The Huntington's Rose Garden Tea Room

I believe they just opened so expect some kinks to be worked out. We were seated at a table too large for our party and adjacent to a swinging door to the service station. The staff was not cognizant of guests just beyond the door so they need to rethink this or train them accordingly if they continue seating people there. That there were numerous other tables available for seating in this room, the main tea room, at the time we were sat confused us all. When I asked if we could take another table I was told all others were reserved, the only other table available being a long table for 8 in the middle of the dining room. Didn’t I call/email for five weeks (I did btw) to get a reservation too? When they offered the herb room down the corridor, we were given a more intimate table for four also with several vacant, adjacent tables surrounding us that were seemingly also unavailable. After inquiring with the staff as to why I never truly got a clear answer. I can only assume these were reserved by members of the garden or more important people than us and they were not equipped to communicate their reasons. It was disappointing to say the least and more skill is needed with the front-of-house to navigate table-seating as guests check in. You cannot remain rigid in table assignments when you have numerous other vacant tables around the rooms. You accommodate the present diner and then reconfigure the room. This is hospitality 101. Thankfully our server, Angelina, was gracious and saved the day with her warmth and attention. Juan, another service person was equally friendly and inviting. I am gluten free so the fact that a gluten free tea is available is fantastic and the reason I came. The teas were pretty lovely but the food was mediocre. The offerings looked promising on the menu and the standout among them was the first item served which is the scone. These are delicious and you couldn’t tell it was gf. Ask for the real butter, marmalade, and lemon curd that accompanies the non-gf scones or you will get vegan butter. The scones are served warm which is as it should be. Now to the main tower of tea sandwiches. The toppings were great, the gluten free bread that they sat on was terrible. It crumbled as soon as you picked it up and was a challenge to even get to the mouth without falling apart. I ended up scraping the toppings off each one and leaving the bread. The add-on of lobster salad and white chocolate fondue is not exciting. The lobster salad was fine but the fondue’s accompaniments were freeze-dried raspberries and pineapple - what about fresh fruit?? All items, except the scones, were premade so all were chilled which felt convenient for the kitchen and disappointing for the diner. I envisioned walk-in refrigerators with countless three-tiered towers of tea fare sitting in the cold for several hours. At over $300 for four people I expected more. The Huntington Gardens are so grand, I certainly wanted their tea service to be equally so. I will not be back. Service was fabulous, atmosphere was elegant and inviting. Food was underwhelming.

Totally worth a fancy day out! We had a vegetarian and gluten-free in our party of eight and all the food was super delicious and they totally accommodated everyone. The tea selection is amazing and the service is excellent. Make sure you ask your server for recommendations for the tea, they were so knowledgeable about everything! And it’s so nice to walk around afterwards in the gardens to walk off all the food. I loved seeing everyone dress up, even saw people in historical dress, which was super cool and fun to see. Everything was clean and I love how they re-organize the building to be more open so you’re not squished right next to the table next to you. 10/10!