The latest update for The Best Tea Houses in New Jersey is written by Lindsay Podolak.
Do you ever dream of going back to a time when conversation was the centerpiece of a meal; instead of the ever-present smartphones of today? When tea was brewed slowly in a pot, not released from a machine? Then tea houses are just the place for you.
To help you find one, we’ve put together a list of our favorite tea houses in New Jersey.
One thing to keep in mind; you typically want to call ahead for reservations at tea houses. These spots are often small and may have seating times or limited hours and days of operation.
Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find Tea Houses in your area.
| North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey |
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North Jersey Tea Houses
Harmony Tea Room
Where: 224 Fairview Ave, Westwood
Details: Escape the hectic pace of life at this charming and quiet oasis. The Harmony Tea Room offers nearly 30 varieties of loose teas including black, green, decaf, and iced teas. They also offer scones, finger sandwiches, soups, salads, and dessert. Likewise, Sunday Brunch includes fruit, scones, sweets, and baked French toast or egg and cheese strata for $26.95. (They require reservations for brunch, and you’ll need to order entrees in advance.)
Why I like it: The spot makes for a magical birthday party for children. Kids and party guests can decorate teapots and dress up like princesses while enjoying pastries and tea (or juice).
More info: Look for them online to learn more.
High SocieTea House
Where: 20 Old Newark Pompton Turnpike, Wayne
Details: This tea house strives to create a unique experience for guests who enjoy conversation over tea. It’s worth noting this tea house has a limited number of tables, so they recommend making a reservation. They serve each guest a pot of tea in a handmade cozy and prepare all food on-site; using farm fresh produce and organic products when available. They also offer a gluten-free menu. Meanwhile, their gift shop offers tea pots, cup sets, mugs, scone mix and, of course, teas.
Why I like it: The sense of history here dates back to 1895; the High SocieTea House is registered with the Wayne Historical Society as the first official post office.
More info: Look for them online to learn more.
Lorraine’s Cake Shoppe & Tea Room
Where: 86 NJ-15, Lafayette
Details: Lorraine Perry was born and raised in New Jersey. Lorraine’s Cake Shoppe & Team Room fulfills her dream to combine food art with a magical setting. The cake shoppe offers elegant cakes, custom cookies, and macarons; whereas the tea room provides tea as well as scones, pastries, and sandwiches.
Why I like it: Tea time is at 11:00 am and then at 1:30 pm. But they also serve walk-ins when space is available.
More info: Look for them online to learn more.
Sally Lunn’s Tea Room & Restaurant
Where: 15 Perry St, Chester
Details: Sally Lunn’s Tea Room has been in business for over 30 years. They’re famous for their tasty buttermilk scones in various flavors, all made from a secret recipe. They also serve sandwiches, hearty soups, and seasonal pies. Just be sure to save room for their homemade fruit pie, with a crust made from scratch. Likewise, if you’re a chocoholic, we recommend their chocolate cake options.
Why I like it: The staff at Sally Lunn’s can help you track down rare teas by request.
More info: Look for them online to learn more.
Tshikovi Tea House
Where: 74 S Main Street, Phillipsburg
Details: Tshikovi Tea House isn’t your traditional tea room. It’s really a tea shop, but every Sunday you can book a private tea tour; or basically a two-hour tea party for you and up to 20 of your closest friends. You’ll sample every tea available in the shop along with light refreshments, then have time to peruse the store.
Why I like it: Tshikovi specializes in fresh, loose leaf tea blends that celebrate black women. For example, the Zaura’s Blend is created in-house and named after owner Yvette Brown’s daughter, Zaura.
More info: Look for them online to learn more.
Central Jersey Tea Houses
Mulberry House
Where: 415 Westfield Ave, Westfield
Details: You’ll find this farm-to-table restaurant and tea room in a charming Victorian home in Westfield. They offer tea service as well as lunch Thursday through Sunday from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Guests can also host a private party in one of three dining rooms for an elegant, delicious meal.
