poor.  Appearance: Good.
Comments: For $50 I expect more than a selection of only 3 teas and someone to pour my tea and not stick a coffee press in front of me so they won't have to come back to the table. Grrrrr
Would you go back? Sorry, no.
Reviewer: Laurie A. Levy   Add your review   

Visited: June, 2001
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: This is a WONDERFUL TEA SPOT. When I got lost on my way to the hotel, they held my reservation for 45 minutes, even though I had the last available reservation time for the day. Our waiters were courteous and knowledgeable. A+
Reviewer: Jennie   Add your review   

Visited: August, 2000
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: The Hotel Bel-Air is a beautiful and elegant hotel that offers an excellent afternoon tea. I have been enjoying tea there for several years and am never disappointed. The ambiance is quite formal which means the service is impeccable. Take a stroll by the swans after tea!
Reviewer: Nancy Speciale   Add your review 

Lupicia Fresh Tea, Century City, Los Angeles, CA

Visited: April, 2080.  Meal: Retail only.  Type of tea served: Loose leaf.  Served: Sample from a hotpot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: --.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: We shop here regularly because they carry a very large selection of loose teas. My husband enjoys Green teas while I prefer Black teas, but Lupicia also carries a good selection of flowering and fruit teas. The shopkeeper will gladly brew you a cup of any tea you may wish to try. He will also offer specific advice on brewing time, amount, etc. for the various teas as well as recommendations on teapots.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Cheryl Daniels 5/08  Add your review  

Visited: August, 2007. Reviewed: August, 2007.
Meal: Retail only.  Type of tea served: Loose leaf and teabags.  Served: --
Tea: Excellent.  Food: --.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: I have visited this tea shop approximately 5 times in the past month. Every tea I've tasted, from their Sakuranbo black tea to their muscat oolong tea, and other teas such as Jardin Sauvage and strawberry vanilla, have all had high quality in the taste of tea and the flavor itself. I am very impressed with this store and would recommend it to any tea lover. I was in their again 2 days ago.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Queen Tea  Add your review   

Pacific Dining Car, Los Angeles, CA

Visited: July, 2008.  Meal: Royal tea.  Type of tea served: Loose leaf.  Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: A group of us get together for tea about every two months, and we often choose Pacific Dining Car. It's not very busy in the afternoons, so it's a peaceful, relaxing environment to enjoy the civilized tradition of tea. It's quiet enough that we can easily converse, and the service is very attentive. The food is fresh and plentiful - we always wind up taking some home for family.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: samidm  11/08  Add your review   

Visited: February, 2001.  Meal: Afternoon tea.  Type of tea served: Loose leaf.  Served: --
Tea: Good.  Food: Fair.  Service: Fair.  Appearance: Good.
Comments: I don't think Pacific Dining Car has many people coming in for afternoon tea because the hostess and waiters were a little confused when we asked for the afternoon tea menu. The service was well and prompt. The food was simple; it consisted of three little pieces of bread with spread on top, one scone with plenty of jam and cream, and dessert at the end, with a glass of sherry. I think we had bread pudding, strawberries, and cheesecake. I think the price is kind of reasonable, $15.50 per person.
Reviewer: lamieb  Add your review     

The Fairmont Hotel, San Francisco, CA

Visited: November, 2007.  Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Good.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Limited black tea selection. The tiresome usual mini eclairs, financiers, etc. (when are tea hotels going to bring us back to the good old substantial tea breads and shortbread cookies instead of these silly french pastries the size of a postage stamp?) But -- nice scone, and Excellent Sandwiches. Next time, I'll just ask for a double sandwich ration.
Would you go back? Hope so, but we don't live nearby.
Reviewer: nancy 1/8  Add your review  

Visited: March, 2003
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Good.
Comments: This was a nice tea service is a beautiful hotel. The room seemed very loud for the few guests who were in attendance. Also, the ad promised piano music which was not available. Presentation and food were wonderful. Service was fantastic. 
Reviewer: Stonediva Add your review 

The Garden Court Restaurant at the Palace Hotel , San Francisco, CA

Visited: August, 2008.  Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Good.  Food: Fair. Service: Good.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: the atmosphere was lovely. The tea sandwiches were served open faced with not much filling on the bread. The scones were very good. The teas was good. I would not return. The price was very expensive for not much food. I left hungry.
Would you go back? Sorry, no.
Reviewer: Barbara  9/08  Add your review   

