Chinese Tea House at Marble House
Cliff Walk, Newport, RI 02840, United States+1 401-619-7810
About This Place
Nestled along Newport’s iconic Cliff Walk, the Chinese Tea House at Marble House is a captivating coffee shop experience that transcends the ordinary. This unique spot offers guests more than just a beverage—it’s an immersive journey into a refined tradition of tea, set against breathtaking ocean views and steeped in elegant history. Originally built in 1914 for Alva Vanderbilt Belmont, the Tea House’s Song Dynasty-inspired architecture creates an exotic yet tranquil atmosphere that invites visitors to slow down and savor the moment.
The menu at the Chinese Tea House is a delightful blend of sophisticated flavors and comforting classics. Whether you’re indulging in their tender short ribs or enjoying a crisp Ham and Swiss sandwich, each dish is thoughtfully crafted to complement the exquisite tea selections. Highlights include richly textured foie gras and fresh, vibrant fruit that bring brightness to the palate. Pastry lovers will appreciate the buttery croissants paired beautifully with robust teas, while bakery items like the chocolate chunk cookie and decadent marshmallow bar add an extra layer of sweetness to the experience.
More than just a coffee shop stop, this destination becomes a memorable afternoon ritual—elevated by thoughtful touches like lavender mocktails and savory bites including traditional deviled eggs and creamy pimento cheese that tease and satisfy the senses. The inclusion of an entrée with the afternoon tea service surprises many, offering generous portions that ensure guests leave pleasantly full and deeply satisfied.
Real visitors consistently praise the Tea House’s warm and attentive service paired with its serene ocean-side setting. Joanna T shared how the ambiance perfectly complemented their historical tour of the Marble House, transforming afternoon tea into an exceptional cultural experience. Pamela Cantrell found her birthday celebration elevated by the exquisite food and handcrafted beverages, emphasizing how the Tea House made the occasion truly special. Another enthusiastic reviewer, P K, appreciated the high quality and thoughtfully curated menu that sets this tea experience apart from typical offerings.
While access requires either a Marble House membership or ticket purchase, and reservations are strongly advised to secure a spot, guests agree that this exclusivity adds to the charm and tranquility of the visit. Kelly from Cambridgeport aptly described the Tea House as a hidden gem—where each moment feels intimate and meaningful, framed by sweeping Atlantic views and a timeless elegance that lingers long after you leave.
For anyone seeking a refined coffee shop that offers more than just a drink—one that blends history, artistry, and exceptional flavors into every visit—the Chinese Tea House at Marble House is an unforgettable destination that invites you to pause, savor, and discover Newport from a truly unique perspective.
Location: Cliff Walk, Newport, RI 02840, United States
Phone: +1 401-619-7810
Service options
Outdoor seating Takeaway Dine-in DeliveryHighlights
Great tea selection Serves local specialtyPopular for
Lunch Solo diningOfferings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Small plates WineDining options
Brunch Lunch Dessert Seating Table serviceAmenities
ToiletAtmosphere
Cosy Historic RomanticCrowd
TouristsPlanning
Accepts reservationsPayments
Credit cards Debit cardsParking
Free parking lot ParkingOpening Hours
-
Monday
Closed -
Tuesday
Closed -
Wednesday
Closed -
Thursday
10:00 AM - 03:30 PM -
Friday
10:00 AM - 03:30 PM -
Saturday
10:00 AM - 03:30 PM -
Sunday
10:00 AM - 03:30 PM
Map & Directions
Visitor Reviews
-
Joanna T
1 month agowent for afternoon tea after touring the Marble House. What a unique way to spend the afternoon, and enjoy the ambiance of the Tea House. The food was great, and we even got a much welcomed history lesson (brief but informative!) about the Tea Hose. If you never had a Tea, you should try it.
