The Living Room

Basically all of the pastries and the finger sandwiches are dried and did not look fresh. The scones were warm, however, The butter cream and lemon curd were harden, seem like they prepackaged these in the fridge for a while. We can see dried edge. The tea is room temperature, which is so ridiculous. There were no host attending when we arrived. We have to go all the way to the dinning area to get someone to help. The busboy saw us, but completely ignored us. The server gave me a dirty look when I asked for togo box, I wanted to box the cap cake home for fun.

My first time for afternoon tea to celebrate my daughter’s birthday and everything was superb. Kevin was a fabulous waiter. We will get back for more celebrations.

For the price they charge ($115) the Afternoon Tea was mediocre. Was asked almost immediately after we sat down “do you know what you want”. No explanation of the types of tea or food when delivered.

When asked for another tea was told “one type per person” and they could fill it up with water.

I’ve never been to an afternoon tea that has taken this approach.

It was slightly humid and warm that day, so hot tea added to a hot flash experience. Misters would have been nice for the afternoon crowd. Service was good, beautiful ambience. When it’s back inside I’ll be back!

I have been to afternoon tea several times but this is my first time at this location.

As the first person to arrive for afternoon tea service, I was mostly ignored. The hostess, who came after me, serviced a more vocal patron and then went to the biggest party afterwards. In fact, as she started seating people, I heard her say to someone else, because you were the first person here, I will seat you first. I took offense, as that statement was not true.

I was seated in a very sunny spot, and had very little shade. No one acknowledged this until the manager came to ask me if I would like a little more shade. The poor guy had to move the umbrella all by himself; for which I was very grateful.

In terms of the service, very little was explained to us. We felt like we were the least important people in the room, as we were the last to receive service. We had ordered several drinks, and I found that I was lacking in the water that I had ordered because of the sunny spot that I was seated.

The tray was divine looking but I found that there was substantially less food than at the other places that I had visited. In fact, there was only one small portion of each item on the three layers. It didn't give me a chance to enjoy it, especially since I was sharing. At other locations, they give you substantially more food for a substantially lower price.

The tea that I chose was the Peninsula Mango tea but it tasted more like a raspberry. No sugar was provided, so, it was quite tart. I also found that place settings were not readily available and we had to wait until after the first course was served which was the desiccated peaches with a mint ice cream. We watched it melt.

Eventually, other tables were served with water and also place settings. I had to ask for these things and sometimes I didn't get it.

Although, the experience was unique for Los Angeles, I felt that they could have done much better.

Service 1/10
Food 5/10
Value 3/10
Overall 5/10

It was insanely hot that day. Not anyone's fault, but not enough shade made the experience uncomfortable. Maybe get some misters? Also, they have you wait inside before seating you outdoors. A family of 5 adults and teens was next to us unmasked the entire time. Please tell your guests to wear masks when indoors at all time.

It was really hot outside with not enough umbrellas. The price point is very high ($115++)for what they offer, especially with the new outdoor setting and limited menu. The servers were quite busy, were not able to be very attentive. They pipe in some music and have a fountain outside, but other than that, the atmosphere is nothing special. They should automatically have a plan for how to manage the heat - e.g. what can they offer in place of hot tea on a hot day and how to manage the presentation. The sandwiches looked unappetizing pretty quickly (e.g. crab on a lettuce bib, lobster roll)They do not allow for dietary substitutions (cannot eat cheese) without an upcharge because they said everything is pre-made - which doesn't sound appetizing either. We had to repeatedly ask for ice and iced water. I brought my daughter and was told we could order a la carte - she cannot eat all that they provided and that was not possible when we arrived. All around it just wasn't a great experience.

This is a experience of self indulgence. If you're in that mood, it's very pleasant--although the day we went, it was 90 degrees which, with outdoor seeing only, detracted substantially from the experience. Misters, perphaps? If the weather is good (or if the world every evolves such that one can dine indoors again, one can count on good food & excellent service.

This tea was not what I previously experience at the Peninsula. The price has increased enormously and the food although presented elegantly was only fair. The scones were cold as if they were defrosted from the night before. The bread on the tea sandwiches was stale. We had to ask to have a table cloth put on the table and had to return cups that were not clean properly. If you like sitting in the heat, this is the venue for you. But, don't sit too long as your desserts will melt on your plate.

I got bug bites all over my body. Email hotel regarding the bites but received no repose so far.

We didn't think the food, ambience, service was as good as it was in December when we visited last (pre COVID). The prices have gone up, the food was not as tasty and doesn't do well in the heat outside. The ambience is still nice, but you don't get the harpist. You feel like you are sitting in the walkway rather than the elegance of the Library. The attention to sanitation/cleanliness is 10 out of 10.

I know they trying their best during COVID 19 but nothing replace the Living Room Experience. They have made the menu too fussy and way too expensive.

