Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Loved by locals

Tea and sandwich spots in Core-Columbia

Made for those who prefer a light, refined lunch centered around a pot of tea and a sandwich.

Based on 678 Opinions
+675
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Ali's Chicken & Waffles image 1
Ali's Chicken & Waffles image 2
Ali's Chicken & Waffles image 3
View all
Chicken restaurant

Chicken restaurant offers clean, spacious interior with a chill vibe and wheelchair accessibility. Food is cooked to order, featuring crispy, tender chicken and halal menu options at reasonable prices. Games are available to play while waiting, adding a casual touch to the experience.

Thai iced tea blends half condensed milk and half coconut milk for a flavor like cereal milk. Mom's Iced Tea stands out and often gets reordered to go.

Spicy chicken sandwiches come with Ali's original sauce and deliver a bold flavor. Waffle chicken sandwiches pair well with Thai sauce or coconut syrup, offering a unique twist on fried chicken.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and well-priced."

"The chicken sandwich was the best I've ever tasted."

"You have to try the Thai iced tea with half condensed milk."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a halal menu with a variety of options.

2

Parking is a little tough in this area, but spots can be found on 6th Street.

3

You can order through their website for better prices.

02
MIO + TUO cafe image 1
Coffee shop

Large, open space with high ceilings and chic decor creates a calm, inviting atmosphere. Quiet and peaceful vibes suit reading, working, or relaxing with dog-friendly company. Clean, comfortable seating and cute plants add to the welcoming feel.

Brown sugar boba milk tea and Brown Sugar Dirty Chai stand out with rich flavors. The menu offers a wide selection including coffee, espresso, cold brew, smoothies, lemonade, and boba tea.

Sandwiches feature fresh ingredients and come in crispy croissant varieties. The menu includes customized options and specials that keep choices interesting and filling.

People are saying

"The coffee here is really, really good."

"Their Brown Sugar Dirty Chai was the best in the city."

"I loved their crispy croissant sandwiches."

Good to know

1

The cafe is dog-friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners.

2

The Cali Veggie Crunch is only available at 11:00am on the lunch menu.

3

The cafe has no working bathroom, which can be a dealbreaker for some customers.

03
Maestro Lounge image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant with elegant interior and high ceilings offers a relaxing atmosphere enhanced by smooth, high-quality hookah and lively music on weekends. The space includes a patio for outdoor dining and features well-ventilated hookah areas up front. Guests enjoy flavorful dishes like lamb chops and kabobs in a setting that balances comfort with vibrant energy.

Karak tea stands out as a delicious choice here. The spot offers good chai and red tea, often enjoyed alongside knafeh or light meals like pita with zaatar and falafel wraps.

Sandwiches feature crispy fries and fillings like Chicken Tawook, kafta, and gyro with pickle. The chicken garlic sandwich adds a flavorful touch to the menu.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, delicious, and full of flavor."

"I finished my meal with red tea, a perfect ending."

"I thought the kafta sandwich was delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour prices for shisha are available all day on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.

2

Karaoke starts at 10pm on Thursdays with a two-drink minimum.

3

Brunch meetings are held at Maestro Lounge on weekends.

04
Afternoon Tea at The Westgate Hotel image 1

Elegant dining room features chandeliers and a live harpist, creating a classy, upscale atmosphere. Decor blends vintage romance with spotless cleanliness, offering a beautiful and serene setting. The environment stays calm and not crowded, suitable for relaxed gatherings.

Loose leaf tea comes with a wide variety of choices and pairs with a 3-course selection of tasty appetizers, sandwiches, and desserts. The tea service feels elegant and takes place in a lovely setting with attentive service.

Gourmet sandwiches come with a 3-course selection including appetizers and petite desserts. A wide variety of teas accompanies the savory bites.

People are saying

"The food took a really long time to arrive."

"It took a while for the tea and desserts to arrive."

"The sandwiches took forever to arrive, and we almost missed our plans."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for afternoon tea, especially during busy seasons.

2

Parking costs $10 for three hours; be mindful of your time to avoid extra charges.

