Rotunda (Chiesa di St. Mary)
1 / 10

Rotunda Building

4.6
·70 reviews·Oakland, United States

Experience architectural splendor at The Rotunda, from San Francisco's elegant tea haven to Oakland's majestic civic dome.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more serene

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Rotunda (Chiesa di St. Mary)

Rotunda Building

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more serene

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience architectural splendor at The Rotunda, from San Francisco's elegant tea haven to Oakland's majestic civic dome.

4.6
(70 reviews)

"A majestic and beautiful building that is well worth seeing."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Afternoon Tea Ahead

Reservations are highly recommended for afternoon tea at The Rotunda to secure your spot. :calendar:

Dress for Elegance

A smart casual or elegant dress code is appreciated for the sophisticated ambiance. :dress:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stained-Glass Dome

Stained-Glass Dome

San Francisco

Marvel at the breathtaking stained-glass dome, a true architectural masterpiece that bathes the space in ethereal light.

Afternoon Tea Experience

Afternoon Tea Experience

San Francisco

Indulge in a delightful afternoon tea with delicate pastries and fine teas in an elegant setting.

Oakland City Hall Rotunda Interior

Oakland City Hall Rotunda Interior

Oakland

Step inside Oakland's City Hall Rotunda for a majestic view of its grand dome and architecture.

Vertical Dance Performances

Vertical Dance Performances

Oakland

Witness awe-inspiring vertical dance performances by BANDALOOP on the Rotunda Building's exterior.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Union Square's Elegant Escape

Experience a touch of luxury at The Rotunda, nestled within Neiman Marcus in San Francisco's Union Square. It's a popular spot for afternoon tea and brunch, so booking ahead is wise. Be prepared for a sophisticated atmosphere and dress code.

Oakland's Architectural Gem

The Rotunda Building in Oakland offers a stunning interior, often overlooked. While the exterior might seem unassuming, the inside boasts a majestic dome perfect for photos. It's easily accessible and a great spot for a quick visit.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more serene
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Event evenings
Why
Unique performances
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

you guys all attacked me for calling it a hidden gem lol #fypシ #fyp #rotundasf #bayarea
@mayahuelvg
53.7K likes • 561.8K views

Book Afternoon Tea Ahead

Reservations are highly recommended for afternoon tea at The Rotunda to secure your spot. :calendar:

Dress for Elegance

A smart casual or elegant dress code is appreciated for the sophisticated ambiance. :dress:

Heels parked, dance floor conquered 👠✨🪩 #HighHeelGarage #DanceAllNight 9/26/25 Venue | The Rotunda Catering | @rettewscatering Beauty | @theartofbeautyyyy Photographer | @shiftedfocusphotography DJ | @mixedupdjs Desserts | @nothingbundtcakes Lauxmont Content Creator | Jordan Lauxmont Coordinator | Elya Lauxmont Host | Brandon #weddingvenue #weddingday #fallwedding
@lauxmontfarmsweddings
27K likes • 228.1K views
ROTUNDA 🏙️ So this image shows the Rotunda building and it’s a image that shows an iconic building in Birmingham. That reminds me of my childhood growing up. I will post the full image and another video showing the little hidden gems in this image. Stay tuned. #thedesignerphilly #desigberphilly #rotundabirmingham #birminghamlandmarks #brumcity #birminghamart #igbrum #artist #creative #speedsesi...
designerphilly
89 likes • 1.5K views

Oakland Rotunda Access

You can often walk into Oakland's City Hall Rotunda without a tour or event. :key:

Capture the Dome

Look up and capture stunning photos of the Rotunda's magnificent dome from the ground floor. :camerawithflash:

🏙️ **Stunning Studio Flat in Birmingham City Centre** Experience urban living at its finest in this beautiful studio flat located in the iconic Rotunda building in Birmingham City Centre. ✨ **Features:** - Modern design - Spacious layout - Panoramic views - Fully equipped kitchen - Stylish bathroom - Access to amenities 💼 **Location:** Situated in the heart of Birmingham, enjoy easy access to ...
propertybuzzerestates
19 likes • 1.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Afternoon Tea Ahead

Reservations are highly recommended for afternoon tea at The Rotunda to secure your spot. :calendar:

Dress for Elegance

A smart casual or elegant dress code is appreciated for the sophisticated ambiance. :dress:

Oakland Rotunda Access

You can often walk into Oakland's City Hall Rotunda without a tour or event. :key:

Capture the Dome

Look up and capture stunning photos of the Rotunda's magnificent dome from the ground floor. :camerawithflash:

Check for Performances

Look out for unique vertical dance performances by BANDALOOP on the Rotunda Building. :performing_arts:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(70 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise The Rotunda in San Francisco for its stunning stained-glass dome and elegant atmosphere, making it a memorable spot for afternoon tea. In Oakland, the Rotunda Building is lauded as a majestic architectural gem, offering a grand interior that's a delight to explore. While dining at the San Francisco Rotunda can be pricey, the overall experience is often deemed worth it for the ambiance.

"What a beautiful building! I worked out of the Rotunda space for about 6 months and it is such a gem of a space inside. The greenery, the pleasant scent, and background music created a pleasant vibe from the moment you entered into the building. A friendly and welcoming staff at the security desk and a helpful property management team. Myles was a great ambassador of the building, helpful and available whenever I needed him.

Our team utilized the amenity space for multiple different events, from small lunches, to full team meetings in their large conference room.

The location was super accessible via the 12th Street BART station and also convenient to have a parking garage across the street. I also appreciated the use of the Ridy scooters for a quick errand nearby or to go pick up lunch just a bit further way. Access to the scooters was a great tenant perk.

All in all, our time at the Rotunda was a great experience and I hope to revisit the building again soon."

miss meredith

"Amazing venue. Has lots of event, office, co-working, and lots of fun common area. Loved it!"

Hojr Sedaghat-Pisheh

"This is a majestic and beautiful building that is well worth seeing. While the Frank Ogawa Place can be both sketchy and sublime, the effort to get inside is well-rewarded. Go to the ground floor and take some photos looking upward."

Craig Humphreys

What People Like

Stunning stained-glass dome
Elegant atmosphere
Majestic architecture

What People Dislike

Pricey dining
Food quality debated

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Rotunda is located at 150 Stockton St. in Union Square, inside Neiman Marcus. It's easily accessible via public transport, with the 12th Street BART station nearby and numerous bus lines serving Union Square. :bus: :train:

Yes, the Rotunda Building in Oakland is centrally located in Downtown Oakland and is very accessible. It's close to the 12th Street BART station and has parking garages nearby. :car: :train:

For The Rotunda in San Francisco, BART and Muni buses are excellent options. In Oakland, BART is also a convenient choice. Ride-sharing services and scooters are also readily available in both cities. :scooter: :taxi:

Driving is possible, but parking in Union Square (San Francisco) and Downtown Oakland can be challenging and expensive. Public transport is generally recommended. :parking: :red_car:

Both The Rotunda in San Francisco and the Rotunda Building in Oakland are generally accessible. It's always a good idea to contact the venue directly for specific accessibility needs. :wheelchair:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

You don't need tickets to enter The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus, but reservations are highly recommended for afternoon tea or brunch. Walk-ins may be accommodated if space is available. :ticket:

Pricing for afternoon tea can vary, but it's generally considered a splurge. Expect to pay around $50-$70 per person. It's best to check their current menu for exact pricing. :moneywithwings:

Yes, you can often walk into the Rotunda Building in Oakland without needing a specific reason or tour. It's a public space within City Hall. :door:

There are typically no entrance fees to see the interior of the Rotunda Building in Oakland. It's a public space within City Hall. :free:

The Rotunda restaurant is typically open for lunch and afternoon tea from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Sundays and Wednesdays, and 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Thursdays through Saturdays. Hours can vary, so check their website. :clock1:

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed inside The Rotunda, especially to capture the stunning stained-glass dome. However, be mindful of other diners and avoid intrusive photography. :camerawithflash:

The best photo opportunities are from the ground floor, looking up at the magnificent dome. The architectural details are truly impressive. :iphone:

You can take photos of your food and the beautiful surroundings during afternoon tea, but be respectful of other guests' privacy. :camerawithflash:

If you are attending a private event, photography policies might differ. It's best to check with the event organizer. :memo:

Wide-angle shots are great for capturing the scale of the dome. Close-ups of the intricate details of the stained glass or the tea service also make for beautiful photos. :art:

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Rotunda is famous for its elegant afternoon tea service, featuring a selection of teas, finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries. They also offer brunch and lunch options. :tea: :cake:

Many visitors find the experience and ambiance justify the cost, especially for afternoon tea. While some reviews suggest the food itself might not be groundbreaking, the overall experience is highly rated. :star:

Typically, establishments offering afternoon tea are accommodating to dietary restrictions. It's advisable to inform them of any needs when booking. :leaf:

While it's a more formal dining experience, you can order from their lunch menu for a less elaborate meal than afternoon tea. :sandwich:

Downtown Oakland offers a diverse range of dining options, from food trucks to various restaurants and cafes, especially around City Hall. :hamburger: :pizza:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

For families visiting The Rotunda in San Francisco, the afternoon tea can be a special treat, though it might be more suited for older children who can appreciate the refined atmosphere. The visual spectacle of the stained-glass dome is captivating for all ages. TikTok In Oakland, the Rotunda Building offers a more casual experience; children can be fascinated by the grand dome and the open space. Keep an eye out for any public art installations or performances that might engage younger visitors. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

Visiting The Rotunda in San Francisco for afternoon tea is a splurge, not typically a budget-friendly option. However, you can still admire the architecture from the entrance or perhaps opt for a lighter lunch if available. TikTok The Rotunda Building in Oakland is a fantastic free attraction. You can walk in, marvel at the architecture, and take photos without spending a dime, making it ideal for budget-conscious travelers. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Both Rotundas offer incredible photographic opportunities. In San Francisco, focus on the intricate details of the stained-glass dome, the elegant table settings, and the overall ambiance of the dining room. TikTok In Oakland, the grand scale of the interior dome from the ground floor provides a dramatic perspective. Don't miss the chance to capture BANDALOOP's vertical dance performances if you're lucky enough to be there during one. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Rotunda: A Tale of Two Cities

The name 'Rotunda' evokes grand architecture, and indeed, there are two notable Rotunda buildings that capture visitor attention: one in San Francisco and another in Oakland. The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco is an iconic dining destination, famed for its stunning stained-glass dome and luxurious afternoon tea experience. It offers a sophisticated escape within the bustling Union Square shopping district. TikTok+1

In contrast, the Rotunda Building in Oakland is a significant architectural landmark within City Hall. While its exterior might be more understated, the interior boasts a majestic dome that is a photographer's delight. This Rotunda has also become a unique venue for artistic expression, notably hosting breathtaking vertical dance performances by BANDALOOP. Instagram+1

Both locations, despite their different purposes and settings, share a common thread of architectural grandeur and offer distinct experiences for visitors. Whether you're seeking an elegant tea or a dose of public art and architecture, these Rotundas provide memorable moments. Reddit

Experiencing Afternoon Tea at The Rotunda (San Francisco)

An afternoon tea at The Rotunda in San Francisco is more than just a meal; it's an elegant ritual. Guests are seated beneath the magnificent stained-glass dome, creating a magical ambiance. The experience typically includes a tiered stand laden with delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of exquisite pastries. TikTok+1

While the setting is undeniably a major draw, the food itself receives mixed reviews. Some find it delightful and fitting for the occasion, while others feel it doesn't quite live up to the hype or the price point. However, the overall consensus leans towards the experience being worthwhile for the unique atmosphere and the chance to indulge in a classic, sophisticated tradition. Booking in advance is crucial, as this popular spot fills up quickly. TikTok+1

Art and Architecture at the Oakland Rotunda

The Rotunda Building in Oakland, part of City Hall, is a testament to impressive civic architecture. While often described as a 'hidden gem' by locals, its interior dome is a sight to behold, offering a grand and inspiring space. Reddit Visitors are encouraged to simply walk in and admire the architecture, making it an accessible cultural experience. Reddit

Beyond its architectural beauty, the Rotunda has become a unique stage for the renowned vertical dance company, BANDALOOP. They have performed breathtaking shows on the building's exterior, transforming the urban landscape into a canvas for movement and art. Instagram+1 These performances highlight the building's potential as a dynamic space for public art, drawing crowds and adding an exciting dimension to the Oakland cityscape. Instagram

You may also like