I love going around and trying out different themed tea parties. I booked for the Marie Antoinette tea and it was a very cute space. The decor was great and I loved that many people dressed up. I definitely enjoyed my time there. The only thing I didn't like was how long it took for the food to be brought out. I recommend that you have a small bite to eat prior to going. read more

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I wanted to give it a few days and take a deep breath before I wrote this post. My friend and I took our toddlers here for a mommy & me Valentine's date this past weekend and we were both super disappointed. We paid $30 per person for the tea party so $120 total. Honestly we weren't expecting anything crazy, but even with that we were super bummed with the experience. The one star is for how cute the place and setup are. It has a lot of potential, and maybe something was just going on this particular day that made the experience so awful. But even if that was the case I wish they would have explained. Anyway, the tea party started at 11 am and they did not specify how long it was supposed to be or the end time. We get there on time and sit down, enjoy the adorable set up and wait to be served. It took about 20-30 for us to be served our tea and lemonade. After that we are waiting for our finger foods (which on the advertisement they stated it would be sweet and savory). They did not bring our bites until 12:30! Meaning it took an hour and a half for them to bring a small tray of croissants, cupcakes and cookies! I was so confused as to why it took so long to serve.. I mean clearly almost everything was premade besides the little basic finger sandwiches (and it was taking a long time for everyone, because we were listening to all the little girls around us complaining of how hungry they were). So finally we get ours and instead of getting ham & cheese sandwiches like everyone around us, they gave us chicken salad sandwiches which the kids did not want at all. I ate them because at this point I am super hungry and getting a headache because i'm also super pregnant. We ask the lady if they have anything else and she said she can make them grilled cheese sandwiches. The main problem was that for the amount of tickets they sold/tables they had.. they were understaffed. There was just one adult (who i'm assuming was the owner) and two kids helping her (i'm guessing her kids). I loved that the kids were serving the tables but it literally took an hour and a half for us to get a super basic tray of snacks and they only came twice to fill our tea. On top of all that, what bothered me the most was there were moms waiting in the waiting room for a solid hour waiting to be seated! Their daughters all dolled up for a cute day with their moms and literally waiting an hour to be seated for something that was supposed to start at 11 am. A lot of the moms were disappointed but what can they say? They don't want to ruin the experience for their daughters. No joke if this was my business i would 100% refund all the moms there. I was so bummed I ended up leaving with a headache that lasted all day. I am just tired of businesses taking peoples money and not delivering. read more

The Empressa - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Temecula, California

First off let me start with Dionne was absolutely amazing, she guided me through everything and gave me the most perfect baby shower. Everyone was not only impressed with the atmosphere but also the delicious food. I highly recommend checking this place out for afternoon tea or if you are searching for a place to host a bridal shower or a baby shower this really is the perfect place. I cant wait to go back. read more

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We recently hosted a bridal shower here and were blown away by the entire experience. The hospitality was truly incredible. The owner, Dionne made us feel so welcome and right at home from the moment we arrived. The decor was absolutely gorgeous and created such a beautiful atmosphere for celebrating the bride. And the food and desserts were amazing--our guests couldn't stop talking about how delicious everything was! We're so grateful for the care and attention that went into every detail. It made the day feel effortless and so special. Highly recommend this venue for any celebration! read more

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I had the amazing opportunity to win a giveaway for the Bridgerton experience here at The Empressa. This establishment is adorned with class, meticulous decor, and a refined ambiance. If you're looking for a nice little venue to host a baby shower or even a bridal shower, look no further! This is the place you're looking for. Service is great, food is simple and yet classy and you seriously cannot beat the ambiance this place gives! To view a small reel of how gorgeous this place is, check out my insta: @satiate.kate read more

The Empressa - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Temecula, California

Brought my 6 year old daughter here for an etiquette class and was very happy with the entire experience. The place was adorable. The woman hosting the class was great with all of the kids. The moms were allowed to stay and have tea which was wonderful. My daughter told me she had a great time and wants to go back for more classes. She learned a lot of useful skills. We were so impressed. I have been searching for classes like this for quite some time now so we can not wait to go back! read more

