An incredible hidden sanctuary and tea house in the upper west side. Overall: 4/5 Drinks: 4.5/5 Service: 5/5 Decor: 4/5 Price: 3.5/5 High quality loose leaf tea brewed fresh in front if you in a tea service. There's an obvious attention to quality, with a precise temperature and process by which they serve the tea in small batches. The woman came by really frequently to make sure our cups were fresh and full. The cups are super small so hard to drink a lot of tea but you can definitely get through a number of rounds. The prices are expensive though - for a pot of tea was about $16-17 at cheapest, but you're partly paying for service and experience. read more

Was on the search for a tea house in the UWS and found this gem (thank you fellow Yelpers!). It's on the second floor of what seems to have been previously an apartment building back in the day. When you get there, you must ring the doorbell and get buzzed in. Upon entering, you must remove your shoes. The vibe in here is totally chill, zen with beautiful minimalist decor. One of my girlfriends and I shared the Lu An Gua Pian green tea and it was tasty. The perfect tea after a heavy brunch elsewhere lol. We were served in cute tiny tea cups and sat in a cute nook by the window. Elina, one of the owners was really sweet as her staff! I will definitely be coming back. read more

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Cranky old woman yelled at me for not taking off my shoes and speaking too loud, when I asked if they had London fog lattes hahahahah! This is not a Starbucks, it's amazing. I drink Kusmi and Harney & Sons usually, so I have a decent palette for tea, I thought this was just going to be some bland Chinese teas with unnoticeable variations. No, that wasn't the case. The takeaway tea I took pissed me off when I got back to Chicago...that I didn't buy more. Gorgeoussssssss delicate but super strong black tea, the woman recommended it. It's like a sanctuary inside. Absolutely amazing. Love this place. read more

Floating Mountain - Tea Rooms Near Me - New York, New York

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Swell place to study. It's cozy, quiet, and I love the variety of teas they have. Cool place to spend some time catching up with friends though I wish the tables by the windows were higher. It's a little off the beaten path. I wouldn't have noticed it without a word of mouth reference. Bathroom in the basement is very tidy. read more

Floating Mountain - Study sesh! - Tea Rooms Near Me - New York, New York

One of New York City's newest tea houses, this gorgeous space offers both the much needed respite from the urban clamor and a wide offering of excellent and hard-to-find teas. The owner is incredibly knowledgeable about her offering and her meditative approach to guiding one through her 60+ types of teas is both informative and enjoyable.(I could easily spend a lifetime going through her 30+ oolong teas!) The layout of the space is clean and, being on the second floor overlooking the street below, makes you feel as if you are in a place far from the rush of the city. Calm jazz mixes with the soft sounds of boiling water and helps to create a memorable day. I can't count how many times I've been back, but I encourage anyone who comes to NYC to stop by this beautiful spot for tea and a time to relax. Ask about her events, live music gatherings and meditation series. These are also very worthwhile! read more

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What a lovely way to spend a rainy day. Very relaxing atmosphere and simple decorations. The two teas we tried were really fabulous (a Smokey red tea and a tea with floral notes). All the teas are simply tea leaves-no flavored or mixed tea. It's for the true tea enthusiast. The owner was very hospitable. She helped us choose some tea to take home too! read more

Floating Mountain - Tea Rooms Near Me - New York, New York

This tea house is the epitome of zen! It's so cozy and I love the alcoves near the windows so much! I went here with a friend from Australia who had brought loose tea from AU with him for me. The owner let us use one of their pots to try our tea (after purchasing their tea of course) and the two ladies that worked their tried some of our tea too! As a major tea enthusiast (I was in a tea society in Australia) I can definitely recommend this shop. The tea is high quality Chinese tea and not too pricey. Will definitely be going back one day, hopefully soon! read more

Floating Mountain - Oolong tea - Tea Rooms Near Me - New York, New York

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I came here last week with a friend and had an amazing time. The owner Lina is extremely warm and welcoming. She gave us some information on the different teas and where they came from, but you can also read up on it from the menu.This place is good to just come and relax and have some girl talk which is what we did. Eventually I'd like to try them all which will take a while since there are so many! read more

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Incredibly Zen, beautiful decor, and amazing service. The hostess is super knowledgeable and the tea varieties were amazing and plentiful. read more

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This place is magical! Sitting by the window with a friend and pot of tea is one of the best experiences on the UWS. Highly recommend Floating Mountain for the ambience, service, and tea. read more

