Taking Tea in San Diego

Coral Tree Tea House
2490 Heritage Park Row • San Diego, California 92110
619-291-5464 • coraltreeteahouse.com

A two-story Victorian house in historic Heritage County Park is home for Coral Tree Tea House, where afternoon tea is an idyllic respite. Owners and siblings Pamela, Blanche, and Chuck Catania, purchased the 131-year-old house in 2000, initially using it as a gift shop. Over the years, the Catanias heard multiple requests for a tearoom, and in 2011, they decided to give the people what they wanted.

“Taking tea here is like taking a step back in time,” Pamela remarks. “We have the English afternoon tea served on a three-tiered tray in one our dining rooms, and we have our gift shop in the foyer that sells beautiful hats, jewelry, teapots, cups, and saucers.”

Patrons looking to enjoy a traditional tea service can choose from either the Afternoon Tea at $33 per person, which serves a pot of tea, an assortment of sandwiches and savories, scones, and desserts, or the Queens High Tea at $40 per person, which includes the house Apple Waldorf Salad. Children ages 5 to 8 can enjoy tea as well with the Princess & Prince Tea, which features a selection of tea sandwiches, scones, a petite dessert, and the choice of tea, lemonade, or apple juice. Pamela says that the Coral Tree Tea House can accommodate guests with gluten sensitivities. While patrons have a great variety of around 30 teas from which to choose, Pamela recommends the Coral Tree Tea House’s signature blend, which is a black tea with chocolate and coconut flakes.

Afternoon tea at the Coral Tree Tea House is available from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but Pamela highly encourages making advance reservations, particularly for guests with dietary restrictions.