TL;DR summary: Located a short fifteen-mile drive down Highway 1 from San Francisco, Lovey's Tea Shoppe in Pacifica offers a remarkably cozy and unpretentious alternative to traditional high tea. Run by the incredibly welcoming owner, Gillian, this mom-and-pop gem features a tiny, charming interior decorated with quirky, mismatched china. With a robust menu of savory tea sandwiches, legendary hot scones with clotted cream, homemade crumpets, and an extensive loose-leaf tea selection featuring standout flavors like Midnight in Paris and Mango, it is a culinary delight. Whether you are booking a full afternoon high tea to celebrate a major milestone, or simply walking up to their dog-friendly outdoor patio for a quick post-hike bite, Lovey's is an authentic coastal destination that feels exactly like having tea at a dear friend's house.
The San Francisco Bay Area offers plenty of upscale dining experiences and modern bustling coffee shops, but sometimes the most memorable afternoons require stepping away from the urban grid. When you are looking to trade the high-speed city lifestyle for fresh ocean breezes, a short drive down the Pacific Coast Highway leads you to a captivating coastal escape in Pacifica. It is here, nestled right along the coast, that you will find Lovey's Tea Shoppe—a beloved local institution that delivers an exceptionally charming and down-to-earth tea experience.
Far removed from the stuffy, overly formal "royal tea" environments you might find in downtown luxury hotels, Lovey's operates with a genuine, mom-and-pop warmth. Owner Gillian and her attentive staff go out of their way to make every single guest feel like a VIP, offering continuous smiles and generous hospitality. The ambiance is beautifully quaint and delightfully eclectic, filled with mismatched teacups, vintage plates, and shabby-chic decor that gives the space a distinctly cozy character.
The High Tea Experience: Savory Bites and Exceptional Scones
For those looking to celebrate birthdays, milestones, or a dedicated Mother's Day afternoon, booking the full high tea service is a must. Because the interior is incredibly intimate—featuring only about six tables—it provides a quiet, relaxing environment that allows you to truly unwind and enjoy the company of your friends or family.
The food at Lovey's perfectly balances comforting tradition with satisfying flavors. The curated tea trays feature a rotating selection of delightful finger sandwiches. Depending on the day, you might find unique offerings like a shrimp and mayo sandwich, a savory chicken chutney, or a crisp green apple, cheese, and mustard pairing. These are beautifully complemented by a hearty portion of organic mixed greens tossed in a balsamic-Dijon vinaigrette and a side of fresh coleslaw.
However, the absolute stars of the menu are the baked goods. The scones are served piping hot and fresh from the oven, and the staff will rightfully advise you to eat them first to enjoy them at their peak. Paired with authentic, thick clotted cream and sweet raspberry preserves, they are widely considered by locals to be some of the best scones available on the West Coast. Additionally, you cannot leave without trying their homemade toasted crumpets served with vibrant, zesty Meyer lemon curd—an absolute must-order item that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors.
An Extensive and Aromatic Tea Selection
A tea shoppe is only as good as its brews, and Lovey's offers a massive, seasonally varying selection of loose-leaf teas. The knowledgeable staff is always ready to help you navigate the menu to find your perfect pot.
Customer favorites include the perfectly balanced Midnight in Paris, a refreshing Mango tea that shines with or without a splash of milk, and beautifully fragrant options like White Peach, Lychee Rose Green, and Wild Strawberry Herbal. They even offer a decadent chocolate tea that manages to capture rich cocoa notes without feeling artificially sweet.
Best of all, Lovey's features a wonderful little retail shop inside. After you finish your meal, you can browse a charming selection of cute teapots, delicate cups, and packaged loose-leaf teas to take home. They also offer online gift packages, meaning you can easily ship a taste of Pacifica to friends and family across the country (even as far as Wisconsin!).
Coastside Casual: Walk-ins and the Dog-Friendly Patio
If you do not have an advance reservation for the indoor dining room, Lovey's offers an incredibly popular "coastside casual" walk-up service. You simply place your order at their outdoor window and grab a seat on the patio.
While the outdoor seating area is situated adjacent to the busy highway and parked cars, it still maintains a magical coastal charm. It operates on a self-service, bus-your-own-table model, which makes it a wonderfully casual stop after spending your morning exploring the best hiking trails in the San Francisco Bay Area. Furthermore, the outdoor patio is incredibly dog-friendly. You can comfortably bring your furry best friend to relax by your feet, making it a fantastic destination after visiting the best dog parks in the San Francisco Bay Area.
For indoor walk-ins, Lovey's also features a large, open-seating community round table. If it is just you and a friend, this first-come, first-serve table is a great alternative to a formal reservation, allowing you to share a space and perhaps strike up a conversation with fellow tea enthusiasts. Oh, and unlike many city establishments, Lovey's offers easy, free parking right on site.
Making a Coastal Day of It
Because Pacifica is just a short drive from the city limits, an afternoon at Lovey's pairs perfectly with a broader coastal itinerary. After finishing your crumpets and tea, you can take a scenic drive north along the water. The route takes you right past the sprawling coastline, allowing you to easily visit the coastal paradise of Ocean Beach.
From there, you can easily transition into the laid-back neighborhoods of the city, experiencing the relaxed Sunset District lifestyle before heading home.
If the charm of coastal living, welcoming local businesses, and fresh ocean air captures your heart, be sure to browse our comprehensive San Francisco Bay Area neighborhood and city guides to explore homes that offer this kind of peace and quiet year-round.
FAQ: Lovey's Tea Shoppe
Where is Lovey's Tea Shoppe located?
Lovey's is located right on the Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1) in Pacifica, California, just about 15 miles south of San Francisco. It offers convenient free parking for patrons.
Do I need a reservation to eat there?
Because the interior is very small (only about six tables), reservations are highly recommended—and often required—for the full indoor high tea experience. However, walk-ins are welcome to order from the walk-up window and sit in the outdoor patio area, or grab a spot at the indoor community table if space permits.
Is Lovey's Tea Shoppe dog-friendly?
Yes! The outdoor patio tables available for walk-up service are completely dog-friendly, and the staff is known to be very welcoming to pets.
What are the must-order items on the menu?
The scones are legendary—served fresh and hot with authentic clotted cream and raspberry preserves. You should also highly consider ordering the homemade toasted crumpets served with their zesty Meyer lemon curd.
Can I purchase their tea to take home?
Absolutely. Lovey's features a retail section where you can buy their extensive loose-leaf teas, along with cute teapots, cups, and tea accessories. They also offer shipping for gift packages.