Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    PARU

    4.4 (54 reviews)
    Closed • Closed

    PARU Photos

    Business Info

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - PARU

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Calina N.

    I would like to give a shoutout to the employee named Stephanie. From the moment I walked into PARU (this was my first time here) she did an amazing job educating me about all things matcha. She is so knowledgeable about tea and had an answer for every question I threw at her. She even gave me a tour of the gallery of tea farmers and demonstrated how to properly whisk up a bowl of matcha. I left with a new bag of matcha to try and newfound knowledge of the world of tea. Thank you Stephanie and team!

    you can buy the 10K ceremonial matcha in 100 g bags.
    Marlena R.

    I recently visited Paru Tea in La Jolla while searching for an exceptional matcha I could purchase freely, without the constraints of a subscription. For some time, I had been ordering a very high-end matcha from a beautifully branded company online. While the quality was excellent, the subscription model -- small quantities arriving on a fixed schedule -- became more cumbersome than enjoyable. I was hoping to find something just as refined that I could simply purchase as needed, and ideally from a local San Diego business I could feel good about supporting. At Paru Tea, the experience felt thoughtful and genuinely personalized from the start. After I shared what I was looking for and how I typically prepare my matcha at home, they prepared a sample for me right in front of me using exactly the same quantity I normally use. That level of precision and integrity really stood out -- there was no attempt to adjust proportions to influence the flavor, just an honest preparation so I could truly evaluate it as I would in my own kitchen. Watching the matcha being carefully whisked and presented was part of the experience. The result was delicious -- smooth, vibrant, and beautifully balanced. Being able to taste it prepared in the same way I make it at home made it easy to find the one I loved and purchase it with confidence. I ended up leaving with my chosen matcha, along with a beautiful bamboo whisk, scoop, and bowl -- everything I needed to fully enjoy the ritual at home. It felt great to invest in quality tools and support a local San Diego business at the same time. Paru Tea offers not only exceptional matcha, but a refined, welcoming, and highly knowledgeable experience. I'm so happy to have found a place where I can purchase outstanding matcha on my own terms while supporting a thoughtful local company. Truly a gem in La Jolla.

    This cost $40 pretax and worth it. Best tea and chocolate I've had.
    Btent J.

    Food 10k Matcha - Solid matcha. 4.5/5 Lemon Lychee tea - 4.9/5. This is the best tea I've ever had. The aroma is incredible. Hojicha milk chocolate - An elevated, balanced chocolate that is essentially a crunch bar for people who make at least six figs. The Hojicha notes cut through but did not overpower it. 4.7/5 Raspberry Almond Matcha Chocolate - This is the best chocolate I've had. Smooth, balanced and dopamine boosting. 4.9/5 Service The two workers were chatty and relaxed. 5/5 Ambiance 5/5

    My favorite teas!
    Trevor T.

    PARU is THE BEST tea shop in San Diego. They have teas that will make anyone a fanatic. Their staff is filled with experts. Especially Amy who is a Certified TAC Tea Sommelier® and founded PARU. I highly recommend the Okinawa Sugar and the Blue Camomile. They have tea subscriptions and even do trips to Japan for tea adventures if interested. I would be interested to try one of their Private Tea Experiences with a group of friends.

    tea description
    Alaric S.

    first time to paru over the weekend! my girlfriend wanted to come here and try the matcha which we later found out need reservations the ambiance was everything all tea not just matcha the service was ok, no one was there to ask us anything

    Brewed Pu'er
    Joshua C.

    Came here for the first time NYE after being curious about tea shops nearby. I was not disappointed. The staff and owner Amy were beyond welcoming answered all the questions I had. You can tell there's a deep appreciation for what they do and it's amazing to see what they've done to bring locally sourced tea to the community. I left with their Misty Shou Pu'er which had a really deep cherry color that was solid for the price. I don't live in SD but I'll be adding them to my list of tea shops to purchase from in the future.

    Having tea at Paru Tea room
    Tien P.

    Such a beautiful and memorable tea experience at PARU. We had Paru-mixed herbal tea and matcha pairing with matcha chocolate. The service was warm and thoughtful, and the whole space felt calm, elegant, and welcoming. It was a perfect place to sit, talk, and appreciate good tea with friends. Definitely a special experience and I would love to come back again.

    Matcha Experience
    Amanda T.

    I came here hoping to get a matcha latte but found out that they don't serve drinks anymore, so I was a little bummed by that. They are a store front that sells ceramics and teas, but they offer a "matcha experience" where we can go to a private area to learn about the matcha, how to prepare it, and to drink it. It was $10 per person. The matcha experience was okay, I thought $10 was a little expensive for what it was since you only get one bowl of matcha. But the staff who was conducting the experience seems knowledgable in the matcha process and explained everything she was doing when preparing our bowls of matcha. My friend ended up buying some teas from here, and the owner of the shop was really friendly. The store is nicely designed and they had a variety of teas and tools to offer. Definitely check it out if you are in the area!

