Definition

1. Noun:
   • A restaurant where tea and light meals are available: A "tea parlor" is a type of establishment, often with a quaint or cozy atmosphere, that primarily serves tea along with simple food items like pastries, sandwiches, or cakes.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • We visited a charming tea parlor in the old part of the city.
  • The hotel's afternoon tea is served in its elegant tea parlor.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Cultural Context: The term often evokes a sense of tradition or gentility, associated with formal afternoon tea service.
  • The Victorian-style tea parlor was filled with antique china and lace doilies.

Variants and Related Words

• Tearoom (n): A synonym for tea parlor; a room or establishment where tea and light refreshments are served.
  • They decided to meet at the local tearoom.
• Teahouse (n): An establishment, often of Asian origin, where tea is served, sometimes with a focus on the ceremonial aspects of tea drinking.
  • The Japanese teahouse offered a serene experience.

Synonyms

• Tearoom: A room or small restaurant where tea and light meals are served.
• Café: A small restaurant selling drinks and light meals (note: a café may have a broader menu than a traditional tea parlor).

Related Phrases

• Afternoon tea: A light meal typically consisting of tea, sandwiches, scones, and pastries, often served in a tea parlor.
  • We booked afternoon tea for two at the famous tea parlor.
• High tea: In some contexts, a more substantial evening meal; however, in a tea parlor, it may refer to a formal tea service.
  • The tea parlor offers a traditional high tea on weekends.

Noun

1. a restaurant where tea and light meals are available