Blue Willow Teaspot

The pastry was decent but the tea really makes up for it!
I really enjoyed being able to have a flight of tea to taste.
Definitely a one of a kind place as I don't think this kind of shop exists anywhere else.
I definitely would love to return to try out their different seasonal teas :)

Perhaps it's worth noting that this is one of the few tea houses I've encountered that offers both a traditional tea ceremony and iced/milk teas. Blue Willow offers an impressive selection of pu'erh, as well as layered black and green teas. The white and herbal menu is nothing to scoff at, either. The array of glass and porcelain delivered to the tables might seem a tad intimidating to customers that aren't super familiar with them, but I promise the staff are courteous, friendly, and more than happy to teach patrons about steep times and pour techniques.

Love this spot sooooo much! It’s so cozy and has absolutely the best selection of teas. I love that there are two options for floor seating and plenty of tables too. I had the cozy belly blend which was a warming and a little spicy. Highly recommend! Can’t wait to come back!

I like it. I'd probably give it five stars even if the staff were mean, given the exceptional quality of the tea. Even if the floors were sticky and there was a weird smell I couldn't locate.
It's actually all pretty great though. I had a nice chat today with the friendly staff and now I'm savoring a heavenly sencha. If I'm going to treat myself to a special beverage I'm gonna do it right! Totally worth every penny.
Thanks for your dedication to simple pleasures. I appreciate you.

An incredible selection and variety of delicious international teas. Whether you go in for a tasting or to supply your own home or restaurant, this place is something special. The atmosphere offers to Tommy Matt seating as well as regular tables and even some outdoor seating as well. The owner Ali is, a wonderful person and the team she has put together reflects that. I’m a regular. You should be too.

This is my third place and has been for years. Ali, Niko, and the rest of the team bring such a sense of belonging and an opportunity to slow down and be present even if you’re bringing your laptop to work. They’re so supportive of new customers and regulars alike. Plus the tea is absolutely delicious and very curated. Can’t recommend them enough.

My daughter and I love the teas and the vibe here! *Amazing* tea menu. We often order a custom flight so we can try new things. The 3/4 stars for food is that there isn't always a gluten free treat. Typically several good regular pastry choices, though. Great between meal stop, friendly staff, pretty place; comfy with books to read while you sip Lunar Moon or Bug Bite Oolong.

Fabulous tea house in Berkeley, CA, with a nice selection of Japanese and Chinese teas. Different spaces, including outdoor seating, Indoor tables have tea kettles on stands nearby if you order traditional tea service. The main space also has a bookshelf with many books and magazines on the subject of tea. The only drawback for me is that there isn’t much in the way of detailed descriptions, provenance, etc. for each tea. But for ambiance and a really nice environment to have tea with friends, this is very good.

Perfect place to spend a afternoon here! Wonderful collection of tea and amazing staff! My favorite is duck sh*t aroma tea, yeah I know it sounds weird but it’s so aromatic and has a sweet after tone. Highly recommend!!!

100% worth visiting and visiting again. Warm, bright and inviting- this is a place that has something for everyone. The staff are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. There are options to get something to go, tea flights to sample a few or choose one and steep away. This place has something special in the ambiance and atmosphere and it genuinely feels impossible to leave this establishment in a bad mood. All of the team deserves more kudos than I can muster. For the curated collection that is here, the prices are absolutely fair. In addition to fantastic tea, there are small bites options from Third Culture Bakery.
If tea is your thing, especially if gong fu tea is your thing, DONT miss this place. If you need a little guidance, never fear because these folks are more than willing to help you out.
For the COVID cautious, the tables to sit down at are spaced apart adequately and the staff are diligent in wiping them down between customers.

One of my favourite places in Berkeley. The teas are absolute delicious and I cannot wait to try more. However it is the atmosphere that is amazing; the people working here are so kind and attentive and make the experience wonderful.

