Kandice VincentDid you know that tea is the world’s most consumed drink, right after water? Whether you’re seeking a moment of tranquility or simply – ahem – spilling the tea with friends, a warm cup of tea has a way of soothing the soul.
Lucky for us, Toronto has plenty of tea spots just waiting to be explored.
To give you a head start, we rounded up the best tea places in the city. In these venues, you can sip Earl Grey, matcha, or oolong tea while munching on a freshly baked treat – a perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon!
Kitten and the Bear
Website: kittenandthebear.com
Instagram: instagram.com/kittenandthebear
Address: 1414 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1Y5
Hours: Wed – Sun: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Contact: (647) 926-9711
If you’re craving an elegant tea experience without leaving home, then look no further than Kitten and the Bear. Owners Sophie Kaftal and Bobby Zielinski bring their dainty packages straight to your doorstep.
You can indulge in their Afternoon Tea for One. This package features their signature flaky buttermilk scones alongside pristine finger sandwiches and yummy seasonal sweets like a lilac shortbread cookie.
We also recommend their scrumptious smoked salmon slathered with preserved lemon and herbs. The play between sweet and savory is quite balanced here.
For a truly refined affair, opt for their adorable tea box. It comes complete with three tea sandwiches, truffles, a tea cake, and a selection of Heavenly Cream Sloane tea.
Each package is also meticulously prepared to ensure freshness and quality, making it the perfect treat for yourself or someone special.
Pro Tip:
For the true British high tea experience, consider shelling out a bit extra for Kitten and the Bear’s UK-imported clotted cream – yum!
After Queen Tea Shop
Media credit: tytcandice
Website: afterqueen.net
Instagram: instagram.com/explore/locations/752053592/after-queen-tea-shop/
Address: 7355 Bayview Ave, Thornhill, ON L3T 5Z2
Hours: Mon, Wed – Sun: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Contact: (647) 627-8580
After Queen Tea Shop offers a journey back to the Victorian era with its classic English tea and afternoon teas. The atmosphere feels straight out of Notting Hill, tucked away inside a strip mall near Longo’s.
This charming space is adorned with wallpaper featuring floral prints and adorned with an assortment of wall-mounted porcelain plates. This evokes a very country cottage by the sea kind of vibe.
Then, sample high tea staples like yummy homemade jam scones, tarts, macarons, and cheesecake. Cucumber and egg salad sandwiches are also available.
Afternoon is available every day except Tuesdays from 11 AM to 6 PM, priced between $35 to $48 per person.
Perfect for families, this quaint 10-table tea shop provides a cozy setting adorned with floral-printed wallpaper, antique decor, and vintage English china.
Pro Tip:
Be sure to make a reservation at After Queen Tea Shop in advance, especially during peak hours. This will help you secure your spot and avoid any wait times.
Shangri-La Lobby Lounge and Bar
Website: shangri-la.com/toronto/shangrila/dining/bars-lounges/lobby-lounges/
Instagram: instagram.com/shangrilahotels
Address: 188 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5H 0A3
Hours: Mon – Sun: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Contact: (647) 788-8281
Shangri-La Lobby Lounge and Bar is reminiscent of Cirque du Soleil. The lobby itself is adorned with mesmerizing elements like swimming koi fish and a grand fireplace showcasing Rhianna’s iconic Met Gala gown.
The avant-garde tea service surprises guests from the get-go with a savory twist on an amuse bouche: a poppyseed and brown butter madeleine with red pepper gelée.
Following this tasty opener, a tiered tray featuring scones, canapés, and cubist petits gateaux challenges taste buds with intriguing flavor combinations.
The culinary journey culminates with a raspberry gelée and lemon-vanilla madeleine, echoing the whimsy of the opening act.
As a bonus, guests enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling wine or a select mocktail and have the chance to win free tickets to Kooza.
Pro Tip:
Arrive early at Shangri-La Lobby Lounge and Bar to fully immerse yourself in the ambiance of the lobby lounge before indulging in this extraordinary tea experience. Feel free to snap some Insta-worthy pics!
T-Buds
Website: t-buds.com
Instagram: instagram.com/tbudstoronto
Address: 3343 Yonge St Fl 2, Toronto, ON M4N 2M4
Hours: Tue – Thurs: 12 PM – 6 PM
Fri – Sun: 11 AM – 6 PM
Contact: (647) 352-3624
T-Buds is a lovely tea shop offering a high tea experience that rivals those of high-end hotels in the city. Whether dining in or taking out, their menu caters to various appetites and budgets with carefully curated options.
