The eponymous tea at this charming circa 1911 cottage just a couple of blocks from the San Juan Capistrano mission -- listen closely and you can hear the bells -- comes with fruit salad; four triangular tea sandwiches; a crumbly, heart-shaped scone; and tea, but of course. * Los Rios tea, $18.95.

A perfect spot to spend an hour after a long day of shopping on Abbot Kinney, Jin Patisserie serves a wide selection of teas along with immaculately crafted food to a sophisticated crowd. Proprietor Kristy Choo has created a manicured oasis in rough and tumble Venice that draws customers from all over the Westside. The tea-infused chocolates are somewhat of an acquired taste, but you can’t deny or fail to appreciate the care and thought that went into making them. Various boxed collections are available and make a perfect gift for the epicurious. The perfect time to enjoy Jin Patisserie is on a quiet weekday afternoon when the traffic and crowds on Abbot Kinney are largely absent. If you can’t make it to the actual restaurant, visit their delightful website where many of their products can be ordered.

This sharp dining room in South Coast Plaza delivers modern French fare as well as a few traditional offerings. But the lunch menu also features a couple of "boutique tea sandwiches" that can hit the spot, mid-shopping spree. There's a creamy egg salad flavored with chives and garlic aioli, and roasted big-eye tuna with lemon zest and olive oil. * Sandwich, $13.

Once a week, Annie Miller's bakery and cafe gets fancy for afternoon tea. Between 3 and 5 p.m. Thursdays, tables are dressed in white linens and there's table service (instead of the usual order at the counter routine). Traditional scones are served with house-made clotted cream and lemon curd. And there are sandwiches such as gravlax on pain de mie. To finish: dainty sweets and a chocolate truffle. * Afternoon tea, $18.95.

An alternative to the better known tea spots out this way -- notably the Huntington and Rose Tree Garden -- this florist-cum-eatery is a popular bridal and baby shower venue. The signature afternoon tea is a sort of build-your-own affair that allows you to select any three of the dozen or so sandwich offerings, your choice of scone and one of the 50-plus teas. * Tea Rose afternoon tea, $16.95 per person.