If you’re in Carmel, CA, and craving a little luxury, there’s nothing quite like sitting down for a delightful afternoon tea. From quaint cottages to stylish lounges, this coastal gem has plenty of places where you can sip on your favorite blend and nibble on delicious treats. Let’s dive into the best 10 high tea spots in Carmel, CA, that offer unforgettable tea experiences, charming vibes, and tasty bites!
Top 10 High Tea Spots in Carmel, CA
- Tuck Box
- Patisserie Boissiere Restaurant
- Cafe Luna
- Gold Leaf Spice & Teas Carmel
- Terry’s Lounge
- Stationæry
- Café Carmel
- Cypress Inn
- The Little Swiss Café
- Cottage Restaurant
1. Tuck Box
Contact Details
Phone: (831) 624-6365
Website: www.tuckbox.com
Address: Dolores Street btwn Ocean & 7th Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921, USA
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
- Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
- Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
- Thursday: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
- Friday: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
- Saturday: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
- Sunday: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Vibe: Vintage and Cozy
Seating: Indoor or Outdoor
Price: Moderate
Set in a quaint 1927 cottage, Tuck Box is a Carmel icon, and for good reason. When you walk in, it feels like you’ve stepped back in time. They serve classic afternoon tea with a side of nostalgia. Expect to enjoy traditional American fare, specialty foods, and of course, a variety of teas in both indoor and outdoor seating.
If you’re after a relaxed, no-frills tea experience in a charming vintage setting, this is the place to go!
2. Patisserie Boissiere Restaurant
Contact Details
Phone: (831) 624-5008
Website: patisserieboissiere.com
Address: between Ocean & 7th, Mission St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921, USA
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Vibe: French Chateau
Seating: Indoor or Outdoor
Price: Moderate
For a touch of French elegance, Patisserie Boissiere brings the flavor of a countryside chateau to the heart of Carmel. Picture a cozy, chateau-style setting with rustic charm where you can sip on tea and indulge in freshly made pastries. Their tea menu pairs perfectly with the café’s delightful selection of French dishes, from croissants to delicate cakes.
This place offers delivery and takeout too, so if you’re in the mood for some fancy tea at home, they’ve got you covered.
3. Cafe Luna
Contact Details
Phone: (831) 250-7815
Address: Carmel Plaza, Courtyard level Ocean Avenue &, Mission St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921, USA
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Vibe: Casual and Comfy
Seating: Indoor or Outdoor
Price: Moderate
Website: N/A
If you’re looking for a laid-back spot with a diverse menu, Cafe Luna offers a cozy setting with salads, sandwiches, ramen, and more. While not your traditional high tea venue, they’ve got great tea options and tasty bites that make for a delightful afternoon break. With both indoor and outdoor seating, you can choose to people-watch from the plaza or relax inside.
4. Gold Leaf Spice & Teas Carmel
Contact Details
Phone: (831) 574-8891
Website: www.goldleafspiceandteas.com
Address: 3690 The Barnyard Suite F-14, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, USA
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Thursday: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Vibe: Modern Tea Bar
Seating: Indoor or Outdoor
Price: N/A
For serious tea lovers, Gold Leaf Spice & Teas is a dream come true. Their tea selection is impressive, offering a wide variety of blends from around the world. Whether you’re into herbal, green, or black teas, they’ve got something for every palate. The modern, minimalistic vibe makes it a great spot to relax with your tea.
For those who’d rather enjoy their tea at home, they offer curbside pickup and delivery as well.
5. Terry’s Lounge
Contact Details
Phone: (831) 620-7454
Website: www.carmelterrys.com
Address: Lincoln St &, 7th Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921, USA
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM
- Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM
- Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM
- Thursday: 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM
- Saturday: 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Vibe: Elegant and Cozy
Seating: Indoor or Outdoor
Price: N/A
Located in the iconic Cypress Inn, Terry’s Lounge offers a luxurious high tea experience with a side of history. The hotel is co-owned by the late actress Doris Day, and the lounge reflects that old Hollywood elegance. Sip on tea while enjoying tapas, international mains, or a cocktail—there’s often live music to add to the experience.
Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends when it gets busy.
6. Stationæry
Contact Details
Phone: (831) 250-7183
Website: www.thestationaery.com
Address: San Carlos Street, 3 NE of 6th Avenue, San Carlos St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921, USA
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:30 – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:30 – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:30 – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Vibe: Laid-Back and Trendy
Seating: Indoor or Outdoor
Price: Moderate
Nestled in a quiet corner of Carmel, Stationæry is a trendy, laid-back restaurant that’s perfect for brunch or an afternoon tea break. The menu is filled with fresh, seasonal ingredients, and the ambiance is relaxed yet refined. If you’re in the mood for something different, their tea service pairs wonderfully with their small plates and wines.
This spot is ideal for a chill afternoon with friends or even a casual date.
7. Café Carmel
Contact Details
Phone: (831) 624-3870
Website: cafecarmel.com
Address: Ocean Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921, USA
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Vibe: Warm and Welcoming
Seating: Indoor or Outdoor
Price: Moderate
With its cozy, easygoing atmosphere, Café Carmel is a favorite spot for tea, coffee, and a sweet treat. While it’s more of a café than a traditional high tea venue, they offer a fantastic selection of caffeinated drinks, baked goods, and ice cream. It’s a great option for families or anyone who wants a laid-back vibe.
Grab a seat outside if the weather’s nice, and enjoy the relaxing Carmel breeze while sipping on your tea.
8. Cypress Inn
Contact Details
Phone: (831) 624-3871
Website: www.cypress-inn.com
Address: Lincoln St & 7 Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921, USA
Directions: Open on Map
Vibe: Upscale Mediterranean Charm
Seating: Indoor or Outdoor
Price: N/A
While Cypress Inn is more known for its charming hotel stays, it’s also a top spot for afternoon tea in Carmel. With a Mediterranean-style courtyard and elegant decor, the ambiance alone is worth the visit. Whether you’re staying at the hotel or just stopping by for tea, this celebrity-owned spot will make you feel like you’re on vacation.
9. The Little Swiss Café
Contact Details
Phone: (831) 624-5007
Website: www.facebook.com
Address: 6th Ave &, Dolores St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921, USA
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM
- Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM
- Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM
- Thursday: 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM
- Friday: 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM
- Saturday: 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Vibe: Kid-Friendly Swiss Charm
Seating: Indoor or Outdoor
Price: Moderate
For a bit of European charm, The Little Swiss Café offers a delightful spot to enjoy tea along with pancakes, blintzes, and more. The quirky booths and Swiss-inspired murals make this a fun, family-friendly place to stop for tea or breakfast. It’s a cozy little nook that’s great for a relaxed afternoon with the kids or a casual meet-up with friends.
10. Cottage Restaurant
Contact Details
Phone: (831) 625-6260
Website: www.cottagerestaurant.com
Address: 5 Lincoln St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, USA
Directions: Open on Map
Vibe: Cottage-Like and Quaint
Seating: Indoor or Outdoor
Price: Moderate
The name says it all! Cottage Restaurant offers a cozy, cottage-like atmosphere perfect for an afternoon tea session. With an all-day breakfast menu, pizza, crepes, and wine, it’s the kind of place where you can hang out all day. Whether you’re craving tea or something more filling, this charming spot has something for everyone.
FAQs
What is the best place for high tea in Carmel?
It depends on your vibe! For vintage charm, go with Tuck Box, while Patisserie Boissiere is perfect for a French flair. For something more modern, check out Gold Leaf Spice & Teas.
Which high tea spots are family-friendly?
The Little Swiss Café and Café Carmel are great for families. They offer a welcoming atmosphere and a variety of kid-friendly menu options.
Can I get high tea delivered in Carmel?
Yes! Places like Patisserie Boissiere, Cafe Luna, and Stationæry offer delivery options.
Final Thoughts
From elegant lounges to quirky cafés, Carmel offers a delightful range of high tea experiences. Whether you’re looking for a quick break or a more luxurious afternoon, there’s something for everyone in this charming town!