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    Coral Tree Tea House

    4.1 (363 reviews)
    ModerateTea Rooms
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    Place settings for afternoon tea!
    Cheryl G.

    The home is gorgeous and the ladies who run the tea service were wonderful to us. They took extra time to talk to us about the resident spirit in the home, Mary. They also paid a lot of attention to us during the tea service and made sure that our cups were always full and to check on us to see if we needed anything else. We started out with a chocolate and coconut black tea, that's the house tea and it is superb. They have little bags of it for sale upfront, so I did pick a bag up to bring home. After that, we chose another black tea that was crème brûlée and then a green tea that was a raspberry hibiscus. Both were also really tasty. All of the sweet and savory items on the tower were very good. My favorites were a little meatball crustini, a delicious toffee scone and some sort of incredible cheesecake custard situation that had a little bit of chocolate, caramel and nuts. Making a reservation is kind of a clunky experience. I left a voicemail and somebody called me back two weeks later, but I was able to book our reservation easily on the phone at that time. They don't have the ability to reach them by email and the policy is you have to cancel at least 48 hours in advance. Fortunately, I didn't have to cancel, but I was worried that if something came up and I called and left a voicemail and they didn't receive it in time that we may have been penalized.

    Paris tea for me
    KayAnna S.

    I have always loved coming to here over the years! They have such fun holiday teas and a great selection for their year round afternoon teas too. You do have to call ahead to make a reservation as they have limited space and a busy schedule. The staff is incredibly kind and welcoming and any server I've had has always been very attentive and sweet. During my most recent visit, I had their Paris and creme brûlée teas. Both were great but the creme brûlée was fantastic. No add ins necessary as it was perfect on its own. For our afternoon tea tower, i especially loved their open face and cucumber sandwiches and double scones (sweet and regular scones). Their desserts to end our tea with were delectable! I really love that they give you a tea cookie in the beginning to pair with your tea. Great attention to detail in the tea house itself and the spread on their tea tower. Definitely worth it for the entire tea experience and to visit the historic site!

    Snack time
    Lin Q.

    I've been here a couple of times and I will continue to come back here. I love bringing people here, too. They love it! The staff is super sweet. I didn't expect them to give a gift to our birthday friend and they sang a beautiful happy birthday song to her. The tea and treats were so good. The first tea severed is their specialty, a chocolate and coconut tea. We got the mango passion fruit and pumpkin tea! So goooooood! It's delicious! Their whole shop in and out is super cute! It's a perfect place to take pictures, after sipping tea and snacking on finger food.

    Ally G.

    This tea house is a cute concept, but doesn't execute well. I came here for a friend's birthday party. After reading through some other reviews, it seems that my bad experience isn't unique. First, I had some difficulty finding parking in Old Town and no one answered the phone when I called to ask for help. I eventually found the dedicated lot reserved for the historic buildings in the area. The women who work there were quite hostile. I don't think this tea house caters to large parties and would not recommend for large groups. We were 12 people. They sat our party at separate tables and made inappropriate comments to my friend about last-minute adjustments to our party size. After the initial unwelcome greeting, every question we had was handled rudely. When the food came out someone asked which of the sandwiches were vegetarian to which the staff shouted out that no one requested a vegetarian menu. 2 of the 3 sandwiches were in fact vegetarian so I'm not sure why the staff's response was so combative. We were also constantly reminded that our reservation had a time limit, which suggested to me that the staff just wanted us to leave. The teas were nice, but I found it odd that we weren't offered anything else to drink like water. The food was okay, but nothing special. Also, it was so hot in there. Not sure if the had AC or just wanted us to suffer?

    I would highly recommend Coral Tree Tea House. They went above and beyond to make us feel warm and welcome- from the little note on the table saying "lady kate" to the thorough explanations of tea and treats! The tea selection was amazing and you get a great amount of tea to share! The food was delicious and freshly baked. It surprised me how good it was! The women working there were very kind and gracious. The whole experience felt authentic and fun! We truly felt like traditional tea goers with the decor and set up in there! Can't wait to come back!

    I came here on a Saturday morning with my family to celebrate birthdays. We had a great experience and REALLY enjoyed the food and tea. We ordered the Afternoon Tea which was more than enough food. (I took some of my desserts home with me because I couldn't finish them all.) My favorite savory item was the spinach pie, which they recommended we eat first while it was warm. And my favorite sweet item was the toffee scone with cream. My sister is a vegetarian and they substituted the chicken salad sandwich for a goat cheese sandwich, which she really enjoyed. You do need to let them know ahead of time if you need vegetarian substitutions. There was plenty of parking available in the free parking lot by the tea house when we arrived. However, the lot was full when we left the tea house at 1pm. So something to keep in mind if you're visiting on a weekend. We had a wonderful time interacting with the ladies who run this place and it added to the overall experience. I have visited multiple tea houses (in California and elsewhere) and love how different each one is. I will definitely return to this tea house due to it's cozy atmosphere, delicious food/tea, and excellent service.

