Steeped in Tradition: Discovering Rhode Island's Charming Tea Scene
Rhode Island: where the tea is sweet, the treats are tastier, and your pinky finger is required to be raised. Okay, maybe not that last part, but trust us, you'll want to get fancy when you experience the delightfully quirky world of RI's afternoon tea scene! Picture this: you, nestled in a charming coastal town or a swanky Newport mansion, surrounded by doilies, dainty cups, and enough sass to make the Dowager Countess proud. And the tea? It's not just about the Earl Grey, honey! From fruity fusions to spicy surprises. And don't even get us started on the snacks - we're talkin' flaky pastries, scones with a side of eye-rolling banter, and finger sandwiches so tiny, you'll need a magnifying glass (just kidding, but wouldn't that be a thing?). So if you're ready for a tea time that's a little bit classic, a little bit sass, and a whole lot of fun, then Rhode Island is your cup of... well, you know. Come on down, and let's get this tea party started!
Val's English Tea & Pie Shop
Tucked away in the charming town of Greenville, Val's English Tea & Pie Shop is a must-visit for any Anglophile. This cozy spot promises an authentically British tea experience, complete with traditional afternoon tea service. A full afternoon tea at Val’s English Tea and Pie Shop grants you five different courses, all served on tiered plates, along with bottomless tea served in individual pots. Sample a little bit of everything, including four types of crustless finger sandwiches; two types of warm scones slathered with jam, butter or imported clotted cream; sweet and savory pastries; and a cream dessert. The owner brings her traditional English cooking to life with bites that are sure to make your mouth water and with so much to choose from you might even need a “doggy bag” to take with you. You're also sure to love all the dainty china sets and don’t forget your picture with the Queen. Make your reservation on Thursday/Friday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, Saturday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Sunday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Ceremony
At Ceremony, nestled in Providence, tea lovers find something special: unique leaves sourced directly from small farms across Asia. Their buyers travel through China, Taiwan, and Japan each season, carefully selecting teas that tell a story of place and craftsmanship. Their selection process is refreshingly simple yet rigorous. Each tea earns its place through a careful evaluation of its growing region, production methods, and most importantly, its taste. This dedication to quality means their tea list changes with the seasons, featuring only the finest leaves available. Ceremony's space reflects this same attention to detail. Their pottery collection bridges Asian craftsmanship with local artistry, offering both traditional and contemporary pieces for tea enthusiasts. For those seeking a deeper connection to tea culture, their private ceremony room hosts intimate tastings by appointment, where guests can experience these exceptional teas in their purest form.
Visitors can explore Ceremony's tea world doors open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM, Fridays from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Sunday hours vary and it is best to check their website. Tea enthusiasts are encouraged to schedule their private tastings in advance to ensure the full ceremonial experience.
Afternoon Tea at Hotel Viking
This is the spot for after-lunch and before-dinner shenanigans. Choose from the five tea varieties at Newport's Hotel Viking’s afternoon tea service, including the Smith Tea brand for all the loose-leaf and bagged teas. Tea offerings often rotate, but if your preferred flavors include Lord Bergamot, British Brunch, and Peppermint Leaves, you’re in luck as these teas are almost always in stock, especially during the colder months. Like the teas, the snack menu is ever-changing depending on the time of year. Expect to find two to three savory sandwich choices to share with your party, in addition to petit fours and scones for dessert. Pair the decadent treats with a variety of jams, clotted cream, and lemon curd. For an additional charge, order some sparkling wine for an extra-special treat. Book early for your Saturday or Sunday seating from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm.
Sailor’s Tea Hour at The Vanderbilt
The Vanderbilt's High Tea Hour features a menu full of herbal, black, and green teas with savory bites, pastries, and sweets as humble companions. Besides ordering this match made in heaven — Earl Grey lavender tea and housemade scones — it would be a crime not to get the famed and delicious Color of the Year herbal tea, containing butterfly pea flower, rose, lemongrass, and lemon verbena. Hours: Sailor’s Tea Hour is 2–4 p.m. daily, $55 per person. While in Newport call for more info or to reserve a table.
Your Global Sensation Schastea
Drink a soothing cup of green, black, or white tea (the white coconut creme is a personal favorite) at this minimalist creperie and tearoom. Tea blends like masala chai, lychee peach, and green pear — Schasteâ, downtown Providence, carries more than sixty premium loose-leaf teas sourced from all over the globe — are crafted in-house, and are best enjoyed with one of their crepes. Consider ordering both a savory and sweet one, like the fig and prosciutto paired with a brown sugar or Cajeta crepe with Mexican caramel and toasted almonds. Non-crepe options are up for grabs as well, including the tea-infused baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, cocktails, and specialty drinks. Open 7 days a week 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.
