If you’re looking to elevate your tea experience in Ottawa, there’s nothing quite like a classic high tea. Imagine cozying up in elegant tea salons, indulging in delicate pastries, and sipping aromatic teas with friends or family. Here’s your guide to Ottawa’s best high tea spots—places where you can relax, treat yourself, and dive into a world of beautiful flavors and cozy ambiance.
Top 10 High Tea Spots in Ottawa, ON
- The Vanitea Room, A Tea Salon & Eatery
- teastore
- Cafe Cristal
- Fairmont Château Laurier
- ZOE’S
- Quelque Chose
- Hi T
- Seven Tea Miles
- Meow Tea
- The SconeWitch
1. The Vanitea Room, A Tea Salon & Eatery
Contact Details
Phone: (613) 695-8832
Website: www.thevanitearoomteasalon.com
Address: 551 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 5J9, Canada
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Supports: Curbside pickup, delivery, indoor & outdoor seating, reservations, takeout
- Price: Moderate
The Vanitea Room takes tea time to the next level. With an elegant setup and English-style tea served on tiered trays, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a London tea parlor. Enjoy a mix of sweet and savory nibbles, from dainty finger sandwiches to mouth-watering scones. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just treating yourself, it’s the perfect blend of luxury and comfort.
2. teastore
Contact Details
Phone: (613) 241-1291
Website: www.teastore.ca
Address: 53 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 9B7, Canada
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Supports: Curbside pickup, delivery, indoor & outdoor seating, takeout
For those who crave variety, teastore offers a whopping 300+ teas from around the world. This upbeat shop in Ottawa’s ByWard Market is an ideal stop for tea enthusiasts. With a vast selection of local and international blends, you can sip on unique flavors while browsing their tea accessories or just enjoy the relaxed, friendly vibe.
3. Cafe Cristal
Contact Details
Phone: (613) 843-8989
Website: cafecristal.ca
Address: 240 Kennevale Dr, Ottawa, ON K2J 6B6, Canada
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Supports: Delivery, indoor & outdoor seating, reservations, takeout
- Price: Moderate
Cafe Cristal is the definition of whimsy. With its magical decor and warm atmosphere, this charming cafe serves premium teas, coffee, crêpes, and pastries. Their tea presentation is a feast for the eyes, making it a lovely spot for snapping pictures or enjoying a quiet afternoon. This cafe is perfect for a laid-back yet luxurious tea experience.
4. Fairmont Château Laurier
Contact Details
Phone: (613) 241-1414
Website: www.fairmont.com
Address: 1 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 8S7, Canada
Directions: Open on Map
Stepping into Fairmont Château Laurier is like stepping into another era. This grand limestone hotel is not just a place to stay but a destination for high tea lovers. Its refined setting provides a picturesque view of Ottawa’s landmarks, and the service is as polished as the silverware. Enjoy the hotel’s array of fine teas paired with delicious pastries and finger foods.
5. ZOE’S
Contact Details
Phone: (613) 241-1414
Website: www.zoesottawa.com
Address: 1 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 8S7, Canada
Directions: Open on Map
- Supports: Delivery, indoor & outdoor seating, reservations
- Price: Expensive
Right inside the Fairmont Château Laurier, ZOE’S is known for its opulent chandeliers and grand ambiance. Sip on expertly crafted martinis or go for a more classic tea experience with elegant sandwiches and fresh pastries. The luxurious atmosphere, complete with sparkling chandeliers, is perfect for a memorable tea date.
6. Quelque Chose
Contact Details
Phone: (613) 728-4562
Website: www.quelque-chose.ca
Address: 379 Richmond Rd, Ottawa, ON K2A 0E7, Canada
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Supports: Delivery, indoor & outdoor seating, takeout
- Price: Moderate
If you’re craving French-inspired treats with your tea, Quelque Chose is the place to be. Known for its delicate, pastel-toned macarons and other pastries, this café offers an elegant yet cozy atmosphere. The mix of French pastries, afternoon tea, and savory bites is sure to impress, and the service here makes it all the more delightful.