    One of the best tea houses in town.  Book soon,  it fills up.
    Arlene P.

    These ladies care about their patrons. They care about preserving good things. Their tea is delicious and we really like their signature Coraltree. I have their Lucy tea at home. Named for one of their grand daughters. Blanche and Pam are great. Always having a story to share. Amber describes the tea treats so well. The house is a Victorian home and always decorated for the season. If you can't climb stairs there is a ramp in the back.

    Natalie V.

    Coral Tree Tea House is an absolute gem worth discovering. It's located in a park near Old Town San Diego and there are parking spots nearby. I recently visited for the Queens HighTea experience, it was an exquisite 1-hour and 30-minute affair. The interiors are perfectly designed for tea parties, and were very cozy. The array of delicacies served during the Queens High Tea was beyond compare. From the apple salad to the divine assortment of Tea and Savory Sandwiches, and the delectable homemade pastries and petite desserts. They had good service and dedication to accommodating dietary restrictions without compromising on taste or quality. They take their tea, food, and service seriously, ensuring every guest has a delightful experience. We enjoyed engaging in a delightful conversation about the history, business, and inspirations behind their offerings with the delightful ladies managing the place adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the visit. Reservations are a must, and they're made via phone call only.

    Brittany A.

    Let me just say that these ladies take their tea and business seriously! But I love that about them because it shows that they truly care and you are going to get the best. The food is so so good. The cheesecake was so good. And the sandwhiches and savory items were so good I just wanted more and more!! We had the house tea, the Lucy tea and the Wedding tea! They were all super delicious! I think my overall would be the Lucy tea!! The lady's that work their are so sweet and passionate about their tea and the place but as mentioned before they take it seriously. So they aren't the biggest fan of people being late for their appt, or cancel last min. The area surrounding is beautiful and honestly makes you feel you are not even in San Diego!! Great great picture opportunities if that's your vibe!

    Afternoon Tea
    Samantha W.

    Husband and I came for afternoon tea. It was very busy, all the tables were full. The service was good, the ladies were very sweet. I personally didn't think the food: sandwiches, scones, desserts etc were that great. The selections of teas were pretty good but the one we wanted wasn't available at the time unfortunately. It was a nice experience in a cute building but it felt quite rushed and not as yummy compared to other high teas I've had. They gave us the wrong bill which came out to be 5 people for afternoon tea instead of 2 people. But once my husband let them know they fixed it right away. Very sweet and friendly service.

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    Had tea there with my Red Hat group. The space is very charming and elegant. The tea was very nicely served and delicious!

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    Page 1 of 10

    Ask the Community - Coral Tree Tea House

    How do I make reservations? The answering machine does not accept messages.

    Call on a day when they are open.

    Is this business open? Trying to call to make a reservation, and, it's ringing busy.

    Not sure. I have not returned.

    Is there outdoor seating?

    When I went in May there wasn't any outdoor seating and inside it was really small and crowded

    Is the Tea House open? We stopped by there yesterday (3/20/21) and the the sign indicated you were not open yet. If not, when do you plan to reopen?

    It's open since April 10th. I went there last week with my friend. It is reservation only. Please call them to reserve a table.

    Are the sandwiches/scones/etc refillable? Or unlimited in a sense.

    No. There's one of each thing per person.

    Is this place reservation only?

    Hi Edward, yes it is.

    Are babies allowed?

    It's not a good venue for babies. There isn't room for highchairs, people are dressed up, and there's too much possibility for hot tea to spill on a baby. Maybe if you got the one outdoor table and sat farthest in, would be safest for the baby.

    What are your gluten free options?

    Yes, but they are not a certified gluten free kitchen

    Are there vegetarian options for afternoon tea?

    Yes.

    Do they offer gift cards/certificates?

    Yes they do!

    View All 12 Questions

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    Miracle Potion - The mini desserts were fantastic! The custards were delectable.

