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    Southern Serenity

    4.9 (42 reviews)
    Closed Closed
    Updated 2 months ago

    Southern Serenity Photos

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    SOUTHERN SERENITY ATMOSPHERE

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    Recommended Reviews - Southern Serenity

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    George L.

    Amazing! Totally worth the 500 mile drive! The scone alone was worth it, but that beef stew was the highlight of my day!

    Cute!
    Katie C.

    I love Southern Serenity and recommend it to everyone. The atmosphere is so unique, and the service is truly the best ever- couldn't ask for more. I enjoy trying tea but am mainly obsessed with the food. The chef is AMAZING and other staff are great too! Farrell especially! I love how welcoming everyone is. You can feel comfortable wearing fanciest tea attire or simply come as you are and still feel like it's a special occasion. Make a reservation! It does get busy. Plenty of parking though!

    Sandwiches and sweet treats

    This is a surprise gem you won't be expecting in the area they are located. Went for the first time today for their Christmas tea. It was nicely decorated and the service was great. The second course of the three course offering was beef stew which I was honestly skeptical about at first but I have to say it was some of the best I've had. The salmon and cucumber sandwich was awesome. Will definitely be back again. Great little place.

    Maria T.

    Let your worries melt away when you enter this tranquil and relaxing tearoom & cafe. Highlighted with peaceful turquoise walls, Victorian décor including colorful fans, a warm fireplace, and cozy nooks, you will certainly see why this lovely space is called Serenity! I love the curio cabinets filled with china, teacups, and teacups! The pretty tables are covered with white tablecloths, sprays of flowers, and tea accoutrements. The tea ware is beautiful and if you are lucky, your tea may just be served in one of the owner's Sadler teapots! The owners, Shena-Rae and Al, have done an incredible job creating this soothing tearoom! I came in on a whim and their southern hospitali-tea was so welcoming! I just had time for the cream tea, which came with an endless pot of tea and 2 scones (vanilla) and jam/cream/lemon curd. The scones were light and fluffy, some of the best I've ever had! They just melted in you mouth! The tea was robust and perfectly balanced with amber hues that warmed my soul! I will definitely be returning to sample the menu! That quiche is calling me back! Here's to Southern Sereni-tea!!

    Lyndsay J.

    Been here many times! The food is always fresh, the scones are light and fluffy, their homemade clotted cream is wonderful! Beautiful selection of delicious teas. Stop in or make a reservation. A wide variety of foods and ways to enjoy their selections.

    R H.

    Where to begin. Gentlemen greeted my daughter and I at the door. Very kind and gracious. Our server was phenomenal. She had the right amount of personality, friendliness and knowledge to make our experience wonderful. The chef/owner came out to describe the servings on the tower and to see how we liked everything. What an incredible chef and owner. This level of interest by a business owner in their customers experience is hard to find nowadays. The entire experience from tea to food, greeting to ending, server to owner was simply spectacular. I would do this again in a heartbeat and would definitely recommend Southern Serenity when in Richmond.

    delicious corned beef and cabbage soup
    Melina S.

    what a delightful experience at southern serenity! the tea selection was vast and delicious, and all the food was delicately prepared and plated. The service team were kind and knowledgeable in the overall feel of the dining room was so relaxing and pretty. I can't wait to come back!

    The amazing house made food
    Roxanne K.

    This place is absolutely adorable. I booked reservations for a Saturday and my friend was running about 10 minutes late so the owner sent me next to the fire and made sure I was comfortable. I didn't know that it was a mom and Pop shop and their three sons were also back there. Everybody was so kind and respectful And the service was amazing and the food was freshly made, and the tea was amazing too of course

    Entrance
    Mary A.

    This new tea room is situated in a strip mall. Once you enter you feel the charm and warmth. The owners are incredibly friendly and welcoming. All the food and tea we had was fresh and delicious. The scone was really tasty. I was a little surprised that it came first and unfortunately it was so delicious that I filled up on it and the soup and had little room for the other treats included in the full afternoon tea. Thankfully I was able to bring home the treats for later. Definitely worth a visit!

    I ventured 45 min from home to find something yummy for breakfast when hubby instructed me to take a day for myself. The nicest man (and husband of the chef) at the door offered me their "rose" table near the window. The special tea that I chose was purple papaya berry and not only was it beautiful but also delicious. I loved every bite of food and the small friendly conversation with the staff and chef who delivers and spiels the main tiered attraction to every table. I definitely plan on coming back with my family as I saw another table walk in with kids and everyone enjoying themselves. There was a special Father's Day menu posted by the door. I highly recommend calling and making a reservation for this special day!