-
Kelly Cambridgeport
2 month agoThe Chinese Tea House at Marble House is truly a hidden gem in Newport—steeped in history and perched above the Atlantic with sweeping ocean views. Do note that you need to either be a member or purchase a ticket to the Marble House in order to dine at the tea house, but it’s well worth it for the experience. At $65 per person, this felt more like a high tea than a traditional afternoon tea. In addition to the expected tea sandwiches and sweets (which were not overly sugary—thankfully!), the meal includes a savory entrée of your choice (some have supplemental add-on charges). I chose the braised short rib ($8 add-on) which was tender and flavorful, while my friend enjoyed a fresh salad topped with salmon ($12 add-on). You’re also welcomed with a drink of your choice—either a glass of sparkling wine or a non-alcoholic lavender fizz, which added a refreshing and celebratory touch to the experience. For tea, you get one choice per person and your own individual teapot. It was a teabag instead of loose tea. I would recommend the tea house to use two teabags in the future to increase the intensity because there was very little flavor in the tea. The service was excellent—warm, knowledgeable, and unhurried. Several staff members shared historical tidbits about the property, including its fascinating connection to Alva Vanderbilt. After her divorce, she kept Marble House and later had people build the tea house after remarrying. The last seating is at 3:30 PM (we made it just in time), and the grounds close at 5 PM. Despite the cutoff, we never felt rushed and were able to savor the meal and the view in a relaxed, luxurious atmosphere. This isn’t just a meal—it’s a serene and immersive step back in time. Highly recommend for a special outing. Elise from South Africa was very charming and welcoming. We enjoyed listening to her stories.
-
RoadTrip NewEngland
2 month agoSet on the ocean side of Marble House, the Chinese Tea House in Newport stands out with its bright roofline and sweeping views of the Atlantic. It sits at the end of the estate’s back lawn, right where the property meets the Cliff Walk. Built in 1914 for Alva Vanderbilt Belmont, the structure was designed by the firm Hunt & Hunt, who modeled it after Song-dynasty architecture. Its carved brackets, tiled roof, and decorative figures were meant to contrast with the Gilded Age mansion behind it, turning the lawn into a deliberate display of global style. Alva later used the Tea House as a platform for women’s suffrage events, making it one of the few Newport garden structures tied directly to political history. Today it’s open to visitors through the Preservation Society, offering a close look at its original design and its place in Newport’s architectural landscape.
-
Pamela Cantrell
2 month agoAt first I was a little nervous that high afternoon tea would not have enough food for the price but we left full. The food was incredible and so was the lavender mocktails. Thank you for making my birthday extra special! Reservations are required for the Tea House.
-
P K
2 month agoThis was as and better than I expected. The menu choices, food, beverage, service and atmosphere. A entree was also included which is unusual for an afternoon tea menu which has a very nice presentation and flavors. I would return again, hopefully their quality remains or is improved. An entrance sign that notes reservation only would be useful on busy days to avoid guests with reservations not feel disappointed arriving on time for their reservation.
-
Isabelle De Joya Vea
2 month agoI would say this is a must after seeing several of the Newport Mansions. I have done several high tea experiences in different cities and I would say for $65 and it’s well worth it. You start with a welcome drink of either a sparkling wine or mocktail. There are about 5 different teas to choose from. Personally I got the lavender mint which was great! The pastry and sandwich selection of the high tea was sumptuous. You also get to choose an entree like a burrata toast, salmon, or short rib. We got the short rib and polenta (+$8 up charge) which was nice after having all the pastries. They then finish it off with dessert while you admire the surroundings. We had sat outside balcony facing the water and it was just the perfect afternoon for it!
-
Brittiney Boyle
3 month agoThe tea house was a fun experience. We walked back to it after we toured the marble house and they had an opening. (mid summer I'm sure you would need a reservation) it was $65 per person. But we were stuffed by the time we were done. You get a welcome drink, some appetizers, tea, a choice for your entre, and desert.
Share Your Experience
Your Rating
Discover What Travelers Love About This Place
Real experiences, honest impressions, and insights shared by the Wherevi community to help you explore with confidence.
Fancy Wheat Field Bakery
