10 Places in Richmond to Grab a Cup of Tea
So, you’ve been binge-watching the latest season of Bridgerton, and now you’re dreaming of attending an afternoon tea? Same. That’s why we’ve rounded up a list of the best places in Richmond to grab a cup.
Tea Rooms
Image Source: The Jefferson Hotel
The Jefferson Hotel
If you’re going to have afternoon tea, you may as well commit to the bit. And The Jefferson is just the place. They go all in with tiered trays, proper service, and a setting that makes you sit up straight. You’ll want to make a reservation and wear something cute, because this is your main character moment.
Location: 101 W Franklin St (Downtown)
Image Source: Floris at VMFA
Floris at VMFA
Floris is tucked inside the VMFA, so you can wander the galleries and reward yourself with tea after. Their service lets you try more than one tea at a time (a huge win), plus a mix of sweet and savory bites. It’s nice but not stuffy, so it’s a good place to start your tea room journey without feeling like you need to rehearse your manners.
Location: 200 N Arthur Ashe Blvd (Museum District)
Image Source: The Queen’s Library Tea Room
The Queen’s Library Tea Room
The Queen’s Library Tea Room takes afternoon tea seriously but in a fun way. They lean into the experience and have themed teas (hello again, Bridgerton). You’ll still get the traditional setup with scones, sandwiches, and all the tea you can drink, but the vibe is less formal, so grab your friends and make a day of it.
Location: 9200 Stony Point Pkwy, Ste 128 (Stony Point)
Image Source: Lewis Ginter
Robins Tea House at Lewis Ginter
The Robins Tea House is less about the production and more about the setting. The move here is to walk the gardens first, then stop in for tea and light bites. Their menu is simple, the vibe is quiet, and it’s a good option when you want something slower paced without committing to a full afternoon tea.
Location: 1800 Lakeside Ave (Lakeside)
Image Source: Chez Foushee
Chez Foushee
Chez Foushee might not offer tea service year-round, but they make the most of it during the holidays. Their menu is French-inspired and a little more elevated than most tea rooms. Keep an eye out for reservations opening in November.
Location: 2 E Grace St (Downtown)
Tea Shops
Image Source: Carytown Teas
Carytown Teas
If you’re new to the tea game, Carytown Teas is a good place to start. They have a wide range of loose-leaf options and all the tools you didn’t even know you needed until you got there. You can keep it simple or accidentally leave with a whole setup — either way, they’ve got you covered.
Location: 2517 W Cary St (Carytown)
Image Source: Ben Wong’s Tea
Ben Wong’s Tea
The menu at Ben Wong’s Tea is full of bubble, fruit, and milk teas, plus fun sweet treats like mochi waffles and soft serve ice cream. It’s quick, casual, and the kind of place where you’ll want to try something new every time.
Locations: 100 Heaths Way Rd (Midlothian), 1700 Willow Lawn Dr, #111 (Willow Lawn)
Image Source: Rostov’s Coffee & Tea
Rostov’s Coffee & Tea
You may know Rostov’s for their coffee, but don’t sleep on their tea options. The selection here is solid and straightforward, so it’s good if you’re just getting started or if you need a quick restock.
Location: 1618 W Main St (The Fan)
Image Source: The Spice & Tea Exchange
The Spice & Tea Exchange
Between the different teas, flavored sugars, and spices, it’s very easy to get carried away here. It’s the place to go if you want to try something new, need something specific, or if you’re not even sure what you need. You’ll probably leave with more than you planned, but at least your at-home tea situation will be *chef’s kiss*.
Location: 3007 W Cary St (Carytown)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A born and bred Richmonder, Christine’s love of RVA runs deep. So does her love of words. She’s wanted to be a writer since she was 8 years old, leading her to earn a degree in Communication Studies from Roanoke College. Since then she’s edited and contributed to a handful of local and national publications. When she’s not working on her next article, you can find her taking walks throughout the city with her fiancé and their adorable rescue pitty Rosie. You can also find her on Instagram @christinewinder where she posts way too many photos of her cats.
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