Imperial Tea Court, San Francisco, CA

Visited: April, 2002
Meal: None, just a cuppa. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: Other (gaiwan, etc.).
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Wonderful experience! Loved the classical Chinese wood paneling and bird cages. I had the Monkey Picked TieKuanyin oolong tea, and it was spectacular. Floral with a toasty spice. MMMM. Their peanut cookies were good, too. It's nice to see a place that serves these teas in the traditional manner.
Reviewer: email4emmo@yahoo.com  Add your review  

King George Hotel Tea Room, San Francisco, CA

Visited: September, 2005. Reviewed: February, 2006.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Fair.  Food: Fair. Service: Fair.  Appearance: Fair.
Comments: Tea: water was not hot enough, pots were filled from an urn. Advertised "endless pot of tea" was in fact endless hot water over existing leaves. Cookies were mostly packaged, not made fresh. Service for our party of twelve, after initial seating in a windowless back room, was sporadic and inattentive. Price was average for afternoon tea: $25 per person. 
Would you go back? Sorry, no.
Reviewer: VTea Add your review   

Visited: August, 2003
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Good.  Food: Good. Service: Good.  Appearance: Good.
Comments: The King George has a fine tea room. The food is fairly good with a decent selection of sandwiches, fruit, and scones. The scones are quite delicious, but a little too muffin-esque. The tea selection is not large, but each of the five people in our party was able to find a tea that he/she liked. The waiter was a little under-attentive, but the service did not take anything away from the meal or the experience. The ambiance was a little bar-like, but not unpleasant. I would definitely return.
Reviewer: Heather from Alaska Add your review    

Leland Tea Company, San Francisco, CA

Visited: February, 2006.  Reviewed: February, 2006.
Meal: Cream tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments:  Wonderful service. Unique tea. Amazing baked goods (I had the scones and madeleines). Festive ambiance. Good energy. Every city needs Leland!
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: MY  Add your review  

Visited: January, 2006.  Reviewed: January, 2006.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments:  The tea experience was excellent. The staff and owner checked with us to ensure everything was fine. I am a regular and I disagree with the previous review. The owner and staff are very concerned with everyone's needs, and if you have anything to say then speak up, you leave hungry and unhappy cause you want to! Fantastic selection of all types of tea. The baked goods are made onsite, fresh, so if they are out then its because they went like hot cakes that day. I stop in everyday for my daily tea.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Joe  Add your review  

Visited: December, 2005.  Reviewed: December, 2005.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf and teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Good.  Food: Fair.  Service: Poor.  Appearance: Good.
Comments:  Bread on the sandwiches was stale/dry. They initially forgot to give us cream for our tea and brought it after we already had a cup or two. Never got the tea cookies. Really no excuse for such poor service, since we were the only party there when we arrived and when we left. Walk-in traffic wasn't bustling either, so that couldn't have been an excuse.
Would you go back? Sorry, no.
Reviewer: Stan  Add your review   

Lovejoy's Antiques and Tea Room, San Francisco, CA

Visited: April, 2008.  Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: This was the best scone I have ever had - warm, moist and delicious with the best real clotted cream! The sandwich choices were interesting so be adventurous and try the fig/olive. The J train stops right at the front door. Accros the street is the shop shelling teas and pots and cups. A delight!
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Lucy 4/08  Add your review   

Visited: August, 2007.  Reviewed: August, 2007.
Meal: Lunch. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: My husband and I enjoyed the experience at Lovejoys. The staff was wonderful and the atmosphere was perfect. I felt like a Queen and have recommend Lovejoys to a few friends and family.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Theresa Nelson  Add your review    

Visited: June, 2007.  Reviewed: July, 2007.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments:  thank you lovejoy's for the only yummy scone i've tasted this side of the pond. the sandwiches were equally as delicious and the service amazing. lovejoy's make you feel right at home! get cosy on the sofas and get treated like a queen for 2 hours. lovejoy's got the afternoon tea 'thing' perfect!
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: annie  Add your review    

Visited: May, 2005.  Reviewed: July, 2005.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teacup.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments:  The tea here is excellent and the service is highly personable. Well worth going out of the way to check out.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Jack Young  Add your review    

Visited: October, 2004.  Reviewed: October, 2004.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Fair.  Service: Good.  Appearance: Good.
Comments:  The room seemed crowded. Our table of four was presented with a three-tier serving tree with fruits, scones, and sandwiches on the bottom. It was so tall, we could not see the person across for conversation. Canned asparagus was used in one of the sandwiches. Little green apples looked pretty but awkward to eat. There were several large parties, one of ten or more. The room became quite noisy.
Reviewer: Teachers4Tea  Add your review    