Had the absolute pleasure of attending a Mommy & Me Tea Party at The Empressa Temecula this Mother's Day, and it was more than just afternoon tea .. it was an opportunity to slow down, savor the moment, and share something special with my children. From the moment we walked in, the experience was warm, elegant, and thoughtfully curated. My little ones were dressed to the nines and we were greeted kindly and were seated at a beautifully set table. We were so impressed by the young servers--gracious, polite, and confident! It was a joy to watch them in action, and such a positive example for my kids. Every detail was handled with such care, from the impeccable service to the stunning setup. I loved one of the teas so much, that when I learned it was available for purchase I quickly snatched it up! The menu: Tea sandwiches (Cucumber, Herbed Chicken Salad, Salmon & Dill) Scones with Lemon Cream Cheese, Brown Butter Salted Caramel, and more A lovely variety of teas including English Breakfast and Indigo Punch A refreshing Hibiscus Lemonade for the little ones This event reminded me how important it is to make space for meaningful connection with our kids. The Empressa Temecula made that possible in the most enchanting way. Whether you're a local or visiting Temecula, I highly recommend this spot for a beautiful, family-friendly experience. The love they pour into every detail truly shines. Can't wait to come back for another "tea-lightful" time! read more

The Empressa - Yummy treats at the Mommy and Me Tea party! - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Temecula, California

This place was just wonderful, beautiful and perfect for our baby/ non baby shower. The food was delicious!! The teas were amazing. Haha can I even say more. I just loved the staff and their friendliness, and willingness to make this day extra special. I will be back again for sure. Highly recommend read more

I had my sister's surprise bridal tea party at The Empressa, and let me just say, we were all beyond impressed. Dionne is so thoughtful and went through every detail, from decor to food to even game ideas in preparation for the event. The food is tasty and the ambience is very welcoming and warm. Highly recommend! read more

I honestly can't say enough good things about this cute little tea house! The tea, scones, sandwiches and desserts were so delicious!! Dionne, Noel and London made my Mother's Day tea so special! We can't wait to come back!!! Thank you to Dionne and her precious family...your passion is so inspiring!!! read more

Such a lovely tea house. Came for a birthday tea party. The service was top notch. Dione was a fabulous host and her son London was the perfect gentleman. The girls had such a special time. I would really love to come again. read more

The Empressa - Beautiful event room - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Temecula, California

The food is good and the portions are thoughtful. But honestly what brought this review down to 2 stars was the indifference to my mother's disability. This place isn't up front about it being on the second story with steep stairs. My mom uses a walker and could barely make it. The website didn't mention the only way to get to the venue was up two sets of stairs. Imagine our surprise and it's too late to go somewhere else. The owner was very dismissive. I wasn't asking her to build an elevator but be honest on your website that a handicapped individual would have a very hard time getting up those stairs or they wouldn't make it at all. Furthermore, they have one employee working having to do all the serving. One tiny restroom not being maintained either with the at least 30 people that would need to use it. Plus the owner had her kids serving, which alright it's cute and endearing but it just felt like she should hire more people. They seemed tired and had to wait on all the tables. The food was good. Nothing tasted bad. Sandwiches very homemade or store bought. The scones tasted just like Trader Joe's scones. There was plenty of food though. So that was a nice caveat. All in all, I would mostly not go back because the owner felt offended that I even mentioned her website didn't mention the stairs situation. She added that Yelp mentioned it. Well not everyone uses Yelp all the time. Some people go directly to the website. But sure. She didnt seem that worried about it so you know, I'm not that worried about going back. I'd say reconsider bringing elderly or disabled relatives here. To the owner: I can only be honest about my experience. The tone of your response speaks for itself. Just be transparent about what customers can expect from your business. Especially on your business' website. I appreciate you being "worried"about our needs. I'm just warning others. Happy to know ABLE 80/90 yos can visit. Not all seniors/individuals with disabilities are able. Im just sharing my honest experience and hope people will read this and know what to expect. Thank you read more

Amazing experience! I held my bridal shower here with my close family and it was so perfect! The food was amazing- so fresh and tasty. The scones were so soft and delicious. The sandwiches were perfect and tasty. Dionne called us the day before to help with menu selections. We had a person with a severe nut allergy and Dionne was so accommodating- making sure there were no contaminants so my guests felt comfortable. And let's not forget the tea! The tea was so delicious and our cups were never empty! The decor, the atmosphere, everything was so perfect for my event and I couldn't have asked for anything better. 100% recommend this beautiful place! read more

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The venue is gorgeous and classy, and excellent for multiple types of celebrations and gatherings! read more

The Empressa - Amazing atmosphere and delicious tea! Excellent for multiple celebrations! - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Temecula, California

Amazing! Wonderful attention to every detail. My cousin and I had a delightful visit!! I highly recommend!

