Eden brings high tea back down to earth. Dining at the quaint abode on Lovers Lane feels somehow familiar, like stopping by a neighbor’s house for lunch. The door squeaks open to reveal just that. Chef Karen Kahn’s eclectic taste and treasured possessions abound. The walls display her husband’s horseshoe-throwing trophies — he’s a state champion — along with their wedding photos, antiques and other knick-knacks. “To me, it’s comforting,” Kahn says. “It’s very quiet, very inviting.” In addition to its regular menu items like hen with plum sauce, Eden offers high tea with a reservation 24 hours in advance. High tea features three courses. The first is a savory tea with elegantly prepared sandwiches, including smoked salmon, cucumber, pimento cheese and egg salad with tomatoes. The second is a more robust tea paired with scones and homemade breads. The third is a sweeter tea accompanied by chocolate mousse, chocolate-dipped fruit and lemon bars. Khan is the only cook in the kitchen, and she makes everything from scratch. “It’s what I like to call ‘honest.’ ” The coziness of the tiny restaurant spurs conversation among strangers. And when the weather’s nice, Kahn opens up the dog-friendly patio in back. Eden is BYOB with a $5 cork fee. At the end of each meal, each guest receives a large strawberry dipped in fine Belgian chocolate. Yes, sometimes, it’s the little things.
Eden Restaurant & Pastries
Lovers & Elsby
972.267.3336
Three more neighborhood tearooms
1 Maudee’s Café & Tea Room
Not far from Eden is Maudee’s, another cozy retreat offering 3-5 p.m. afternoon tea with about 20 different flavors on the menu. If you’re stopping by for lunch, try one of the daily specials.
Lovers & Douglas
214.526.9750
2 Garden Tea Room
Take a break from antiquing at this quaint café, tucked away inside the Forestwood Antique Mall, which offers an array of soups, salads and sandwiches.
Forest & the Tollway
972.392.3911
3 Champagne’s Luxe
For a more lavish, upscale experience, this high-end home décor store near Inwood Village offers high tea 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays and “ladies lunch” on weekdays.
Lovers & Inwood
214.352.7777