While quirky, 'gramable boba tea is most millennials' tea drink of choice, San Francisco is home to several classic and gourmet tea houses that focus on more sophisticated experiences.
Sample house blends and dynamically sourced leaves at some of our favorite spots for tea lovers.
Japanese Tea Garden
The Japanese Tea Garden's outdoor tea room, with views of the surrounding koi ponds, lush foliage, and pagodas, offers tea drinkers a calming space to tuck into a pots of various green tea varieties, and even offers tidbits about the history and flavors of each, including hojicha, which is roasted in a porcelain pot instead of steamed; sweet sencha; and a sencha-matcha iced blend. Enjoy your tea with Japanese snacks including mocha and tea house cookies. // The Japanese Tea Garden, 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr. (Golden Gate Park), japaneseteagardensf.com
We recommend: genmaicha, a savory, nutty green tea blended with toasted brown rice and served by the cup.
Stonemill Matcha
Stonemill Matcha serves fine matcha sourced from young tender leaves from shade-grown farms in Kyoto, Japan, the birthplace of matcha. There is a range of matcha drinks on offer, including specialty lattes and coldbrews, that provide nutrients and healing benefits; relaxation and focus are common side effects thanks to L-theanine. The sleek, wood-filled interior has a calming energy to match, and you can munch on delicious small bites including toast with matcha butter and matcha pastries. // 561 Valencia St. (Mission), stonemillmatcha.com
We recommend: hand-whisked matcha, a delicious first crop matcha.
The Chai Cart
Inspired by the chai carts found on every corner of India, The Chai Cart provides customers with a gourmet tea experience on the go and the chance to chat all things chai with the chaiwallas preparing the enticing drinks. Choose from a classic Masala chai, as well as specialty handcrafted blends including rose, malt, and ginger. The Chai Cart's owner, Paawan Kothari, also hosts workshops for those hoping to delve even deeper into the art, history, and importance of chai. // Cart parked at 545 Market St. (SoMa), Valencia St. (Mission) cart reopening soon, thechaicart.com
We recommend: Masala chai, The Chai Cart's signature blend made with seven spices.
Aroma Tea Shop
Aroma Tea Shop brings "the beauty of tea drinking," inspired by tea houses in China, to San Francisco. At Aroma Tea Shop's three locations around the city, tea connoisseurs, including husband and wife team Haymen Da Luz and Ying Wu, will assist you in picking from more than 150 varieties of loose leaf tea displayed in canisters around the shop to bring home. Enjoy an extensive free tea tasting, plus details about the tea making process, benefits, and history, or choose from a couple varieties served hot or iced by the cup. Plus, purchase tea0making accessories so you can brew the perfect cup at home. // 845 Washington St. (Chinatown), 302 6th Ave. (Inner Richmond), 430 Beach St. (Fisherman's Wharf), aromateashop.com
We recommend: Tie Kuan Yin (iron goddess), a high mountain oolong comprised of high-grade unadulterated tea sourced from mountains in Fu Jian, China—and one of Aroma Tea Shop's best-selling teas.
Asha Tea House
Asha Tea House is a Berkeley favorite. 'Asha' is Taiwanese for "someone who enjoys life," so taking a break here to enjoy traditional tea served hot, cold, and with or without boba seems like a logical decision. Make sure you check out their second location in downtown SF. // 2086 University Ave. (Berkeley), and 17 Kearny St. (FiDi), ashateahouse.com
We recommend: Asian pear oolong, a sweet delicate tea paired with fresh seasonal fruit puree perfect for warm summer days in the East Bay.
Red Blossom Tea Company
In the heart of Chinatown, Red Blossom Tea Company stocks rare teas and artisan teaware. The shop prides itself on educating its patrons. Like crops, teas are seasonal, and to ensure the best quality teas for their customers, Red Blossom Tea Company sources green, white, and oolong teas throughout the year from Fujian, Anhui, Zhejiang, and Taiwan. // 831 Grant Ave. (FiDi), redblossomtea.com
We recommend: lychee black, a mild, sweet black tea infused with lychee. Served best warm on cool foggy days.
Song Tea & Ceramics
Song Tea & Ceramics provides impeccable teas picked at the their peak. This creates oolong teas with a more intense flavor, white teas that impart lovely floral notes, and red teas that are redolent of honey. // 2120 Sutter St. (Lower Pac Heights), songtea.com
We recommend: Buddha's Hand, an oolong with complex chocolate and malted notes.
Yerba Buena Tea Co.
Yerba Buena Tea Co., formerly known as Tea Smiths, sells artisanal green, white, herbal, black, and yerba mate teas in loose-leaf or by the cup. Check out their bestsellers: Slim Mint contains hojicha green tea and dandelion to promote weight loss and immunity strength. The Turmeric Lemon Ginger helps circulation and inflammation. // ybtco.com
We recommend: Golden Gate green, an earthy green tea with notes of lemongrass, orange peel and a hint of ginger—perfect for a quick a pick-me-up.
Chai Bar by David Rio
Calling all chai lovers: The Chai Bar by David Rio features teas with varying levels of spiciness and sweetness, including combinations made with Madagascar vanilla, pressed ginger, matcha, or dark cocoa. The cozy ambiance of the bar pairs well with the tea. // 1019 Market St. (Mid-Market), chaibarsf.com
We recommend: Tortoise green tea chai, a warm chai blended with cardamom, cinnamon, and then infused with matcha green tea.
Samovar Tea Lounge
Samovar Tea Lounge, a favorite among Bay Area tea enthusiasts, offers a small tea collection curated from around the world, from England to Japan to Morocco. Check out the three locations in SF. // 730 Howard St. (SoMa), 1910 Fillmore St. (Pacific Heights) and 411 Valencia St. (Mission), samovartea.com
We recommend: California Rose, a black tea with cardamom, orange peel, rose petals, and jasmine.
Bloom Chocolate Salon
Not your typical tea house, Bloom, located within the hip Dandelion Chocolate Factory, merges the art of tea with chocolate. Enjoy curated teas from local tea sellers including Song Tea, Tap Twice Tea, and 4 Track Tea, grouped into categories Distinct & Balanced, Robust & Bold, and Delicate & Sweet, with notes about each tea's flavors. Stop by for the Afternoon Chocolate Tea service or the Afternoon Ice Cream service if you want some sweet bites to eat paired with your tea. // 2600 16th St. (Mission), dandelionchocolate.com
We recommend: Elevation Keemun black tea from 4 Track Tea, with a bold flavor and notes of pine, cocoa and citrus zest.