Why I like it: They offer a special “Tea Time for Kids” menu; the little ones can enjoy grilled cheese or PB&J instead of the more adult tea sandwiches.
More info: Look for them online to learn more.
The Peacock Inn
Where: 20 Bayard Lane, Princeton
Details: Though not strictly a tea house, The Peacock Inn serves afternoon tea daily from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. (This does, however, require a reservation.) Sweets, savories, and bottomless pots of flowery teas are all on the menu at this downtown Princeton boutique hotel. In fact, you can even add a champagne flight and some caviar to your experience for an extra fee.
Why I like it: Princeton is perfect for strolling around for some shopping after your tea service.
More info: Click here to visit the website or you can click here to give them a call.
Tea-for-All
Where: 960 Spruce St, Lawrence Township
Details: Tea-for-All serves teas from China, Japan, Taiwan, India, and Ceylon inside the Trenton Farmers Market. It’s more of a tea bar compared to other tea houses; in addition, they have various locations at other outdoor NJ farmers markets. At the Trenton Farmers Market location they also offer tea classes and tastings. (Some allow you to bring five friends for a private, two-hour tasting experience for just $100.)
Why I like it: Their teas are also available for purchase online.
More info: Click here to visit their website or you can click here to give them a call.
Teaberry’s Tea Room
Where: 2 Main St, Flemington
Details: From it’s Victorian home, Teaberry’s provides a refuge from the outside world. For instance, fresh flowers and linens top each table as an attentive wait staff takes care of you. In addition, Teaberry’s serves both a full lunch and afternoon tea Wednesday through Sunday during normal business hours. You can also find special events on their website’s calendar. Lastly, all menu items are available for takeout.
Why I like it: The Carriage House Boutique gift shop offers take-home tea sets. Teapots, teacups, and assorted gifts are all available for purchase.
More info: Look for them online to learn more.
Jersey Shore Tea Houses
Lady Magpie’s Tea & Curiosities
Where: 120 W Main Street, Tuckerton
Details: This tea house is currently open on Saturdays by reservation only. (They will be open on Sundays starting on Mother’s Day.) You’ll find Lady Magpie’s inside the Captain’s House at the Tuckerton Seaport. The menu is always changing, but includes freshly baked scones, breads, and other sweet treats along with tea service. In addition, their gift shop boasts a wide array of repurposed china, steampunk items, and other unique creations.
Why I like it: Tuckerton Seaport is great for a full day of fun and entertainment.
More info: Look for them online to learn more.
Mathis House at 600 Main
Where: 600 Main St, Toms River
Details: The historic Mathis House in downtown Toms River is a Victorian tea room with daily service; that also presents occasional themed dinner events to entertain the entire family. In addition to the restaurant, the Mathis House is a highly recommended B&B. You can relax with an overnight stay, or hold a wedding or other special event in this lovely setting. During warm weather, the inn’s outdoor garden shop sells fresh fruit and vegetables, baked goods, and garden plants. Stop by year-round for an uplifting, elegant Tea Time.
Why I like it: In addition to being open daily, this tea room welcomes walk-ins.
More info: Click here to visit the website or you can click here to give them a call.
The Parisian Tea Room
Where: 165 Amboy Rd, Suite 723, Morganville
Details: This spot takes inspiration from owner Karen Elizabeth Lozner’s travels to Paris. Unlike other tea houses on this list, The Parisian Tea Room features food by French chefs. You can visit their chic, elegant spot for High Tea, or host a special event here. The menu boasts macarons, chocolate croissants, salad, and tea sandwiches.
Why I like it: They offer unique parties such as the High Tea + Sewing Party; available for kids and teens, as well as adults.
More info: Look for them online to learn more.
A Sweet Memory Cake Shoppe & Tea Room
Where: 521 Route 9, Waretown
Details: This family business has been open since January 2012. The atmosphere is warm, cozy, and inviting. A Sweet Memory offers a full-service bakery and tea room, and also serves a full high tea lunch. (They serve lunch Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm, but high tea lunch requires a reservation.) Meanwhile, the shoppe sells cupcakes, mini desserts, brownies, cookies, cakes, and other treats, all made fresh daily.
