This ABQ Spot Has Been Called One of the Best Restaurants in the U.S.

Looking for an incredible dining experience that you can't find anywhere else in New Mexico? If so, you're going to fall head-over-heels in love with The St. James Tearoom in Albuquerque. This unique spot has been providing a memorable fine dining experience to patrons for over two decades, and you're going to love everything about it.

Welcome to one of the best places to dine in Albuquerque—actually, the U.S. The St. James Tearoom has been listed as one of Yelp's Top 100 Restaurants in America, and people come from all over the state and the nation to enjoy tea at this very special place. With a vast tea selection, incredible service, and an exceptional, upscale yet comfortable setting, it's easy to see why.

Owner Mary Alice Higbie enjoyed the practice of the British tea tradition all her life. In 1999, when she decided that the people of Albuquerque would benefit from a place to escape from "the tyranny of the urgent," she knew that a tearoom would be the perfect setting to achieve this goal. She wanted to create a place where people could gather and enjoy life, and also celebrate and grow their relationships while slowing down, reflecting, and relaxing in a pleasant environment.

The St. James Tearoom started with just 27 seats, but quickly grew. Almost immediately, it was recognized with a four-star rating by the food editor of the Albuquerque Journal. Over the subsequent years, and with much work and effort, it expanded into its current form. Since its humble beginnings, it has won dozens of awards and has become one of the very best places to sip tea and dine in the state.

The St. James Tearoom offers a new themed menu each month. Of course, tea is the focus of every menu, and teas are perfectly paired with each three-course, British-style tea experience over a two-hour seating time. Guests receive a set of savories, breads, and sweets, and each of these courses comes with a teapot of tea, steeped to perfection, that is perfectly paired with each.

A British tea experience is meant to be enjoyed slowly and with intention, so guests are encouraged to savor the treats and teas that are served at a slow pace while they socialize with their companions. The goal is for participants to feel satiated rather than to leave overstuffed, and for them to focus on the company as much if not more than the tea and foods served. You'll surely be impressed by every part of your dining experience at The St. James Tearoom.

Children are welcome at The St. James Tearoom starting at age four, and a children's menu is offered. There are also vegetarian and gluten-free menus for guests with dietary restrictions.

There's no dress code at The St. James Tearoom, but many guests choose to dress for the occasion in fancy attire to fully experience and embrace the classic British tea experience. Some people dress with the month's themed menu in mind, but others simply wear their elegant best. Others choose to dress casually; all are welcome.

A seating at The St. James Tearoom is available only by reservation, so if you wish to dine at this unique spot, you'll need to plan ahead. In most cases, you'll need to book your reservation more than a month ahead of your planned visit. Some guests return month after month to try each new menu; if this is something you'd like to try, then you'll need to get in the habit of booking your next reservation even before your upcoming one.

In addition to the in-person experience at The St. James Tearoom, you can take much of the experience home with you, thanks to The St. James' Market. This gift shop offers a wide selection of loose leaf teas as well as beautiful china from which you can enjoy tea in the comfort of your home, as well as a variety of other tea accessories and other related gifts. If you live far from Albuquerque, you'll also be glad to know that The St. James Tearoom also has an online shop from which you can regularly replenish your stash of tea, or from which you can order gifts for your tea-loving friends all over the globe.

The St. James Tearoom is a beautiful place with so much to offer: great food, an inviting atmosphere, top-notch service, and a very memorable experience. Once you visit, you'll surely want to return time and time again.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.