Camellia Tea Room
828 1st Street
Benicia, CA
707-746-5293
visit website
#51
of 305in CA
Hours
Tue - Sun: 11:00am to 4:00pm
Overview
The tradition of afternoon tea began in England in 1840. Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, got into the habit of ordering a tray of tea with cakes and sandwiches to her room between meals. Anna so enjoyed her ritual, she moved it to the drawing room and invited friends to join her. Soon, afternoon tea became a widespread social practice, complete with rules of tea etiquette. More than a century and a half later, afternoon tea is still bringing people together. We're happy to continue the tradition.
The tradition of afternoon tea began in England in 1840. Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, got into the habit of ordering a tray of tea with cakes and sandwiches to her room between meals. Anna so enjoyed her ritual, she moved it to the drawing room and invited friends to join her. Soon, afternoon tea became a widespread social practice, complete with rules of tea etiquette. More than a century and a half later, afternoon tea is still bringing people together. We're happy to continue the tradition.
Camellia Tea Room (est. July 1995) is located in a beautifully restored 1897 building in historic downtown Benicia. Lace curtains, ivory tablecloths and fresh flowers on each table, tea served in bone china teapots and an ornate ceiling featuring Bradbury & Bradbury Art Wallpapers, make for an elegant and relaxing atmosphere. In addition to afternoon tea, we serve lunch and desserts, and everything is made fresh daily in our kitchen. We offer more than 40 fine loose leaf teas.
Reviews
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Food: I find everything perfect when I visit. I must go to Benicia at least twice a month and this is at the top of my list to have a bite there and tea. Nice gift assortment too. I can never find anything wrong there a perfect getaway. |
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- Dalene 10/08/09 |
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Food:  The menu could use variety, or an update. The tea is so-so - not always the best prepared, because they continue to steep at the table, during the meal, just adding hot water. Not the worst method, but also not optimal. It amuses my English relatives and me, that they instruct us as to how the English do it. It's news to us, but England's full of varying habits, like the accents, depending on where one lives. It's cute, but I'd cross the bridge into Contra Costa County, for better tea, food and service, and for less self-congratulatory prices. |
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- Greta B. 07/10/09 |
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Food: I have been here several times and consider it one of my favorite places for afternoon tea. I have not ordered from their regular menu but have been told it is delicious by other friends. I prefer to use them for the special times of taking someone for afternoon tea. Would recommend and will continue to patronize! |
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- Gal 06/01/09 |
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Food: I thought that this tea room was wonderful, despite the reviews. I am sorry they did not have a good experience. I, however, had a lovely experience! I have been there at least a dozen times. Lovely atmosphere and service :) |
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- Rebekah 05/03/09 |
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Food: I've been to this Tea Room before many years ago. It's nice, cozy & clean. Although, its a bet small not enough room I still enjoy this place. It's nice when Benicia has that special event each year and, lots of restaurants, boutique, shopping store etc...etc... that's when the fun part comes in... Looking forward to come again in May.... Good food, Good Tea selections as well. |
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- Rosita 04/22/09 |
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Food: After a dismal visit in December we decided to try one last time. On first making reservations inquired if they were serving regular menu rather than specials. Were told 'of course we're serving our regular menu'. Arrived and sat down, were greated and provided menus, etc. Things were okay, not great, same woman behind the counter eating again, food okay, nothing to write home about. Weird smell permeated the restaurant. Ate our food and drank our tea. Then different staff members tried to come and start clearing our table in an obvious attempt to get us to leave. After several unsuccessful tries, one staff member finally said, 'we've got a party to get ready for at 2:30'. Didn't realize we had to eat and run. Was a cold rainy day and we were enjoying a nice visit. Plus, there wa... (more) |
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- JP 02/22/09 |
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Food: This is one of the best tearooms in California. Located in a beautiful old building in historic Benicia and decorated tastefully from the ceiling to the floor. A wide variety of freshly bagged tea is available for purchase as are tea accessories. The delicious food is prepared daily and the kitchen staff has been here for many years. The service staff have also been loyal employees for many years and are always very helpful and very attentive. This is a busy tearoom, mainly because customers return time and again for the freshly made, quality food that is served. The traditional tea is always a treat, but shrimp and avocado salad is another favorite of mine. Sometimes a bit noisy, but everyone is there to have fun and share the experience, so not a problem with me. I visit the C... (more) |
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- JP 02/14/09 |
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Food: Just ventured to Benicia to re-visit this Tearoom and have to say we were extremely dissappointed with service and cheer. Took extremely long time to be offered tea, were told after asking for menus that they were only serving one type of tea (fine but, we were never told when making reservations that only one tea selection would be served). Food took extraordinary amount of time to be served. Servers dissappeared all the time and rarely returned to check hot water, etc. Sales clerk behind the counter was eating the entire time while behind the counter and when ringing up purchases, did not appear to know what she was doing. When told we were all cold (4 at one table) server said she was warm but would turn on the heat. Food was delicious and we're likely to return as we enjoyed the food. Would not recommend them for service however. |
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- JL Page 12/15/08 |
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