A well designed, serene and cozy spot with an amazing selection of premium teas. The owners are super knowledgeable/informative and are really focused giving their customers the best experience.  The whole vibe is just incredibly lovely and relaxing...a much needed place for a moment of zen and some delicious tea! read more

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Been meaning to try this place for awhile, but was very disappointed in the service. The woman serving us was very rude - definitely didn't make me or my friend feel comfortable or welcome. As someone who isn't an avid Chinese tea drinker, she made us feel stupid when asking questions like do you have any tea iced (no), or general recommendations. When spending $20 on a cup of tea, I expect a very different kind of experience. Do not go! read more

A tea shop for artists. Lovely little find near the museums in the Upper West Side. The tea and atmosphere both feel very authentic in being inspired by and directly supplied from Southern Asia. You definitely have to look for their sign outside, because it's not an obvious entrance. When you walk up, get ready to take your shoes off, and sit down to sip on pretty hand crafted ceramics, made by the owners. I was here during one of their first live sessions, which brings music and vocals right to you in a very speakeasy saloon manner, except with the caveat of drinking tea instead of prohibition era drinks. Signed up for the email mailing list right away, so I could come back for another show. I really think the music adds something magical that I've never experienced at another establishment because here it felt like your own private performance. read more

Floating Mountain - Don't miss the tea house sign! - Tea Rooms Near Me - New York, New York

What a gem! Floating Mountain is a magical escape from NYC. A great place to unwind and enjoy delicious teas from China.

Perfect location above 72nd St(second floor) for tea oasis. It's above the organic dry cleaner. The space is a Chinese tea house and pottery gallery. It's decor is natural and cozy. The lighting was beautifully sun drenched and had elegant light fixtures. Floating mountain has an extensive list of teas and the owner was our server who was extremely knowledgeable and educated us on the menu. The tea is presented in traditional Chinese pot yet modern touches. You can also purchase tea to take home. We enjoyed unwinding and drinking some tea here and will return. read more

Overpriced mediocre tea. Gets crowded very easily and can definitely find better tea rooms/parlors that provide a better experience in the price range that they are selling their tea read more

Love the peaceful pace of this tea room. Small and cozy. A room with a view. All Chinese Teas . Lovely.

I went to Floating Mountain about two weeks ago for a tea workshop- it's the best $50 I spent in 2018 so far. The tea workshop was informative, fun, and had a private class feel. The presenter was extremely knowledgeable regarding teas and their history and he made things really fun for everyone. We got to taste almost a dozen teas, it was very worth it. The space itself is just intimate and beautiful- everything that you'd want a tea house to be. The teas were also obviously very good quality and I'm not really knowledgable with teas at all- but I could even tell the difference. The owner is very sweet and responds quickly to any email questions you have. Truly lovely experience, I would recommend this to tea shop to tea lovers and curious New Yorkers alike ! read more

What a perfect place. Simple, quiet, just wonderful. Not kidding one of the best places period on the upper west side. You will love how perfect they are with handling the tea. read more

Really beautiful place to visit. Received lots of attention from the owner. A lovely, tranquil place to visit. An enormous range of hard to find teas. read more

Authentic Chinese tea and great ambiance . Have to be buzzed up like an speakeasy which was kind of strange in a good way for us small- towners. Expensive though . Perhaps can add some food stuff or ids read more

Love this place! The owner and staff are so nice. The place has a wonderful sense of serenity. You can come to drink tea alone or relax as a friend group or cozy couple. You sit on the floor and take off your shoes as you enter. 1 pot can go a long way and the selection is excellent. Would definitely recommend! read more

Fabulous teas in a charming and tranquil environment. The extensive tea list covers most of the good stuff out of China. The Tai Ping is a rare find and highly recommended. read more

Floating Mountain - An exquisite Dan Cong tea. - Tea Rooms Near Me - New York, New York

Such a relaxing spot for tea and meditation. They have plenty of teas from China and the host is very knowledgeable about them. The atmosphere is very zen like and there are low tables with pillows to sit on while having your tea. The hostess shows you the proper way to brew the tea as well. In the midst of busy Manhattan this place is a nice oasis. read more

Peaceful, clean, quiet, intentional. Zen. Incredible selection of teas, all hand-picked and carefully selected. Elina is a wonderful host and knowledgeable Tea Master. Definitely a must-visit. Looking forward to attending a concert later this week. Consider myself a regular read more

Nice and cozy place to enjoy Chinese tea with great hospitality. You need to take off your shoes at the entrance.

I adore this place. Tea is fantastic and I enjoy having a conversation with such a wonderful person (the owner). I will be back often!