Visited: August, 2003
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Good.  Food: Good.  Service: Good.  Appearance: Good.
Comments:  Lovejoy's is a fine tea room. The Victorian setting is not my favorite style, but it was pleasant enough and not overly crowded with antiques. Space between the tables was limited, but not so much that my four-year-old daughter felt hemmed in. I found the tea selection to be quite limited. I like a selection that includes white teas and unusual blends, but the tea selection at Lovejoy's was rather common. The food was fairly good and the presentation pretty. We visited on a hot day and the temperature in the restaurant was uncomfortable. I would visit again, but on a cooler day.
Reviewer: Heather from Alaska  Add your review    

Visited: December, 2001
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Good.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments:  A very bustling and busy tea room. Many different seating options (Victorian couches and chairs, tables and chairs). On the evening we were there it was full to capacity. The food was good, the presentation of it was nice. It is a very packed space with a lot to look at and tables situated very close together. The only thing lacking was some sort of appropriate dress for the staff, they looked very much as if they just walked in off the street. They were very attentive none the less and I plan to visit again. The atmosphere was very festive and their scones were the best I have ever tasted.
Reviewer: Karen Platner  Add your review   

Visited: September, 2000
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent.  Service: Good.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments:  The new location is much larger and yet it still retains the cozy friendly atmosphere of the original. The egg and onion sandwiches are so good I dream about them. They also serve heartier fare for the hungrier American appetite such as a hot steak and kidney pie or sausage pasties. Wonderful food and we felt at ease and very welcome here immediately upon entering. We usually order a full four-course tea for two and a couple of hot plates as well and make a full meal of it.
Reviewer: John McCluskey  Add your review   

Neiman-Marcus (The Rotunda), San Francisco, CA

Visited: December, 2002
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Fair. Service: Poor.  Appearance: Fair.
Comments: The Rotunda is a beautiful place, but it was too noisy. My friend and I could hardly hear ourselves talk. The service was horrible. We felt like we were inconveniencing the waiter. We saw the waiter only three times: once to take our order, once to give us our check, and once to rush over to pick up our check when he saw us getting up to leave. We had to ask the busboy to refill our hot water. 
Reviewer: Mo   Add your review    

Visited: December, 2002
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Poor.  Food: Poor. Service: Good.  Appearance: Poor.
Comments: Very disappointed! The breads for the tea sandwiches were stale and had no flavor. The teapots were not fine china, were ordinary and had chips and stains on them. Had mostly desserts on the tea platter that were not that good. Don't waste your money. Lunch is actually much better there.
Reviewer: anik2o   Add your review   

Visited: September, 2001
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Fair.  Food: Fair. Service: Poor.  Appearance: Fair.
Comments: Not what I would expect from a store of this caliber, nothing was special in any way, I could have been at a common hotel. Service was terrible. I was interrupting a cruise.
Reviewer: Cynthia from NM   Add your review 

Red Blossom Tea Company, San Francisco, CA

Visited: December, 2009.  Meal: Retail tea tasting. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a gaiwan.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: n/a. Service: Good.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: The highest quality tea Chinese and Taiwanese teas I've ever seen, with a large, often-changing selection. Many oolongs and puers, especially. Willing to sample any tea through multiple infusions. The only drawbacks: the service can be a bit snobby and the prices are a bit high. However, I think it's definitely worth it for the quality of tea they provide.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: thedaniel 2/10 Add your review    

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, San Francisco, CA

Visited: June, 2004.  Reviewed: July, 2004.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: As a regular guest of The Ritz-Carlton Hotels, the San Francisco location is my favorite. The Lobby Lounge, where tea is served, reminds me of an elegant Newport, Rhode Island "cottage." Authentic antique furnishings, feminine décor rather than the traditional English manor look, and a harpist or pianist enhance the experience. In keeping with California preferences, a variety of teas and accompaniments are offered, including an iced tea selection. After many visits, the Royal tea, which includes a glass of excellent champagne, is my favorite. The food is freshly prepared, exquisitely presented, and scrumptious.
And the tea! Well, if a genie was granting your tea wishes, he would choose as The Ritz does. A lovely alternative is a serving of your favorite aspects of tea, just a bowl of berries and cream or a scone. Bonus: occasional celebrity sightings. Roberto Benigni and his wife were at the table next to us, days before he won the Oscar for Life is Beautiful.
Reviewer: PattyB Add your review  

Samovar Tea Lounge, San Francisco, CA

Visited: April, 2008.  Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Average.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: I went to the Yerba Buena Gardens location and the view was lovely. The tea was provided in a beaker without leaves and then you poured it into your own stoneware mug. The scone was very nice, along with a little quiche, salad and fresh fruit. Comfortable seating but the music was a bit loud. They have a large variety of teas including Russian, mints, greens. I'll bet when the weather is a little warmer, the outdoor seating area is a joy. Thanks for the oasis.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: cool_hats 4/08 Add your review   