We had the most fantastic day. Everything from the food to the service was top notch and you can’t beat 35$ bottomless Laurent Perrier

Exquisite atmosphere and the best high tea in town! Everything was delicious.

Such a unique and elegant experience! My fiancée and I really enjoyed ourselves and even splurged on the caviar!

Excellent High Tea in a lovely setting. The service is wonderful. They are incredibly detailed on cleaning, witnessed them with a uv-c hand lamp sanitizer for the sofas and pillows. They have someone take your temperature upon arrival.

It's probably not what you want if you are looking for a restaurant restaurant or are a foodie. But then when many restaurants still being closed, it was one of the few choices available and did the job.

Very relaxing, the servers were not intrusive, the tea and hors d’oeuvre were delicious

Just exquisite from beginning to end. Everything was amazing.
If you know that you’ll spend about $250 (for two at the imperial tea level, including champagne) and take your time and make it an experience — it’s more than worth it.
Delicious, plentiful, beautiful presentations.
One of the best high teas I’ve ever had.

I had a great experience. The staff were very nice and the food was good too. I would recommend this place to others.

Wonderful experience with my daughter. Carlos, our server, was wonderful and the food and tea were excellent. Looking forward to returning on my next visit!

Absolutely stunning building both interior and exterior. Service was amazing — thank you Carlos — and the food was great. We went there for high tea in the Living Room for a birthday and were very pleased. Dress code was smart casual to what was she thinking. We had drinks in the bar afterward and received great service there as well with unique drink orders. Will definitely return.

I love Afternoon Tea at the Peninsula. However, the service has diminished over the years.

First, our server called "Afternoon Tea" "High Tea." These are very different things as "High Tea" is served later in the day with much different food.

He also didn't know if they had decaf Earl Grey. This information on the tea selection is pertinent for the job.

After we ordered, we waited over 20 minutes for our food. Other tables whom ordered way after us had their food but us. We were in the corner so the server didn't check on us much. So I had to get up and ask him about our food.

We finally got our food and when finished, our server did not come back. I again had to get up, find our server to ask for the bill.

It seemed to me like they were under-staffed. But regardless, if they are charging $85 per person for tea, I expect much better service.

A friend and I had High Tea last Saturday at 2:30 pm to celebrate the soon-to-be arrival of their first child. We sat in a corner table at the entrance of The Living Room, and it was the best seat in the house for a small party. We had privacy, and yet the beautiful view of the The Living Room. Choose 2:30pm or 5pm reservations so you can hear the harpist playing. Carlos was our main waitperson and he was so very pleasant and knowledgeable and accommodating. At least 2 of the staff saw us trying to take selfies of her special event and came over to the table, immediately, to offer their assistance. Turns out their were very good at that, too! The service was excellent, the food was very good, and the tea was delicious. They had several flavors from which to choose, and offered to switch it out if we did not like our choice. They even surprised us at the end with a special dessert plate with Congratulations written on it, and a special treat! It was a very lovely afternoon.

Food was quite good but not extraordinary. The portions were smaller than other American high teas that I have experienced and I thought they were perfect for sampling. The service was really exemplary though. Our server was a wonderful and gracious host. Other staff were just as attentive and friendly. The ambiance was enhanced by the live harpist and pianist. Good experience overall but I am coming off an extraordinary experience at the Baccarat in NYC which can’t compare. #teatimesnob

The tea and food were great. The service was even better. I would definitely come back. Just a great experience all around.

The high tea never disappoints at the peninsula hotel. They desserts are always seasonal and delicious.

Amazing Experience with Fabulous Service! I would definitely go back :)

Love having tea over here -- substituted it for lunch the day before Valentine's Day. Great service all around, starting with the offer of a car wash at valet (SO needed it, and price not too terrible), and extending through the rest of the details. Food and tea were all lovely, service was just right, and ambiance was an oasis. Best of all, saw the person next to us order lunch, which we didn't know was an option here -- so hopefully we can come more often than just high tea. Only complaint was not within control of the restaurant - a business traveller nearby pounding away on her laptop and with a table full of files and shuffling papers the entire time was a bit of a distraction. Again, not the fault of the restaurant that someone wants to use a table as their own personal conference room - but did cloud the ambiance a bit. Still 5-stars all around.

Fabulous Afternoon Tea

Thank you for making our birthday celebration wonderful and special and for accommodating us for being late and let us stay to enjoy the pianist. We can’t wait to come back!!!

Fabulous tea; great service!

Great service and delicious selections. Very fresh. Scones melted in mouth.

Fantastic server (Edward) and delightful living room with ambient music but the amount of food for the price was disappointing. I’ve been having afternoon tea for years in the UK and they tend to offer complimentary refills of the sandwiches and scones etc. If you did that, it would make this experience 5star.

Perfect every time, the food, the ambiance, the service, is divine.

Beautiful Tea Time

The staff was outstanding and Kevin made my birthday celebration extraordinary. Thanks to all.