Magnolia Tea Room — Restaurant in McDonough

From the moment I stepped inside Magnolia Tea Room, I felt as though I had been transported into the pages of a Southern heirloom storybook, where antique china meets modern charm and grace drips from every corner. The atmosphere was utterly enchanting, like the sitting room of a historic Southern estate where generations have gathered for tea, laughter, and meaningful conversation.

My godmother Carla, an etiquette coach visiting from the California-Vegas area, and I, a personal chef serving the Henry and surrounding communities, visited for tea time, and what a delightful and enriching experience it was. We were hosted by the gracious Mrs. Marsha Simon, whose hospitality was as lovely as the surroundings. She took the time to sit with us, share the inspiring origin story of Magnolia Tea Room, and reflect on her own journey through tea service and what led her to create such a sanctuary.

Mrs. Marsha also blessed us with nuggets of local history about McDonough, which added an even deeper sense of place. As someone with Caribbean roots, where tea culture is deeply connected to our British heritage, this visit felt both familiar and affirming. In my culture, tea is more than a beverage; it’s a ceremony of presence, refinement, and relationship. Magnolia captured that beautifully.

The tea itself was phenomenal. I highly recommend their signature blend, Caribbean Queen, a soul-soothing infusion that felt like home in a cup. The accompanying tea meal was equally impressive. The open-faced salmon sandwich was especially memorable, so fresh, flavorful, and balanced I could easily enjoy it every single day.

Magnolia Tea Room is a rare gem: peaceful, familial, cultural, and filled with intentional beauty. I look forward to making this my regular escape for rest, connection, and elevation. If you’re looking for a tea experience that nourishes both the palate and the spirit, this is your...

My 50th birthday afternoon tea experience at Magnolia Tea Room was utterly delightful and memorable from beginning to end. The atmosphere was warm and elegant. The decor included elements such as Victorian-inspired accented tea sets,' matching flowers and table candles on each table,' 'sparkling chandeliers,' or 'an enchanting atmosphere adorned with an array of elegant inviting guests that donned gorgeous high tea wares while enjoying their tea, setting the scene for a sophisticated and relaxing afternoon. The tea selection was extensive and impressive, offering various, such as the devine Caribbean Queen, Heavenly Peach, with a plethora of black, green, white, and herbal options'. The overly gracious owners guided the choices and explained the origins and flavors of various teas. The tea was expertly brewed and served at the perfect temperature. The food was a feast for the eyes and palate. The tiered stand held an assortment of delicate finger sandwiches with classic fillings like cucumber, cream cheese, chicken salad & tuna salad; fluffy scones served with jarred clotted cream and jarred strawberry jam and beautifully crafted pastries and chocolates. Every bite was fresh, delicious, and prepared with care. The impeccable service elevated the experience. The owners were soooo attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, making guests feel welcome. In conclusion, The Magnolia Tea Room provided a lovely and memorable high tea experience. It's the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy an afternoon. It is highly recommended and we will...

From the moment we stepped into the tea room, the atmosphere felt like stepping into a different world—peaceful, welcoming, and filled with a gentle charm. The soft clinking of china, the scent of freshly brewed teas, and the warm smiles of the staff immediately set the tone for what became a truly memorable outing.

Sharing the experience with my two daughters made it even more special. The beautifully arranged table, complete with delicate teacups and tiered trays, created a sense of occasion that made us feel like we were part of something timeless. Each plate was a work of art—flaky scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, dainty sandwiches with thoughtful flavors, and miniature pastries that looked almost too pretty to eat.

The tea selection was impressive, and we enjoyed sampling different blends, from fragrant floral notes to comforting, robust brews. It was a joy to see my daughters savor each sip, laughing and chatting in such a serene space. The staff’s attentiveness added to the experience; they made us feel cared for without ever being intrusive.

What made this tea room visit exceptional wasn’t just the elegance of the setting or the quality of the food—it was the way it created an experience with my daughters, giving us a chance to be present with one another and create lasting childhood memories. We left not only with full hearts and happy taste buds but with memories we’ll treasure for...