Tea Time: The Haute 5 Afternoon Teas in San Francisco

As something that the Queen of England indulges in every afternoon, High Tea is what all of us who hope to be haute should aspire to. Beyond its regal roots, partaking in a cup of hot tea has health benefits as well as relaxation properties, which is reason enough to start sipping. Follow in her majesties royal footsteps with the San Francisco Haute Five Tea Rooms.

The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus

Underneath a sweeping canopy of stunning glass, constructed of 2500 pieces of colored glass, sits The Rotunda, a destination within Neiman Marcus for a decadent drink, a blissful bite or a delectable afternoon tea service. Feel positively posh as you are served tea and an assortment of gluttonous goodies, including their famous popovers and sinful strawberry butter. Each magnificent mouthful is worth the time, the energy and the sweat you’ll need to expend on the Precor to get back to your pre-tea fighting weight.

The Rotunda is located at 150 Stockton St., 415.249.2720

Japanese Tea Garden

For those looking for an inspired and unusual tea for two, the Japanese Tea Garden located within Golden Gate Park is the perfect date. On a beautiful spring day, nothing is more glorious than partaking in traditional tea service in a garden bursting with cherry blossoms, sculpture, and Japanese authenticity. Green tea, served with almond cookies and rice crackers makes for a lovely and peaceful way to spend the afternoon. Even if you live in San Francisco, this spot is one you’ll want to play tea tourist at time and again.

The Japanese Tea Garden is located within Golden Gate Park, 415.668.0909

The Ritz Carlton

The Ritz does luxe in everything they do, and high tea is no exception. With impeccable service from your car, to the front door, to your tea table, you will feel like you are the Queen (god save her!). A table set with beautiful china, decorated with a silver tiered tray of tasty delectables, and a steaming pot of your choice of tea will be enough for you to forget that you have bills, meetings and general life outside the door waiting for you and have you concentrating on more important things, like when your two pesky royal grandsons are going to get married, already.

The Ritz Carlton is located at 600 Stockton St., 415.296.7465

Samovar Tea Lounge

The exotic and elevated tea experience at Samovar will open your eyes to a world beyond Earl Grey and English breakfast tea. Though they offer a lovely English tea service, get adventurous with a Moorish tea service that includes mint tea, dolmas, halloumi and vegetable kebabs and chevre-stuffed dates. Samovar doesn’t limit themselves to teatime. With two locations, they are there whenever you need an inspired (not to mention a delicious) escape.

Samovar Tea Lounge is located at 498 Sanchez St., 415.626.4700 and 730 Howard St., 415.227.9400

The Palace Hotel

Want to feel like royalty for the afternoon but not sure how to achieve that status without a shotgun marriage to a duchess? It’s as easy as storming The Palace Hotel for Afternoon Tea and indulging yourself. With ten premium teas to choose from and a comprehensive selection of scones, pastries and finger sandwiches that include ingredients like Bosc pear, smoked duck breast and sundried tomato mousse your palate will be more than pleased. It’s good to be the King.

The Palace Hotel is located at 2 New Montgomery St., 415.512.1111