Tea Pavilion

This is not a sit-down restaurant because you order your food inside and then eat outside if there's tables available. It is a hot day but there are limited 4-seat tables with umbrellas. However, the best seating is next to the cliff overlooking the Japanese garden. Since they did not have a lot of options available on their menu (salmon, udon, Thai Iced Tea), our selections were limited. So, we ended up having teriyaki rice bowls and salad.

Extensive range of teas and so many snacks and cold drinks too. Ordered the genmaicha and Sakura tea. Quite quick service as the line moved fast and your order is called fairly promptly. Nice picnic tables with umbrellas in the courtyard outside where you can have a view into the Japanese gardens behind. So even if you don’t want to go into the gardens you can still enjoy a break here 🫖

This is convenient if visiting the Japanese Garden and they have outside seating only but shaded with umbrellas. They can run out of food so plan on that. I like their curry and teriyaki bowls, not bad price for balboa park. Just don’t expect a sushi restaurant. Depending on how many people visiting you can get your order in 5 minutes to 30 minutes.

This was right next to the Japanese Garden in Balboa Park. We were cold so we decided to get tea. When we saw they had food we ordered as well since it was lunchtime. :) They offer so many flavors of tea. I wish they have a big board listing their offerings. We didn't see the list until we were at the register ordering so we had to pick something quick. I read slow so I saw Cherry Sakura and just ordered it. My husband didn't even bother and just order Green Tea Latte lol. I would have ordered the green tea latte as well if it didn't already have dairy... They should offer non dairy options. Didn't have pics of the tea since they were in white cups hehehe The food menu is small but was surprisingly good 😀 The Chicken Teriyaki Rice Bowl was good! Not super salty like most places. Beef Curry Rice Bowl was good too. Tender pieces of beef. Since there is no indoor space they have tables outside. Would have been fine any other time but we were in Cali when it was cold and rainy LOL. So the food got cold fast... 😞

My mom's favorite meal to get is the salmon teriyaki bowl. I also love the veggie tofu curry, just wish it had a bit more curry sauce. 😋 They also have a wide selection of hot teas and several iced teas as well. I appreciate that they don't skimp out on the tea leaves when they make you a cup, which makes for a very flavorful tea and no need for sugar or milk!