Located in Escondido’s historic downtown district, Louisa Magoon’s elegant yet cozy salon serves five types of afternoon teas – from a simple Cream Tea to the two-hour Grand Tea – ranging in price from $14 to $33. Sandwiches and savory pastries, scones with cream, lemon curd, and preserves, and petite desserts can all be ordered a la carte. Over 40 gourmet loose-leaf teas also feature.

A transplant from London’s East End, Joanne Bennett opened up shop just under four years ago in Ramona. Jams, lemon curd, and clotted creams are all made in house while her high tea menu is modeled on the Ritz and includes finger sandwiches, mini pastries, scones, and a pot of fresh steeped tea.

Less than 20 minutes east of Solana Beach, Marlene’s serves afternoon tea from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Priced at $35 per person or $30 for children 12 and under, highlights include cucumber sandwiches, a mini-beef Wellington, plus dainty desserts like tiramisu parfait. 

Currently on hiatus, La Valencia’s tea service resumes with six spring dates from April 4 through May 9 (to coincide with Easter and Mother’s Day weekends). Available each Saturday afternoon tea will be served from 2 to 4 p.m. in The Med. The service can also be booked as a special event; however, some menu restrictions will apply based on seasonal availability and group size. 

Nestled in the La Mesa Antiques district AubreyRose has been serving its English-style tea since 2003. The Queen Victoria ($31.95) and Lady Anne ($28.95) each come with a selection of sandwiches, savories, seasonal fruit, scones, and petite sweets, plus unlimited loose-leaf tea. There’s a walk-in only cream tea too ($16.95) while a glass of Champagne can be added for $7. 

Hands down the most authentic British afternoon tea in town, Shakespeare’s generous spread includes sausage rolls with Branston pickle and scones with real Devon double cream. In addition to the afternoon tea ($29.95) and cream tea ($14.95), special event teas based on English themes, like Agatha Christie, Dr. Who and Harry Potter, are held throughout the year. Perfect for picnics, afternoon and cream teas can also be ordered ahead and boxed up to go. 

CH Projects ode to non-basic breakfast might not be the first place that springs to mind when thinking about afternoon tea, but their midday tiered tower of sweet and savory treats is a feast for the senses. Pair with a pot of tea (there’s chamomile and Earl Grey among others) or a Pimm’s Cup from the cocktail list.

French interiors, crystal chandeliers, and a live harpist set the scene for an elegant afternoon tea at The Westgate. Choose from a dozen tea selections before devouring handmade savories, including housesmoked salmon sandwiches, buttermilk scones and assorted petite-fours. Served Friday through Sunday from 2:30 to 5 p.m. it’s priced at $39 or $42 with a glass of Champagne.