    Miracle Potion

    4.5(154 reviews)
    2.8 miLittle Italy
    $$

    Took a stroll through downtown and somehow ended up exactly where I needed to be--at Love Portion…read more I was on a mission for matcha, but not just any matcha... I wanted something a little extra, and this spot delivered. I ordered a custom lavender iced matcha with honey cold foam and wow... it was such a good call. The lavender wasn't overpowering, just light and calming, and paired so well with the earthy matcha. That honey cold foam on top? Chef's kiss. It added the perfect touch of sweetness without making the drink feel heavy. Every sip was smooth, balanced, and honestly kind of addicting. What really stood out though was the service. It was my first time and I had zero clue what to get, but the girl at the register was so sweet and patient. She took her time helping me figure out a combo I'd love and made the whole experience feel really welcoming instead of rushed. You can also customize your milk (coconut, etc.), which I always appreciate. The shop itself is adorable. Think soft pink, super cute, aesthetic vibes all around. There's even an upstairs area that's set up for tea parties, which is such a fun touch and makes it feel a little more special than your average coffee spot. They also have pastries and small bites, so it's not just drinks if you're feeling snacky. Overall, this place is such a vibe. Great drinks, genuinely kind service, and a space that makes you want to hang out a little longer. Definitely coming back to try more of their menu.

    One of the happiest cafecito spots we've ever been to! So many pink flowers and butterflies and all…read morethe fun stuff! Thank you for hosting us! Everything was perfect. And thank you Ashley for your hospitality and giving us a brief history about your cafe! - The Cafecito Couple

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    Caffe Italia - Avocado Toast with Fried Egg! Yum!

    Caffe Italia

    4.1(1k reviews)
    2.5 miLittle Italy
    $
    Outdoor seating
    Happy hour specials

    First time having an affogato..... DELICIOUS!! Felt like I was visiting a little caffè in Italy…read more Service was great. They were very helpful and didn't rush us. The vibe inside was great. Nice & peaceful. #DiningWithTheAndersons #LittleItalySD #Italia #Affogato #Caffè

    After a stroll from the Wednesday farmer's market in Little Italy, I had a craving for Italian as…read morethe establishments nearby caught my interest. I've worked in Little Italy in the past but have never tried Caffe Italia. I got their Italian sandwich, with the default bread being focaccia. Inside there were prosciutto, salami, ham, provolone, tomato, and house made balsamic vinaigrette. It had a good balance of deli meats, and the focaccia bread was thick to hold it all together. I thought it was tasty as well as their coffee, however my coffee wasn't filled up all the way. It is strong and their roast is bold! I liked it a lot, although a lunch meal can get costly so it would just be from time to time if I were to revisit. Not only that, but they also have a small selection of gelatos which look pretty authentic like Spumoni! Other desserts I saw were mousse, tiramisu, cannoli, cheesecake, carrot cake, and rugelach. The cafe is small and the service may take a bit if you are waiting for the food, but overall, I enjoyed my coffee and sandwich.

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    Caffe Italia - New addition to our menu. Avocado Toast.

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    Portal Coffee - Super grainy houjicha. Check out the sediment.

    Portal Coffee

    4.3(422 reviews)
    2.6 miLittle Italy
    $$

    If the portal - in portal coffee - is passing through the threshold to a land where cortados are…read moremade with punchy, fruity, flavorful espresso beans, close the gate like demogorgons are about to break through and leave me here for the rest of my days. Unfortunately, I couldn't stay for long but would have loved to explore the dimensions of this coffee shop with a good book and possibly a second (or third) cup of espresso perfectly mixed with just a few ounces of steamed milk.

    -- Some Places Serve Coffee. This Place Serves Community. I…read morewalked into Portal Café looking for nothing more than a simple, honest cup of coffee. What I got was that -- and a whole lot more. Hannah and Jessica were working, and from the moment I walked in, the vibe was just right. I'm a straightforward guy -- black coffee with a splash of cream, print newspaper, no frills. When I mentioned I was old school, Hannah gave me exactly the kind of response that makes you feel seen rather than teased. These two have a gift for reading their customers and making everyone feel like a regular, even on a first visit. I asked Hannah for just a splash of cream -- I told her I wanted it the color of my skin. She nailed it on the first try. That might sound like a small thing, but it isn't. It means she was actually listening. I mentioned I was still reading a print newspaper -- an increasingly rare habit, apparently -- and Jessica didn't miss a beat. She told me they needed more of that, and invited me to sit down and read the paper and tell them what was good in it. I had somewhere to be, so I took my coffee to go -- but I genuinely wanted to stay. That kind of warmth isn't something you can fake or train for. It's just who they are. When I tried to leave a tip on the way out, Jessica looked at me and said I had great energy. I took that with me along with my coffee. The coffee itself? Excellent. Clean, well-made, perfectly calibrated -- in more ways than one. I came back later in the day. They were closing up, short-staffed and winding down. I left a tip then too, and they told me I was "extra." I told them if that's extra, the world needs more of it. They laughed. I meant every word. Here's the real tip though -- and I'm leaving it for you, the reader: just go. Go in, order something simple, and pay attention. Hannah and Jessica are putting something genuinely good into the universe, one cup at a time. You'll feel it the moment you walk through the door. Don't walk past this place.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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    Extraordinary Desserts - Road trip with the girls. Gorgeous stuff here.

