22 Delightful Afternoon Tea Spots in Los Angeles

Updated for 2023

Pinkies up! Is there anything quite as elegant as having afternoon tea, complete with scones, lemon curd, finger sandwiches, and of course the tiniest and most delightful desserts? Commonly known as high tea, this lovely activity is one of our absolute favorite ways to enjoy carbs.

Afternoon tea is a terrific way to celebrate Mother’s Day or a birthday for a special person in your life. Or how about having a “mommy & me” high tea one of these days — just for fun or a nice excuse to play dress-up? Or what if you plan ahead with your close mom friends and celebrate Galentine’s Day?

Whatever your reason for wanting to have high tea (and you don’t have to have one — we won’t judge!), we’ve got a great list for you of the best places for afternoon tea in and around Los Angeles. Plus we’ve got a great list of what to expect when you get there — and we even answer the question: What’s the difference between Afternoon Tea and High Tea? Enjoy!

Looking for afternoon tea near me? Check out our map below!

What is Included with Afternoon Tea?

Don’t be fooled by the name into thinking that this is simply a snack: Afternoon tea can be a very filling meal! And please note — it’s heavy on carbs. If you’re following a Paleo or Keto diet, you just need to be prepared.

Of course, every spot will have slightly different items on the menu, but generally, you can expect to be served the following at tea:

• A choice of teas — which may sound obvious. Although each restaurant’s selection will vary, you can usually always count on being offered the classics, like Earl Grey Tea or English Breakfast Tea. You’ll be served your very own teapot and strainer, along with cream or lemon, depending on what you prefer. The tea will need to steep for a while before it’s ready to serve in your sweet teacup, and if you drink all the tea in your pot and want more, your server can re-fill the pot with hot water.

• Scones — These look similar to American biscuits, but tend to be a less flaky version. Scones can be plain or flavored, often with raisins or currants, and are meant to be covered in clotted cream, butter, jam, or lemon curd — or some other delightful thing the restaurant serves. Scones pair very well with tea!

• Clotted Cream — This is a rich, thickened cream meant to be enjoyed on a scone, and you can think of it as similar to the way you would use cream cheese on a bagel. The consistency is runnier than cream cheese — but not quite as runny as plain cream would be. It can be served whipped as well.

• Lemon Curd (and other Jams and Jellies) — Often made in-house, these items are also meant to be eaten on a scone. And while you of course know what jams and jellies are, you might be less familiar with lemon curd. It’s a lot like a custard but made without dairy. It’s tangy and delicious — and of course perfect on a scone! The ingredients usually include egg yolks, lemon, sugar, salt, and butter. If you’d like to make your own, Sally’s Baking Addiction has a terrific recipe for lemon curd you can try.

• Finger Sandwiches — These are the most adorable and delicious sandwiches you’ll ever have, and their traditional size (little rectangles) makes them perfect for little hands! There are probably thousands of fillings for tea sandwiches, as they’re also known, but some of the classic fillings you’ll find at tea are curried egg salad, cucumber and mint, smoked salmon and cream cheese, watercress and butter, asparagus, country paté, brie, and apple. At restaurants catering to families, you are likely to also find peanut butter and jelly as well as American cheese sandwiches on the menu.

• Desserts! — Yes, even after all this food there are still desserts to come! These desserts will likely be among the daintiest and most beautiful things you’ve ever seen, and you may be tempted not to want to eat them because of their beauty. But that will pass. You’ll find yourself eating things like macarons, tiny cupcakes, chocolate mousse, fruit tarts, or other delightful pastries, and you’ll enjoy every bite.

What About Booze at Afternoon Tea?

While this is not something for the kiddos in your party, many restaurants offer what could be called a “boozy afternoon tea”. They may include a glass of champagne as a menu option, which is especially nice when you’re having a “mom’s day out” instead of a “mommy and me” tea. As you’d expect, champagne is usually an add-on to the price of the meal.

Related: Learn more about Afternoon Tea, High Tea, and other British Food Customs on the NPR website.

The Difference Between High Tea and Afternoon Tea

For this article, we use the terms high tea and afternoon tea interchangeably. However, they’re actually two entirely different things. And while there’s also elevenses, we won’t go into detail about that British tradition other than to say it’s essentially a late morning tea and snack break.

High Tea

While the name may imply that this style of receiving tea is more elegant, according to the Food Network website, high tea is in fact quite the opposite and is usually laid-back rather than formal. High tea originated in the lower classes, who took tea and food right at the close of their workday to make up for having no lunch.

Fast-forwarding to the present, high tea is typically a heartier meal served in the evening and includes meat dishes, bread choices, and desserts. The teas and foods are generally served at a high table, such as a dining room table or counter, hence the name, “high tea”.

Afternoon Tea

Originating in the mid-1800s, afternoon tea was taken to stave off hunger between lunch and supper, which wasn’t served until 7:30 p.m. or later. It was traditionally served at a low table, such as a coffee table, in a sitting room.

