Tea Houses in San Diego (2025)

An Adorable Spot Dedicated to Afternoon Tea Opens in the Midway District | Eater San Diego

Set up to showcase the British tradition of afternoon tea, I found the Britannia Tearooms to be a new stand-alone venue replacing Country Waffles in the Midway District and functioning as an extension of Shakespeare’s Corner Shoppe. Proprietress Selina Stockley, who hails from Surrey and who managed Shakespeare’s for six years before taking ownership 17 years ago, has relocated the elaborate afternoon tea she used to host on Shakespeare’s patio to the Midway location while offering a more streamlined, informal cream tea at the Middletown shop. She scoured thrift shops and local estate sales to decorate the space, inviting guests through a Sherlock Holmes–themed parlor into a main dining area adorned with vintage Tiffany-style lamps and flower garlands; among the custom murals is an Alice in Wonderland tribute in the Mad Hatter’s Tearoom, which can be booked for private parties, and even the restrooms, designated for “wizards” and “witches,” contain Harry Potter Easter eggs. The menu, which will change monthly, includes a starter salad and an array of savory and sweet items—finger sandwiches, quiches, sausage rolls, scones, sponge cakes, and shortbread biscuits—all made in-house. Stockley is serious about tea: she installed a reverse osmosis water system to brew the perfect pot and features some 60 varieties, many blended by her (including a “James Bond” tea with Scottish caramel pu-erh, rose petals, and vanilla). I recommend reservations for the full afternoon tea service, which will be offered at three seatings a day at $49.95 per person; there will also be themed teas (Bridgerton, Harry Potter, Narnia), and a grand opening party is scheduled for Sunday, July 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with live music and treats for purchase. - Candice Woo

Victorian-inspired china, monthly menus, and warmly run service make this La Mesa favorite a perennial for celebratory teas. Recommended by San Diego Magazine; online reservations and firm cancellation policies are clearly posted on its site.

A refined downtown Escondido salon known for two-hour services and special high-tea dinner theater with local 413 Repertory Theater. Featured by San Diego Magazine and covered by the Escondido Times-Advocate for 2025 productions.

Housed in the 1887 McConaughy House at Heritage County Park, this intimate, reservation-only service feels like stepping into another era. Highlighted by Old Town San Diego and San Diego Magazine; the County confirms it remains open during park improvements.

A serene specialty shop founded by tea obsessives, known for in-house milled matcha and a quiet chawan experience. Covered by Eater San Diego and praised by local writers; currently focused on tastings, retail teas, and education over to-go drinks.

Ocean Beach’s meditative micro–tea house channels Taiwanese and Chinese traditions with gongfu sessions, monthly events, and artisan teaware. A longtime community space run by dedicated keepers, noted by local organizers and tea enthusiasts.

A Navy veteran–owned boutique at Liberty Station offering tea flights, tastings, and a broad selection of loose-leaf teas and gifts. Listed by Liberty Station; beloved by locals for approachable education and seasonal blends.

A craft-forward Kearny Mesa shop using loose-leaf tea, house-made syrup, and real dairy or plant milks—called out by Eater San Diego for elevating boba beyond powders and creamers. Expect rotating tea frescas and clear sweetness controls.

A Little Italy–based purveyor pouring samples and selling thoughtful loose-leaf blends, also active at the Little Italy Mercato. Listed by the market’s official vendor roster; a handy stop before or after browsing the stalls.

A polished, reservation-only service in Black Mountain Ranch with five courses and monthly menus. Frequently recommended by San Diego Magazine; active event calendar on TableAgent confirms ongoing themed teas in 2025.

A mountain-town classic since the 1990s serving four-course teas and seasonal themes. Included by San Diego Magazine and posting 2025 events on its site; make advance reservations before a stroll through historic Julian.