    Extraordinary Desserts

    4.0(9.2k reviews)
    2.8 miLittle Italy
    $$$

    Still my go to place when I'm craving something sweet and special. Their cakes may be pricey, but…read morein my opinion, for the amount of work, effort, and quality of ingredients, I think they continue to be fair. For example, some other specialty bakeries/shops are charging similar prices for cakes and cheesecakes that are much simpler. In comparison, Extraordinary Dessert cakes take 3-4 days to make, have 6-8 alternating layers, and are typically adorned with edible gold and/or flowers. The key is to find which items you like and which are okay to pass on next time. What we ried this time: -Match Misu Cake (7/10): ricotta cake layers soaked in matcha and layered with marscapone whipped cream. This one was pretty good and ranks in my middle to high range. I only wish there was more matcha flavor (maybe if you dine in and get the sauce, this would help) or the matcha was paired with another flavor ... either go fruity (maybe a raspberry sauce, strawberry pieces, white peach pieces, or like a peach oolong cream layer) or go chocolately/coffee (maybe had some crushed up chocolate covered espresso beans). My go to's: -Ivoire Royale (10/10) - my ultimate favorite still. If you like light desserts, white chocolate, berries, and moist vanilla cake, thus one is for you. Classy and unpretentious -Shangrila (10/10) - my other favorite and will make you feel like a princess with all the pink chocolate curls. A little bit adventurous and innocently elegant. Ones to skip: -Au Chocolate / La Bete Noire / Dame Chocolate - get the Viking instead. That's my favorite of all their chocolate cakes -Lemon ricotta - get the Passionfruit Ricotta instead -Torta misu - the matcha misu is better. The tortilla misuse made me want a regular piece of tirmaisu than a cake version -Coconut cream - not bad, not amazing though

    We normally come here weekly after dinner with family for dessert, but after this last experience…read morewe will not be returning. Also just so everyone is aware they're also liars just to mention & stupid.. she tells us her name is Karen thinking we don't know the owners name lol .. She was at the register at 7:20pm and was extremely rude and dismissive after we placed our order, especially regarding a child's dietary restrictions and health concerns. We politely asked if it would be possible to purchase a small cup of fruit , even just a couple strawberries cut up, because one child in our group cannot have sweets due to very strict dietary restrictions . Instead of simply saying they were unable to accommodate the request or offering another option, we were told to "go somewhere else," despite already spending the amount we did . The complete lack of professionalism and basic customer service was honestly shocking. It's disappointing to be treated that way at a place we have supported so consistently. This place has been going downhill , management for this place needs to step up .

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    Frost Me Cafe & Bakery - Breakfast sausage Biscuit

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    4.4(525 reviews)
    2.6 miLittle Italy
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    Listen they don't need my 5 star review. Right in the heart of Little Italy. Inside outside…read moreseating. Lots and lots of foot traffic. But they are going to get it! First up the staff: Trinity took my order. So friendly and helpful. Efficient but welcoming. Never stopped moving the whole time I was there. I ordered the egg salad croissant. I have to say the best egg salad sandwich I've ever had. Texture but creamy. Eggy and briny from the capers. The croissant flaky but held up to being used to make a sandwich. I got the chips. I highly recommend the chips!! Peppery, crisp, salty. I also got the hazelnut croinut (sp). Flakey, buttery, not overly sweet To drink I got an iced dirty chai. Not overly spicy. I ate everything for there and it came out on real dishes which I love. Otho h worse than eating a beautiful meal on paper plates. The portions are large so when I needed a to go box they were quick to provide, with a bag. It's dog friendly and they provided treats for my two. Outside area has umbrellas for the full afternoon sun. It's little Italy so street metered parking or paid garage.

    What an incredible find!! We stopped in and bought some cupcakes for my mother-in-laws 70th…read morebirthday. The staff were amazing and very kind. They even offered us a complimentary "happy birthday" cake sign and a candle! The cupcakes were beautifully decorated and they tasted even better. 10/10 would recommend!

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    Frost Me Cafe & Bakery - Great coffee!

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    Coral Tree Tea House - tea - Updated May 2026

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