Currently, if you want to have true afternoon tea, you’ll find it’s commonly served at a coffee table in a formal living room in high style. It’s normal to serve afternoon tea with delicate sandwiches, scones, and desserts on fine china and with fancy linens. Enjoy!

Afternoon Tea in Los Angeles

1. Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles — Rendezvous Court
506 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 612-1562

Enjoy a unique experience when you select the Bridgerton Afternoon Tea at the Biltmore. Based on the iconic Netflix series, the Afternoon Tea includes tantalizing treats and a selection of teas, as well as an entrance to the immersive experience.

You can stay at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles and enjoy the historic surroundings for a weekend — or longer!

Related: Immersive Experiences in Los Angeles

2. The Peninsula Beverly Hills — The Living Room
9882 South Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 975-2736

The Peninsula Beverly Hills offers traditional afternoon tea Thursday through Sunday with seating at 11:00 am, 1:30 pm, and 4:00 pm. Enjoy the new limited-edition menu in The Living Room on The Peninsula’s ground floor. “Enjoy free-flowing Champagne by Laurent Perrier, one-of-a-kind teas, and a tower of sweet and savory delights in our living room accompanied by a classical harpist.” Check the website for details and to make reservations to stay at The Peninsula Beverly Hills.

3. Rose & Blanc Tea Room 
301 S. Western Ave. #202, Los Angeles, CA 90020
(213) 330-6787

Rose & Blanc Tea Room has become quite a popular spot for bridal and baby showers. Afternoon tea is served on Saturdays and Sundays beginning at 12 noon. They feature “European and local name brand teas.” They also offer a “Tea Party at HOME!” so you can host a special afternoon tea in the comfort of your own home. Reservations are required. 

4. Ye Olde King’s Head
116 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 451-1402

Ye Olde King’s Head was established in 1974 and is a popular spot in Santa Monica. They offer afternoon tea Monday through Saturday from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm. Enjoy a “selection of finger sandwiches, savory bites, freshly baked scones with Devonshire cream, preserves, and a selection of pastries” served with specialty tea. 

5. Getty Villa Museum — Garden Tea
17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
(800) 369-3059

Enjoy Garden Tea on Thursdays and Saturdays from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. “The Garden Tea was inspired by the Getty Villa’s authentically recreated first-century Roman gardens — and by visitors’ fond memories of the beloved Tea Room, which closed in 1997.”

The Garden Tea menu changes based on each season and the availability of ingredients grown in the Villa Herb Garden which includes Mediterranean herbs, vegetables, and fruits. The menu offers tea and baked goods such as scones, tea breads, tea sandwiches, and desserts.

A special children’s menu featuring hot chocolate, sandwiches, and dessert is also available. Tea is served in the Founder’s Room, an elegant space featuring floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Villa and one level up from the Café. Reservations are required.

Afternoon Tea in Pasadena and East

6. The Langham Huntington Afternoon Tea
1401 South Oak Knoll Ave., Pasadena, CA 91106
(626) 585-6218

The tradition of afternoon tea is “an important signature of The Langham brand worldwide”, so you can enjoy afternoon tea there on a daily basis. The atmosphere in the Lobby Lounge is breathtaking with floor-to-ceiling windows, offering picturesque views of The Horseshoe Garden and San Marino. Along with their Afternoon Tea with Wedgewood, the hotel also offers a Royal Tea, and on Sundays, they offer their one-of-a-kind Chocolate Tea. Check their website to make reservations for a stay at The Langham Huntington in Pasadena.

7. The Four Seasons Tea Room
75 North Baldwin Ave., Sierra Madre, CA 91024
(626) 355-0045

The Four Seasons Tea Room is a beautiful and charming experience with a European small-town feeling as well as a great place to get dolled up with your girlfriends for an afternoon of tea. There are five different menu items offered including Sandwich Tea, Afternoon Tea, and Royal Afternoon Tea.

The Afternoon Tea includes hot tea, five tea sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and desserts. Tea is served Thursday through Sunday for two seatings at 11:00 am and 2:30 pm. Check the website for details and to make reservations. They also offer take-out orders.

8. Madeline Garden
1030 E. Green St., Pasadena, CA 91106
(626) 795-5599

Madeline Garden is more than a spot for tea. This location was “once a special development occupied by Albert Einstein.” High tea options include scones, tea sandwiches, desserts, and more. A Children’s Tea is also available. Madeline Garden welcomes guests Friday through Sunday, from 11 am to 5 pm. Reservations may be made online. 

9. The Rose Garden Tea Room at The Huntington — CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS
1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108
(626) 405-2100

Set amongst the breathtaking gardens of the Huntington and surrounded by art from the great masters of the past, The Rose Garden Tea Room is a beautiful spot in which to have an afternoon tea for a special event — or just because. The memorable experience is “inspired by the tradition of English tea service with a distinctive California twist.”

Update: Currently, The Rose Garden Tea Room at The Huntington is closed for renovations — until early 2023. Tea for Two has also been suspended while they update the 1919 Café. Check the website for details.

