Imagine a serene afternoon in Monterey, where the gentle sea breeze whispers through the cypress trees and the Pacific Ocean’s vast expanse beckons.
Here, the tradition of High Tea becomes an enchanting experience.
Picture yourself in an elegant setting, sipping on a selection of the finest teas, each with its own story and aroma.
Delicate pastries and savory sandwiches complement the brew, crafting a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate.
High Tea in Monterey isn’t just a meal; it’s a moment in time, a luxurious pause in the day to savor life’s simple pleasures.
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Best High Tea in California
1. Plumes Coffee & Tea
Its charming ambiance and commitment to quality make it the perfect spot for tea enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Don’t miss out on their delightful sandwiches that perfectly complement your high tea experience.
2. TZone Monterey
TZone Monterey is a hidden gem for tea enthusiasts, offering a serene ambiance complemented by a passion fruit plant that beckons from the window.
The staff, particularly Eli, are renowned for their exceptional service, ensuring each guest’s experience is tailored to their taste preferences.
While primarily a beverage spot, TZone’s diverse tea selection, including bubble, Thai, and flavored teas, stands out.
They specialize in customizing sweetness levels, making it the perfect place for those who prefer their drinks less sugary but still delightfully flavorful.
3. Cha-Ya
Nestled in the quaint streets of Downtown Monterey, Cha-Ya offers an authentic slice of Japanese culture.
It’s not just a tea shop; it’s a gateway to experiencing the serene elegance of Japanese traditions through its exclusive teas and cultural events.
Pair your brew with artisanal Northern California jewelry for a truly unique experience.
The matcha tea set and porcelain teapot are perfect companions for a tranquil afternoon retreat.
4. Peet’s Coffee
Peet’s Coffee in Monterey is a charming spot that offers a cozy ambiance perfect for a relaxing high tea experience.
With a wide selection of signature coffees and teas, it’s a haven for those who appreciate the finer nuances of a good brew.
From classic croissants to indulgent pastries, each bite is crafted to enhance your high tea indulgence.
5. The Wild Plum Cafe
The Wild Plum Cafe is a gem for high tea enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of American classics with an eco-conscious twist.
Its cozy ambiance and eclectic decor provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing afternoon.
Don’t miss out on their signature scones and clotted cream, paired with a selection of organic teas.
Indulge in their homemade pastries for a sweet finale to your high tea experience.
6. Alta Bakery and Cafe
Nestled in the historic Cooper Molera complex, Alta Bakery and Cafe offers a serene retreat with its artisanal approach to pastries and brews.
The ambiance marries rustic charm with modern comfort, making it an ideal spot for high tea enthusiasts seeking a unique experience.
Indulge in the warm blueberry muffins that are a gluten-free delight, or savor the savory spinach feta croissants.
With daily specials like the fresh quiche and hearty soup, there’s always something new to enjoy at Alta Bakery and Cafe.
7. Tuck Box
(831) 624-6365
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Step into the charming 1927 cottage of Tuck Box for an enchanting high tea experience.
With its vintage American charm and a collection of teapots that tell a story, this cozy spot offers a delightful retreat.
The background melodies of Frank Sinatra add a touch of romance to the air, making it a perfect setting for a leisurely afternoon.
Indulge in the delectable scones, which are a highlight, served with homemade jam, marmalade, and clotted cream.
While the outdoor seating lacks music, it compensates with its quaint charm, ensuring a memorable high tea experience.
8. Tidal Coffee
Tidal Coffee offers a serene escape with its stunning bay views and a cozy cafe ambiance.
It’s the perfect spot for those seeking a moment of tranquility paired with a craft coffee or a specialty tea that promises to enhance your mood and mental clarity.
Indulge in their tempting baked goods and snacks, but don’t miss out on the teas.
The Spring Jade tea is a crowd favorite for a mental boost, while the Bergamot Black Earl Grey will leave you feeling focused and refreshed.
9. Crepes of Brittany
**Crepes of Brittany** offers a charming escape by the waterside, perfect for a leisurely high tea experience.
The casual yet inviting atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for both relaxation and conversation.
Indulge in their signature sweet crêpes or savory buckwheat galettes, each one artfully prepared and delightfully presented.
Don’t miss out on taking some packaged crêpes home to extend the bliss of your visit.
10. East Village Cafe
Nestled in the heart of Monterey, East Village Cafe offers a cozy retreat with its eclectic decor and warm ambiance.
It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing high tea experience, where you can unwind and indulge in the simple pleasures of life.
Savor the freshly baked pastries and a variety of breakfast options that pair wonderfully with their selection of aromatic teas.
Don’t miss out on their signature scones and clotted cream, a true delight for the taste buds!
11. Captain + Stoker
Captain + Stoker offers a unique blend of cycling culture and coffee expertise, making it a standout destination in Monterey.
The ambiance is a delightful mix of airy spaces and cycling decor, creating a vibrant yet relaxing environment perfect for enjoying high tea.
Indulge in their single-origin coffee and espresso that are both a treat to the palate and a visual delight.
