Block By Block On First Street H To I Street

Taking the mystery out of what’s where along First Street in downtown Benicia, this month’s installment covers H Street to I Street. Filled with retail stores, bars, restaurants and specialty businesses, First Street is buzzing with nonstop energy.

Notable about the 800 block is its diverse mix of food and drink, salons and spas, and a sprinkling of professional businesses. Three restaurants and eight specialty salons, along with healing and skin care centers, dominate the block. Spending a few hours on this block, you can eat Thai and Indian cuisine and indulge in a traditional afternoon tea. Enjoy a healing, skin care or body treatment or a designer haircut—the salons and spas here offer exceptional treatments of all kinds. Back outside, let the exotic flavors wafting about lure you into Mai Thai or Aroma Indian Cuisine, or step into the charming décor at Camellia Tea Room for an authentic “high tea” experience.

Lisa Duncan Photography Benicia's Camelia Tea Room

Camellia’s extensive Bradbury and Bradbury wall and ceiling coverings transport you to a bygone era, especially if you order the three-tiered tea service. But there’s much more to explore here, including delectable sandwiches, salads, and quiche of the day. Owner Maryellen Hayes’ Tomato Bisque Soup is legendary—hearty, delicious and smooth as velvet.