The Tea Leaf
487 Moody Street
Waltham, MA
781-891-1900
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Hours
Closed Monday & TuesdayOpen Wednesday through Sunday11:30am to 5:00pm
#1
of 49in MA
Map of The Tea Leaf
Overview
The Tea Leaf is located in the heart of Historic Downtown Waltham, MA with free parking to the rear of our building at 86-88 Maple Street and additional municipal parking less than a block away on Chestnut Street.Tearoom features traditional three-course Afternoon Tea by reservation.We also offer sandwiches, soups, quiche, English & fuit muffins, crumpets, and desserts. Available for small bridal and baby showers as well as birthday celebrations. Please inquire for details.Our Tea Shop offers a large selection of packaged teas from blenders around the world as well as teapots, tea cups, formal tea service, tea-related accessories, magazines and books.Our gift shop & boutique features Victorian art prints, greeting cards, books, magazines & postcards. Victorian dolls, gourmet chocolates, carefully selected clothing, handbags, hats, bath, beauty & skin care products as well as Pilgrim Candle Company Candles. We also feature a complete line of jewelry, accessories and candles with free custom monogramming service.The Tea Leaf is the only shop in the Waltham area that features Avon skin care products.
Reviews
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Food: I took my friend there for a quiet birthday celebration and we had the most wonderful afternoon. The food was delicious and plentiful and the owner was friendly and charming. Lots of wonderful things to purchase in the gift department. Even a discount for being a Red Hatter. This is a must do! I can not wait to go again! |
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- Chris Lang 09/10/08 |
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Tearoom Response
Chris, Thank you for taking the time to write such a wonderful review. I enjoyed our chat and hope to see you again soon. As a Red Hatter myself, I know what fun we all have taking tea, relaxing and spending time with special friends.
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Food: I visited The Tea Leaf Saturday after an afternoon movie, and it was the perfect way to spend a relaxing hour. The shop is charming, and was quiet that day, allowing me to read while enjoying my tea. Sally, the owner, showed the right mix of friendliness, attentiveness and interest, while giving me my privacy. The pot of chai tea was delicious -- I was pleasantly surprised to see it as an option -- and the cranberry scone was warm, moist, and scrumptious with the clotted cream and strawberry preserves. The selection of sweets was an added treat although in truth I could have stopped at the scone as it was all quite filling. Sally gave me a great sense of the place so I can plan my next visit, which I already have in mind to share with friends. I hope more folks find this hidden gem. Oh, and the gifts are quite interesting -- I also walked away with a lovely little candle. |
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- Carol 08/31/08 |
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Food: My husband and I visited this charming tea room on a Sunday afternoon, the last day of his summer vacation. We were so impressed with this wonderful establishment. The owner, Sally, is a delightful hostess and has done an excellent job with all aspects of this business. The tea sandwiches were outstanding and so creative. A three tiered serving plate was artfully presented and all of the food was delectable. The homemade scones were among the best we have tasted and the desserts were extremely tasty and ample. It was a special treat to finally find a tea room that is opened on Sunday afternoon. I was also impressed with the inventory of gifts and teas. The merchandise is very reasonably priced and includes an extensive selection of tea, tea pots and tea cups, clothing and hats as well as o... (more) |
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- Mary and Mike 07/06/08 |
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Tearoom Response
Mary and Mike,It was a delight to meet you both and I am humbled by your kind words. As you could tell I love what I do and playing hostess to wonderful customers is my pleasure. Thank you for taking the time to come by and spend time at The Tea Leaf. I look forward to seeing you both in the future and I hope you have a wonderful summer.Sally
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Food: While visiting family in Boston (I live in Los Angeles) I booked reservations for a party of five for Afternoon Tea. I found the Proprietess very accommodating and knowledgable, and the young lady who served us(Janelle) was cheerful, attentive and eager to make everything about our experience lovely (which it was!) The food was great, as was the presentation. I especially recommend the Irish Breakfast and Earl Grey teas, along with the warm blueberry scones and Madeleines. When I visit Boston again, The Tea Leaf will definitely be on my itinerary! |
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- Teryl Warren 05/19/08 |
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Tearoom Response
Teryl,Thank you for taking the time to review The tea leaf and thank you for the kind words. It was wonderful to meet you and your lovely mother and aunts. You all looked so lovely. I hope to see you all again someday.
