The Tea Grotto — Restaurant in Salt Lake City

Tea grotto has a great selection of teas and has such a cute little interior! I’ve had great experiences in the past, but do want to mention mine today because it made me feel freaked out. I came in to meet a friend for their birthday. I had a turkey wrap in my backpack because I hadn’t been able to eat yet and it was 5 PM. (On my way out I looked and they DO have a small sign on their door in about size 14 font that has a list of rules, including no outside food. I didn’t notice that before.) I had tried to look on their website at the menu ahead of time to see if they had food and just got an error message repeatedly. I’ve never had an issue before bringing a small snack into a place that primarily sells drinks. I asked the person working for a small plate and took a menu so I could pick out tea. He scowled at me and was unpleasant to the point I felt uncomfy. He then walked past where we were sitting and aggressively told me “just so you know for the future, outside food isn’t allowed in here” and stormed off. I finished my bite and put the rest in my bag. It was an honest mistake on my end. His energy was pretty intense and threatening. I went to go order my tea and as kindly as I could mentioned that there was probably a more gentle way to say what he did. He told me “well, I could’ve been more aggressive and told you to put it away or to leave”. I let him know I would have had no problem putting my sandwich away at that moment or throwing it away to be respectful. He continued to be rude when I asked about teas, so I said again I’d appreciate if he wouldn’t be rude to me. He continued to seem aggravated and truly made me anxious - it seemed like he was about to explode, so my friend and I left. Hoping he was just having a bad day and is kinder and more...

As one who has spent far too many years scoffing at the crude sachets peddled at grocers and dismissing lukewarm attempts at tea culture across the Intermountain West, I approached The Tea Grotto with the wariness of a seasoned skeptic. After all, refined palates must tread carefully among the steeped and unworthy.

And yet… what sorcery is this?

From the moment one steps into The Tea Grotto, it is clear this is no mere café, but a temple of infusion. The staff, I dare say, are not mere baristas. They are steepmasters, curators of leaves and lore, capable of transforming even the greenest novice into a budding sommelier of the cup. Their knowledge is encyclopedic, their passion infectious, and their service positively sublime.

I submitted myself to their guidance, and was introduced to a spectrum of teas so fresh, fragrant, and exquisitely nuanced, I nearly wept. Each sip revealed terroir, intent, and discipline. It is not hyperbole to say their collection rivals apothecaries and imperial tea courts alike. And what’s more… the prices are not only fair, they are, dare I say, civilized.

My wife and I, jaded travelers from Layton, find ourselves routinely making the pilgrimage to this holy steeping ground. It is not merely worth the journey, it is necessary. A proper education in the leaf is found not in books, but in the quiet steam rising from a perfect cup at The Tea Grotto.

I shall return. Often. And with...

The Tea Grotto really does have everything.

Now I'm not a tea snob or claim to really know anything about loose leaf tea in general, but the employees are always ready to help you find the tea of your dreams. You can get loose leaf tea to take home, or drink at the shop.

Kenya is always so, so helpful and knowledgeable when I come in! I tell her how I'm feeling, whether I'm looking for something spiced, floral, or light, and she always has the perfect suggestion! She lets me smell my options, and the Tea Grotto will even mix teas together on request for your teapot service. Kenya also was so knowledgeable when it came to helping me figure out how I can brew tea at home! She is the best!!!! 💕

I love their tea pot service the most! You get a cute little tea pot and 2, count them, TWO (2) re-steeps! The Masala chai is my favorite this time of year! Milk is a small extra charge, but they only charge you once for it, so you can get it refilled as many times as needed.

The atmosphere slays SO hard. Cozy, quiet, and warm. Last week, I brought a friend and sat in the Grotto with her, we legit felt like VIPs. 🥰🥰

(Parking is also not bad! There is street parking up and down 900 s! The building also has a ramp up to the door. We LOVE accessibility in this house)

The Tea Grotto is absolutely worth the visit! Plan to spend some time here, disconnect, and enjoy a nice hot cup of tea and...