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If you are as particular about your tea as I am, you already know that L.A. is a mecca for tea lovers. From rose petal elixirs served in tearooms on Melrose Avenue, to sleek tea-based cocktails you’ll discover out on the town, L.A. is stronghold for both unique and classic tea spots. The following are a sampling of the city’s steamiest hot spots:
I was thrilled to stumble across this tiny gem, hidden away in a quiet little plaza off Victoria Street in Santa Barbara. Just an hour drive from Los Angeles, you’ll find great Italian cuisine well worth the jaunt out of town. At Olio Pizzeria, which translates to (olive) oil pizzeria, you’ll encounter deliciously authentic thin crust pies prepared with abundant portions of olive oil and cooked in traditional wood-burning ovens just like they do back in Italy.
Catal Restaurant and Uva Bar is a must try restaurant in the Downtown Disney district serving unique Spanish cuisine, just steps from Disneyland in Anaheim.
Seeking delicious baked goods with a Cuban twist? Then Porto’s Bakery and Cafe in Burbank has you covered. This busy shop is always hopping, a result of its famous pastries, savory lunch specialities, and reasonable prices (most main dishes are in the $4-7 category).
Looking for a good breakfast joint with healthy ingredients that serves up both classic and unconventional treats? Then look no further than Jinky’s Cafe. With a relaxed California vibe and four locations across Los Angeles, Jinky’s has you covered for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
In the heart of Downtown Disney in Anaheim, you’ll find Tortilla Jo’s, a Mexican eatery full of Southern Californian flare. Located next to the Disneyland Resort, Tortilla Jo’s features upscale interior design highlighting rustic chandeliers and painted wall murals. Tortillas are hand-made on the premises, you’ll discover over 100 tequilas, and of course the desserts are delicious.
Outside the Tonga Hut in North Hollywood, a giant Polynesian Moai statue greets those seeking a little tropical bliss. Wedged between a brightly-lit bridal shop and a model store on a quiet strip of Victory Boulevard sits the oldest remaining tiki joint in Los Angeles, dating back to 1958.
A purple neon crown glows among the fake ivy that blankets the entire facade of Royal/T, a cafe, shop, and art gallery located steps from downtown Culver City. Royal/T is a Japanese-style cosplay (costume play) café, so the staff wear Japanese lolita maid costumes.
A Greek favorite: Spanakopita, a spinach pie pastry with generous layers of cheese nestled between thin sheets of phyllo dough.