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Food: I visited this Tea Room for my birthday, and was very disappointed in the 'Service'. The owner made it her goal to tell my group how to eat their afternoon tea refreshments properly, although clearly no one asked. I was not there for a 'tea' lesson, nor was I there to talk to the owner. I was there to enjoy the company of my family / friends, but was forced to hear the history of afternoon tea, and was repeatedly told the proper order of the tea service, I found this extremely pompous. Afternoon Tea should be a relaxing experience, and unfortunately, this day was not. |
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- L. Show 05/16/08 |
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Tearoom Response
Dear 'L. Show'I am sorry that you did not appreciate the information I was passing along. When someone refers to 'High Tea' I sometimes briefly tell them about the difference between 'High and 'Low' tea and most people find it interesting tea trivia. I also let people know that the scones are warm and indicate to them that they 'may want to begin with the warm scone' although the proper order are the sandwiches then the scone. My intention was not to give you and your party a tea 'lesson'.Most people are delighted tht I take the time to personally greet my customers when I have a few minutes from my kitchen duties.I do hope the remainder of your birthday was pleasant.
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Food: I've been meaning to write a review for the past few days and was sorry to see a few rather harsh reviews posted for The Tea Leaf. I have visited The Tea Leaf on two other occassions with coworkers and decided that it would be a lovely place to entertain my mother and future mother-in-law for Mother's Day weekend. We did make a reservation and it was a good thing. The Tea Leaf is usually very relaxed and quiet even when they are entertaining a few patrons. It certainly was a bit more crowded that usual and a little backed up, but in all fairness it is a quaint little tea roof that hasn't been opened a very long time and because it is typically such a nice experience it is easy to see why it was booked up for the holiday. We experienced a bit of a wait, but were seated within a few minutes ... (more) |
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- Lucy P. 05/13/08 |
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Food: I Have added a review before this but really wanted to apologize to my family for being lead to believe that this establishment was so highly rated..I talked to my sister after we both made comments and she was indeed more to the point of Our experience here.I would hope the owner will see the way we felt in our reviews..And I will never recommend her to anyone..Learn proper manners along with a Proper Afternoon Tea.. |
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- Teresa Wilmar 05/13/08 |
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Tearoom Response
Hi Theresa,I'm so sorry that you needed to review us twice. I see that you must have been very disappointed with your visit. I'm disappointed that you believe we need an etiquette course as I've been known to be outgoing without being aloof.
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Food: Iwas so looking forward to this event with my family.We got all together,drove an hour with reservations and felt most unwelcome as we walked in..it was very rude behavior on the proprioters end not to at least assure us they were running late and we would only have to wait a few min..They never even asked our names..I admit however the food was very good,presentation was nice and the tea was marvelous.. |
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- Teresa Wilmar 05/13/08 |
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Tearoom Response
First I would like to apologize that you were disappointed on your experience at The Tea Leaf. Since I am the owner I feel I should respond to your comments. You sould never have left without your carnation and complimentary tea bag. My waitress has only been on for three weekends now and she is still learning the business. I asked if you had children because you arrived at the same time that one reservation with a child was supposed to arrive.We had a greater response than we expected and I was concentrating on making sure that everyone was served in a timely manner. I also try to visit every table to personally greet my customers. It appeard that you all had an enjoyable experience but I am sorry that you were disappointed.I thank you for the constructive critique.
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Food: Having experienced high noon tea with my sisters in Yarmouthport earlier this year, we decided to take our mom to the #1 teahouse in Massachusetts on Mothers Day weekend for what we thought would be the ultimate tea experience. What a huge disappointment. Having read reviews of warm, friendly, and a very welcoming atmosphere we were taken aback when we were greeted with a very chilling 'Do you have reservations?' as the older woman walked away and disappeared in the back for 10 minutes. When she returned she asked if we had children, which it was obvious we did not. We found the tea and food to be average, nothing to warrant a #1 rating. The atmosphere was claustrophobic and cluttered. When my sister made the reservation she was told that each person would receive a carnation and ano... (more) |
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- Jan Valego 05/12/08 |
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Tearoom Response
Good Day Jan,I am so sorry that you and your sisters did not have an enjoyable experience. I mentioned that everyone was supposed to receive a carnation but my waitress forgot to give you one and I did indicate to her that no one was to be left out. Also, each person was to receive a tea bag to take home. When your sister came back we promptly apologized and gave her the carnations and tea. As for your statement regarding 'high noon tea'. We serve Low or Afternoon Tea at the Tea Leaf. The difference being High Tea is an evening or 'Meat Tea' and is served on 'High' (diningroom) tables. Low Tea or Afternoon Tea was typically served in the afternoon on low 'Tea' tables. I have never heard of a high noon tea.
