10 Bay Area Spots for High Tea, From Quirky Tea Rooms to Exquisite Hotels

"Whether you prefer your Assam served with scones and clotted cream in a gilded hotel, or a cup of matcha in a serene garden, there's a tea experience to suit every mood. From quirky neighborhood tearooms to champagne-soaked dining rooms, these spots invite you to pause, sip, and savor the city's most civilized afternoon pick-me-up. Filoli With its historic manor house and 16 acres of formal gardens, Filoli makes afternoon tea feel like something out of a storybook."

"Seven days a week, guests can linger over tea for two in the airy Quail Cafe or on its sunlit terrace, where tiers of finger sandwiches, sweets, and teas pair with views of the expansive estate. For a more elevated experience, book one of Filoli's seasonal themed teas in the elegant Garden House. These limited occasions are complete with fresh floral arrangements cut from the gardens, seasonal decor, Moet & Chandon Champagne, and indulgent bites like smoked salmon blinis,"

"butternut squash tarts, and Earl Grey panna cotta. Estate-made hard cider adds a local touch, and every 90-minute service ends with a small gift to take homea charming nod to Filoli's tradition of hospitality. // Tea for Two is held Monday through Sunday year-round from 11am to 3pm for $69 per couple, Holiday Tea is held seasonally Monday through Friday at 11am, 1pm, and 3:30pm for $185 per person; 86 Canada Rd. (Woodside), filoli.org"

The city offers a range of afternoon-tea experiences from gilded hotels to serene gardens and quirky neighborhood tearooms. Filoli pairs a historic manor house with 16 acres of formal gardens and offers Tea for Two daily in the airy Quail Cafe or on a sunlit terrace. Seasonal themed teas in the Garden House include floral arrangements from the gardens, Moet & Chandon Champagne, smoked salmon blinis, butternut squash tarts, and Earl Grey panna cotta. Estate-made hard cider and a small gift conclude each 90-minute service. The Palace Hotel serves weekend afternoon tea beneath chandeliers and a glass-domed atrium with live music and refined loose-leaf teas.

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