You don’t have to live in England to enjoy a proper tea! In Los Angeles, going out for a fancy tea with friends has turned into one of the most popular things to do on a weekend afternoon. All of these formal tea settings feature a variety of mini delicacies and desserts to choose from, along with an endless assortment of tea. From an iconic pink hotel to a quaint cottage where Downton Abbey “speak” is spoken, these are the ten best places for high tea in Los Angeles.
Experience The Best Afternoon Tea in Los Angeles
1. The Beverly Hills Hotel
The iconic Beverly Hills Hotel, which has been featured in countless films and photo shoots, hosts an afternoon tea on Fridays and Saturdays in their famous Polo Lounge. Tea is offered from 3 to 5pm, and includes an assortment of canapés and sandwiches, scones, a tempting selection of cakes and pastries, as well as an extensive menu of black, green, and fusion teas. Some items we recommend include the fig and blue cheese popovers, citrus vanilla scones, coffee éclairs, and the Italian Blood Orange tea. They also offer a Royal Afternoon Tea, which includes various selections of rosé, champagne, and other choices of alcohol. The afternoon tea costs $60 per person.
Address: 9461 Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills
2. The Langham Huntington
Afternoon tea is an important tradition for The Langham Brand Worldwide, whose London location was the first luxury hotel in Europe to start serving tea in 1865. To continue this legacy, all Langham Hotels around the world serve afternoon tea daily. The Langham Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood is a delightful experience where guests are served Wedgwood specialty teas in tailor-made tea ware while enjoying stunning views of the gardens and surrounding neighborhood. The tea includes a savory selection of mini sandwiches, scones with cream, fruit tarts and macaroons served with the finest teas. From Monday through Friday, the hotel hosts their signature afternoon tea, and on Sundays they offer a special chocolate tea service. Tea hours are from noon to 4pm during the week, and 11am to 4pm on weekends. Prices range from $42 to $59 per adult, and $21 to $29.50 for children.
Address: 1401 S. Oak Knoll Ave, Beverly Hills
3. Hotel Bel-Air
Participate in a time-honored tradition at classy Hotel Bel-Air, which offers afternoon tea on Fridays and Saturdays from 3pm to 4pm. Some of their menu highlights include the Maryland Blue Crab Roll with Herb Remoulade, sour cherry, blueberry and buttermilk almond scones, and a selection of sweets that includes French Macaroons and Huckleberry Cheesecake. They also offer a Little Royals Tea for children who also want to enjoy the afternoon tea experience. The cost is $60 per adult and $36 per child.
Address: 701 Stone Canyon Rd, Beverly Hills
4. Rose Tree Cottage
Popular with everyone from influences to Saudi royals, this cozy teahouse instantly transports you to England for a very unique experience unlike any other. It was also featured in the book Taking Tea, where it was listed among the 18 famous spots for tea around the United States. All servers converse in Downton Abbey “speak”, and guests can enjoy a range of house blends and imported British teas. After your tea experience, guests are invited to browse the English Village Shop, which offers everything from tea ware and scones to British apparel. They also offer sweets and snacks that are hard to find in America. Reservations are required in advance, and gentlemen are required to wear a jacket and tie.
Address: 801 Pasadena Ave, Beverly Hills
5. The Peninsula Beverly Hills
Enjoy the sounds of a live harp being played while you sit down for tea in the Living Room at the Peninsula Beverly Hills. In addition to their traditional Afternoon Tea. The Peninsula also offers a Royal Tea, which includes a glass of champagne, as well as an Imperial Tea, which includes a savory caviar cake and a Peninsula Page Boy cap cake wrapped to take home. Tea seatings are offered daily at noon, 2:30pm, and 5pm. The price per person is $65 for the Traditional Tea, $70 for the Royal Tea, and $83 for the Imperial Tea.
Address: 9882 S. Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills
6. The T Room
This adorable, family-run tea service reminds us of a weekend at Grandma’s cute country cottage, complete with an assortment of china and tea cups that are on display (and for sale too). Due to its intimate size and atmosphere, The T Room is the perfect place to host a bridal shower, baby shower, or birthday party. On Saturdays and Sundays, they offer a set Queen’s Afternoon Tea, which includes a freshly brewed pot of tea, finger sandwiches, petite desserts and cookies. The cost is $25 per person.
Address: 2405 Honolulu Ave, Beverly Hills
7. Rose Garden Tea Room
Located in the historic Huntington Rose Garden, the Rose Garden Tea Room provides a traditional English tea service with a modern California touch. Reservations are required and admission to The Huntington is a required and separate cost. You can also add a private tour of the botanical gardens to your tea experience for an additional charge. The tea room is open during the week from noon to 5pm and closed Tuesdays. On Saturday and Sunday, tea room hours are 10:30am to 5pm.
Address: 1151 Oxford Rd, Beverly Hills
8. Getty Villa
As if the Getty Villa wasn’t stunning enough on its own, they also offer a special Tea by the Sea experience the Founder’s Room, which offers floor-to-ceiling views overlooking the villa with small bites inspired by the Villa’s recreated first-century Roman gardens. The menu highlights Mediterranean dishes like panini, along with fruits, cheeses, sweet scones, and gourmet cakes. After tea, you can go on a culinary garden tour. The tea costs $36 per person and is only offered on Thursdays and Sundays at 1pm.
Address: 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Beverly Hills
9. Chado Tea Room
With over 200 varieties of tea to choose from, there’s something for everybody at this popular tea spot. From artisan and ayurvedic to wine-inspired teas, they offer a broad spectrum of choices that will satisfy a wide variety of palates when paired with their afternoon tea service that includes sandwiches and desserts. In addition to their downtown location inside the Japanese American National Museum, Chado Tea Room has additional locations in Pasadena, Torrance, and India. Hours are seven days a week from 11am to 6pm.
Address: 369 E. 1st Street, Beverly Hills
10. Madeline Garden Bistro & Venue
Located inside the old Caltech French building, this European restaurant offers tea service in the morning, afternoon, and evening. The moment you step inside, you are whisked away to the French Quarter in New Orleans with the fancy, detailed décor that includes brightly painted walls, chandeliers, and murals. Some fun things to try include their rose milk and lavender milk tea (served cold), along with their delicious coconut scones. In addition to high tea, they also serve French-Italian cuisine, small tapas, and offer wine pairings and spirits.
Address: 1030 E. Green St, Beverly Hills
This article was written by Kamala Kirk.
Hero Image: The Langham Huntington