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Food: I can’t speak highly enough of the Tea Leaf. The food is wonderful, the atmosphere, inviting and tranquil, the tea sandwiches and scones delectable and the varieties of teas are second to none! This past winter I hosted a Christmas brunch for several of my colleagues at the Tea Leaf. Sally, the shop owner helped me plan the event and was most accommodating; her suggestion of adding a favor at each plate was a festive touch which the ladies in attendance were thrilled to receive. The Tea Leaf is as wonderful a venue for a small gathering as it is for a quiet afternoon tea for one! |
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- Bunny S 05/07/08 |
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Tearoom Response
Hi Bunny,Thanks for taking the time to review The Tea Leaf. I not only remember you and your lovely group of Ladies and the laughs you all shared but I also would like to thank you for your business. I look forward to seeing you again in the future. Sally
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Food: I have been to the Tea Leaf many times. I'm a British resident of Massachusetts, and it would be fair to say that the Tea Leaf provides a very authentic British afternoon tea. The owner, Sally, is always friendly and is very well-informed about local history and affairs. It's a great, restful place to go. |
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- Alex M. 03/26/08 |
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Tearoom Response
Alex,Thank you fo taking the time to post a review of The Tea Leaf. It was a pleasure to have you as a loyal customer. Congrats to you and Katherine on your beautiful twin daughters! Sally
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Food: A few weeks ago I picked up my daughter who is a student at Brandeis and took her to tea at the Tea Leaf.We had a wonderful time. Sally is wonderful and very welcoming. The Tea Leaf itself is lovely. If you try the scones once you'll definately be back for more.They are warm, moist and fruity. Can't wait to return.You definately need to make reservations if you plan on having the full tea. Thank you Sally. Diane Dainis Mansfield, MA |
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- Diane Dainis 03/25/08 |
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Tearoom Response
Diane,I remember you and your daughter. Thank you for the nice review. I'm so fortunate to have such great customers. There are many loyal Brandies students that frequent The Tea Leaf and I'm happy that I had the opportunity to create an atmosphere that they appreciate. I remember spending so many wonderful times with my mother enjoying tea and her company. I'm sure you and your daughter will cherish the times you enjoy together.Best Wishes,Sally
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Food: My daughter & I went to this very quaint tea shop a couple of Saturdays ago. Although the weather was awful, it was a very bad rain storm, we were warmly welcomed. There was a party and the place was full but we were properly cared for nonetheless. The hostess was very polite in spite of how busy they were. I had the soup & quiche and my daughter had soup and scones. The food was very tasty and the tea was just the thing for such an awful day. The shop was very cozy, very Victorian in style. There was much to look at as there is a large selection of teas & gifts for sale. I am looking forward to going back again soon! |
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- Cynthia O. 03/24/08 |
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Tearoom Response
Cynthia,I remember that day and you're right, the weather was really bad. Sometimes on days like that I would take my mother to tea. I recall one time we went to tea in a snow storm but we were cozy and warm and I have fond memories of my time spent with my mother. I thank you for being so understanding about the function taking place. Although my tearoom is small and sometimes hectic, we try to make all our customers feel special. Hope to see you both again soon. Sally
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Food: The Tea Leaf is a very traditional Tea Room promoting a calm, serene environment that offers a visitor a delightful hour or two of sampling and tasting a variety of teas. The staff is always friendly and efficient, the food selection is homemade, varied and changing per season, and the scones, without a doubt, will bring you back! Proprietor, Sally Collura, is always front and center, warmly greeting guests and making sure that everyone is having a good time. Sally is always willing to share her in-depth knowledge of tea and we always walk away knowing a little more about tea and tea traditions. The Tea Leaf offers a wide variety of bagged and loose-leafed teas, tea pots, tea cups, tea cozies, and tea accessories for purchase, along with a fine line of Victorian products... (more) |
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- Lois Matheson 03/16/08 |
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Tearoom Response
Lois & Leslie,Thanks so much for visiting once again. It's always my pleasure to chat about tea with people who truly appreciate this wonderful and beneficial beverage. Thanks also for bringing the wonderful samples of tea from The Portsmouth Tea Company.
