Callisto Tea House

We did the vegan tea seat with the slightly more expensive tea, and it was so worth it. The food is all super fresh, and thoughtfully made. The scones come with dipping sauce and the muffins are rich and moist. They demonstrated how to prepare the tea and it felt like a tea ceremony. The wolf in the picture turned white when you poured hot water over it, quite cool.

Ooooo la la! I found a hidden gem in Pasadena/Altadena/SGV area! Came here for the afternoon tea (RSVP in advance) and it was so delightful. it is not the traditional english tea where you can get elsewhere. the afternoon tea has a modern twist, and has more unique choices of tea. ordered the First Snow Jasmine and Hummingbird. The jasmine was so fragrant. you could smell it from the moment it was poured and it continued to my taste buds, it was just so perfect. hummingbird was different than other black tea I've tried, it has a warming aftertaste. neither of the tea has the typical bitterness; you know the tea is brewed to perfection. the afternoon tea menu: the 3 little toasts, scone and the cupcakes were served in the perfect portion. everything was absolutely delicious. I usually don't care for cupcakes BUT these are so moist and light. worth every calories! my favorite was the red pepper toast, I need to come back for more of them, and get more of the first snow jasmine or try their other goodies. they also have cold brewed tea, i think it would be so refreshing on a hot day. they let you smell the loose tea before you decide if this is something you want to try. you can tell the owners are very passionate about tea. everything in the store, from the tea, goodies down to the decor and display, reflect their hard work, and how much they want to share this with the community. Please do yourself a favor and come check this place out!

Nice quiet cafe atmosphere in Pasadena. Seating both indoor and outside (mostly seating for 2, a few 4 person tables), good for conversation or just solo studying/working (they have wifi!). Really great service, and they have an interesting selection of teas. I tried both of the savory mini toasts which i also really enjoyed. Parking is pretty convenient as well.

Me and my boyfriend had the gong fu tea service and it was so wonderful! the tea was amazing and we loved all the snacks. My favorite was the red pepper and walnut mini toast! The staff really cared about us having a good tea experience. It was our first time having gong fu service and they walked us through each step. We had the Tribute Ripe 2003 and it was like walking through an old growth forest. Very lovely. The price for the gong fu service is great. The tea can be steeped multiple times so it lasted us through all our treats. We were very satisfied. Thank you!!

This tea house is so warm and thoughtful! The owner was eager to help us pick the perfect teas for us and is so knowledgable about their flavor profiles and which treats we could pair them with. She knocked it out of the park with both our orders and made us feel so welcome :-) the teacups were gorgeous, the interior design and outdoor seating areas are super cute. 11/10 I cant wait to come back ^^

Really kind customer service- offered to set up a table for us outside so we could enjoy our experience with my friend's dog. It was a bit chilly so we declined, but we appreciated the gesture. I was a bit indecisive, but they were patient, describing the teas and letting me smell them. I ended up ordering the Snow Mountain Sheng Pu'er gong fu service and the tea snacks. I was a bit skeptical about the tea snack quantity, but it looked interesting. The first brew started out clean with a crystal sugar sweetness with a light floral. While it had a slightly astrigent mouthfeel, there was no bitterness at all. The vegetal aftertaste morphed into an incense flavor. In subsequent brews, the smoky flavor is the predominant flavor, but maybe around the 6th steeping the sweetness returns to the forefront. We shared the tea between 3 people and probably did somewhere between 8-10 steepings. The snacks were very good accompaniments! The dried hawthorne berries had a carmel flavor that really complemented the tea. The snacks were also gluten and dairy free so my friend could eat it! It looks small, but it lasted a while between 2 people and was very satisfying. I thought of it as nibble treats that enhance the tea experience.

