LOS ANGELES
MillenniumBiltmore Hotel. Sink into overstuffed chairs to savor chocolate truffles in the hotel's Rendezvous Court. In addition to black or herbal teas, the daily Empress High Tea service includes a glass of sparkling wine, sherry, or kir ($24). 506 S. Grand Ave.; 213/612-1562.
NORTHRIDGE
The Gilded Rose Manor0. Dine in a Victorian valentine in this flower-bedecked tearoom. Scones are served on bone china that customers can purchase right off the table. Enjoy afternoon tea or candlelight tea dinners ($35). Closed Mon. 17114 Devonshire St.; www.gildedrosemanor.com or 818/831-0511.
PASADENA
Ritz-Carlton, Huntington Hotel & Spa. Tea in the hotel's Lobby Lounge is an elegant experience, from the three-tiered silver serving plates to the harpist playing in the background. Tea served Thu-Sun. 1401 S. Oak Knoll Ave.; 626/585-6240.
SAN MARINO
Rose Garden Tea Room. The tearoom at the Huntington serves a traditional English spread in a nontraditional buffet ($13). Great for kids, because they can choose what they want. Museum admission ($13) required; closed Mon. 1151 Oxford Rd.; www.huntington.org or 626/683-8131.
SANTA MONICA
Tudor House. Like visiting England without the plane ride, the Tudor House is as British as beans on toast. In fact, they offer that culinary quirk, as well as more traditional tea fare. The casual atmosphere makes this a winner for kids. 1403 Second St.; 310/451-4107. ―Susan Lendroth