10. Rose Tree Cottage
801 S. Pasadena Ave., Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 793-3337

Set in the city of the Rose Bowl and Rose Parade, the Rose Tree Cottage offers an elegant English-style afternoon tea. Afternoon tea is served in the garden and is currently by reservation only. You’ll also find the “English Village Shop” on-site with lots of yummy imported items including clotted cream and hot cross buns.

11. The T Room
2405 Honolulu Ave., Montrose, CA 91020
(818) 249-6677

Enjoy a cozy tea experience at The T Room in Montrose. Adults will savor the Queen’s Tea, an English-style tea including finger sandwiches, “freshly baked cranberry scones with homemade Russian cream and strawberry preserves,” assorted desserts, and fruit. Children will enjoy a Prince/Princess Tea featuring hot chocolate and finger sandwiches as well.

Tea is served Monday through Friday from 10 am to 3 pm. Saturday and Sunday service varies due to private party reservations. Call to make a reservation or ask about catering. 

12-15. Chado Tea Room
Four Locations:
• 79 N. Raymond St., Pasadena, CA 91103 (626) 431-2832
• Inside the Japanese American National Museum, 369 E. 1^st St., LA CA 90012 (213) 258-2531
• 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Ste. 209, Hollywood, CA 90028 (323) 472-8111
• 1303 El Prado Ave., Torrance CA 90501 (424) 757-5222

With four locations around Southern California, the Chado Tea Room has a casual ambiance that focuses more on actual tea than on the customs surrounding it. Guests can choose from more than 300 blend varieties for their pots of tea, which also come with a selection of toasted sandwiches, scones, jam, and desserts. Reservations are recommended. 

Afternoon Tea in West Hollywood

16. Le Salon de Thé
8535 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 962-9538

Le Salon de Thé is a “French Tea Room in West Hollywood.” Enjoy an elegant selection of finger sandwiches, an assortment of sweet desserts, and fine tea during high tea. Le Salon de Thé is a popular spot for celebrating special events. They can even help you celebrate “in the comfort of your home or at the place of your dreams.” Afternoon tea is served by reservation only. 

17. The London West Hollywood
1020 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069
(844) 489-9660

Afternoon tea at The London West Hollywood is a memorable event. Enjoy a “selection of traditional tea sandwiches on house-made breads,” scones, pastries, and more. The fanciful bites are paired with premium teas from The Rare Tea Company, the hotel’s tea partner. Tea is served Saturdays and Sundays between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm. Reservations are required.

18. The Cat and Fiddle Restaurant and Pub
742 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, CA 90038

Enjoy the new Afternoon Tea at the Cat and Fiddle in Hollywood and get a taste of the British isles one weekend. The service includes your choice of tea, scones with clotted cream and housemade cinnamon orange marmalade, classic tea sandwiches (cucumber, curried egg salad, and roast beef), sausage rolls, and, of course, sweets (shortbread cookie, Tottenham cake, and seasonal berries). It’s a delicious and lovely way to spend an afternoon. Very family-friendly. $38 per person. Served Saturday and Sundays from 12-4 pm; reservations required.

Afternoon Tea in Orange County

19. McKenna’s Tea Cottage
237 Main St., Seal Beach, CA 90740
(562) 431-0200

McKenna’s Tea Cottage was established in late 2011 and is recognized as a favorite tea room in Orange County. This family-run business has different afternoon tea options including “The Royal Tea,” “Queen Mums Tea,” and “Lady Hamilton Tea.” For younger guests, there is a “Prince and Princess Tea” option. Tea times are 11 am to 2 pm daily, every half hour. Reservations are required. 

20. Pamela’s Tea Room
12752 Valley View St., Ste. P&Q, Garden Grove, CA 92845
(714) 897-9442

Pamela’s Tea Room offers a few options for afternoon tea. Choose from: “High Cream Tea” which includes a pot of English tea, soup du jour, tea sandwiches, side salad, and fresh scones with jam and cream;  “Afternoon Cream Tea”; or “Pamela’s Cream Tea.” A “Little Princess Tea” is offered for children 12 and under.

The Tea Room is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 11 am to 4 pm, with the last reservation at 2:30 pm. Reservations are strongly recommended. 

Afternoon Tea in the Northwest Valley

21. Tea Elle C Garden Café
26111 Bouquet Canyon Rd., #A6&7, Santa Clarita, CA 91350
(661) 255-9832

If Santa Clarita is closer to you, be sure to make a reservation at Tea Elle C Garden Café. Afternoon tea is served all day at The Tea Gardens. Afternoon tea includes 6 finger sandwiches (flavors in sets of 2), a scone, 3 assorted desserts, and tea. There is also a “Tea for Me – Kids Corner” featuring a choice of finger sandwich, fruit cup, a scone, and a sweet treat. 

22. Tranquility Tea Room
2527 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
(805) 418-9939

The Tranquility Tea Room was established in 2007. Here you’ll find “lovely antiques, fresh flower arrangements, vintage dishes, and lacy linens.” This spot is a popular venue for birthdays, showers, and special occasions. Seatings for Afternoon Tea are offered at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm daily. 

Afternoon Tea Near Me
In Los Angeles

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