"Courtyard Tea Room is a hidden gem in Boston—cozy, charming, and wonderfully relaxing. The atmosphere feels like stepping into a quiet European café, perfect for slowing down and enjoying the moment. Their tea selection is thoughtful and well curated, and the food is fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Service is warm and attentive without feeling rushed. It’s an ideal spot for a peaceful break, a catch-up with friends, or a solo escape from the city buzz."

"Tucked inside the Boston Public Library, The Courtyard Tea Room feels like stepping into another time. The tall windows, marble arches, and soft hum of quiet conversation make it one of the most peaceful places in the city to sit down for afternoon tea. It’s elegant without being stuffy. The service stands out. The staff knows their teas, gives clear explanations without overselling, and manages to stay attentive even when the room is full. I went during a busy seating, and while it got a little rushed at times, the team handled it gracefully. If you want a slower, more relaxed experience, go earlier or later in the day. The tea selection is excellent—high-quality loose-leaf blends brewed perfectly. The savory items were the highlight for me: lobster on brioche, smoked salmon on pumpernickel, and chicken salad on marble rye. Each bite was balanced, fresh, and well thought out. The scones arrived warm, with lemon curd, raspberry preserves, and clotted cream—all spot on. This part lived up to the reviews that call it “the best in Boston.” I agree. Where things dipped a bit was the dessert tier. The sweets looked beautiful but lacked the same spark as the rest of the meal. The macarons and cake were fine, but not memorable. I’ve seen other reviews mention this, and I have to agree—the presentation was great, the flavor just didn’t land the same way. At around $68 per person, it’s not a casual outing, but for the setting and service, it feels fair. You’re paying for an experience, not just a meal. Overall, The Courtyard Tea Room delivers on atmosphere, service, and presentation. It’s the perfect spot for a quiet celebration or a refined afternoon with someone special. The savory course and scones steal the show. The desserts? A missed note on an otherwise elegant melody. 4 out of 5."

"I was so excited to bring five family members here for a special birthday celebration, especially since this was my third visit. The atmosphere was just as lovely as I remembered and perfectly set the scene. However, the food this time around was unfortunately a major letdown, and it really brought down the overall experience. For the price, the **savory selections felt uninspired** and weren't executed with the refinement we were anticipating. What was most surprising, though, was the sweet tier—the inclusion of a basic Whoopie Pie felt like a **significant step down** from the delicate, sophisticated pastries you usually offer. We chose the Courtyard Tea Room for the quality we remembered, but we left feeling that the food did not match the premium cost for this special occasion."

"Eh. As expensive as other high teas I’ve been to, but the food is not as tasty or fresh and the digs are not as upscale. The service was nice, and the cocktail and mocktail were well made. The main issue I had was with the tea sandwiches, which felt as though they had been pre-prepared, refrigerated, and then served. The bread on all was not particularly fresh and the fillings were skimpy and truly forgettable. Scones tasted fresh but were too sweet for me, especially with the heavy sugar topping. Mini desserts were also cloying and I only took a small bite of each. For the price, go somewhere else. When I return to enjoy the library and setting, I’ll just go to the bar."

"We loved our experience here. Our waiter was amazing from brazil I believe. He was so polite and charming. Everything was serene and just beautiful."