Imperial Tea Court

What you need to know

Imperial Tea Court has been brewing Chinese tea in San Francisco since 1993. The current Berkeley flagship and the Ferry Building outpost both run traditional gongfu tea service: small clay pots, multiple steepings, and a slow pace that lets you taste how each pour develops.

The Food

Tea is the focus. Pu-erh, oolong, green, white, and black teas from China and Taiwan. Each variety brewed in the appropriate vessel at the right temperature. Light snacks, dim sum-style bites, and traditional tea pairings available.

The shop also sells loose-leaf teas and traditional teaware to take home.

Practical Info

Price: Tea service $8 to $30 per person
Reservations: Walk-in at the Ferry Building
Ferry Building Address: Ferry Building Marketplace, Shop 27
Hours: Daily through afternoon

📍 Location: This restaurant is in The Embarcadero. Explore the neighborhood →