Kiera Doherty

My book club met here for our January meeting. Parking was a breeze, for context we had arrived around noon on a Sunday. Their tea menu has beautiful descriptions that helped us choose the perfect teas that aligned with our book’s themes. We had a larger group and the owners were a delight to work with to make the reservation to accommodate us and schedule a tea tasting. We had a wonderful experience and enjoyed the delicious teas. 🤍

Gianna

I wanted to pick up some loose leaf tea and stumbled upon this gem, ended up staying to sit and enjoy a pot of oolong tea and read a while. Staff was friendly, helpful and the atmosphere was very mellow and cozy, lots of people reading, chatting, writing. What a treat! Will be back :)

Ms May

We recently visited Callisto Tea House in Pasadena for afternoon tea, and it was an unforgettable experience! The ambiance was calm and inviting, and we were immediately welcomed by the friendliest and most knowledgeable staff. They guided us through the different teas with genuine enthusiasm, making it easy to find something we loved. The afternoon tea service was impeccable, with a beautifully arranged selection of the most delicious sweet and savory treats that complemented the tea perfectly. We also opted for the Gong Fu tea experience, which was a real highlight. Watching the traditional Chinese tea ceremony was mesmerizing, and it added such a special, immersive touch to our visit. The care and attention to detail in every pour and sip were remarkable. Callisto Tea House offers more than just a meal-it's a complete, enriching experience. I highly recommend it to anyone in Pasadena looking to relax, enjoy quality tea, and learn more about tea culture!

Sara Siwiecki

What a joy! We came here for afternoon tea (we wanted to try something new and had never had a tea and pastries afternoon tea before!) and had a fantastic time. The tea was delicious as were the accompanying toasts and pastries. They also had gluten free options which was great for someone in my group that has several dietary restrictions. The tea cups and plates were also so adorable. Also the afternoon tea was super reasonably priced! Would definitely recommend for a nice, peaceful, leisurely tea!

Victoria Hernandez

Came here for Mother’s Day and it was wonderful! I really appreciated how much thought was put into the whole experience. The owner was SO kind and knowledgeable, she took the time to go through all of the teas we were curious about and recommended several. My mom had a great time and we’re definitely planning on coming back ❤️

JustinGN81

Callisto Tea House has been a favorite of mine for at least a year, yet I haven't shared until now. I've been selfish, trying to keep the place my little secret. But that's not fair. Callisto deserves the praise and to reap the accolades of embodying exactly what a teahouse should be. Any place can sell a decent cup of tea, or have a clever interior with relatable artwork, but the true spirit of tea is in the experience. A teahouse should be welcoming, offering hospitality with an unassuming and gentle aesthetic. A place for a kind conversation, and for thoughtfulness. That is a teahouse, and that is exactly what Callisto offers. Each time I walk through the door, I can feel tension leave my shoulders. Sometimes I stop by for a quick visit, sometimes I linger for hours, but long stay or short, I enjoy every minute. The tea is top notch, and expertly prepared. The crew knows how to represent each variety to guide you towards exactly what you're looking for. I'm partial to hot tea, but Callisto brings an excellent iced tea preparation and cold brews that stand tall on 100-degree days. The tea list is updated periodically, as it should be, as certain options are seasonal. And if you're looking to bring a piece home with you, they have loose leaf and teaware for sale. There is an assortment of light bites that pair seamlessly with the tea. I love the scones, generally savory. And they have mini toasts with toppings ranged from local marmalades, roasted red pepper spread with walnut, cucumber with herbed cashew cream cheese, and more. Plus a few baked goods appropriate for those who like something a bit sweet. The scones, the sourdough for the toasts, the cookies, it's all baked in house, and it's all delicious. Callisto is always a little busy without being too busy. It's a place to read, catch up with a pal, or get some work done. It's the little things that take this shop to the next level, and I think they get that. I'm a fan of how they always ask if I would like to choose my own teacup from their collection. I generally ask them to surprise me. And when they bring me a particular cup because it's their favorite and they want to tell me about it, I can see the chat as the genuine gesture of connection that it is. If you need a cup of tea, yes. If you want to learn about tea, yes. If you're a tea veteran and have been looking for a local place to kick back and recharge, yes. I've chatted with the owners and they are lovely people, you can tell that this teahouse is a work of passion for them. And that positivity really shines through in their work and the establishment as a whole. I've had a handful of favorite teahouses over the years, but it had been a while. I am very lucky to have Callisto in the neighborhood.