Why I like it: Signature treats include cocktail-inspired cupcakes and tea-infused truffles.
More info: Click here to visit their website or you can click here to give them a call.
Sweet Tease Tea Room
Where: 604 Main St, Belmar and 173 Main St, Manasquan
Details: Sweet Tease is not just a tea room, it’s also a cafe serving light fare and baked goods. When you come in for High Tea, however, you will leave feeling satisfied. First, your service includes a starter course of soup or salad; then three tiers of savory sandwiches, in addition to scones with clotted cream and jam; finally, you’ll enjoy an array of scrumptious desserts, all for $35. They do require reservations for Afternoon Tea Service, so you must call ahead.
Why I like it: Everything in the shop has a history, according to the owner; for example, the chandelier dates back to the World’s Fair in Philadelphia and many teapots are antiques.
More info: Look for them online to learn more.
South Jersey Tea Houses
Boukakuan Japanese Tea House and Garden
Where: 1832 Jacksonville Jobstown Rd, Bordentown
Details: This traditional Japanese tea house is open by appointment only. However, they offer a truly unique concept for those who book a week in advance; up to five guests can learn the proper way to enjoy Japanese tea. Meanwhile, you can feed the koi in the pond, stroll through the garden, and taste authentic green tea.
Why I like it: Japanese Tea Ceremony lessons in the Urasenke tradition are available every Wednesday at 10:00 am.
More info: Look for them online to learn more.
Jane’s Tea House
Where: 602 Station Ave, Haddon Heights
Details: Tantalize your taste buds with tea flavors like Bourbon Street Vanilla, Candy Cane Burst and German Gingerbread. (All of which are available for purchase on the website as well.) Jane’s Tea House lets you reserve a table for indoor or outdoor seating; and offers a $29.95 Afternoon Tea prix fixe menu.
Why I like it: They host events like painting parties, kids’ tea parties and even a Daschund Tea Party.
More info: Click here to visit the website or you can click here to give them a call.
La Mademoiselle Macaron
Where: 41 S Main St, Mullica Hill
Details: As a French bakery that specializes in macarons, La Mademoiselle Macaron serves afternoon tea by reservation only. Choose between the Marie Antoinette Tea, La Mademoiselle Tea, Cream Tea, Dessert Tea, or their Children’s Tea menus.
Why I like it: You can take your tea in the garden if the weather is nice!
More info: Look for them online to learn more.
The New Leaf Tea Room
Where: 606 Main St, Riverton
Details: New Leaf is inside a restored 1910 Victorian storefront and an adjacent house. The decor for this charming parlor consists of crystal chandeliers and Oriental carpets, as well as tapestries. Of course, it’s a great spot for formal afternoon tea in an elegant yet relaxed setting. The New Leaf Tea Room even hosts themed teas with musical, historical, and theatrical presentations. They also host events like bridal showers, baby showers, children’s parties, and family reunions.
Why I like it: The New Leaf Gift Shoppe offers an array of distinctive yet affordable gifts; such as candles, children’s tea sets, jewelry, and more.
More info: Look for them online to learn more.
Nutty Duchess Tea Room
Where: 807 Haddon Ave, Collingswood
Details: The “Queen’s Tea” service comes with assorted tea sandwiches, scones, fruits, desserts and, of course, tea. Nutty Duchess is currently offering Takeout and Delivery only, and plans to relocate when they reopen. (The menu is limited, but the Queen’s Tea is still available for takeout and delivery.) Typically, they also offer a children’s tea room menu with kid-friendly options like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
Why I like it: When open, they offer special seatings for holidays like Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day here.
More info: Look for them online to learn more.
Hero (Top) Feature Image: © YakobchukOlena / Adobe Stock
Additional Images (in Order) Courtesy:
Harmony Tea Room / Facebook
Mulberry House Restaurant / Facebook
Mathis House / Facebook
New Leaf Tea Room & Gift Shoppe / Facebook