Hidden gem in an otherwise sketchy neighborhood.
Super appreciate them using proper tea leaves and proper pots/cups for making tea! And the price is so good (cheaper than many boba tea shops around).
The only small drawback is that the space is not huge, so sometimes you may have to wait for a table or just sit outside.
Will come back again!

This is one of my favorite places that I can go to read a book. The staff are so kind and really walk you through the teas that you're interested in. The remodel also looks really good!

In the labyrinthine landscape of Berkeley's caffeinated establishments, a tea leaf falls softly, quietly making its mark. Welcome to Blue Willow Teaspot, an enclave that successfully defies categorization, flourishing as a crossbreed of a Japanese tea house, a botanical garden, and a hipster café. It is a paean to tea culture, meticulously curated yet remarkably unpretentious.
Here, where eastern traditions are honored -it is met by a Western sensibility without compromising the depth of either. It's an environment where tatami-like floor seating coexists with modern counter spaces and well-appointed duet tables. Each seating arrangement is an invitation to a unique experience, whether you're steeping into mindfulness alone or sharing a brew with companions.
The warmth and excellence of this establishment hinges on the stalwart team that keeps it humming. Reya, Corinne, Niko, Shafari, Ali,, Bill and more (I haven't learned everyone's name - yet!) and their tribe of tea stewards exude a level of expertise that elevates a simple infusion to an art form. One cannot overstate the care, from the sourcing of tea leaves to the act of pouring, that is poured into every cup.
While my visits have largely been solitary affairs, the space expands effortlessly to include social circles, even intimate tête-à-têtes.
And though reservations may be prudent for weekend visits, the venue's welcoming aura leaves no one at the threshold.
In a city where coffee shops abound but seldom enchant, Blue Willow Teaspot manifests as an urban oasis where tea is not merely a beverage but a medium for community building. As I pen this review, I am enveloped in a sense of gratitude. Thank you, Blue Willow, for steeping Oakland in a culture of tea and togetherness that transcends boundaries.
If the essence of a good tea house is to serve as a sanctuary from the chaos outside its doors, Blue Willow Teaspot has succeeded with understated elegance. The question isn't whether you should go, but rather, why you haven't been yet!

Arrived in the morning on a slow Sunday. The two workers that day (Amber and Joanna) were incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. I sat for two hours enjoying some fantastic tea and speaking with them.

They were very open to talk since it was slower that day and even poured me some cups of the tea they were drinking to try it out. Amber help me set up the tea and gave me tips on pouring/steeping etc. Amber even gave me a great lunch recommendation in the local area (potala organic cafe).

Overall a great experience! Exactly what I was looking for: peaceful, knowledgeable easygoing staff who are friendly and love tea.
Also I tried the mochi muffin which was very tasty too.

Highly recommended

Today I went to Blue Willow needing something special and comforting to brighten the rest of my day, and I left with just that. The friendly, cheerful staffs were very knowledgeable and helped me narrow down a selection from their extensive tea menu. I left with a smile on my face and warm tea in my tummy. 😊☀

Nice people. Delicious tea. Warm ambiance. What can I say? It's kinda perfect.

Affordable high-quality tea in a peaceful setting. Recommend the matcha latte, jasmine pearl tea, and the apple walnut tea cake. The ambiance was warm and inviting, and the service was friendly.

Excellent teas, excellent service from knowledgeable welcoming staff. A lovely place to spend time and expand your tea knowledge and experience. Beautiful tea wear in use on site and also for sale along with a wide selection of excellent looseleaf to take home.

Where does tea take you?
Tea takes me places in the mind and heart.

Green teas like Blue Willow's Jasmine Pearls, (seen in the beautiful new packaging on the right)Takes me to a place of high learning, a windswept grass-covered highland valley, in a open air wood cabin, with a crisp new perspective, and renewed spirit.

Black teas, especially the Masala Chai, (Seen on the left) expertly mixed in-house, by the people at Blue Willow, takes me to a warm campfire circle with good fiends, reminiscing about good times, and remembering friends and loves past.

That's where tea takes ME.
How about you?