K. Warner

New tea house on the block! Lovely minimalist decor with fresh little surprises at every angle. (And the happiest indoor plants I've ever seen!) Asian single origin teas and some unique blends of the classics with a small menu of items such as the amazing Asian treat carousel of slightly sweet and savory nibbles that won't overpower delicate cups. (Pictured below!) The service is fast and exceptional, very knowledgeable, personal and attentive. A pot averages $7 but there are also single serving cold brews and full tea service. A quiet little wonderland in view of the foothills with indoor and outdoor seating perfect for intimate tea. Or to lose yourself in one of the communal books. (A couple plugs for laptops get a personal gold star from me.) Support this local gem and it will thrive! *Update - now they have toasts! Check out their expanding snack menu.

Melissa

We did the vegan tea seat with the slightly more expensive tea, and it was so worth it. The food is all super fresh, and thoughtfully made. The scones come with dipping sauce and the muffins are rich and moist. They demonstrated how to prepare the tea and it felt like a tea ceremony. The wolf in the picture turned white when you poured hot water over it, quite cool.

Ada Chan

Ooooo la la! I found a hidden gem in Pasadena/Altadena/SGV area! Came here for the afternoon tea (RSVP in advance) and it was so delightful. it is not the traditional english tea where you can get elsewhere. the afternoon tea has a modern twist, and has more unique choices of tea. ordered the First Snow Jasmine and Hummingbird. The jasmine was so fragrant. you could smell it from the moment it was poured and it continued to my taste buds, it was just so perfect. hummingbird was different than other black tea I've tried, it has a warming aftertaste. neither of the tea has the typical bitterness; you know the tea is brewed to perfection. the afternoon tea menu: the 3 little toasts, scone and the cupcakes were served in the perfect portion. everything was absolutely delicious. I usually don't care for cupcakes BUT these are so moist and light. worth every calories! my favorite was the red pepper toast, I need to come back for more of them, and get more of the first snow jasmine or try their other goodies. they also have cold brewed tea, i think it would be so refreshing on a hot day. they let you smell the loose tea before you decide if this is something you want to try. you can tell the owners are very passionate about tea. everything in the store, from the tea, goodies down to the decor and display, reflect their hard work, and how much they want to share this with the community. Please do yourself a favor and come check this place out!

Vince Ye

Nice quiet cafe atmosphere in Pasadena. Seating both indoor and outside (mostly seating for 2, a few 4 person tables), good for conversation or just solo studying/working (they have wifi!). Really great service, and they have an interesting selection of teas. I tried both of the savory mini toasts which i also really enjoyed. Parking is pretty convenient as well.

C Alc.

Me and my boyfriend had the gong fu tea service and it was so wonderful! the tea was amazing and we loved all the snacks. My favorite was the red pepper and walnut mini toast! The staff really cared about us having a good tea experience. It was our first time having gong fu service and they walked us through each step. We had the Tribute Ripe 2003 and it was like walking through an old growth forest. Very lovely. The price for the gong fu service is great. The tea can be steeped multiple times so it lasted us through all our treats. We were very satisfied. Thank you!!

Mrs. Main

What a surprise! Their vegetarian HIGH TEA was very tasty! And I loved their choices of Exotic Teas! This place is Quiet and Cozy!