We went to tea yesterday at The Empressa. I had no idea this lovely tea house was right here in Temecula! Dionne and her children were the most gracious hosts and the tea and food was absolutely delicious! The decor was beautiful too. It was everything you want High Tea to be. I highly recommend The Empressa for your next girls day out! I am already trying to figure out when I can go back! Thank you, Dionne for such an amazing experience! read more

Took my sister here for Mother's Day Tea. We have had tea in castles in Europe and this rivaled them. It was amazing! Highly recommend!

Attended the holiday teddy bear tea as a gift to my daughter. It was such a lovely experience for her. The children made their own teddy bears and the set up was nothing short of elegant. This was a beautiful experience. Her son London is such a little gentleman and confident! I'm so glad we finally have a tea house in the vicinity and that too done so we'll and elegantly. read more

I gave my granddaughter a birthday tea party. She was so exciting about it. We all loved it!!! The venue is fantastic, the food delicious, and the service impeccable. In planning this I spoke with Dionne, the owner, she was very friendly, accommodating and willing to make your ideas come to fruition. I highly recommend The Empressa for any type of celebration or get together. read more

They need to make homemade scones and also have adults working there and not children although it is cute to see children coming to serve you or checking on you. I don't think their feet were comfortable standing for hours. Also, 80% of the food served is store-bought look like the scones were bought from Trader Joe's and the desserts as well. The only thing I could say was probably homemade where the sandwiches the appetizers served at the beginning of tea or probably store-bought as well I don't think there is a stove or an oven but probably a toaster oven. I want more authenticity when it comes to my tea and scones. Additionally, if you were handicapped in a wheelchair or use a cane, it is not advised to go here. There are only stairs. This teahouse is on the second floor and the staircase to get up to the restaurant is treacherous. Everyone there is very nice and gracious, but I can go to the store and buy my own scone for that matter. I wanted some clotted cream, some strawberry preserves but none of that was available if you want a true tea house do your research first I think this is just like More for little kids playing dress up, but this is not for adults read more

I had an afternoon tea here to celebrate a friend's tenth wedding anniversary, and everybody in attendance was blown away by this wonderful experience. From the first time I contacted Dionne, she was super helpful, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic. Her attention to detail is unmatched, and her love for what she does is evident in every step of the planning process. Every time I reached out to her with a question, she responded quickly. On the day of the tea, Dionne and her team were gracious hostesses. The venue and decor were immaculate and gorgeous. The beverages were top-notch (I highly recommend the chai and the passionfruit iced tea!). The food was absolutely delicious and prepared to perfection. What little leftovers there were, were fought over by the guests LOL. My girls and I couldn't stop raving about The Empressa for the rest of the weekend and will definitely be booking future gatherings with Dionne and her crew. Thank you so much, ladies! read more

If your looking for a place to take care of your every need, this is the place. Dionne and her crew took care of my wife's 60th birthday party. The theme was a British Hi Tea, she absolutely hit it out of the park, only thing missing was the Queen. I met with her initially and we talked about what I wanted, she stayed in contact with me at least once a week, gave me plenty of options. The tea's were spot on, and the finger sandwich's were absolutely out of this world, scones and deserts were incredible. She had a cake made in the shape of a teapot, unbelievable craftsmanship. You want to host a part this place has it all. read more

Had a great afternoon tea at The Empressa. Service and sandwiches and scones were great.The venue is private and lovely. A wonderful venue to host a party , Dion and crew take care of you. read more

My mother-in-law, my young son, and I celebrated Mother's Day here at The Empressa today, and we had a wonderful time. The tea house is very clean, sunny, and charming. The tea was delicious, and so is the lemonade. The tea treats included a variety of tea sandwiches, scones, petite desserts, fruit, and appetizers. Everything was beautifully presented and tasted delicious. Our favorites were the cucumber sandwiches, the little crab cakes, the lemon bars, and the custard tarts--but everything was very good. The ambience is "cottage garden party," with the tables set with beautiful bouquets, traditional British tea style china, and a lovely flower arrangement that hangs from the ceiling like a canopy or chandelier. The attention to detail is so sweet that they even had heart-shaped sugar cubes! One thing that is great about this tea house is that it is enchanting and pretty, but yet casual, modern, and not too stuffy. Dionne and her family are very welcoming. The service is top notch. They take care to make sure that you have plenty of tea and treats. There are beautiful views of the mountains and there is a koi fish pond outside the entrance. The rooms are perfect for an afternoon tea or for hosting a special occasion, like a baby shower, wedding party, birthday, etc. We had the opportunity to visit with Dionne for a bit, and she couldn't be kinder. I can't wait to return for another tea, and I wish Dionne and her family all the best. Thank you for a magical Mother's Day and for bringing a lovely tea experience to our area. read more