Their Classic Afternoon Tea remains a favorite, while the Chocolate Afternoon Tea satisfies those with a sweet tooth.
For a lighter option, the Cream Tea offers freshly baked scones with jam and cream, while the Savoury Cream Tea set adds savory finger sandwiches to the mix.
The Tiffin provides a miniature version of the Classic Afternoon Tea, featuring a bit of everything – perfect for those who want to be spoiled for choice!
Speaking of being spoiled for choice, they offer over 60 loose-leaf teas and herbals. If you’re feeling fancy, private or afternoon tea catering can also be arranged.
Pro Tip:
Consider trying T-Buds’ Afternoon Tea Boxes for convenient pick-up or delivery. This option is perfect for enjoying their delectable offerings in the comfort of your own home.
Old Mill Toronto
Website: oldmilltoronto.com/dining/afternoon-tea
Instagram: instagram.com/oldmilltoronto
Address: 21 Old Mill Rd, Toronto, ON M8X 1G5
Hours: Thurs – Sun: 3 PM – 5:15 PM
Contact: (416) 207-2020
Old Mill Toronto boasts over a century of Afternoon Tea tradition. In fact, they’ve earned recognition as one of Canada’s Top 100 Restaurants – Best Afternoon Tea Restaurant Award – courtesy of OpenTable.
Reservations for their coveted Nutcracker Afternoon Tea service fill up weeks ahead, attesting to its popularity. So, if you’re interested or have a specific date in mind, then book well in advance.
Guests can indulge in a luxurious high tea affair in their gorgeous Terrace Room or charming Print Room, each offering picturesque views of the landscaped courtyard.
Then, you can choose between classic and vegan menus, both accompanied by a curated selection of Sloane Teas. Other tasty bites include sandwiches, pastries, and scones with authentic Devonshire Cream.
Pro Tip:
For a memorable takeaway, select from their range of Sloane teas and indulge in their organic, house-made honey. Don’t miss this sweet touch of Old Mill Toronto’s charm to enjoy at home and share with your loved ones.
Laduree
Website: ladureecanada.ca
Instagram: instagram.com/ladureecanada
Address: Yorkdale Shopping Centre, 3401 Dufferin St, Toronto, ON M6A 2T9
Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 10 AM – 9 PM
- Saturday: 9:30 AM – 7 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 7 PM
Contact: (416) 629-2391
Ladurée’s afternoon tea, situated within a bustling shopping mall, offers a taste of Parisian elegance with a modern twist. Enter their gorgeous pastel-hued tea salon adorned with a crystal chandelier, which sets the stage for a luxurious tea experience.
Their High Tea menu, priced at $65 per person, features a wonderful array of sweet and savory treats. This includes macarons, financier, and madeleine served with Chantilly cream, mini savory croissants and tartlets, smoked salmon, and seasonal fruit salad.
While tea, coffee, or hot chocolate is included, guests can upgrade to a glass of champagne for added indulgence.
Vegan substitutions are also offered, which is great for plant-based lovers. Just make sure to make the request upon reservation.
Pro Tip:
Treat yourself to the ultimate Ladurée experience by upgrading to their deluxe afternoon tea for only an additional $15. It comes complete with a glass of champagne or Royal Ladurée cocktail for an added touch of luxury.
Clockwork
Website: clockworktoronto.com
Instagram: instagram.com/clockworktoronto
Address: 100 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5J 1E3
Hours: Mon – Sun: 12 PM – 12 AM
Contact: (416) 368-2511
Clockwork’s ambiance is a nod to the romance of vintage train travel, with sepia lighting and railcar-inspired seating creating a nostalgic atmosphere. The experience is further elevated by live piano renditions of classics like Gershwin’s “Embraceable You.”
Despite the lack of windows, the opulent Japanese bone china and attentive service provide ample visual and sensory delights.
Their unique tea selection is also quite extensive, with deluxe Lot 35 loose-leaf options ranging from classic Earl Grey to exotic blends.
House-baked scones are just the beginning; the cubist tea tray boasts savory treats like Fogo Island shrimp quiche and citrus-thyme duck confit on croissant. Inventive bites like mushrooms en croute and tarragon-citrus chicken salad are also available.
Don’t miss their flavorful matcha-strawberry ganache opera cake for a decadent finish!
Pro Tip:
If you’re planning this event for a special occasion, make a reservation well in advance, as Clockwork’s high tea service is in high demand, especially on weekends.
