The Rotunda

150 Stockton St./Geary St., in Neiman Marcus, on Union Square, (415) 249-2720 x2465. L & aft. tea daily; $$$, tea $45-$60. Sun-W 11-4, Thur-Sat 11-5. Reservations advised.

ground floor of Neiman Marcus in San Francisco

What could be finer than afternoon tea beneath this elegant department store’s gorgeous 1909 stained-glass-domed rotunda? The Rotunda in Neiman Marcus let's you choose from private and comfy half-moon booths, or tables directly overlooking Union Square.

stained-glass dome at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco

The Rotunda tea room at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco

view of Union Square from The Rotunda tea room at Neiman Marcus
in San Francisco

Tea is a choice of black, green, or herbal varieties, and it does change. My dining partner opted for a lovely Jardin Bleu blend with Indian and Chinese leaves flavored with rhubarb and wild strawberry and accented with blue cornflower petals, while I minimized my caffeine intake and chose a pleasant chamomile. Each is presented in a small personal teapot, with the leaves brewing in a strainer in the top--a disappointment since I am fond of loose-leaf tea floating around freely in the water and the use of a strainer to collect the leaves as I pour the fragrant brew into my cup. The serviceware is white--also not my cup of tea since I prefer floral and fussy. Service beings with a petite cup of chicken consume and a fresh-from-the-oven popover with a side of strawberry butter.

popover and consume at The Rotunda tea room at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco

The full tea includes a variety of finger sandwiches (we especially liked the chicken salad), a cylindrical prosciutto-wrapped fig, tarts of chocolate and red velvet, cookies, and, of course, scrumptious scones upon which we slathered lemon curd, raspeberry jam, and whipped cream. The option to add in a glass of Gloria Ferrer Brut or Etoile Brut Rosé is a good one, and it heightens the elegance of the experience. Lunch selections include the renowned NM Chicken Salad plus a lobster club and burger, and cocktail service is available.