7. Hi T
Contact Details
Phone: (613) 722-7888
Website: www.hiteaottawa.ca
Address: 1076 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2Y3, Canada
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Supports: Delivery, indoor & outdoor seating, takeout
Hi T brings a modern twist to traditional tea service. This spot is all about crafting creative tea drinks that appeal to a younger crowd. Alongside a variety of unique tea blends, Hi T’s interior is sleek and minimalistic, making it a relaxing stop for tea with friends or family. Perfect for those who enjoy tea with a contemporary vibe.
8. Seven Tea Miles
Contact Details
Phone: (613) 761-7777
Website: seventeamiles.com
Address: 342 Richmond Rd, Ottawa, ON K1Z 5C6, Canada
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Supports: Curbside pickup, delivery, indoor & outdoor seating, takeout
- Price: Moderate
Seven Tea Miles offers a cozy setting that’s perfect for sipping tea on a chilly day. Known for their extensive tea options, this spot is all about making tea time an enjoyable experience. They serve an array of high-quality teas, and their calm, inviting atmosphere makes it ideal for a peaceful afternoon.
9. Meow Tea
Contact Details
Phone: (613) 230-8588
Website: meowtea.ca
Address: 279 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1M1, Canada
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM
- Tuesday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM
- Wednesday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM
- Thursday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM
- Friday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM
- Supports: Delivery, indoor & outdoor seating, takeout
For a more playful high tea experience, Meow Tea is a tea lover’s dream with a quirky cat theme. The ambiance is lively, and it’s a great spot for a casual, fun tea outing. They offer a wide range of teas and light snacks, making it a favorite among tea fans looking for a relaxed vibe.
10. The SconeWitch
Contact Details
Phone: (613) 741-4141
Website: www.sconewitch.ca
Address: 35 Beechwood Ave., Ottawa, ON K1M 1M1, Canada
Directions: Open on Map
Opening Hours
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Supports: Indoor & outdoor seating, takeout
- Price: Moderate
A true gem in Ottawa, The SconeWitch is all about scones and tea. With an impressive selection of sweet and savory scones, this cozy spot has something for everyone. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or sitting down for a leisurely tea session, you’ll love the welcoming atmosphere and delicious flavors. It’s a must-visit for scone enthusiasts!
Choosing the Right Tea Room for You
With 10 excellent tea rooms, here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Tea Room | Seating | Takeout | Delivery | Wheelchair | Reservation | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Vanitea Room, A Tea Salon & Eatery | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | Yes | Moderate |
| teastore | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | – | – |
| Cafe Cristal | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | Yes | Moderate |
| Fairmont Château Laurier | – | – | – | Accessible | – | – |
| ZOE’S | Yes | No | Yes | Accessible | Yes | Expensive |
| Quelque Chose | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | – | Moderate |
| Hi T | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | – | – |
| Seven Tea Miles | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | No | Moderate |
| Meow Tea | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | No | – |
| The SconeWitch | Yes | Yes | No | Accessible | No | Moderate |
FAQs
What should I expect at a high tea service?
At a high tea, you’ll typically enjoy a selection of teas paired with finger sandwiches, scones, and small pastries. It’s all about relaxing, savoring each bite, and enjoying good company in a cozy, refined setting.
What’s the difference between high tea and afternoon tea?
High tea was originally more of a hearty meal for working-class people, served later in the day. Afternoon tea, on the other hand, is lighter and often includes a variety of finger foods, focusing more on elegance and leisure.
Do I need to make a reservation?
Many tea spots, especially popular ones like The Vanitea Room and ZOE’S, recommend reservations to secure a table. Check the cafe’s website or give them a call to confirm.
What should I wear to a high tea?
There’s no strict dress code, but many people enjoy dressing up a bit. Think smart casual—nice jeans and a blouse or a simple dress would be perfect.
Are these tea spots wheelchair accessible?
Yes, several spots on this list, including teastore and Seven Tea Miles, are wheelchair accessible, making them a comfortable choice for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, catching up with friends, or just looking to unwind, Ottawa has some fantastic high tea spots that offer unique experiences. From traditional tea salons to quirky, modern cafes, you’ll find the perfect tea experience right here in Ottawa. So, next time you’re planning an outing, why not treat yourself to a high tea adventure?