    Matcha tasting
    Elizabeth M.

    We planned a little tea adventure and ended up having such a lovely time! For $10/person, we did a tea tasting in the back of the store, a cozy little spot and it's like stepping into a serene little tea sanctuary. They've got everything from earthy matcha to delicate floral teas that smell like spring in a cup. Plus, their collection of teaware is dangerously tempting, cute cups, elegant sets, you name it. Honestly, it's just so nice to have a spot like this around where you can sip, sample, and soak in the zen vibes. Tea lovers, this one's a win!

    Matcha latte (left) and blue chamomile (right)
    Angie H.

    Sad that they don't sell drinks anymore, however, they still have teas and earthenware available. I liked that they showed and explained the process of making the beverages. I loved their matcha, it was so good, made with oat milk and sweetened with agave. We also had the blue chamomile latte, it was a pretty, floral drink.

    Marilyn P.

    Even though they don't service drinks here anymore, they still sell matcha, teas, and other various things. The matcha was very high quality, smooth, and vibrant. The workers were very nice and friendly as well. Street parking may be difficult to find especially if there's the farmers market held that day.

    Store front
    Yasamine P.

    Had a really great experience last weekend with the private tea tasting at PARU. Our tasting was led by Amy the owner who is so knowledgeable and explained all the important details about each tea while getting to know us and making it a very personable experience. She has a very calming demeanor and is so passionate about the tea leaves and serving the tea in a traditional manner. The tasting is for up to 4 people and includes 4 different teas, each prepared in a different vessel. Every tea tasted wonderful, my favorite was the blue chamomile. Our tasting started at 10am, but they don't open the shop until 11 so it was nice to have the place to ourselves for the hour. As other reviewers mentioned, they no longer serve single drinks, but you can buy tea leaves and pots/other tea accessories here. Parking actually wasn't too bad. The store has a very clean and organized front, with really fun pictures in the tea room in the back of the staff traveling to various Asian countries in search for the right tea leaves. Everyone has a great time and we all left feeling very relaxed. Highly recommend

    See all

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    29 days ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Lani G.

    Lani G.

    Helpful 19
    Thanks 6
    Love this 13
    Oh no 2
    Photo of Lê K.
    0
    11
    11

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Marlena R.
    67
    129
    49

    8 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Btent J.
    2
    160
    198

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Amy T.

    Amy T.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Amy T.

    Amy T.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Amy T.

    Amy T.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Lani G.

    Lani G.

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Aileen B.
    222
    10
    6

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Amy T.

    Amy T.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Lani G.

    Lani G.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Elle T.
    1
    24
    33

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 2

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Veronica C.
    18
    203
    171

    1 year ago

    Kind of sad they don't matcha drinks anymore first time I tried this place it was amazing employee were very helpful.

    Business owner information

    Photo of Lani G.

    Lani G.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Erin G.
    2
    16
    21

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Emily C.
    334
    15
    8

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rin B.
    0
    12
    30

    2 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 2

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Lani G.

    Lani G.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Lani G.

    Lani G.

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - PARU

    Review Highlights - PARU

    “Paru Tea offers not only exceptional matcha, but a refined, welcoming, and highly knowledgeable experience.”

    Mentioned in 26 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

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

    Miracle Potion

    4.3(177 reviews)
    10.3 mi•Little Italy
    •$$

    I would rate it ten stars if I could. Ashley the owner is…read morethe sweetest owner, showing up for the community of San Diego and women in San Diego. the atmosphere is pink and perfect, food is top tier and so tasty. Must visit!

    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.

    Photos
    Miracle Potion - Blueberry Merlot Hot Herbal Tea

    Blueberry Merlot Hot Herbal Tea

    Miracle Potion - Cold Herbal Tea

    Cold Herbal Tea

    Miracle Potion - Pink Miracle Matcha Tea Latte

    See all

    Pink Miracle Matcha Tea Latte

    Nonna + Zucchero - Fusilli Boscaiola

    Nonna + Zucchero

    4.1(581 reviews)
    10.1 mi•Little Italy
    •$$

    Our family dinner at Nonna's was great! Was trying to decide which place to go in Little Italy on a…read moreSaturday night with kids and no reservations without feeling under dressed. So we decided on Nonna's for their variety of pastas and pizza. The evening was packed with people up and down the streets. However, when we arrived at Nonna's we only had to wait no more than a couple of minutes before being seated. We thought most italian places would provide some sort of complimentary bread, but this place did not. We ended up ordering the Carbonara, Fusilli Alla Vodka, Pappardelle, and Salsiccia pizza. Each were fantastic, but the family really enjoyed the Fusilli and the Pappardelle the most! The short rib meat was extremely tender and flavorful. Portions were a little smaller than expected, but it was enough to feed each of us with a couple slices of pizza to spare. Ambiance was nice and the staff was great. A drink we ordered was forgotten, but it's understandable since it was quite busy. Overall, great experience and glad we ended up at Nonna's even though it wasn't part of the batch of recommendations provided online. (Sorry forgot to take photos as we were so hungry and didn't realize it until after we ate!)

