Motto Tea Cafe - San Gabriel

Nestled in the heart of San Gabriel, Motto Tea Cafe is a charming bubble tea shop and dessert haven that artfully blends the delicate nuances of a tea house with the indulgence of a pancake restaurant and dessert boutique. At 250 W Valley Blvd, this cafe invites you to explore a world where tea rituals meet inventive, Instagram-worthy sweets, crafting a sensory experience that goes beyond your typical cafe visit.

Motto Tea Cafe’s menu is a treasure trove for those who appreciate artistry in flavor and texture. Their Mango Sunshine Souffle Pancake (芒果芝士) is a bright, airy delight that dances lightly on the palate—jiggly, yet melt-in-your-mouth soft—as Elizabeth Tran raved, “It is so jiggly. It’s not too sweet.” For fans of layered indulgence, the housemade Crepe Cakes are nothing short of spectacular. The Creme Brulee Crepe Cake, with its rich, silky custard and torched caramelized sugar topping, provides just the right balance of sweetness and creaminess, perfect for those who love decadent desserts but appreciate subtle complexity. The Pistachio Crepe Cake, fondly remembered by Dee as “like delicious little clouds,” offers a nutty, buttery finish that lingers pleasantly.

Beyond pancakes and crepe cakes, Motto’s milk tea creations elevate the bubble tea experience. The Camellia Persimmon Latte, blending fragrant camellia tea with ripe persimmon and smooth milk, conjures a taste reminiscent of a soft autumn afternoon—floral, fruity, mellow. Meanwhile, the Osmanthus Glutinous Rice Milk Tea topped with osmanthus pearls adds a unique floral sweetness that surprises and delights with every sip. Tako Bear’s praise for the Tiger Boba Latte at 75% sweetness hints at how the cafe expertly balances traditional flavors with modern tastes, crafting drinks that refresh without overwhelming.

What truly adds to Motto Tea Cafe’s allure is its serene and inviting atmosphere. As Tako Bear reflected, it’s a perfect place “to relax and just take a moment for yourself,” ideal for solo visits or intimate dates. The staff’s kindness and helpfulness enhance the experience, ensuring food arrives promptly despite the intricate nature of dishes—something Kathy Nguyen noticed with pleasant surprise.

Yes, the pricing is on the higher side, a fact acknowledged by Elizabeth Tran who emphasizes the value behind it, “People have to pay for labor and rent, so I get it.” And indeed, when you savor each bite of their meticulously crafted soufflé pancakes or each sip of their aromatic milk teas, the quality justifies every cent.

Whether you’re a dedicated bubble tea enthusiast, a dessert lover craving elegant, thoughtfully prepared pancakes, or someone seeking a calm spot to unwind with sublime tea and sweets, Motto Tea Cafe in San Gabriel delivers an experience that resonates deeply. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down, appreciate the craft behind every dish, and leave dreaming about the next visit—just as Dee does with their pistachio crepe cake, or Ray Barrera, who joyfully drives from Torrance for the matcha strawberry Basque cheesecake.

Step inside Motto Tea Cafe, and prepare to be enveloped in a warm, flavorful embrace where every cup and plate tells a story of care, creativity, and pure bliss.