From our Family To Yours Trinity Confections
A reservation at Trinity Confections calls for the full-course high tea menu, made from scratch using time-tested family recipes. Quiche with fruit and homemade soup are some of the many gems on the menu, while the tea tray overflows with canapes and tea sandwiches, biscuits, cupcakes, scones with cream and jam, adorable Linzer cookies, and French truffles. For high tea service hours at the Warwick establishment, we recommend a reservation be made at least one week in advance. Time slots available are Fri.–Sun. with two-hour seatings at 12, 12:30, and 1 p.m.
Mystical Magic at Fairy Tea
Step into a world of whimsy at FairyTea, Warren's newest enchanted escape. This women-owned tea room transforms afternoon tea into a magical experience, with twinkling fairy lights creating a cozy sanctuary where friendships bloom and laughter dances in the air. Visitors can indulge in a carefully curated selection of teas paired with delightful finger sandwiches and fresh-baked pastries, all served in a space where its owners have poured their hearts and creativity into every delightful detail. It's more than just tea – it's a storybook afternoon comes to life in the heart of historic Warren. Visit Thursday through Sunday 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Chinese Tea House:
Perched dramatically on the cliffs of Newport, the enchanting Chinese Tea House at Marble House offers visitors a glimpse into America's Gilded Age splendor. Built in 1913 by Alva Vanderbilt Belmont, this architectural gem served as more than just a tea room—it became a sophisticated gathering spot for the suffragist movement. Today, guests can still experience the magic of afternoon tea while gazing out at the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by the same ornate architecture that once hosted Newport's elite social circles.
The Chinese Tea House offers two distinct dining experiences. For casual visitors, there's a self-serve café featuring sandwiches, salads, and light bites. For those seeking something more refined, Stoneacre Brasserie serves an elegant prix fixe afternoon tea on Saturdays and Sundays. The afternoon tea service is available only to mansion tour ticket holders or Preservation Society members. For the best experience, plan your visit during their four daily seating times, starting at 10 AM. The menu changes seasonally, featuring classic tea sandwiches and fresh pastries, all served with spectacular ocean views.
Sweet Marie's Tea Cottage
Located in the heart of historic Wickford Village, Sweet Marie's Tea Cottage is an establishment filled with rustic charm that will transport you to a bygone era. This quaint tea house offers a variety of tea services, from traditional afternoon tea including finger sandwiches, dainty petit fours, scones, cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches, cookie dough truffles and prosciutto canapes to a special evening tea prix fixe menu complete with cocktails and savory bites. With its cozy ambiance and delightful menu options, Sweet Marie's is a gem that's not to be missed, it’s too adorable to describe, you need to see this for yourself. Be sure to make a reservation, as this popular spot fills up quickly, especially on weekends.
The Culture of Tea at Black Leaf
Calling all tea people: Black Leaf in Providence is your new happy place. Open Monday through Friday 7 am-8 pm, Saturday 8 am-9 pm, and Sunday 9 am-6 pm, this isn't your grandmother's tea shop (though she'd totally love it here too). Skip the coffee chain chaos and sink into their ridiculously comfy armchairs with blends like Maple Matcha Madness or their famous Lavender Earl Grey that'll make you forget what stress feels like. Their tea experts speak actual human, not just fancy tea lingo, and with free Wi-Fi, plenty of outlets, and a no-judgment policy for laptop camping, you might just make this your new office. Don't miss Saturday tastings or Tuesday Tea & Trivia nights — and yes, their rewards program means your tea addiction finally pays off. Whether you're a morning sipper or an afternoon steeper, Black Leaf's got your cup of comfort ready.
Steeped in Charm
Rhode Island is home to a delightful array of tea rooms that will transport you to a world of lace, tiered serving dishes, and endless pots of steaming brews. Whether you're indulging in a traditional afternoon tea service or simply stopping by a local tea shop for a quick cuppa, you'll find endless ways to experience the comforting charm of tea time in this special place. So the next time you find yourself in Rhode Island, be sure to take a moment to slow down, steep a cup, and soak up the delightful atmosphere. After all, as the old saying goes, "there's always time for tea!"