Frequently asked questions.

the menu

  • We offer 3 packages: Classic and Grande for adults, and Petite for children under 10 years of age.

    Each package is based on the total number of items, so you can choose the option that best suits your gathering.

    View full details here: Packages

  • True to tradition, our afternoon tea consists of a selection of

    • teas and tisanes

    • gourmet savories including finger sandwiches, tarts, quiches, and other bite sized delicacies

    • delicate mini desserts including cakes, tartlets, madeleines, cheesecakes, macarons, and other small pastries

    • freshly baked scones with accompaniments

  • Our menu items rotate seasonally to keep things fresh. You can view the current menu here: MENU

  • Our tea menu consists of black, white, green, oolong, pu-erh, and herbal tisanes. These include a range of delicious flavors - fresh, citrusy, floral, earthy, warm, and spicy to name just a few.

    All teas are provided as premium individual pyramid sachets that can be brewed by host / server at the tea station or by guests directly in their cups.

  • All our packages include an assortment of teas from our menu to include a range of flavors and origins - fresh, citrusy, floral, earthy, warm, and spicy.

    If you’d like to request specific teas, please let us know at the time of booking.

  • Yes, we love creating afternoon teas for our little guests.

    Our current Petite Menu can be viewed here.

  • Yes, unlike other afternoon tea catering, our packages are designed to give you complete choice in curating your own custom menu.

    You select your preferred savories, sweets, and scones from our current seasonal menu at the time of booking.

    The a la carte menu consists of some of our most loved items that can be added onto any selected menu.

  • To keep things fresh, we regularly change our menu. We often add/remove new items based on seasons and popularity.

  • Our menu is intentionally designed to be vegetarian friendly. But, we are not a complete vegetarian facility - we do offer a selection of meat sandwiches.

    We are currently unable to accommodate gluten-free or vegan requests.

  • At this time, we do not offer gluten-free or vegan options.

    All food is prepared in the same kitchen, so cross-contamination with allergens is possible. If you have allergy-related questions, please contact us before booking.

  • All items are freshly hand baked and prepared for your event. Nothing is made weeks in advance a your food is always prepared as close to your event date as possible to ensure the best quality and freshness.

the experience

  • We offer three ways to enjoy the Casa Zaara menu, depending on the kind of gathering you’re planning.

    The Celebration - We do the complete styling and setup for you in one of 2 formats:

    Sit Down Plated: A detailed table setting with individual place settings, ideal for an elevated intimate experience.

    Buffet: A beautifully arranged buffet setup that works well for relaxed gatherings where guests can mingle.

    The Hamper - Your selected menu is prepared, packed, and delivered ready to eat. Complete with food handling and brewing information.

    View details of each experience here: EXPERIENCES

  • Yes, absolutely. If you have a specific theme or design in mind, we’d be happy to talk it through and put together a custom quote.

    Let’s Talk

  • Setup includes all the tea paraphernalia you need for your tea party

    • tea pots

    • tea cups and saucers

    • creamer, sugar bowls, strainers

    • 3-tier stands

    • appetizer plates

    • silver ware

    • serve ware

    • place settings - place mats / chargers / dinner plates / salad plates (depending on your theme)

    • table linens

    • table decor

    • fresh flower arrangements

    • printed menus

    Our teapots and 3-tier stands are shared between 2-4 guests.

  • Yes, our setup includes complete table styling - including using fresh floral arrangements as needed for your specific theme.

  • Sorry, we do not provide tables and chairs.

    If you wish for us to take care of it, we are happy to get you a rental quote from a preferred vendor.

    Please contact us to discuss rates and availability.

  • While we currently do not offer a rental service, it’s in the works.

    The Gathering - A Self-Styled Buffet Setup. We provide you with the food, teas and the styling rentals for you set it up yourself.

    Join our Insider list to be the first to know.

  • Yes, we do. Our friendly and professional service staff is available, if required.

    Service staff rates are by the hour (minimum 3 hours), and charged separately.

    Please contact us to discuss details.

  • Setup typically takes approximately 2 hours depending on guest count and complexity of the tablescape. We will confirm the arrival time with you in advance so everything is ready well before your guests arrive.

booking & payments

  • Start by choosing your desired “experience” - your menu items and preferred event style.

    Then send us your inquiry with your event details. We’ll review everything and send you a custom quote and booking information by email, usually within 24 hours.

  • We accept bookings anywhere from 7 days to 6 months in advance, depending on availability. Earlier booking is always recommended, especially for weekends, holidays, and popular dates.

  • Yes, we do require a minimum order value of $600, excluding tax and delivery fees.

  • To secure your event date, a 50% payment is required at the time of booking. This includes a 10% non-refundable retainer and a 40% deposit.

    The remaining 50% balance is due 1 week before your event.

  • Our standard packages are available for groups of 8 to 40 guests.

    For larger events, please contact us and we’ll put together a custom quote for you.

  • We understand plans change and will do our best to accommodate adjustments within reason.

    Final guest counts must be confirmed one week before your event.

    Changes may affect pricing.

  • We understand plans change and will do our best to work with you to rebook / cancel.

    Cancellations within 7 days will attract cancellation charges:

    - within 1-3 days before event - 100% deposit

    - within 4-7 days before event - 50% deposit

    Retainer fee is not refundable at any time.

    Exact dates for these refund windows will be clearly mentioned in your agreement.

delivery & logistics

  • Casa Zaara creates afternoon tea experiences for all kinds of occasions - birthdays, bridal showers, baby showers, end of life celebrations, retirements, graduations, group home or social club celebrations, and small corporate gatherings. If you have something a little different in mind, we’d love to hear about it.

  • We serve all of San Diego County. Delivery fees are based on distance from our kitchen. Orders over $1,000 qualify for free delivery.

  • Yes, absolutely. We design both indoor and outdoor events.

    We do not however provide tables, chairs, or shade coverings.