The Cutest New Afternoon Tea Spot in the Bay Area (Half Moon Bay)

Afternoon tea done well is a truly magical experience. For as long as I can remember, getting dressed up and going out to tea has been a favorite ritual for the ladies in my family. 

Just this month, an adorable new tea spot opened up in downtown Half Moon Bay, close to where I grew up. Nestled right in the heart of this picturesque coastal town, By the Teashore is seriously the cutest place to enjoy afternoon tea in the Bay Area. 

Let me tell you why!

The Difference

The two most critical aspects of afternoon tea are the atmosphere and the tea service. Unfortunately, far too often, tea places only get one thing right and miss the other. 

However, located in a charming seaside town in a Victorian house-turned-restaurant, By the Teashore excels on both fronts: delivering an upscale experience with delicious food at affordable prices. 

I can’t claim to have tried every tea spot in the Bay Area, but I’ve experienced enough to know what stands out (and what falls short).

While the Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay is a fun splurge, it lacks the quaint charm of a smaller establishment. Lisa’s Tea Treasures, another one of our go-to tea regional chains in the South Bay, has excellent food and service, but it has a more corporate feel. 

By contrast, Lovejoy’s Tea Room and its sister shop Lovey’s strive to create a cozy atmosphere that aims for “eclectic” but can come across as a little haphazard.

In addition, we’ve been to quite a few others that I can’t even remember the names of, since they were honestly… a bit forgettable. 

By the Teashore is anything but that. Even before we walked through the door, from the moment we approached the brightly colored building, we were captivated by the magic of a truly extraordinary afternoon tea experience. 

During our visit, we had the opportunity to walk around the shop with Angela, the owner, as she described each vintage-style mirror that she had painstakingly selected and enthusiastically talked about the scones she had spent hours baking. 

It immediately became clear that Angela understands the essence of what afternoon tea should be. And she’s made it her mission to make that experience accessible to more people.

The Charm

When it comes to afternoon tea, I feel very strongly about atmosphere. I believe that you should feel as if you have entered a bubble, where you are protected from all the cares of the outside world. As soon as I walked into By the Teashore, I knew I was in the right place. 

Formerly a Victorian home built in 1903, the building plays a huge role in the tea shop’s character. Painted in bubble gum pink with a deep teal interior, it’s both eye-catching and uniquely coastal — a color scheme that combines classic tea house with a nod to the water nearby.

From the detailed crown molding to the huge bay windows that let in plenty of natural light, By the Teashore makes you feel like you’ve walked straight into a country manor from a Jane Austen movie. The walls are covered with mirrors, china, and other decor — all thoughtfully chosen and styled by Angela. 

Rather than overwhelming the space with retail, she has kept the focus on the guest experience. Each detail feels intentional: while there are a couple of bookcases with vintage teacups and handmade tea cozies, the space is designed first and foremost for enjoying tea, not shopping.

Even the bathroom feels glamorous, with its Art Deco wallpaper and golden curtains. You can just tell that every single element has been carefully considered. 

Music plays softly in the background, enveloping you in the ambience. After we finished eating, we lingered over our tea far longer than we meant to, since we were having such a lovely time.

The Tea Service

As much as I enjoy tea, the food is equally important for a high tea experience. Afternoon tea typically includes finger sandwiches, scones, and miniature desserts (aka my favorite food groups).

Since By the Teashore is brand new, the menu is more curated for now, with plans to expand. They feature two menus: breakfast on weekend mornings, and afternoon tea later in the day throughout the week. 

Three different tiers of tea service are available to choose from, each served with a bottomless pot of tea. In addition, there’s a kids’ menu and the option to order sandwiches, desserts, or scones à la carte. My pot felt truly bottomless — it’s the only time I’ve never run out of tea!

We chose the middle option, the Half Moon Tea, which included two sandwiches, a scone (with preserves, lemon curd, and clotted cream), a mini quiche, salad, fruit, a macaron, and a lemon lavender cookie shaped like a half moon. While we each ordered our own, for a small fee, you can also split one for a lighter experience.

We tried the egg salad, cucumber, and curried chicken sandwiches, all excellent — the curried chicken was the best I’ve ever had! My scone was Earl Grey & lemon, while my mom’s blueberry and orange was just as good. The quiche, macaron, and lemon lavender cookie were also lovely (though fair warning: the lavender flavor is strong!).

True to form, everything was presented beautifully with elegant china and tiered serving trays. 

The Value

Afternoon tea is always a treat, but it can add up quickly. That’s why I was so pleasantly surprised by By the Teashore — it was one of the most affordable teas I’ve had in a long time, without sacrificing quality.

Angela’s vision is that tea shouldn’t be reserved only for special occasions (though it certainly works for those, too). Instead, she wants it to be something you can enjoy more often. With hours Wednesday through Sunday, you can escape for a mid-week indulgence or linger over a weekend afternoon.

As someone who’s tried many afternoon teas, I found the value here outstanding.

The Location

I’m admittedly a tad biased as a native (it’s right next door to where I grew up), but Half Moon Bay really is the cutest spot. Something about the combination of By the Teashore and the town’s coastal charm reminds me of Lyme in Jane Austen’s Persuasion: a seaside town that’s quaint, romantic, and a little foggy.

By the Teashore is located on Main Street in the heart of downtown. Parking can be competitive, especially on weekends, but you’ll usually find a spot within a couple of blocks.

If you’re making a day of it, wander through the boutiques (I especially love Crow’s Nest and Jupiter & Main) or stop at Half Moon Bay Lavender on Highway 92 for plants and gifts. Afterward, enjoy a glass of wine at HMB Wine & Cheese or a pint at Sacrilege or HMB Brewing Company. 

For something outdoorsy, the Coastal Trail and the beach are both nearby. Depending on the season, you can also visit a local farm — from pumpkin patches in the fall to Christmas tree farms in winter, it’s all part of the Half Moon Bay experience.

For dinner, some of my favorite places include downtown spots like It’s Italia, Fattoria e Mare, and Pasta Moon, as well as coastal classics such as Sam’s Chowder House and Miramar Beach Restaurant.

The Scoop

Planning your visit to By the Teashore? Here’s everything you need to know. 

Since they just opened, a few details are still being fine-tuned, but the staff is warm and very receptive to feedback — they’re clearly committed to making the experience as welcoming as possible.

Seating

The space is cozy inside, which to me only adds to the charm (it is a historic building, after all).

There’s also a heated outdoor patio that’s dog-friendly, but I recommend sitting indoors. The Victorian interior is a big part of the experience, and Half Moon Bay can get pretty chilly.

Hours

Their hours have recently changed, but I’ve confirmed these are current:

• Afternoon Tea: Wednesday-Sunday, 11 am-4 pm (last seating at 2:30 pm)
• Breakfast: Saturday/Sunday, 9-11 am (last seating at 10:45 am)

Reservations

Reservations can be made online and are highly recommended, especially on weekends. 

As Henry James wrote in The Portrait of a Lady, “There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” By the Teashore captures the magic of that hour perfectly: a charming Half Moon Bay escape for anyone craving afternoon tea in the Bay.

More Bay Area Gems

Looking for more ways to explore the Bay Area? Check out some more favorite spots of mine.