Why Locals Love Buena Vida Tea Bar & Garden
Buena Vida Tea Bar & Garden, nestled invitingly at 726 Montana Ave in the heart of Santa Monica, is a true sanctuary for tea enthusiasts and food lovers alike. This charming tea house, event venue, and restaurant effortlessly blends a serene garden ambiance with a curated menu that invites you to savor each moment and flavor.
Step inside, and you’re embraced by a comforting atmosphere that perfectly balances peacefulness with warmth—accentuated by a lovely mini fountain that trickles in the background, creating the ideal soundtrack for indulgence and relaxation. The outdoor covered patio adds another layer of charm, allowing guests to bask in the Californian sun while sipping their tea or enjoying a savory bite.
The culinary experience here is a revelation of carefully crafted, globally inspired flavors with a special focus on quality teas and gourmet bites. The tea menu showcases an impressive array of iced and hot options, each brewed with precision and passion. From the robust, comforting notes of the Signature Black and the floral elegance of Jasmine Green Tea, to warming, exotic selections like Persian Delight and Apple Oolong, each cup offers a sensory journey. Tea lovers can also indulge in creative blends like the Rosa Palmer or the energizing Matcha Americano, elevating their tea experience beyond the ordinary.
Complementing the teas, the savory menu stands out with their celebrated empanadas—perfectly flaky pastries bursting with flavorful fillings. Guests repeatedly praise the Argentinian Beef, Chicken, and Spinach empanadas, each bite a delightful mix of hearty and delicate textures. Not to be missed is their abundant selection of gluten-free pastries, pleasing those with dietary preferences without compromising taste. The guava cake, lavender rosemary baked goods, and vegan empanadas are other crowd favorites, pairing beautifully with the teas for an unforgettable, thoughtful treat.
What truly sets Buena Vida apart is the deeply intentional hospitality from the staff who treat every visitor with genuine kindness and care. Time and again, customers like Erick Cedeño and Joel Zaidspiner highlight the personal service, knowledge, and warmth—qualities that transform a simple outing into a memorable experience. Whether it’s Alisha making sure your iced tea is perfectly balanced or Mayra sharing insights about unique tea blends, you feel truly seen and valued here.
Visiting Buena Vida Tea Bar & Garden is not just about enjoying premium teas and delicious food—it’s about stepping into a space where thoughtful details, from playful hand dryers in the restrooms to the calming garden surroundings, curate a complete sensory and soulful experience. It’s a hidden gem where the love for tea and community shines brightly, inviting you to slow down, savor, and reconnect with the simple joys.
For anyone seeking an exceptional tea-infused escape in Santa Monica, Buena Vida Tea Bar & Garden is the place to be. Prepare to be enchanted by every sip and every bite—and return again, eager for that warm, welcoming embrace that feels like coming home.
See the Space & Food
What Makes This Place Friendly
- Identifies as Latino-owned
- Identifies as women-owned
- On-site services
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Delivery
- Great tea selection
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Gender-neutral toilets
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safe space
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- Paid street parking
Real Reviews from the Community
- Feb 23, 2026
Oh my goodness this place it was such a hidden gem tucked away. My wife and Myself stopped by and it was a wonderful experience, very tasty Frenchpressd coffees & some empanadas. You need to get one of each. Argentinian Beef, chicken and spinach empanadas. Believe me when I say it's a 2 thumbs up. They also have a wide selection of GLUTEN FREE PASTRIES!!! Thank you for the phenomenal time spent. Will comeback again soon.
- Feb 17, 2026
We stumbled on this really cute place on our way to Malibu. It's really amazing and has personal service. When we walked in, we found the team of creaters who made your tea or coffee treats. plus all the delicious cakes they offer looked delicious. We went with Iced Chai lattes, iced apple oolong, and Gunpowder hot green tea. Alisha made sure we were well card for and that everything was perfect. The cake was good and had solid chocolate flavor with a hint of banana. All their pastries mad for them off premises as there is not enough room on site. Each drink was filled with flavor, and each was made fresh. I wish I was still hungry as I would have had a high tea option. Pleasant afternoon tea stop that I wish I had near my home.
- Feb 11, 2026
Intentional. Amazing tea and overall vibe. Mayra and the staff are kind, knowledgeable and so helpful. We got the guava cake, spinach empanada, Lavendar rosemary baked good. Persian specialty tea = warming and savory. Apple oolong = incredible Jasmine Treat yourself. So lovely. Covered patio too.
- Feb 3, 2026
Amazing! Nothing I say will do this place justice. You've got to experience this. Nonetheless, the atmosphere is so serene, they even have a mini fountain which is just the best background noise. The tea is premium. The treats and sandwiches are delicious and perfect with tea. Even the bathroom is so thoughtfully curated. When you dry your hands, it's like a rave. I can't wait to come back! (P.S. the amount was for 2 people)
- Feb 2, 2026
Buena Vida Tea Bar & Garden is my favorite place to enjoy good quality tea in Santa Monica. When you walk inside every staff treat you like they are happy to see you regardless if it's your first time or you visit everyday. I always feel welcomed. They have an amazing vegan empanada that pairs well with some tea. Today I had the Rosa Palmer!
- Jan 20, 2026
I had such a wonderful experience at Buena Vida Tea Bar and Garden. I ordered the peppermint tea with honey along with sandwiches, a spinach and cheese empanada, and a selection of their desserts. Every sip and every bite was incredible—fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared. Bonus points for the flourless brownie. Our server, Alicia, was warm, attentive, and genuinely kind, which made the visit even better. The garden area is absolutely beautiful, a peaceful little oasis that feels like a hidden gem tucked away from everything. Strongly recommend this spot. I’ll definitely be back
- Jan 4, 2026
Soooooooo amazing Cozy place, very tasty tea and cookies, and very good people work here.
- Dec 30, 2025
Today I met 2 friends on a Saturday afternoon for tea and pastries. You pre pay and then find a table or one of the staff will guide you to a table. This is a narrow space, but everything is arranged nicely. We all ordered hot tea, and shared scones and a Guava Cheesecake! Aleesha brought us to our table and later brought our teas and cakes/ scones. The staff here wear facinators which is a nice touch! I loved it. There was a young man who was also very nice and gave us Service with a Smile. We asked him to take our photos and for more hot water. I will definitely return here again! One can also just order Tea or food TO GO. Very nice and cozy vibe. Staff are very friendly and patient. Metered parking along Montana Ave. Free residential parking north or south of Montana Ave, but read the parking signs carefully.
