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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in National City

Tea spots

A warm cup of tea is the simplest way to reset during a busy afternoon.

Based on 518 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Nandri Indian Cafe image 1
Nandri Indian Cafe image 2
Nandri Indian Cafe image 3
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Indian restaurant

Spacious cafe-style restaurant with an open roof and board games like checkers and chess available for guests. Atmosphere feels homey and kid-friendly, with cheerful music and a live band adding to the lively vibe. Seating areas are ample and airy, creating a comfortable and welcoming environment.

Unique, homemade Indian dishes come at a price under $10. The food offers authentic flavors and a lively atmosphere enhances the dining experience.

Chai here is light and beautifully spiced, never too sweet. Iced chai uses real organic spices and brews fresh, making it delicate and lively.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the dosa."

"The owners are so kind and welcoming, making the curry experience special."

"The chai here is beautifully spiced and not overly sweet."

Good to know

1

You can host events there.

2

There are microphones and speakers, suggesting they might host karaoke nights.

3

The parking lot in the back is a big plus.

02
PHO KHA RESTAURANT image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Small, clean Vietnamese restaurant with a cozy, welcoming atmosphere and casual vibe. Music ranges from easy listening pop to downtempo house, sometimes played loudly. Known for authentic pho, flavorful broth, and excellent vegetarian options.

Food features delicious Vietnamese comfort dishes with an amazing taste and smell. The menu includes bobba alongside other flavorful options.

Freshly made drinks stand out, especially the fruit teas and Mango boba tea. The Tea Passion Juice Drink also shows the focus on fresh ingredients.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here has the most flavorful broth I've ever tasted."

"The spring rolls with the peanut sauce were on point."

"The pho here has a rich, flavorful bone broth."

Good to know

1

PHO KHA RESTAURANT opens at 9 am for all menu items.

2

The menu offers a variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes at reasonable prices.

3

Parking is limited due to other establishments nearby.

03
Chร o XO Kitchen image 1
Asian restaurant

Small, elegant Asian restaurant with modern design and Asian-influenced art creates a warm, family-friendly atmosphere filled with plants and vibrant decor. The space feels inviting and comfortable, suitable for casual dinners or celebrations. An open bar adds to the relaxed vibe.

Fusion food hits the mark with fresh, flavorful dishes that balance taste well. Drinks and service match the amazing quality of the food, creating a solid dining experience.

Thai tea stands out as very sweet and refreshing, matching specific preferences closely. Other drinks include ginger yuzu tea and ube horchata, adding variety to the tea selection.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and yummy."

"The coconut ceviche here is amazing and presented very prettily."

"Their Thai tea was my favorite, so sweet and refreshing."

Good to know

1

The restaurant's grand opening is on March 21, 2024.

2

A special menu is available for Restaurant Week.

3

Parking is available in a shared lot, but can be limited.

04
Pho Mai Cali & Grill image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Small Vietnamese restaurant offers a cozy, relaxed atmosphere with a friendly, family vibe. Outdoor patio provides a pet-friendly dining option. Space feels cramped and slightly run-down but maintains a welcoming environment.

Food features fresh and tasty flavors with amazing quality and quick service. The dishes come at a higher price but maintain consistent deliciousness.

Sweet and delicious Thai Tea stands out, often served with boba. The Matcha Boba tea also offers a strong flavor, and iced coffee is available too.

People are saying

"The pho here is amazing and authentic."

"I found the food here to be delicious and fresh."

"Their pho was tasty, plentiful, and perfectly made."

Good to know

1

Parking at Pho Mai Cali is easy to find in National City.

2

The restaurant is pet-friendly and accommodates dogs on the patio.

3

Prices are affordable compared to other dining options in the area.

05
Friends of Friends image 1

Multi-concept space combines specialty coffee bar, vinyl listening lounge, and beer taps under one roof. Atmosphere blends 90's hiphop vibes with cozy, artistic design featuring vinyl records and hanging plants. Live DJs and vendors add energy, while ample seating and good Wi-Fi support social and remote work.

Food comes out quickly and tastes delicious. The menu offers a varied selection beyond typical coffee shop fare, including unique drinks and dishes.

Offers a variety of teas including calamansi tea and the OG. The pandan latte stands out among the tea options.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was fantastic and hit the spot."

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The baked goods here are amazing with my tea."

Good to know

1

Friends of Friends hosts art shows occasionally; check their schedule for details.

2

Live music events occur on Fridays and Saturdays; arrive early for good seats.

3

The coffee shop stops selling coffee at 4 pm but remains open until 8 pm.

06
Ichiban Sando image 1
Sandwich shop

Small sandwich shop with cozy vibes and cute murals creates a welcoming atmosphere despite cramped space. Friendly staff add to the hole-in-the-wall charm. Music plays softly, balancing quiet moments with lively lunch hours.

Food comes fresh with excellent flavor and high quality. Service matches the food's amazing value and taste.

Brown Sugar Milk Tea offers good value and pairs well with meals. Other options include Lavender Milk Tea and Taro Milk Tea with boba, both flavorful choices.

People are saying

"The sandwiches here are fluffy, crispy, and perfectly moist."

"I enjoyed the delicious milk teas and sandos."

"The chicken and egg sando food is drenched in sauce."

Good to know

1

You can order ahead using the website or via phone call.

2

They accept cash and card, but there is a charge for using a card, around 50 cents.

3

The place only offers inside seating.

07
Kem Coffee and Boba image 1

Cozy coffee counter inside a mom-and-pop Asian grocery store offers cream-based drinks with unique flavors like black sesame and buko pandan. The atmosphere is chill and welcoming, with no seating, making it ideal for grab-and-go visits while shopping for Asian snacks and ingredients.

Boba drinks stand out as a popular choice. The store offers a variety of Asian food items for shopping. Food quality is generally acceptable.

Offers black sesame cream milk tea with a unique nutty sweetness and a variety of flavored teas like matcha and coconut coffee. Prices stay lower than many other boba and tea spots.

People are saying

"I loved the rich and perfectly balanced Vietnamese coffee and boba drinks."

"I loved the ube kem and the green Thai tea."

"You'll love the Vietnamese coffee and boba drinks here."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from Monday to Friday from 2pm to 5pm with a buy 2 get 1 free deal.

2

Kem Coffee and Boba is located inside a grocery store, making it convenient for shopping.

3

There is no seating available, making it ideal for grab-and-go orders.

08
Boba Bar and Desserts image 1
Bubble tea store

Small bubble tea shop offers varied desserts and unique Puffle waffles with soft texture and flavorful toppings. Outdoor ordering with no dine-in option creates a busy, casual atmosphere especially late at night. Free parking and friendly staff add convenience to the experience.

Food tastes good and shows improvement over time. Service is slow, with waits around 20 minutes and no indoor dining, requiring ordering and pickup outside. Some cases of food poisoning have occurred.

Milk teas like Taro, Thai, and Matcha come with chewy boba that holds flavor well. Classic options with brown sugar or strawberry taste rich and never watered down.

People are saying

"I loved the Taro and Banana Smoothies with Boba."

"You have to try the Puffle waffle, it's a favorite!"

"The food here is flavorful and well-prepared."

Good to know

1

There is no dining-in option; order and wait outside for your drink.

2

Free parking is available in the attached parking lot.

3

The drink costs $7, which is standard pricing.

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