    Salina P.

    Wow! This is definitely a hidden gem within the Richmond area. My family and I have tried all the tea rooms Richmond has to offer but this is by far our favorite. The service is outstanding, a husband and wife owned business that they put their heart and soul into. Even though it was quite busy on a Saturday afternoon, they had adequate staff to handle everything. Most of the food is house made which makes the whole experience even more personal. We even found out the chef behind it all went to a very prestigious culinary school! Being vegetarians, we didn't know what to expect and if it would be enough food for us but we were pleasantly surprised. Our favorite was the arugula and tomato sandwich with a house made hummus on wheat bread. It's budget friendly at $30/ a person, I almost felt like they were undercharging for how much food you get. While the location is just in a shopping center, once you step inside it's like you're in England. The ambiance and decorations of the entire facility are beautiful. I will be recommending this to friends and I myself will be back!

    Joanna H.

    Husband and wife hosts do a great job of providing a perfect tea party experience. You'll feel like you're at your grandmothers house using her china and having tea. The tea blend of the day was different but very good. The treats were just one delicious bite after another. Very pretty display. I asked for vegan options fully expecting to not have much to eat. I was very surprised at all the things they brought me. It was a great treat for me!! Super fun place for book club, birthday or just a time to slow down and visit. They do a nice job!!

    Gluten Free Tower

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    Shenarae S.

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    Food is so yummy and the service is amazing! Ambiance is cute. Definitely will be back again!!

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    2 years ago

    Service was great, presentation was lovely and the food and teas were all absolutely delicious!! Can't wait to go back again!!

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    Ask the Community - Southern Serenity

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    CaryTown Teas

    CaryTown Teas

    4.4(57 reviews)
    5.9 miThe Fan
    $$

    A friend of mine introduced me to this place. It is just down the street from PBR. If you are…read morelooking for a specific kind of tea, you may have good luck finding it here. The store is slightly tucked back and can be hard to find. It is in a quiet area of town as well. Off the beaten path of Cary Street. Inside the store there is a small seated area in the front and throughout . It is really quaint. I loved how the tea is stored in black metal containers. You can get tea made to sip on there, or to go. You can also purchase loose leaf tea. Pricing is reasonable. There is a wide array of loose leaf tea. The three employees were amazing. They were awesome! I can not say it enough. They were so helpful, and they knew their product. If one did not know, the other would know. There is a punch bingo card, which is nice and unique. Parking is located on the street, or public lots throughout Richmond.

    I love this charming tea shop tucked away by the PBR building. There is free street parallel…read moreparking right in front. They have a huge selection of teas to enjoy in the shop or take to go with you. It is a smaller shop so there is limited seating. Do know that there can be a long wait sometimes. When I've went there is usually just one person working. This is a great place to buy a gift for the tea lover in your life (even if it's just yourself). When it is your turn, you get a lot of love and attention. I was looking for some uncaffeinated fall tea and loved trying their rooibos chai tea. You can find all types of teas here and you're able to get them to go in different sizes. I highly recommend checking this lovely place out.

    Photos
    CaryTown Teas - Pricing sign

    Pricing sign

    CaryTown Teas - Huge selection (this is only part of it)

    Huge selection (this is only part of it)

    CaryTown Teas

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    The Queen's Library Tea Room - Afternoon tea

    The Queen's Library Tea Room

    4.7(33 reviews)
    4.0 miStony Point

    A Truly Magical Afternoon Tea Experience…read more We had the absolute pleasure of enjoying the full afternoon tea experience at the Queen's Library Tea Room in Richmond with our family and friends--and wow, what a gift this place is. From the moment we walked in, we were transported. The space is stunning--elegant, whimsical, and full of thoughtful details that make you feel like you've stepped into a storybook. Every teacup, table setting, and floral arrangement felt curated with love and intention. The staff were incredible--warm, welcoming, and deeply knowledgeable about the teas and the entire experience. You can tell they care. The owners, too, clearly pour heart and soul into this place, and it shows in every detail, from the menu to the atmosphere. The teas were absolutely delicious, each with its own unique flavor and story. The food was equally impressive--fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Everything we tasted was fantastic. It's rare to find a place that creates not just a meal, but a memory. Our time here felt almost miraculous--something truly special we'll never forget. If you're looking for an unforgettable experience in Richmond, this is it.

