Wenham Tea House — Restaurant in Wenham

My first thought on my birthday the past 10 years has been my mom. Probably because she was always the first call I'd get. The one thing I haven't found that even comes close to hers is French Onion Soup. I'm like Goldilocks and I want it just right. I don't want to taste sherry and I don't want stinky cheese. Little did I know when we chose Plat Du Jour Bistro at Wenham Tea House today that I would be blessed with almost exactly the same as my mom's. It was just perfection, absolute perfect balance and depth of flavors, tons of onions adding a nice bite and plenty of gooey gooey cheese. If you are a clam lover, their chowder tastes like a forkful of clam/potato/bacon that's been cooked in cream and butter 🤤😋 a true New England clam chowder that let's the star ingredients shine. The gnocchi was pan seared crispy outside and pillowy inside with fresh crispy peas and mushrooms. Fish n chips can't be made any better. A huge filet fried golden and flaky moist inside. I could eat this every day of the week. The house tartar takes it to another level! It's a beautiful spot with absolutely delicious food. So glad it's where we chose...

The space, decor, and servingware (teapots/cups) were charming and pleasant, and we were grateful to get a last minute reservation. All the staff were helpful and thoughtful.

What was less than ideal? Tea steeped for an unspecified length of time - no one knew when it had been put in. It didn't taste like it has been steeped with boiling water, which black tea requires. (Green and herbal use cooler water.) Bacon and cheese scones, which were delicious, but very out of place on a cream tea plate with jam, lemon curd, and clotted cream. Which of those would you use on a savory scone?! (I asked for butter.) A tiny amount of clotted cream, barely enough for the two sweet scones we were given. At $18 per person, please don't skimp on the clotted cream. If it's too expensive to import, please learn to make it. It's pretty easy, actually!

I understand that this iteration of America's oldest tea house is recently opened, and a few of the wrinkles need to be ironed out, so I hope to return in the future and find tea and scones (plain and fruit only for cream tea, please) of a quality that match the...

I have to say I was disappointed. I missed the nice pot of tea that made lunch feel special. Having to pull the huge teabag out of the mug was less than ideal. The tea was delicious, but I would have liked a simple option of a plain black tea. I got quiche and soup. For the price, I expected a normal size slice, not the small triangle I was served. I missed the option of scones or bread for a simple tea. A couple at the next table was also surprised they couldn’t have a tea experience at a tea house. While the service was lovely, and everyone was welcoming and friendly, I doubt I will go back under this new iteration. It’s a restaurant not a tea house, and that’s not...