If you are looking for a delicious gluten-free afternoon tea experience in San Diego, look no further! I have compiled a list of the five best locations in the city. As someone who has enjoyed afternoon tea in London, NYC, Dallas, and more prior to going gluten-free, it’s fair to say that my expectations are quite high.
However, each of these venues offers a unique and memorable tea experience, so be sure to check them all out!
Aubrey Rose Tea Room in La Mesa
This cozy tea room is located in La Mesa. They offer a traditional afternoon tea service that includes finger sandwiches, scones, pastries and unlimited tea. They are able to accommodate the following dietary restrictions but this information must be provided at the reservation, which can be made online or over the phone:
- Gluten-free ($3 extra)
- Vegetarian
- Nut-free
This is one of my favorite tea rooms in San Diego as their gluten-free service is complete with gluten-free scones, savories and desserts. I’ve had only pleasant customer service here and is the location I wrote about when I took myself on a self-care solo date. For hours of operation and to reserve, visit their website.
Shakespeare’s Corner Shoppe in Little Italy
Shakespeare’s Corner Shoppe is unique as they have themed afternoon tea services and events, such as their Downton Abbey, Bridgerton and Harry Potter-themed afternoon tea events. You can find those events here. Events tend to book quickly, so if you want to attend an event, I’d recommend booking early.
They accommodate the following dietary restrictions:
- Vegan
- Gluten-free ($2 extra)
While I enjoyed the customer service they provided, I found that in the gluten-free service, they substituted certain items such as the sausage roll for fruit, which didn’t feel like a fair alternative. The food was a 3/5 and I’d return to experience a themed event over re-experiencing their food selection. For more information on how to reserve, visit their website.
The Westgate Hotel
The Westgate Hotel, located downtown in the Gaslamp district offers a luxurious afternoon tea service with a gluten-free option. They have a small selection of organic teas and offer a traditional afternoon service, which is linked here. Reservations can be made online or over the phone.
While I enjoyed their organic teas, they did exchange scones for fruit. The best part of afternoon tea for me is the scones so that part was disappointing. One other note is they also didn’t use warmers for their tea pots, so the tea did get cold. Overall, I’d rate the food to be 3.5/5 and might return if they were able to offer a full gluten-free menu. For more information on how to make a reservation, visit their website.
The Grand Tea Room in Escondido
The Grand Tea Room is tucked away in Escondido and has an absolutely wonderful gluten-free tea service. This tea room offers a selection of more than 30 teas and all afternoon tea services include bottomless tea service and a full gluten-free menu. I would rate their tea service a 4/5 for customer service and food quality.
The Coral Tree Tea House in Old Town Mexico
The Coral Tree Tea House is located by Old Town Mexico and located in Old Town’s Heritage County Park. They offer gluten-free tea service and reservations must be made 48 hours in advance and made over the phone.
This is one I have not tried yet myself but once I do, I will leave feedback here.
Drop a comment below if you have tried any of these restaurants or have any gluten-free restaurant recommendations!