Phenomenal atmosphere and beautiful space. This is not your typical tea house, but more of a speakeasy. (Located in the second floor)

What a gem! It's a beautiful space that calms you as soon as you walk in. It's like an oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can really sit, relax and enjoy some peace here. The tea selection is exceptional and the staff are so friendly and knowledgeable. It's such a great way to spend an afternoon and recharge in tranquility. read more

Comprehensive selection of over 100 Chinese teas and a small quiet tea room. Customer service person who brews the tea is attentive and knowlegable about tea. A good way to relax alone or talk with a friend over tea. There's no food served here, only tea. read more

What a beautiful relaxing tea house right next to a busy subway station! So happy to have found this spot! Sparkling clean, airy relaxing and very peaceful! I look forward to being a regular here! Absolutely love the selection of teas! Truly a treasure from China! read more

My husband and I came here on a Saturday evening. The ambience is tremendously calming. Delicious tea, great selection. Service was warm and friendly, with loving, open energy. I will return soon! read more

It was a great spot to enjoy a quiet afternoon tea in the midst of the bustling city. There were a lot of choices of tea. The service was phenomenal and the hostess was courteous. Our teacups were almost ceremoniously refilled with care not to mix old tea dregs with newly poured tea. The water temperature was just perfect. Overall our experience was really quite extraordinary. read more

A great find. The owner knows so much about tea and what's the best fit for you it's amazing. Atmosphere is special as well. It's like you're transported to a peaceful garden. A must if you just want to hang with a friend and talk. Love this place! read more

Such a lovely tea house! Delicious teas, serenity and a very friendly owner I've never seen such a long list of various teas. You can even buy some to take home. Beautiful tea ceremonies that help you appreciate the real taste of great teas! read more

An excellent choice for gong fu style tea in Manhattan. Yet to see Floating Mountain be outdone.

I cannot quite remember how I found this tearoom. Maybe it was from a podcast I listened to, or maybe it was from a glowing review of this place in The New York Times. Regardless, I am glad I discovered Floating Mountain! I have only been here a few times, but I plan to return again and again. Housed on the second floor of an inconspicuous building on the Upper West Side (adjacent to a yoga studio), Floating Mountain is a relaxing and friendly place to enjoy excellent-quality Chinese origin tea (that is to say, non-flavored tea from a specific location). Once you arrive and are seated at the counter or on pillows on floor mats (be sure to remove your shoes), Elina, the gentle-natured, friendly, and kind owner, presents you with an extensive and detailed menu of Chinese teas (no herbal tisanes here). If you're a fan of tea like I am, everything will look so appealing and appetizing that you won't know what to choose. Once you do decide on your tea and let Elina know what you want, she comes to you and precisely and expertly prepares your tea in the gongfu method (different than the Western method to which most Americans like me are accustomed). Just watching her prepare your tea can soothe you greatly. I have tasted several green teas and an oolong from this place, and they have been stellar! As you drink your tea, Elina comes and re-steeps your tea multiple times for many infusions. Thirty minutes of enjoying your tea turns to an hour, which turns to an hour and half, and so on. Time really flies by at Floating Mountain without you realizing it. Drinking tea here is like meditating; you really are focused and calm here. If you are interested, Elina also hosts meditation sessions as well as tea tasting and tea education workshops. The place is a wonderful sanctuary and respite from the hustle and bustle of New York City life. Floating Mountain is a true gem and an amazing find; I highly recommend it to tea experts and tea novices alike! read more

I absolutely loved everything about the Floating Mountain: the location -hidden on the 2nd floor so that only people in-the-know and adventurous-souls come in; amazing interior design; zen-like serene atmosphere - seems like for an hour or so you can leave all your worries outside the door; a wonderful hostess - so friendly and so knowledgeable and passionate about her teas; and of course - the TEA itself!!! There's a huge selection of amazing teas, it'll take quite a few visits to try them all. I'll definitely be back for more! (I actually want to check out some of the music events they are hosting there every week.) read more

I was looking for place like this for 3 years and here it is! Atmosphere is perfect, small, quiet, relaxing place. Elina is such a wonderful person, knowledgeable, kind, attentive and exquisite! Thank you for an amazing experience! read more

Absolutely gorgeous, serene space--sort of a cross between tea house, meditation space and gallery. Alcove window seats are the perfect spot to unwind with one of their amazing teas and watch the city go by just below. Owners are super knowledgeable and have lots of reco's. My last visit had the "duck shit" (not what it really is :) and it was amazing! Highly recommend read more