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.

 

Benicia's Camelia Tea Room

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.

Mai Thai

807 First Street

maithaibenicia.com

Buddahful Salon

814 First Street

buddahfulsalon.com

Aroma Indian Cuisine

818 First Street

aromabenicia.com

Wellness Wisdom

827 First Street

wellnesswisdom.us

Camellia Tea Room

828 First Street

camelliatearoom.com

Barbara Patrick Skin

831 First Street

barbarapatrickskin.com

First Impressions

832 First Street

firstimpressionsbenicia.com

Messina Photography

838 First Street

messinaphotography.com

Floors on First

840 First Street

707.747.5999

Kryss’s Pathway Healing

841 First Street

707.225.2199

Le’s Beauty Salon

845 First Street

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Well Kept Salon

847 First Street

707.745.0609

Bella Donna Skin Spa

849 First Street

belladonnaskinspa.com