While many people choose coffee when they’re looking for a hot cup of something, others prefer to relax while sipping a nice cup of tea. Though its origins date back to Southwest China for medicinal purposes, tea is integral to countries around the globe for health, recreation, culture, or just plain enjoyment. If you’re in San Diego, there are some authentic options that deserve a visit when it’s tea time.

Coral Tree Tea House - Old Town

Photo courtesy of Coral Tree Tea House

 If you stop in Old Town’s historic Heritage Park, you will find the 1887 McConaughy Victorian house that is now the location of Coral Tree Tea House. In addition to taking reservations for a Queen’s high tea, afternoon tea, princess tea, and tea & scones, this historic house has dining rooms that serve scones, tea sandwiches, and other desserts, all with a view of the landscaped park. Each tea service comes with pots of freshly steeped tea, preserves, and lemon curd or Devonshire-like cream (upon request).

Tea Pavilion - Bankers Hill

Photo courtesy of Tea Pavilion

If you stop at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park near Bankers Hill, be sure to check out the Tea Pavilion, where you’ll find herbal and specialty teas, as well as traditional Japanese green tea. Over 45 loose-leaf teas are available, all with the backdrop of the garden based on the one from Yokohama, Japan, complete with large rocks for sitting in the pavilion’s outdoor courtyard. Other offerings include Japanese noodles, rice bowls, sushi, miso soup, and salads. 

Shakespeare’s Corner Shoppe - Mission Hills

Photo courtesy of Shakespeare’s Corner Shoppe

Located near Mission Hills, Shakespeare’s Corner Shoppe is a traditional English tea house, owned and operated by a British family. The food and gifts harken to the shop’s British roots but with a dash of Emerald Isle flavor. Specializing in English teas, their patio tearoom also connects directly to their English bakery (featuring goods topped with their signature lemon curd, imported clotted cream, or Duerr’s strawberry jam). Due to its quaint size, walk-ins can only be accommodated by availability, so reservations are recommended. They also offer “Afternoon Tea To Go.” 

Grand Tea Room - Escondido

Photo courtesy of Grand Tea Room

Head to the historic downtown district of Escondido to visit the Grand Tea Room where you’ll find a salon with themed china sets for each table. Their menu offers over 40 varieties of gourmet loose leaf teas, tea sandwiches, petite desserts, fresh scones, salads, and wine. Traditional afternoon teas are also offered, served in courses over a two-hour period. Other tea gatherings are available, including grand teas, garden teas, cream teas, a light lunch tea, and even a children’s tea. Reservations are preferred.

Tea Gallerie - Kearny Mesa

Photo courtesy of Tea Gallerie

From classic to new flavors, Tea Gallerie in Kearny Mesa has a menu that features over 250 unique styles. There’s even a line of teas made with flower petals and dried fruits that are sugar, food coloring, and preservative-free for kids. Though it’s not a café, you can sample teas there before checkout. Tea Gallerie is so passionate about the art of tea-making that they also sell tea-ware, including infusers, teapots, cold brewers, tea tumblers, and more.

Mad Monk Tea - Ocean Beach

Photo courtesy of Mad Monk Tea

Located in bohemian Ocean Beach, Mad Monk Tea ensures that they go beyond the leaves. Their philosophy regards the tea leaf as not just an ingredient but the star of the show. No flavorings are added to their tea as they want to ensure you taste the true flavor. Environmentally conscious, they invest in farmers, healthy soil, and sustainable regenerative farming practices. Mad Monk is designed to look like a traditional teahouse one might find in Taiwan or China, complete with a bamboo room for tea ceremonies.