The Cambridge Tea House has been quietly winning over Columbus-area locals since it first opened its doors on September 22, 2009 — and over a decade and a half later, the devotion it inspires hasn’t faded one bit. This family-owned and operated café in Marble Cliff, Ohio has carved out a truly special niche in central Ohio’s dining scene, offering something you simply won’t find at your average brunch spot.
Cambridge Tea House is a special place for breakfast, lunch, or afternoon tea, and a perfect location for intimate dinner parties, baby and bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, and other private parties. Whether you’re planning a celebratory outing with your best friend or just craving a slow, peaceful morning with a really excellent pot of tea, this little gem delivers in a big way.
What’s On the Menu
First and foremost on the menu is the tea — and they offer a sizable selection featuring herbal, green, white, black, and oolong varieties. The teas are sourced from the well-regarded Harney & Sons brand, and the pot is served covered with a cozy, the mugs are heated, and the tea is served loose leaf at the proper temperature. That level of care and intentionality around the tea service is something you’ll notice right away.
They offer a wonderful selection of homemade scones, quiches, frittatas, a soup of the day, and inventive sandwiches and salads, along with a full afternoon tea service. The scones in particular have developed a devoted following — crunchy on the outside but soft on the inside, and served with jam and clotted cream. Flavor varieties rotate, so there’s almost always something new to try alongside the reliable classics.
The Afternoon Tea service is the undisputed star of the experience. They offer regular tea service as well as ticketed themed teas, where they go all out and give you a genuinely fun, immersive experience. It’s the kind of thing that makes for a memorable special occasion — or honestly, just a really good Tuesday.
Beyond scones and tea, the broader menu shines too. Some standout savory options include a Swiss and pear sandwich, and fresh-ingredient soups like asparagus with beet salad. The sandwiches and quiche are also excellent, with bread that ranks among the very best. And if seasonal specials like the watermelon gazpacho happen to be available on your visit, don’t hesitate — it’s a crowd favorite.
The Princess & Prince Tea — A Special Touch for Young Guests
Cambridge Tea House offers a Prince and Princess Tea for guests 10 and under, which comes with milk, hot chocolate, or tea, a dessert, and sliced tea bread with cream rosettes or a heart-shaped peanut butter and jam sandwich — and the little ones even get to dress up with crowns and other dress-up attire. It’s one of those rare dining details that turns a meal into a full-on memory.
Little ones are genuinely enchanted by the princess crown they get to wear, and the whole setting feels perfectly suited for the occasion. Parents looking for something truly different for a family brunch will find this experience hard to top anywhere in the Columbus area.
Atmosphere & Décor
The setting is small and intimate, with detailed stonework and brick, intricate patterns on the napkins and valances, and lots of pastoral images throughout. With just four booths, four small tables, and one larger table, a small chandelier adds to the natural light pouring in through big windows. It’s the kind of space that immediately slows your pace — in the best way possible.
The tea house has an adorable cottage vibe to it, making it the perfect atmosphere for catching up with a friend for a few hours. The ambience carries a lot of the traditional British tea room character to it, while still feeling warm and approachable rather than fussy or stiff. The inside is also seasonally decorated — like at Christmas, when the dishes are themed accordingly — which makes it feel extra special depending on when you visit.
Both indoor and outdoor seating are available, giving you options whether you want to soak up some fresh air on the patio or settle into the cozy interior. Just know that the space is on the smaller side — it’s a busy spot with limited seating inside and outside, so planning ahead really matters here.
Other Considerations
Do I need a reservation? Absolutely, yes — and this cannot be overstated. Showing up without a reservation may mean being turned away, so always book in advance. Reservations book quickly, especially on weekends, so it’s best to plan a few days ahead. Carryout ordering is also available through their website if you’d prefer to enjoy the food at home.
How are the prices? Prices are reasonably priced for a quaint tea house, and the Afternoon Tea experience has been noted as a strong value for everything included. The full Afternoon Tea experience is priced at $33. A small number of visitors have noted feeling that portions look modest when they first arrive — though the food typically turns out to be plenty once you get eating, and the flavors are genuinely satisfying.
Is it gluten-free friendly? Surprisingly, yes — with some planning. Cambridge Tea House is considered a hidden celiac-friendly gem in Columbus, offering some of the best tea and food in the city for gluten-free diners. Just make sure to indicate in your reservation ahead of time that you are celiac and would like gluten-free scones so the kitchen can prepare accordingly.
Can I bring my kids? Definitely. Between the Prince and Princess Tea service with dress-up crowns and the welcoming atmosphere, families with young children will feel right at home. The experience is just as much fun for grown-ups, though — it’s especially a hit for a breakfast or lunch date, particularly if your significant other loves tea houses.
Is there anything to take home? Yes! The tea house encourages you to linger, and the teas — served by Harney and Sons — can even be purchased in tins to take home. They also carry cute items for sale in their small shop area.
What about service pace? Cambridge Tea House is a place designed for slowing down, not speeding up — and the service reflects that. A handful of visitors have noted that tea and food can take some time to arrive, so come with an open afternoon and enjoy the pace rather than fight it. It’s part of the charm.
Cambridge Tea House
📍 1885 W 5th Ave, Columbus, OH 43212
Website: https://cambridgeteahouse.com