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Food: I am very much appreciative of quality service, and my experience here is second to none. I am so glad I drove out to this beautiful town, with such a quaint and personable tea room! Sally. the owner, made sure that I learned of the town's history (she learned this was my first time in the area), 'must see and dine' spots and updated me on tea history. I had the quiche and soup combination with vanilla tea. It was all superb, perfect taste, temperature and flavor. Much appreciated on such a cold day (I am a Floridian)! This tea room had a large variety of loose leaf tea for purchase, magazines, teaware and other odds and ends. Great quick shopping and lunch opportunity. Thanks Sally for the fond memory! When in Central Florida, please let me take you to a tea room! I would love to return soon... |
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- Brenda Santelises, Apollo Beach, FL 03/07/08 |
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Tearoom Response
Brenda,It was a pleasure to meet you. I will recommend your book 'My Proper Tea' to my friends and family in Florida. Tea lovers can always use a good tea directory! I do hope that you will find yourself back in the Waltham area in the future and I hope to have the pleasure to chat with you again. Sally
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Food: We had a GRAND time having Tea with friends of almost 50 years. This was a wonderful afternoon filled with LOVE, FUN and LAUGHTER. The food was delicious, the service was delightful and the store was filled with treasures. We will be back some day soon! |
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- Barbara 02/23/08 |
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Tearoom Response
Barbara and friends,Thank you for visiting The Tea Leaf. I am SO happy that you all had such a memorble time together and it was wonderful to chat with you all even if it was for just a few minutes. Wishing you all many more memorable times with your dear friends!Sally
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Food: Our Femme Tea group held our monthly tea here in January and it was a real treat! There was only 2 people on staff that day and it was a busy Saturday afternoon, however, our tea hostess really did do a great job. I loved the atmosphere, the tea and the food and our group of 7 lingered quite a long time and no sense of being rushed at all. I had the Afternoon Tea and it was delicious. Only two minor issues: the menue stated that Devonshire cream was served with the Afternoon Tea, but unfortunately it wasn't and one of the desserts a chocolate strawberry was frozen and made for a minor brain freeze. But really these issues were minor and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this lovely tea house to any other loves of tea and all the accessories. |
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- Bri 02/17/08 |
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Food: The tea leaf located in Waltham Mass is below average. For starters it took the waitress over 30 minutes to serve us our tea, never mind the food.I would understand if it was busy, but there was no excuse, we were the first ones seated. However, because I had not ordered the Afternoon tea in advance, I agreed to wait the 20 minutes or so for it to be prepared. Meanwhile I ate crumpets and soup. Which took another 15-20 minutes for that to be served. Lastly, after waiting for a total of one hour and forty-five minutes the waitress gave us the bill....No Afternoon tea I guess. Either she forgot or she did not want our business. I didn't even bother speaking up because it probably would have taken another hour. To say the least The Tea Leaf is by no means the number one tea room in Massachuse... (more) |
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- Marie W. 02/10/08 |
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Tearoom Response
Marie, I remember who you are and I am sorry for the wait and the inconvenience to you both. When I came to your table to take your order, you pointed to the Afternoon Tea and I told you that reservations were required. I did tell you that if you didn't mind the wait, I would be happy to do the three-course Afternoon Tea for you. You then ordered the crumpets and the soup as well as a pot of tea for each of you. I never heard you say that you in fact wanted to have the three-course tea. I assumed that you were ordering a la carte instead. When I took your order, I even asked 'will that be all' and the response was 'yes'. After you both had your soup and crumpets, you then took the time to browse the shop but you never attempted to approach me regarding the Afternoon Tea or the service. I always try to be as accessible and approachable as I can. Again, I am sorry that you did not have an enjoyable experience.Sally |
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Food: I went for the first time recently with my mom who was feeling very tired and hungry and has chronic neck pain which was acting up the day we went to have lunch. After just a short time at the Tea Leaf my mom felt so much better and her pain eased enough for her to enjoy herself. I credit this to the very relaxing atmosphere, the good food and the friendly service by the hostess who, despite being out of cream cheese for the cucumber sandwiches my mom was hoping to have for lunch, made a fresh batch without us asking. She was super nice to me and my mom and I will certainly go back again |
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- Beth Mc 11/13/07 |
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Tearoom Response
Beth, Thank you for the kind words. I'm happy that The Tea Leaf was the respite that your mother needed that day. I am pleased when people come in and some tell me that it made their day. I do hope that you and your mother enjoy many tearoom times together as my mother and I have over the decades.
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