Reid’s Distillery
Website: reidsdistillery.com
Instagram: instagram.com/reidsdistillery
Address: 32 Logan Ave, Toronto, ON M4M 2M8
Hours:
- Monday: 12 PM – 8 PM
- Tue – Wed: 12 PM – 11 PM
- Thurs – Sat: 12 PM – 11:45 PM
- Sunday: 11:45 AM – 8 PM
Contact: (416) 465-4444
After discovering craft gin in the UK, Jacqueline and her family began creating small batches to replicate the flavors they loved. Recognizing a demand for Canadian gins, they founded the Reid Distillery.
Once a CrossFit gym, Reid’s Distillery now exudes a charming blend of industrial chic and British elegance. Their plush velvet sofas and tropical greenery complement their aesthetic copper pot stills.
Their afternoon tea service, crafted by Daniel et Daniel, features classic offerings like scones and finger sandwiches alongside two-bite quiches and miniature sweets. Breakfast bites are also on the menu.
But what sets Reid’s apart is their innovative twist: teapots filled with cocktails made from their house-distilled gin.
Notably, their afternoon teas are comparatively affordable, priced at only $45 per person.
Pro Tip:
Don’t miss the opportunity to try Reid Distillery’s signature gin teapots, for an added fee. This will provide you with a truly memorable afternoon tea experience with a twist!
The Tea Room
Website: windsorarmshotel.com/high-tea
Instagram: instagram.com/windsorarms
Address: 18 St Thomas St, Toronto, ON M5S 3E7
Hours: Mon – Sun: 12 PM – 2 PM, 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Contact: (416) 971-9666
For nearly a century, The Tea Room at the Windsor Arms has been offering guests an unforgettable high tea experience since 1927.
It’s located in a luxurious Parisian-inspired lobby. They also have a purple room with a historic fireplace, where Richard Burton once proposed to Elizabeth Taylor.
Try their classic afternoon tea delights, from freshly baked scones with clotted cream to a selection of savory tea sandwiches. Examples include goat cheese, English cucumber, shrimp salads, and salmon with caviar.
The menu is complemented by an exclusive range of unique tea blends, boasting over thirty carefully curated options, including organic and fair-trade varieties.
If a lakeside High Tea appeals to you, their sister property, Eganridge Inn and Country Club on Sturgeon Lake, also offers a fun High Tea experience.
Pro Tip:
Are you a tea aficionado? Then, we definitely recommend sampling their signature tea blends, each crafted exclusively for The Tea Room, to enhance your high tea experience.
Astor Lounge
Website: marriott.com/en-us/hotels/yyzxr-the-st-regis-toronto/overview/
Instagram: instagram.com/stregistoronto
Address: 325 Bay St., Toronto, ON M5H 4G3
Hours:
- Mon – Wed: 6:30 AM – 9 PM
- Thurs – Sun: 6:30 AM – 10 PM
Contact: (416) 306-5800
Enjoy the timeless charm of Afternoon Tea at the Astor Lounge, where their collaboration with the Canadian Opera Company promises a lovely afternoon.
With a selection of 12 vintage Pu’er Tea blends from Sloane Tea and a variety of other exquisite options, this experience caters to tea aficionados and music enthusiasts alike.
As part of the St. Regis brand’s Signature Rituals, Afternoon Tea is served daily, inviting guests to indulge in a moment of refined elegance.
Reservations, available via OpenTable, are required for Afternoon Tea on Saturdays and Sundays. It’s priced at $65 per person with Prosecco Fidora or $85 per person with Laurent Perrier Champagne Cuvée Brut included.
For the best ambiance and view, consider requesting a window-side table or the cozy corner spot near the shelves.
Pro Tip:
Please ensure to honor your reservation time at Astor Lounge to avoid a charge of $50 per person on the provided credit card.
Victoria’s Cafe
Website: omnihotels.com/hotels/toronto-king-edward/dining/victorias-restaurant
Instagram: instagram.com/omnikingedward
Address: The Omni King Edward Hotel, 37 King St E, Toronto, ON M5C 1E9
Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 6:30 AM – 11 AM
- Sat – Sun: 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM – 5 PM
Contact: (416) 863-4125
Take part in the world of timeless tradition and culinary innovation at Victoria’s Cafe in The Omni King Edward Hotel. Impressively, afternoon tea here has been celebrated since the early 1900s.
Led by Chef Daniel Schick, the team crafts a regal experience with whimsical and inventive sweet and savory treats.
