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With a sleek wood interior and an experimental menu, this teahouse scores in presentation but lacks substance in the kitchen. When it comes to just tea, Sanctuary reinvents nicely; wine decanters replace handle-and-spout pots, and are kept warm atop a bowl with a lit candle. A long list of high quality leafs are available, from perfumed European styles to natural, Asian varieties. For a calming afternoon shopping break, it doesn’t get much better. The same can’t be said for the bizarre and overpriced food. There’s chicken payard prepared with chili rooibos, and Salmon poached in Red Moon Tea and served with edamame a house specialty —but it’s boring and the flavors seem misguided. Desserts, similarly inventive, fall short. — Benjamin Kneen

Pot of tea, $10-$15