There are few pleasures in life as delightful as afternoon tea. It's the perfect way to spend some quality time together, relaxing over a steaming pot of serenity and savoring delicious bites. Of the dozens of tea spots in San Francisco, my absolute favorite is Lovejoy's.

Lovejoy's offers a multitude of options for all tea drinkers, from a full course, three-tiered platter of delights, to smaller offerings for in-between meal times. My favorite is the “Queen's Tea,” which includes finger sandwiches, salad, scones, crumpets, tea biscuits, fruit, petit fours, and more arranged on a lovely three-tiered silver platter. The portions are actually quite large, and I always leave here very full and satisfied. The tea list is extensive and detailed, and the teapots are bottomless.

The decor of Lovejoy's may be called quirky, eclectic, or feminine, but I call it charming. The lace doilies, mismatched china, brightly colored chairs, and British signs on the walls add to the charm and make Lovejoy's a delight for the eyes. And yes, though the clientele is mostly comprised of women, I have known many a male companion who tried afternoon tea here and loved it.

So, if you're ever in the mood for some afternoon tea in San Francisco, do yourself a favor and visit Lovejoy’s. Just remember -- a reservation is often necessary for this popular spot.