The 11 Best Afternoon Tea Spots in Toronto [2023]

  • Last updated: August 2, 2023

After a long day at work, savoring a delightful afternoon with a cup of fresh loose leaf tea is incredibly comforting. Feeling a little fancy today? No worries, you can experience an elegant tea time reminiscent of the Victorian era. 

If you’re searching for the perfect place to enjoy afternoon tea with friends, coworkers, or family in Toronto, the city boasts some excellent and charming tea rooms. Check out our curated list of the 11 best places to relish afternoon tea in Toronto, ready for you to visit right now.

And if you want to quench your thirst with some other great drinks, be sure to check out:

The Best Bubble Tea Shops in Toronto
The Best Blue Matcha Shops In Toronto
The Best Smoothie Shops in Toronto
The Best Cocktail Bars in Toronto

Summary

What Are The Most Popular Types Of Tea?

Tea is a beloved beverage enjoyed worldwide, and some of the most popular types of tea (except for black and green) include:

  • Herbal Tea: Made from herbs, fruits, flowers, and spices, herbal teas come in a variety of flavors and are caffeine-free.
  • Oolong Tea: Partially oxidized, oolong tea falls between black and green tea in terms of flavor and characteristics.
  • White Tea: The least processed tea with a delicate flavor, white tea is made from young tea leaves and buds.
  • Chai Tea: A spiced tea, chai combines black tea with a blend of aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.
  • Earl Grey Tea: A classic black tea infused with bergamot oil, known for its distinctive and citrusy flavor.
  • Jasmine Tea: Made by scenting green tea leaves with jasmine blossoms, this tea has a delicate floral aroma.
  • Matcha: A finely ground green tea, matcha is used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies and is known for its vibrant green color and rich taste.
  • Pu-erh Tea: A fermented and aged tea, pu-erh has a unique earthy and mellow flavor profile.

These teas come in various blends and varieties, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences.

The Best Afternoon Tea Spots in Toronto

1) Shangri-La Lobby Lounge and Bar

Of course, we can’t mention afternoon tea without mentioning the Shangri-La Lounge. This bar is conveniently located near Osgoode Station. They provide a great atmosphere, cuisine, alcoholic beverages, high tea service, jazz music and a live pianist. If you prefer a slightly more modern approach to afternoon teas, Shangri-La Lobby Lounge is the place to visit. The Lobby Lounge is a modern living space with two-story windows that allow natural light to shine, highlighting the paintings and sculptures. Here you can enjoy an exceptional everyday Canadian dish with a selection of premium teas.

Address:188 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5H 0A3 
Phone: +16477888281

2) Bampot Bohemian House of Tea and Board Games

Bampot is more than just a teahouse; you can also play board games and eat vegetarian meals. Their tea house is decorated in a unique Mediterranean style with floor cushions as seating places. The tea house is quite comfortable, making it ideal for relaxing with friends or even studying! Before you enter, they ask you to remove your shoes, and after you’ve sat down, you’ll be given a tasty loose leaf tea in an Arabian teapot. This cozy tea room is also decorated in Arabic-style decorations and Mediterranean patterns of rugs. This comfortable tea area is additionally decorated with Arabic-style furnishings and rugs with Mediterranean designs. 

Address: 201 Harbord St, Toronto, ON M5S 1H6 
Phone: +14165375959 

3) Crimson Teas

At Crimson Teas, the owner, Phillip Chan, warmly welcomes you to a charming hole-in-the-wall café. Enjoy braised beef noodles and top-notch HK milk tea at a student-friendly price. The tea-infused noodles and nutritious options reflect Phillip’s emphasis on healthy eating. Don’t miss their unique satay sauce. A must-visit spot with homemade flavors and a warm atmosphere!

Address: 415 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5T 2G6
Phone: +1 416-432-3139

4) The Omni King Edward Hotel

The Omni King Edward Hotel is a four-star hotel in downtown Toronto that offers excellent hotel rooms and dining and one of the best afternoon teas in the city. To attend one of their afternoon teas, you must make a reservation via the hotel, which includes luxury rooms and King Edward Afternoon Tea for each registered visitor for each stay. Their afternoon teas are only provided from Friday through Sunday. The Omni King Edward Hotel is where to go if you want an exquisite and relaxing afternoon tea experience with your friends or family. The restaurant and its staff are also just as excellent with great attention to detail and presentation.

Address: 37 King St E, Toronto, ON M5C 1E9 
Phone: +14168639700

5) Kitten and The Bear

Kitten in the Bear is a cute tea store that sells homemade jams, jellies, scones, and coffee. This lovely little family-run cafe on Dundas West serves scones, sweets, and coffees for dining-in and take-out. The tea service is top-rated, and there are sometimes long waiting lines, so don’t forget to come early. But it’s definitely worth the wait since they have some of the best teas, and all of their goods are nut-free. Heavenly cream, Earl Gray Classic, Signature Black, Jasmin Mist, Citrine Calm, and various other high-end teas are available in their charming tearooms.