Visited: February, 2008.  Meal: Lunch. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Average.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: This tea lounge serves some of the most delicious and creative blends. I am particularly fond of their herbal variety and have stocked up on "Organic Orange Ginger." I strongly recommend this tea lounge also for it's atmosphere and ambience.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: lisa_miranda 2/08 Add your review   

Visited: May, 2005.  Reviewed: May, 2005.
Meal: Lunch. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: I had a late lunch here . . the red pear sandwich with blue cheese and the bread pudding with a pot of ceylon black tea. Also bought a tin of Masala Chai to bring home . . . definitely must return to try other offerings.  
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Judy in Calif. Add your review   

Visited: February, 2004.  Reviewed: April, 2004.
Meal: Lunch. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: I adore Samovar Tea Lounge, mainly because of its wide selection of delicious foods and how they're matched with their teas. The environment is perfect for just about anything -- for a brunch with the ladies to a casual, unique date (they do tea tastings, too!). Try the maki bowls with a good oolong, or have an "Odessa platter" with a strong black tea. They also have wonderful baked goods (the quiche is an absolute MUST) and scones are served with genuine Devonshire cream. All the fun of tea without the attitude!
Reviewer: foodie4ever Add your review  

Secret Garden Tea House, San Francisco, CA

Visited: February, 2004.  Reviewed: March, 2004.
Meal: Private party. Type of tea: Loose leaf and teabags. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Good.  Food: Good. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Good.
Comments: I just hosted a bridal shower at the Secret Garden Tea House and it went great! We reserved the private room for 25 people. The food, decor and service were just right! I left feeling so pleased! I highly recommend it.
Would you go back? Hope so, but we don't live nearby.
Reviewer: Alisa W.  Add your review  

Visited: February, 2004.  Reviewed: March, 2004.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teacup.
Tea: Good.  Food: Fair. Service: Fair.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: This is a brand new tea room near Golden Gate Park. The small place has been meticulously decorated in a country/shabby chic look. There are chandeliers on the ceiling, and a lovely red floral print that matches all the curtains and tablecloths. It's very cute and cheery, and immaculately clean. There is music in the background, and they have made a real effort to create a wonderful ambiance for afternoon tea.
Each table is set with a different matching set of teacups and saucers. They have a nice selection of teas, including a decadent chocolate raspberry! Tea is served on a lovely three-tiered server, and comes with a scone, sandwiches, and mini desserts.
When it comes to food, they do make a few sandwiches, but most everything else appears to be store-bought. You can either choose your sandwiches or you can choose your dessert. Otherwise it is a selection of the day. They do not have other food options nor any other beverage options other than tea. Service is spotty, usually once they drop off the tray you don't see them again. But if you can get their attention, they are very, very friendly.
For the most part, this is a new tea room that has been lovingly decorated and is a fun experience. As far as the service and the food, I think they are still working out the kinks a bit. Definitely worth a try!
Reviewer: Lara W.  Add your review   

Stanford Court Lobby, San Francisco, CA

Visited: August, 2003
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Good.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: The Stanford serves Harney & Sons teas, which are normally quite delicious. I ordered Earl Grey, which tasted more like Orange Pekoe. When I pointed this out to the server, she brought the tin for me to examine. It said Earl Grey, but did not smell like Earl Grey. She then brought me a pot of another type of tea, which was nice, but since Earl Grey is my favorite, it didn't do me a ton of good. About halfway through the meal, she brought out a new tin of Earl Grey and made me a delicious, fresh cup. That made the meal almost perfect. The food was delicious, and the ambiance just fine. I would definitely return.
Reviewer: Heather from Alaska Add your review  

The Westin-St. Francis Hotel, San Francisco, CA

Visited: August, 2003
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Good. Service: Poor.  Appearance: Good.
Comments: Afternoon tea is served at the Westin St. Francis on afternoons in the Compass Rose, a lounge type bar that overlooks Union Square. Seating is either at small tables or couches. The interior is somewhat dark and gives a feeling of mystery. There is a separate tea menu for those wishing to have tea; other options are appetizers and cocktails. The tea is brought out along with a tier of plates offering small scones, and open-faced cucumber, egg salad, and salmon sandwiches. Pastries include a small slice of spice bread, and small creamy cakes. When you are finished they bring fresh strawberries. It was a lovely meal, and it seemed the chef wanted to be a bit creative with the selections, even though they were basically traditional. The only bad thing was about the experience was the service. There seemed to be way too few waiters, because once our food was dropped off he never came back for anything. I had to track down other waiters to get any sort of service, and they certainly seemed frazzled. There was certainly no "tea etiquette" as you would find in a smaller, dedicated place. I will not be going back.
Reviewer: Lara W. Add your review    

