Review: Rose and Blanc Tea Room in Los Angeles, CA

Exploring tea rooms is slowly becoming a new hobby and I'll be documenting my experiences in this new series. My first tea room was at Rose and Blanc in Koreatown in Los Angeles, CA and it did not disappoint. Keep reading to learn how it went.

I was excited for my first Afternoon Tea experience

The Experience

Upon arrival a little before noon, my friend Melissa and I waited for the tea room to open and then we were seated in the corner to avoid any loud events as Rose and Blanc is popular for large parties/groups. 

Once inside, pink walls, floral plates and gorgeous chandeliers greeted us. Intricate floral tablecloths and menus laid across every table. 

We heard great things about the iced lattes so I opted for my favorite Chai latte with oat milk and my friend Melissa ordered the Earl Grey latte. She said it was tasty and my Chai latte was deliciously sweet and one of the best I’ve ever had.

The Structure

Once our Rose Tea Set arrived ($38 per person), it came with three types of savory sandwiches (1. egg salad and basil aioli + 2. cucumber and dill, and 3. smoked salmon + truffle aioli). The flavors were great and paired nicely with our tea. 

On the second tier, we got the classic scones with jam and Devonshire clotted cream, a cream puff, and on the top tier, we got a seasonal macaron, and a pecan sable. Everything tasted so decadent and rich.

Near the counter, teas were on display on a shelf. I wasn't sure if these were available for purchase. 

Our bill was $83.22 and we tipped 18% for a total of $96.90. Our server was attentive and checked on us frequently. 

One of my favorite items was the salmon and truffle aioli on toast. It was so delicious, and the flavors weren't overpowering. 

By the time we finished our sandwiches and scones, we were already full. The Rose Tea Set at $38 per person was the perfect size for us. 

Here's a photo of my iced Chai with oat milk. It was sweeter than what I'm used to and I wish I had the recipe. 

Note, if you've got a larger-sized party, the Violet Tea Set is available at $50 per person and comes with four sandwiches and six desserts.  

This tea room is idea for special occasions, lunch gatherings, and an overall great catch up spot with friends and family. 

Address: 301 S. Western Ave #202, Los Angeles, CA 90020 

(3rd & Western intersection, entrance is on Western Ave & Free self-parking is available in the parking structure down below).

Hours: 
Saturday & Sunday:

1. Tea time: 12:00pm ~ 2:00pm

2. Tea time: 3:00pm ~ 5:00 pm or 4:00pm ~ 6:00pm

The tea room is located on the second floor of the plaza.

Know Before You Go 

There’s a parking garage but spots fill up quickly. I was able to snag a spot upon arrival and my friend took a Lyft. 
 

Reservations are a must since this tea room is only open on the weekend! Visit: https://www.roseandblanctearoom.com/ to book your spot. 

 

Have you tried afternoon tea? What was your experience like? Let me know in the comments. 

Don't forget to PIN this post! 

Afternoon Tea Tips for First Timers

Experiencing Afternoon Tea for the first time can be a memorable occasion and it definitely was for me. Here are some tips to help you make the most of it:

1. Dress Appropriately: While some venues may have a relaxed dress code, others might require smart casual or even formal attire. It's always a good idea to check in advance and dress accordingly. (We saw so many people dolled up in dresses and bows. I was transported onto the set of Bridgerton or Downton Abbey).

2. Understand the Structure: Traditional Afternoon Tea typically consists of three courses:

   - Savories: Finger sandwiches with various fillings.

   - Scones: Served with clotted cream and jam.

   - Pastries: A selection of cakes and sweets.

3. Tea Selection: There will usually be a variety of teas to choose from. If you're unsure, don't hesitate to ask for recommendations. Classic choices include Earl Grey, Darjeeling, or English Breakfast.

4. Etiquette:

   - Pinkies Down: Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to stick your pinkie out.

   - Stir Gently: When stirring your tea, do so gently to avoid clinking the spoon against the cup.

   - Napkin Use: Place your napkin on your lap and use it to dab your mouth as needed.

5. Eating Order: Start with the sandwiches, move on to the scones, and finish with the pastries. This progression allows you to enjoy the flavors from savory to sweet.

6. Scone Protocol: When eating scones, break them into small pieces with your hands rather than cutting them with a knife. Spread clotted cream and jam on each piece individually. (Oops, my friend cut the scone with her knife while I broke it into tiny bite sized pieces).

7. Pace Yourself: Afternoon Tea is meant to be a leisurely experience. Take your time to savor each bite and enjoy the conversation.

8. Special Diets: If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, inform the venue when making your reservation. Many places offer vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options.

9. Reservations: Afternoon Tea can be quite popular, especially at well-known establishments, so it's wise to book a table in advance.

10. Photography: If you want to take photos of your tea spread, do so quickly and discreetly so as not to disturb others or let your food get cold. (This place was definitey Instagram-worthy and everyone was taking photos and videos of their experience).

11. Tipping: Check if service charge is included in the bill. If not, a tip of 10-15% is customary for good service. (I tipped 18% as that was the first option on the bill).

12. Relax and Enjoy: Most importantly, relax and enjoy the experience. Afternoon Tea is as much about the ambiance and company as it is about the food and drink.

By following these tips, you'll be well-prepared to enjoy your first Afternoon Tea experience to the fullest.

Trip Resources

If you’re planning a road trip, here are some helpful sites that I use. Note, below are affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission for every booking, with no extra cost to you. Thanks so much, in advance!

Booking.com - Anytime we need a rental car, we use this site to find deals. 

Expedia.com - I like to use this site to explore upcoming cruises that I'd like to take. I also refer to it to compare hotel prices, flights, and car rentals. 

GetYourGuide.com - Book things to do, attractions, tours and discover new food. 

VRBO.com - When we’re not staying in an AIRBNB, we’re in a VRBO rental. We use this option when we want to enjoy a full house with individual bedrooms, a kitchen, backyard and other amenities. 

TripAdvisor.com - Anytime I want reputable reviews, tips, and overall advice about a vacation area, I leverage this site. 

Viator.com - Looking for cool tours in your vacation area? This site has a number of options.