Pair your beverage with seasonal cafe bites like the crowd-favorite avocado toast for a fulfilling high tea experience.
The friendly staff and quick service add to the charm, ensuring a visit here is time well spent.
12. Tea by the Sea
Nestled in the charming town of Carmel-By-The-Sea, “Tea by the Sea” offers a tranquil retreat with its cozy ambiance and stunning ocean views.
It’s the perfect spot for relaxation and indulgence, where the timeless tradition of high tea is celebrated with grace and elegance.
Savor the delightful assortment of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and a selection of delicate pastries.
Each bite is a testament to the culinary care put into the high tea experience, complemented by a curated selection of fine teas to suit every palate.🍰🫖
13. Fin + Field Restaurant and Bar
Nestled in the heart of Monterey, Fin + Field Restaurant and Bar offers a high tea experience that is both elegant and relaxing.
The chic ambiance, combined with the warmth of farm-to-table freshness, makes it an ideal retreat for tea enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Indulge in a selection of finely crafted sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of artisanal pastries.
Don’t miss out on their seafood options – a perfect nod to Monterey’s coastal charm.
14. LindaRose Rooftop Bar & Grill at Hotel 1110
Perched atop Hotel 1110, LindaRose Rooftop Bar & Grill offers an unparalleled high tea experience with breathtaking views of Monterey Bay.
It’s a perfect blend of relaxation and indulgence, where the ocean breeze complements your tea.
The Whiskey selection is impressive, and the friendly staff make every visit memorable.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, LindaRose is a culinary gem not to be missed.
15. The Club Room
Nestled in the heart of Monterey, The Club Room offers a serene escape with its elegant wood-paneled interior and tranquil patio.
It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon, sipping on fine teas and indulging in a European-inspired experience.
The highlight is undoubtedly the European breakfast buffet, which transforms into an array of delicate pastries and savory bites for high tea.
Don’t miss the scones with clotted cream and jam, or the petite quiches that are as delightful to the palate as they are to the eye.
16. Lilly Mae’s Cinnamon Rolls
**Lilly Mae’s Cinnamon Rolls** offers a cozy retreat with its charming ambiance, perfect for a leisurely high tea experience.
The welcoming atmosphere and the delightful scent of freshly baked goods create an inviting space for relaxation and conversation.
The star of the show is, undoubtedly, their signature cinnamon rolls – soft, fluffy, and draped in a rich, creamy frosting.
Pair them with a robust cup of coffee or a selection of fine teas for a truly indulgent treat.
17. Montrio
Montrio, nestled in a charming converted firehouse, offers a unique twist on New American cuisine.
Its inventive menu and cozy ambiance make it a standout destination for high tea enthusiasts looking for a novel experience.
Indulge in the delectable crab cakes and savor the well-prepared steak, which are highlights of Montrio’s offerings.
Pair your meal with a selection from their carefully curated wine list to elevate your high tea experience.
18. Parker-Lusseau Pastries
Nestled in the heart of Monterey, Parker-Lusseau Pastries offers a quaint escape into a world of delicate flavors and charming ambiance.
It’s the perfect spot for a midday retreat where the art of pastry is celebrated with every bite.
Indulge in their signature croissants, which are a flaky delight, or the fruit tarts that burst with freshness.
Don’t miss their scones, served with clotted cream and jam, to complete the quintessential high tea experience.
19. The Crown & Anchor
The Crown & Anchor offers a unique British pub experience right in Monterey, with its nautical theme and cozy outdoor patio.
It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a long day, offering a slice of Britain with its classic pub grub and a wide selection of international beers.
However, the steak fries and potato wedges are a hit – crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
For a hearty meal that feels like a big city pub experience, this is the place to be.
20. Austino’s Patisserie
Austino’s Patisserie offers a cozy retreat with its charming outdoor seating, perfect for an afternoon of relaxation and people-watching.
The warm ambiance and the aroma of freshly baked goods create an inviting atmosphere for a delightful high tea experience.
Indulge in their signature Philly cheesesteak that has garnered rave reviews for its mouthwatering flavors.
While the fries may be simple, the rest of the menu promises to tantalize your taste buds.
20 Best High Tea in Monterey, California for 2024
- Plumes Coffee & Tea
- TZone Monterey
- Cha-Ya
- Peet’s Coffee
- The Wild Plum Cafe
- Alta Bakery and Cafe
- Tuck Box
- Tidal Coffee
- Crepes of Brittany
- East Village Cafe
- Captain + Stoker
- Tea by the Sea
- Fin + Field Restaurant and Bar
- LindaRose Rooftop Bar & Grill at Hotel 1110
- The Club Room
- Lilly Mae’s Cinnamon Rolls
- Montrio
- Parker-Lusseau Pastries
- The Crown & Anchor
- Austino’s Patisserie
Many years ago, I, Henry Joseph, traded my corporate career for an apron and a bustling Tea Room in England’s Peak District. Now, in Mollymook, NSW, I continue to share my passion through AnniesHighTeas, offering personalized Grazing Boxes with local produce, inviting you to explore the world of high tea with me.
