Tucked within the lush pathways and quiet charm of Sherman Library & Gardens, a new chapter is beginning to take shape. In late 2027, Hazeltine’s will open as the gardens’ highly anticipated new farm-to-table restaurant, introducing a dining experience designed to reflect the beauty, hospitality, and sense of calm that have long defined this beloved Corona del Mar landmark.
The new restaurant arrives as part of Sherman Library & Gardens’ larger “Grow The Gardens” transformation, a thoughtful reimagining of the property that will expand botanical displays, gathering spaces, and visitor experiences throughout the grounds. Among the additions will be a dedicated Tea Garden, garden-view patios, and Hazeltine’s signature indoor-outdoor dining experience woven naturally into the landscape.
While the full restaurant is still under development, guests are already being offered an early glimpse into the experience through Hazeltine’s Afternoon Tea series, launching throughout 2026 inside the gardens. Hosted on select dates each month, the tea service offers a refined and intimate preview of the warmth and culinary direction that will define Hazeltine’s when it officially opens.
The afternoon tea experience is designed with an elegance that feels perfectly suited to Sherman Gardens itself. Guests are welcomed with loose-leaf organic tea service alongside strawberries and cream, freshly baked seasonal scones served with housemade preserves, clotted cream, and lemon curd, a seasonal selection of tea sandwiches, and chef-selected petit fours. Optional Veuve Clicquot champagne service adds an elevated touch to the experience, while children’s tea offerings create a setting that feels equally suited for celebrations, quiet afternoons, and multigenerational gatherings. Vegetarian and gluten-free accommodations are also available with advance notice.
More than simply a preview, Hazeltine’s Afternoon Tea reflects a growing shift toward immersive, garden-centered dining experiences in coastal Orange County. Surrounded by orchids, koi ponds, winding pathways, and seasonal blooms, the experience feels intentionally unhurried. It invites guests to linger, reconnect, and enjoy the slower rhythm that Sherman Library & Gardens has always embodied.
As Corona del Mar continues to evolve, Hazeltine’s promises to become more than a restaurant. It will serve as a gathering place rooted in hospitality, nature, and community, bringing renewed energy to one of the neighborhood’s most treasured destinations.