Best High Tea Spots in Toronto

There’s nothing more relaxing than a cup of tea served with a side of conversation. A tradition since the 18th century, “afternoon tea” has given way to the “high tea” version we know and love today. Spend an afternoon in Toronto enjoying the vibe with warm pots of teas from around the world served with towering platters of finger sandwiches, scones, and desserts – not to mention boozy brews and sparkling sippers on the side. A treat for Mom on Mother’s Day, a cup and a catch-up at a cozy cafe or a luxurious way to celebrate with friends, Toronto’s high tea services offer something for everyone with various price points and experiences.

Astor Lounge At The St. Regis Hotel

You’ve heard of wine sommeliers, but did you know there are tea sommeliers? An expert tea sommelier will guide you through the menu of loose leaf varieties at the Astor Lounge in the St. Regis Hotel. Toronto-based Sloane Fine Tea Merchants have curated an impeccable selection of teas including the Midnight Blossom bespoke blend made exclusively for the St. Regis Toronto. Here, you can take culinary tour of Toronto with your afternoon tea as the sweet and savoury treats reflect our city’s diverse multicultural neighbourhoods serving up tasty inspirations from Chinatown, Kensington Market, the Distillery District and beyond, only a 10-minute walk from UP Express Union Station.

Lobby Bar At The Shangri-La Hotel

Photo Courtesy: Shangri-La Hotel

Conveniently located a short walk from UP Express Union Station, is the place to see and be seen. This bright and luxurious open space serves up stylish bites with a glass of bubbly or fizzy mocktail and a tea list that offers more than 68 varieties and blends. If you’re looking for a really indulgent experience, the Shangri-La makes the perfect spot for a Toronto retreat or staycation.

Victoria Café At The Omni King Edward

Photo Courtesy: Omni King Edward Hotel

An opulent outing to the Omni King Edward at Victoria Café is the perfect place to raise a cup to mom this Mother’s Day – or any other day! A long-standing Toronto tradition, this high tea service has seasonal offerings as well as a standard garden tea, and a special kid-friendly menu for youngsters. The hotel’s signature Heavenly Cream Darjeeling blend is a must sip alongside classic cream and buttermilk currant scones served with ample Devonshire cream, strawberry preserves and lemon curd. A delightful afternoon tea at Victoria Café awaits you only a 15-minute walk from UP Express Union Station.

Clockwork At The Fairmont Royal York

Photo Courtesy: Fairmont Royal York Hotel

You don’t have to go far for a special high tea experience in Toronto! Across the street from UP Express Union Station you’ll find the historicFairmont Royal York Hotel where high tea is served on weekends in their Clockwork lounge, recalling the days of luxury high-end train travel under the gorgeous rose-coloured clock. Traditional scones are paired with savory bites like Fogo Island shrimp mini quiche and coronation chicken sandwiches, tartlets, cakes, and cookies and served with a special selection of exclusive Fairmont-curated teas from Lot 35 Teas. If you are travelling to Toronto and have a layover of four hours or more, high tea is the perfect way to spend your time. Take advantage of the Long Layover ticket for reduced fare return trips within seven hours between UP Express Pearson Airport and Union Station.

Epoch At The Ritz-Carlton

Photo Courtesy: Ritz-Carlton Toronto

If you’re in Toronto during the week and in search of a high tea experience, Epoch at the Ritz-Carlton is one of the few places in the city to offer weekday tea service. Enjoy a traditional British sweet and savory treats like smoked salmon and cucumber finger sandwiches, scones with all the fixings in the cozy gilded lounge. High tea here is only available with a reservation, so be sure to book at least one day in advance before heading here from UP Express Union Station, which is only two blocks away.

High Tea + High Tops at the Drake Hotel

Photo Courtesy: Drake Hotel

Head to the Drake Hotel on Sundays for the hip High Tea + High Tops tea party! Enjoy sweet and savoury bites from Foodpreneur Lab, a Black women-owned non-profit dedicated to advancing racial and gender equity in the food sector, to the sounds of live jazz and hip-hop fromRe.verse. You can also add on bottomless mimosas of boozy teapot cocktails at this Queen Street West hot spot.

Bampot Bohemian House Of Tea

Relax, sip, and savour a beautiful cup of tea at Bampot Bohemian House Of Tea where you can enjoy a casual tea service. Budget-friendly high tea here comes with two drinks of your choice along with a selection of baked treats, cheeses, scones, cucumber sandwiches, falafel and more. There are even options for vegan diners. Located near U of T campus, this makes a great study break for students and visiting family and friends. Remember, teens and post-secondary students can save 40% on UP Express fares with PRESTO!

Windsor Arms Hotel

Photo Courtesy: Kitten and the Bear

If you don’t have time to spend in one of Toronto’s luxe tea rooms, try takeout afternoon tea for one from Kitten and the Bear! This quaint and cute shop on Dundas Street West has everything you need to have high tea at home – or on the go – making it a fun way to surprise mom with breakfast in bed this Mother’s Day. If you don’t have time to order in advance, visit the store for scones or a cream tea bundle to-go. Only one TTC streetcar ride from UP Express Bloor Station, be sure to take home some of their limited, small-batch jams, jellies and marmalades.

Reid’s Distillery

Fancy a gin with your tea? Try Reid’s Distillery in Toronto’s east end! Along with classic hot teas, you can opt for teapots of gin-based tea cocktails and traditional high tea finger foods catered by Daniel et Daniel in the elegant-but-relaxed lounge setting. One of the most-popular elevated teas in the city, this experience frequently sells out in advance, so reserve one of the two Sunday-only seatings in advance.

Joni At The Park Hyatt

Photo Courtesy: Park Hyatt Toronto

An afternoon of luxury awaits at Joni at the Park Hyatt in Yorkville. With three tiers of indulgent experiences available, nibble on pastries, savoury bites and sip champagne along with your Sloane tea in a lavish lounge setting – perfect for dressing up and catching up with friends. A suggested tea pairing with each course is provided so you can sip and savour every flavour.

W Hotel

Photo Courtesy: W Hotel

Treat mom or the makeup-lover in your life to the chic W Hotel’s High Beau-Tea experience on weekends, held in this Yorkville hotel’s modern glass atrium. Instead of the usual tiered tray of treats, beauty-themed bites are served in a tiered makeup case and feature fun snacks like edible strawberry “lipsticks”, clotted “night cream” and scones, pink fudge “handbags”, as well as tarts, macarons, and more savoury fixings.