    Food: - fungi pasta: 7.5/10, strong mushroom flavor…read more - carbonara: 5.7/10, too much sauce and noodles were overcooked - lemon meringue cheesecake + Sicilian cannoli: super authentic cannoli, cheesecake was good but nothing special Service: - hostess was not friendly - they ran out of white peach Italian soda but instead of asking what other flavor we would prefer, they just brought out a vanilla Italian soda - ordering took forever but once our food was in, it came out in less than 10 min Ambiance: - outdoor seating Skip Barbusa (sister restaurant) and come here instead, at least there is better dessert

    Photos
    Nonna + Zucchero
    Nonna + Zucchero - Beef carpaccio

    Beef carpaccio

    Nonna + Zucchero - Tortellini Funghi

    See all

    Tortellini Funghi

    Pappalecco

    Pappalecco

    4.3(3.1k reviews)
    10.2 mi•Little Italy
    •$

    Absolutely amazing! That was the first thought that came to mind after my first bite of the…read morecroissant and my first spoonful of gelato. Alex helped me choose my gelato flavors, and she was so patient, friendly, and kind. There were so many different gelato and sorbet flavors to choose from that it was honestly hard to pick! The moment I tasted them, I felt like I was back in Italy. The flavors were rich, layered, and complex--you could actually taste the different ingredients, rather than just tasting sugar like you sometimes do at other places. Everything was so delicious and thoughtfully made. Definitely a place I'd love to come back to!

    A cute authentic Italian neighborhood cafe in Little Italy serving coffee, treats, gelato, and…read morepaninis. My friends and I were just looking to get a coffee in Little Italy, but when we walked in and saw all the delicious treats we had to try something else as well. I ordered a latte and neglected to tell them it was for here so I was given a paper cup, but they give real cups if you ask. The latte was good, and my friend bought a kitchen sink type cookie with chocolate, coconut, and macadamia nuts. It was warm and gooey good! Another friend tried the gelato and said it was very good. There are a few tables inside and tables out in front outside. We sat outside and enjoyed the beautiful San Diego weather. The decor and tables definitely gives you an old school Italian neighborhood vibe with Italian markets right next door. If I am in the neighborhood again, I would definitely come back here to try the gelato and/or a piece of an excellent looking lemon pie bar I spotted.

    Photos
    Pappalecco - Inside

    Inside

    Pappalecco - Soup Tomato.

    Soup Tomato.

    Pappalecco - Gelato alla menta con gocce di cioccolato, Gelato al cocco con gocce di cioccolato

    See all

    Gelato alla menta con gocce di cioccolato, Gelato al cocco con gocce di cioccolato

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

    Extraordinary Desserts

    4.0(9.3k reviews)
    10.3 mi•Little Italy
    •$$$

    This place is properly named extraordinary dessert for a reason. They are known for their desserts…read moreboth in taste and in aesthetics. Desserts: 5/5 We got a blood orange scone and a strawberry danish. The scone was warm and delicious. The orange essence was well infused. The danish was crispy and creamy. Everything was so picturesque. Food: 3/5 Unfortunately, the food was not the best. We got the smoked salmon sandwich which was not very flavorful. The salmon was also slimy. The pesto spread was good though. It was creamy and the artisan bread it was served had great variety. Ambiance: 5/5 This place is such super cute. When you walk in, the desserts all look super appetizing. The seating areas are super cute and the floral decor are stunning. Service: 5/5 It is an order then sit down establishment. There is great attention to their dessert. I saw them heat up a knife just to cleanly cut the cake. The food service however did take some time to come out.

    One of the absolute best Cake / Dessert cafe in San Diego hands down. Over the last couple of years…read moreI've always enjoyed the same cake The Ivoiry Royal with Raspberry and Vanilla Bean sauce that are a perfect complement to this cake ... Ok I can't stop praising this cake . My disappointment was : On this Sunday we made the trip Downtown from Eastlake and they had the cake in the display I was a happy camper TILL THEY SAID ONLY THE WHOLE CAKE IS FOR SALE WHEN I ASKED FOR A SLICE !!! Extremely Disappointed Settled for a Shangri-La slice only to regret it. It was good but it's no Ivoire Royal .

    Photos
    Extraordinary Desserts - Spinach dip and chips and tomato and basil soup

    Spinach dip and chips and tomato and basil soup

    Extraordinary Desserts - One of our 'go to' dessert places in San Diego.

    One of our 'go to' dessert places in San Diego.

    Extraordinary Desserts - Chocolate lemon bon bon

    See all

    Chocolate lemon bon bon

    PARU - tea - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...