PARU

Step inside PARU and the world outside—La Jolla’s coastal bustle and sun-bleached sidewalks—melts away, replaced by the hush of a minimalist tea atelier. The interior is as much gallery as shop: muted natural woods, curated ceramics, and soft lighting frame shelves lined with canisters of hand-sourced teas. There’s an almost ceremonial air to the place, where matcha is milled in-house behind glass and each pour is a small act of reverence. This isn’t your average grab-and-go tea counter. Here, the staff are part sommelier, part storyteller, guiding you through the differences between ceremonial-grade and experimental matcha, sourced from family-owned gardens across Asia. The focus isn’t on sugar or syrup-laden drinks—flavors are pure, nuanced, and sometimes boldly grassy. If you’re lucky enough to catch a private tea ceremony or chawan tasting in session, you’ll witness PARU’s deeper mission: building a bridge between tradition and curiosity. Locals slip in for their daily ritual—a matcha latte with oat milk perhaps, whisked to order—while out-of-towners linger over displays of brewing tools and rare blends. Space is limited; most savor their moment standing at the counter or take their treasures home to steep later. Yet the lack of seating feels intentional, keeping the energy intimate and focused on the experience itself. PARU is more than a retail shop; it’s a quiet anchor for San Diego’s growing tea community, serving education alongside every cup. It honors old-world methods while inviting newcomers into its fold—a meeting point for generations of tea drinkers and those just embarking on their journey.