Priced at $79 per person, guests can indulge in The King’s Spring Tea, featuring an array of delectable bites like spring chicken BLT and strawberry rhubarb tart.
Complementing these culinary creations is a thoughtfully curated selection of premium teas from Sloane Tea Company and Tea Leaves, ensuring a perfect pairing.
Whether you’re seeking an intimate gathering or a social afternoon with friends, this longstanding Toronto tradition offers a special way to spend your day.
Pro Tip:
Opt for the Organic Wild Himalayan Mountain Tea. Not only can you savor its exquisite flavor, but you can also support the empowerment and growth initiatives of Samagaun and Terger Charity Nepal.
Holts Cafe
Website: holtrenfrew.com/en/services/restaurants/holts-cafe/bloor-street
Instagram: instagram.com/holtscafe/
Address: Holt Renfrew Bloor, 50 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M4W 1A1
Hours:
- Mon – Sat: 11 AM – 5 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM
Contact: (416) 355-2832
Tucked within the renowned Holt Renfrew store, Holts Cafe exudes sophistication and charm, offering a daily high tea service that’s sure to wow. Walk into their elegant dining area and treat yourself to a three-tiered Afternoon Tea set priced at $65 per person.
Their selection of finger sandwiches is superb. We recommend their delicious heritage egg éclair with truffle and light spice, as well as their ricotta and pear on toast with fennel and orange.
Irresistible crab and shrimp salad on rye, smoked salmon on buckwheat blini, and gruyère and black forest ham croissants are also offered.
Furthermore, guests can savor freshly baked scones served with preserves, Devonshire cream, and maple butter. Those with a sweet tooth can sample their decadent desserts like ice wine jellies, lemon and lavender tart, and macarons.
Pair your tea experience with a choice of Sloane tea blends or upgrade to prosecco, sparkling rose, or champagne for an extra treat.
Pro Tip:
Be sure to make a reservation at Holts Cafe in advance to secure your spot as this is a popular choice for afternoon tea. You can enjoy a leisurely afternoon by yourself or with friends in this posh setting.
The Old Curiosity Tea Shop
Website: cuppa.ca
Instagram: instagram.com/markhamtearoom
Address: 91 Main Street Markham N, Markham, ON L3P 1X7
Hours: Tue – Sat: 10 AM – 4 PM
Contact: (905) 472-9927
The Old Curiosity Tea Shop offers an authentic English High Tea experience that transports guests to a bygone era of Victorian charm.
Their traditional tea room offers a wonderful spread of dainty tea sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream, and English cookies and cakes, served on a two-tier stand.
Their specialty, the Victorian Afternoon Tea, showcases a variety of freshly made sandwiches and warm scones, accompanied by a pot of loose-leaf tea.
In addition to sandwiches and scones, they also have over 25 different traditional English fare items to choose from. These include steak and kidney pie, welsh rarebit, and their sinful sticky toffee pud.
While their tearoom has an inviting ambiance, the exceptional hospitality that customers have received from their attentive servers is one of the highlights of their tea service.
Pro Tip:
We highly recommend making a reservation in advance, especially for their specialty Victorian Afternoon Tea. This will help secure your booking and fully savor the Victorian comfort and culinary treats at The Old Curiosity Tea Shop.
Epoch
Website: epochtoronto.com
Instagram: instagram.com/epochtoronto
Address: 181 Wellington St W, Toronto, ON M5V 3G7
Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 12 PM – 12 AM
- Sat – Sun: 11 AM – 12 AM
Contact: (416) 585-2500
Experience the epitome of luxury at Epoch, located within the elegant confines of the Ritz-Carlton. Revel in the opulent ambiance as you go for their romantic afternoon tea service, complete with a tantalizing array of treats.
The exquisite architecture and new decor, courtesy of DesignAgency, transport guests to a bygone era of glamor and sophistication. Every detail, down to the gold-rimmed carafes, exudes regal charm.
For instance, admire the antique mirror insets that adorn the space, casting a warm golden glow reminiscent of a perpetual sunset.
Tea time includes their classic tower of buttery scones and delicate finger sandwiches featuring cucumber and salmon. Their delectable selection of desserts includes a sumptuous blood orange and raspberry tartlet.
Pro Tip:
Are you a fan of the autumn delight, pumpkin spice? Then, don’t miss the pumpkin spice cheesecake, crafted with Ontario pumpkin, cream cheese, toasted pumpkin seeds, and hints of orange zest – perfect!