Lady Effie's Tea Parlor, Los Angeles, CA

Visited: February, 2008.  Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Average. Service: Poor.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: I have to agree with a lot of the reviewers. While the tea is excellent and the decor is heartwarming, the service leaves a lot to be desired. They are in desperate need of new employees. My book club has hosted several meetings here over the course of 5 years. In the beginning we loved everything about the place, however the last two times we have been there were just horrible. We tried to overlook the bad service because we liked the tea, but no more. We had been kept waiting for 2 hours before we realized no orders had been taken and we had no tea. That is simply ridiculous. This is not a small house. There needs to be more people working to accommodate the patrons. We were all displeased with the amount of time it took to be served tea. And the extra we paid for the "special menu" was so below standards we were wondering what was so special about it. The tea is wonderful but save yourself the trouble and just buy it and take it home.
Would you go back? Sorry, no.
Reviewer: Rita 7/08 Add your review    

Visited: January, 2008.  Meal: Private adults party. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: In a teapot.
Tea: Fair.  Food: Fair. Service: Poor.  Appearance: Good.
Comments: The house was great!! But, the service was so poor that I will not recommend this place nor will I return. I was very disappointed, there was not enough staff to cover the number of parties booked and the owner, overburdened became irritable and rude.
Would you go back? Sorry, no.
Reviewer: ann 3/08 Add your review    

Visited: July, 2007.  Meal: Private adults party. Type of tea: ~. Served: ~.
Tea: n/a.  Food: Fair. Service: Poor.  Appearance: Good.
Comments: Great craftsman house, beautiful antiquities, and photographs. Upon arriving I found that the door was locked but the hostess was sweet when she finally answered. The bottom line is that I never received my tea because they're were only 2 people working (the owner and daughter I guess)The fresh fruit was good, pastries were dry, there was NOT a decent supply of water (it was a very hot day)and the service took forever. I think it's difficult for 2 people to host, serve, and prepare food/tea for a parlor that had guests out side of my companions. We finally became so irritated that we left (an hour after not receiving our tea). Not a great place for groups on a Saturday. I wish the owners well, but you couldn't pay me to go back there...
Would you go back? Sorry, no.
Reviewer: Mlle. Hughes 2/08 Add your review    

Visited: August, 2007.  Reviewed: August, 2007.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: Teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Beautiful setting. Great food, tea and service. The hostess was wonderful and we felt right at home! This house and the area has a great history.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: Pat S. Add your review    

Visited: June, 2007.  Reviewed: July, 2007.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: Teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: Lady Effie's is wonderful location to meet friends/family for a lovely relaxing afternoon of tea. The accompanying sandwiches and pastries were delicious. I came back from tea praising Lady Effie's to everyone I know. It's a jewel of a tea parlor with a history that will transport you to a bygone era.
Would you go back? Yes, can't wait!
Reviewer: R. Wilson Add your review    

Visited: August, 2005.  Reviewed: August, 2005.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: Teapot.
Tea: Excellent.  Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: The owner, Vonnie, is delightful. The decor & history is heart-warming. Tea service very nice - food very tasty (larger size sandwiches) Matching china tea pots & cups/saucers. 
Would you go back? Hope so, but we don't live nearby.
Reviewer: Susan Add your review    

Visited: May, 2005.  Reviewed: June, 2005.
Meal: Private party. Type of tea: Loose leaf. Served: Teapot.
Tea: Poor.  Food: Fair. Service: Poor.  Appearance: Good.
Comments: the setting was very good but it made no difference due to the lack of attention, service and the tea was watery.
Would you go back? Sorry, no.
Reviewer: Unhappy customer Add your review    

Visited: April, 2004.  Reviewed: March, 2005.
Meal: Afternoon tea. Type of tea: Teabags. Served: Other.
Tea: Fair.  Food: Poor. Service: Fair.  Appearance: Excellent.
Comments: The restored Victorian house is marvelous! However, the tea was served in large thermoses (no teapots in sight), the "cream" was Cremora in packets, as was the sugar, and there were no scones...only a dry lemon cookie of sorts. The cucumbers for the sandwiches were about 1/2" thick. Our group of eight waited almost 45 minutes before being served. It's true, they were short staffed that day, but the prevailing attitude was, "Too bad." 
Would you go back? Sorry, no.
Reviewer: Wish it were better... Add your review