Address: 1414 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1Y5
Phone: +16479269711

6) Fairmont Royal York

For almost 90 years, the Fairmont Royal York has maintained its tradition of providing Afternoon Tea. Warm scones, sandwiches, and desserts are all available, served with a selection of Fairmont teas. The Library Bar of the Fairmont Royal York Hotel serves tea every Saturday and Sunday, each day at 12 p.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 2:45 p.m. You must make reservations ahead of time, and the afternoon teas will run an hour and a half per visit. If you stay at the hotel next time, you definitely should try their delicious oolong sweet watermelon tea.

Address: 100 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5J 1E3 
Phone: +14163682511

7) Four Seasons Hotel Toronto

Not only does the Four Seasons Hotel provide luxurious stays and cuisine, but it also serves one of Toronto’s best afternoon teas. Whether you’re picking up an afternoon tea package or sitting down for a cup of tea, they offer delicious teas with excellent customer service. Their afternoon tea menu includes Jasmine and raisin scones, Rhubarb Tartlet, carrot cake, and many more delicious dishes, all accompanied by high-end, wonderful teas. 

Address: 60 Yorkville Ave, Toronto, ON M4W 0A4 
Phone: +14169640411 

8) After Queen Tea Shop

The After Queen Tea Shop in North York has charming, colourful tea rooms that transport you to the Victorian era. Regular tea is $28.00 per person, and they provide excellent loose leaf tea served with a strainer. High tea costs $38.00 per person and includes quiche and salad. Flowery patterned wallpapers, vintage frames and themed stained glass are among the cafe’s interior décor. They also serve delicious sandwiches, scones, salads, and other English sweets with their teas.

Address: 7355 Bayview Ave, Thornhill, ON L3T 5Z2 
Phone: +16476278580 

9) Windsor Arms Hotel

Windsor Arms has been the premier location for high-end quality Afternoon Teas for customers seeking a luxuriant, elegant, and high tea experience for over 90 years. Windsor Arms tea room will not disappoint if you are planning a classy celebration. They have a well-known, trendy tea room with exquisite French-style décor. They carry a large variety of teas, including green tea, black tea, Earl Grey tea, oolong tea, and many others that are yummy and refreshing. Don’t forget to try their wonderful Freshly Baked Raisin Scones, House Made Preserves, and Devon Cream, which complement the teas wonderfully.

Address: 18 St Thomas St, Toronto, ON M5S 3E7 
Address: Bay St., Toronto, ON M5G 1M7
Phone: +14169719666

10) Victoria's Cafe

Step into a world of sophistication and flavor at Victoria’s Cafe, the perfect destination for an unforgettable high tea experience. Their spacious tea room is adorned with beautiful cups and an enticing selection of teas that will captivate your senses.

Indulge in a feast of flavors with their high tea menu, featuring delightful potato leek soups served in charming shot glasses, and meticulously crafted tea sandwiches that redefine traditional delicacies. Each bite is a symphony of taste, leaving you craving for more!

Address: 37 King St E, Toronto, ON M5C 1E9
Phone: +1 416-863-4125

11) The Old Curiosity Tea Shop

The Old Curiosities Tea Shop is located in Markham, about a half-hour drive from downtown Toronto. Quality teas, scones, biscuits, freshly prepared sandwiches, and a variety of other English sweets are available at the tea store. The tea room is furnished in traditional Victorian design and patterns, and tea is served in fine China cups. The Old Curiosity is the place to go if you want a lovely afternoon tea with great snacks and sweets. There are several teas to select from, including Irish cream tea, black currant tea, vanilla cream tea, lemon green tea, Yang Ming Yunnan, and many others.

Address: 91 Main St N, Markham, ON L3P 1X7 
Phone:  +19054729927 

FAQs About Tea

Yes, tea contains caffeine, but the levels vary among different types. Black tea typically has the highest caffeine content, followed by oolong and green tea. Herbal teas are generally caffeine-free.
To preserve tea’s freshness, store it in an airtight container away from heat, light, and moisture. It’s best to keep it in a cool, dark place.
Tea is known for its potential health benefits due to its rich antioxidants and other compounds. Green tea, in particular, is often associated with promoting metabolism and heart health. Herbal teas can offer various therapeutic properties depending on the ingredients used. However, individual results may vary, and it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
White tea is unique compared to other teas because it is made from young tea leaves and buds that undergo minimal processing. Unlike black and green teas, which are oxidized, white tea is only lightly oxidized, preserving its delicate and subtle flavors. It is also characterized by its pale color and mild taste, making it a popular choice for those seeking a gentle and soothing tea experience.

Final Thoughts

Thank you for joining us on this journey through the best places for afternoon tea in Toronto. We hope you found some of your favorites and discovered new gems to try. 

Enjoy your next afternoon tea time and keep an eye out for our daily tips for more wonderful and exciting experiences in Toronto. Cheers to delightful tea moments!

And for some great eats in Toronto, be sure to stop by:

The Best Pizza Places in Toronto
The Best Burgers in Toronto
The Best Tacos in Toronto
The Best BBQ Restaurants in Toronto
The Best Shawarmas in Toronto

Veronika Zotova

Veronika Zotova

Veronika Zotova is marketing manager at Local View Tech. She was born and raised in Kyiv, Ukraine. Learn More About Veronika Zotova

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