    Finding The Queen's Library is half the adventure -- and not entirely in a good way. I never would…read morehave spotted it had I not been given the address that the front door faces (which is 3rd St. not Clay St); it's tucked away with minimal signage, and I was practically standing in front of it before I realized it. First-timers, come prepared. Then there's parking. On the day we visited, a convention across the street had swallowed every available spot in the area. One-way streets, detours, and a full 25 minutes of circling later, I finally made it inside. Hot, from walking 6 blocks away, and frazzled is not the ideal headspace for a genteel tea experience. All of this makes the news of their upcoming move to Stony Point genuinely welcome -- easier access could transform the whole outing. Once you're in, though, the vibe delivers. The room is styled like a Victorian English salon, all refined and atmospheric, with a soundtrack pulled straight from beloved period films -- Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility -- that quietly transports you to the Regency era. The service is polished and professional, the presentation elegant. Having taken tea in both England and Scotland, I can say this holds up -- it's the real thing. The food is authentically English as well, meaning sparse and understated. Don't arrive hungry expecting something hot and filling. It's not that, and England is not known for its food. That said, the chicken salad with lemon infusion was the standout offering. We sampled six tea flights -- three hot, three cold -- and the first hot flight was genuinely fragrant and lovely. The rest were pleasant but unremarkable. The sparkling options were a nice palate cleanser. It's expensive for what it is, so this probably isn't a weekly habit. But as an occasional indulgence -- especially for fans of period dramas and Regency fantasy -- it's a charming little escape. Fortunately, you can go to Stony Point and avoid the parking adventure. And a suggestion for the wonderful owner. Invest in DEVONSHIRE or CORNISH clotted cream. It really makes a difference. ANNNNDDD, I've been drinking tea every since the visit, so it made an impression.

    Photos
    The Queen's Library Tea Room
    The Queen's Library Tea Room
    The Queen's Library Tea Room - Afternoon tea

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    Afternoon tea

    Floris at VMFA - Inside

    Floris at VMFA

    3.5(22 reviews)
    6.1 miMuseum District

    I was treated to Floris for my birthday, and I loved it! The building is traditional with matching…read moredecor. Beautiful. You sit in chairs and tables like a restaurant, which is comfortable (unlike an English salon setting that you'll experience at another tea room). The tea was NOT the star of the show. The food was. Every single thing on the tower was incredible! The only mediocre item was the brownie. How hard is it to mess up a brownie? There was no presentation of the tea. The porcelain was attractive, but plain and didn't meet the vibe of the venue and the event that afternoon tea should be. One of my pots came barely warm when tea should be piping hot. None of them stood out as a favorite, either, which was disappointing. I was also disappointed that they didn't have a huge selection of teas or porcelain for sale. Go for the food and atmosphere, with good company, and you'll leave very satisfied.

    Let me correct a common assumption right away: Floris is not an English tea room serving finger…read moresandwiches and scones. The food is American, and it's quite good. The quiche is the best I've ever had -- the crust was perfectly flaky, and the eggs were cooked just right, not overdone. The overall selection is well-chosen: not abundant, but calibrated precisely to leave you satisfied. Every item earns its place on the menu. The space is lovely -- period decor, elegant wall trim, beautiful curtains, and charming antique tea dishes on display. But there's a jarring note: a large modern painting occupies a prominent wall, clashing visibly with everything around it. The tea itself is served in individual modern pots, which is practical (you and your companion can each order something different), but the pots are plain and forgettable. A beautiful period tea cup and pot would elevate the experience into a proper event. And then there's the tea -- which, in a tea room, really ought to be the star. It isn't. There's no presentation, no ceremony, no ritual. Of our three orders, the first (lavender, chamomile, and mint) arrived scalding hot and tasted bitter, as though it had been brewed too long. The second -- Moroccan Dreams, I believe -- was fragrant but flat in flavor, and arrived tepid. The third, a cherry blossom blend, was genuinely lovely. Third time was the charm. Service was warm and capable when our server was present -- which wasn't always. Fortunately, we were in a leisurely mood. If you're pressed for time, that could be a real frustration. I parked in the lot which was an addition $6.

    Photos
    Floris at VMFA - Presentation - 5 stars

    Presentation - 5 stars

    Floris at VMFA - Food menu

    Food menu

    Floris at VMFA

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    Southern Serenity - breakfast_brunch - Updated May 2026

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