3

The Winter Wonderland Holiday Tea event requires reservations in advance.

05
Kuma Cafรฉ image 1
Coffee shop

Small coffee shop offers cozy indoor and outdoor seating with a dog-friendly patio. Atmosphere stays calm and chill, suitable for reading or casual lunch. Frequented by locals, it feels like a neighborhood gem with a steady flow of quick visits.

Offers a great selection of teas including black rose tea latte and Earl Grey. Tea pairs well with light meals like sandwiches.

Breakfast sandwiches stand out with options on large croissants and panini-toasted bread. Varieties include pulled chicken, ham egg and cheese on olive oil bread, and turkey, some with a peppery kick.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be excellent, especially the vanilla bean latte."

"I loved the kale and aรงaรญ smoothies; they tasted wonderful."

"I enjoyed the black rose tea latte."

Good to know

1

Kuma Cafรฉ is located in downtown San Diego, near the tram station.

2

Expect to wait a little if you don't call ahead with your order.

3

The cafรฉ offers a variety of menu options, including healthy breakfast choices.

06
Portside Coffee & Gelato image 1

Harborfront setting offers panoramic water views and dock seating that create a relaxed atmosphere ideal for starting the day or working. Seating includes various table sizes with umbrellas, enhancing comfort in a cozy, peaceful environment. The spot draws a casual crowd enjoying the unique waterfront vibe.

Chai tea stands out with its phenomenal flavor served hot or iced with oat milk. Matcha latte also features as a very good option, and both chai and coffee come at the cheapest prices in the area.

Breakfast sandwiches feature generous ingredients and include cream cheese spread. The croissant sandwich pairs well with coffee and offers great flavor.

People are saying

"The coffee here is amazing with the sparkling ocean view."

"The tea here is served by the kindest, friendliest staff."

"The breakfast sandwiches here are delicious and generously portioned."

Good to know

1

You need to order your food and drinks at the kiosk in the front.

2

Parking isn't the best, and I should expect to park far away and pay.

3

They accept some credit and debit cards as an additional payment method besides cash.

07
Miracle Potion Cafe & Tea Room image 1

Cozy cafe with soft pink decor and cherry blossoms creates a dreamy, inviting atmosphere. Two floors offer plenty of seating, including bean bags and spaces for yoga and photo opportunities. Desserts stand out as a delicate, delicious highlight amid a warm, welcoming vibe.

Offers a unique Afternoon Tea Experience with friendly staff explaining tea benefits. Features standout drinks like the Dirty Banana Chai, blending creamy banana, chai spice, and espresso, and the refreshing Oolong Peach tea with fruity notes.

Warm croissant sandwiches come with prosciutto or vegetarian fillings that are flavorful and filling. These sandwiches pair well with tea and lattes during afternoon service.

People are saying

"The tea room is so charming and pretty, I loved it."

"The desserts here are so pink and dreamy, it's beautiful."

"I was impressed by the idea of warm croissant sandwiches and a latte."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on the street, especially in the morning.

2

The pastries are baked on-site every morning.

3

Expect to pay around $25 for two coffees and a herbal tea.

08
Yalla Habibi image 1
Lebanese restaurant

Small dining area creates an intimate setting with simple decor focused on food. Warm, welcoming atmosphere features Middle Eastern music that adds to a cozy, family-oriented vibe. Noise levels rise during busy times, but the space remains inviting and safe.

Hot Turkish tea adds warmth to the experience, especially on cold days. The tea served is consistently enjoyable and complements the setting well.

Beef shawarma sandwiches come with tasty, well-seasoned meat and the gyro sandwich features a warm, soft wrap. Both sandwiches offer rich, marinated flavors that stand out.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is so delicious, especially the baba ganoush."

"The hot tea here is great and enjoyable."

"The beef shawerma sandwich was the best I had."

Good to know

1

Yalla Habibi does not have a restroom.

2

The restaurant can get very busy, so I recommend making reservations.

3

There are various vegan options at Yalla Habibi.

Discover more

Core-Columbia, San Diego

Area guide
Loading Map...