Holly Ready

This tea house is so warm and thoughtful! The owner was eager to help us pick the perfect teas for us and is so knowledgable about their flavor profiles and which treats we could pair them with. She knocked it out of the park with both our orders and made us feel so welcome :-) the teacups were gorgeous, the interior design and outdoor seating areas are super cute. 11/10 I cant wait to come back ^^

Mika Nessa Chandra

Really kind customer service- offered to set up a table for us outside so we could enjoy our experience with my friend's dog. It was a bit chilly so we declined, but we appreciated the gesture. I was a bit indecisive, but they were patient, describing the teas and letting me smell them. I ended up ordering the Snow Mountain Sheng Pu'er gong fu service and the tea snacks. I was a bit skeptical about the tea snack quantity, but it looked interesting. The first brew started out clean with a crystal sugar sweetness with a light floral. While it had a slightly astrigent mouthfeel, there was no bitterness at all. The vegetal aftertaste morphed into an incense flavor. In subsequent brews, the smoky flavor is the predominant flavor, but maybe around the 6th steeping the sweetness returns to the forefront. We shared the tea between 3 people and probably did somewhere between 8-10 steepings. The snacks were very good accompaniments! The dried hawthorne berries had a carmel flavor that really complemented the tea. The snacks were also gluten and dairy free so my friend could eat it! It looks small, but it lasted a while between 2 people and was very satisfying. I thought of it as nibble treats that enhance the tea experience.

Nash Holcomb

Really nice staff, amazing service and the Afternoon Tea Service is amazing! The mini toasts, scones, the tea, all amazing!

I requested a reservation on the website to celebrate my friend's belated birthday and quickly received a response back. The staff was so helpful guiding us through our first visit, offering thoughts and suggestions about each tea and afternoon tea time options. Everything came out beautifully that I had to slowly eat/drink each item to really savor it. I'm so grateful they reserved the window seat for us because the daylight was beautiful and perfect for tea. The teas, spreads, and tea equipment make excellent gifts. The Red Queen tea made a great impression on my friend. I made sure to buy her at least one flavor before we left. We also sampled the black sesame spread they sold at the front counter. Absolutely DELICIOUS. We'll be coming back for another girls' day. :)

What a great tea shop! We got an education on how to make a great pot of tea. And the scones and open-face toast were delicious.

Barbara Tarlau

What a great tea shop! We got an education on how to make a great pot of tea. And the scones and open-face toast were delicious.

Shreya Udani

We celebrated my mom’s birthday at Callisto with a private party and Wendy and her team were phenomenal! All the guests loved the food, service, and atmosphere! It was truly a lovely celebration and they were so accommodating and helpful. Highly recommend!

Jack Snyder

I went here once, on a whim, about two and a half years ago and been coming back every week since then. If that track record doesn't speak for itself I'm not sure what will! If you're looking for a western-style tea house that serves well-executed, creative pairings with their tea, then come here. If you're looking for a Chinese tea house with a powerful cultivation and a staff that can make a *mean* cup of tea, then come here. If you're looking for a place to start your journey into tea, if you're well-familiar with tea as a culture and habit, or even if you just want a break from the heat or a cute venue for your get-together, then come here. Wendy, Nathan, and Staff will greet you with their welcoming, authentic joy in tea.

I'm not sure what I was expecting, but this place was certainly unique. Its version of afternoon tea is catered to vegans and vegetarians with a variety of toasts, scones and teas to choose from but none of the traditional finger sandwiches or petite desserts. The scones and tea were great; the toasts I could've done without.

Jade

I'm not sure what I was expecting, but this place was certainly unique. Its version of afternoon tea is catered to vegans and vegetarians with a variety of toasts, scones and teas to choose from but none of the traditional finger sandwiches or petite desserts. The scones and tea were great; the toasts I could've done without.

We had a great experience on our first visit to Callisto, so I made a reservation to celebrate my friend's birthday. The tea sandwiches were unique and tasty. The tea was flavorful and service was great. Consider doing their high tea service. Thanks for a peaceful, enjoyable tea!!

Deb

We had a great experience on our first visit to Callisto, so I made a reservation to celebrate my friend's birthday. The tea sandwiches were unique and tasty. The tea was flavorful and service was great. Consider doing their high tea service. Thanks for a peaceful, enjoyable tea!!