17 Charming Spots for Afternoon Tea in Vancouver (and Victoria)

Why not add a little whimsy to your weekend with finger sandwiches, fancy teacups and Devonshire cream?

Afternoon tea is typically taken mid-afternoon to get you through that rough time between lunch and dinner (you know what we mean, just enough to tide you over). Originating during the 1800s, the meal was much smaller than today’s decadent feasts, but today afternoon is oh-so-Instagram-worthy!

Click through to see who’s serving afternoon tea in your Vancouver ‘hood.

Kitsilano

Neverland Tea Salon, 3066 West Broadway

The key to never growing old? Afternoon tea at Neverland, of course. With towers of in-house-made pastries and the option to try as many teas as you please, that feeling of an endless and open world you felt as a child can return. Serving high tea; bubbly high tea—for those who crave some bubbly with their tea; tipsy high tea—for something a little stronger,=; and kids’ high tea—for those who are both young at heart and in age.

Kerrisdale

Butter, 4907 MacKenzie Street

You may recognize Butter from their best-selling cookbook Butter Baked Goods and for good reason. Owner Rosie Daykin has been baking since she was a little girl, and with a background in interior design, Butter’s afternoon tea service is bound to impress. Every tower of goodies is impeccably designed so prettily you’ll have a hard time digging in (not really)!
Serving afternoon tea Sundays at noon and 2:00 p.m.

Adonia Tea House, 2057 West 41st Avenue

Named for Adonis, a beautiful youth in Greek mythology, Adonia Tea House has created an enchanting and elegant space. Their afternoon tea includes a selection of the finest international teas and sugars, dainty finger sandwiches and buttery scones.

Secret Garden Tea Company, 5559 West Boulevard

Inspired by their grandmothers, sister-in-law owners Kathy and Erin Wyder opened Secret Garden Tea Company as a place of community and relaxation. Stepping into this Kerrisdale gem is like stepping through a secret door that sends its visitors back in time. With linen napkins, gleaming china, and charming tea cozies, Secret Garden even serves up gluten-free and children’s options.

South Cambie

Truffles Fine Foods, 5151 Oak Street

Inside the recently completed Visitor’s Centre at the VanDusen Botanical Garden is a terrifically well-known hidden gem. Truffles Fine Foods is well-known for their catering and delicious local fare, but the location of their latest café location is tucked into VanDusen Botanical Garden for visually pleasing views of flora all-year round. Their afternoon tea is served on a first-come, first-served basis so make a day of visiting the gardens and relaxing with a seasonally inspired tea service.

Downtown

Soirette, 1433 West Pender Street

Is someone in your party vegetarian or celiac? No need to fret, as Soirette serves both options at their Coal Harbour Macaron and Tea shop. With every creation prepared in-house by Soirette’s talented pastry chefs, their afternoon tea service is a treat for every diet.

Pâtisserie Für Elise, 847 Hamilton Street

Longing for a quick trip to Paris? Situated in a Yaletown Queen-Anne Victorian heritage house, Pâtisserie Für Elise specializes in French pastries and afternoon tea. The space is decorated in tasteful dusty rose, with floral embellishments and wrought iron to liven up their window displays.

Shangri-La, Xi Shi Lounge, 1128 W. Georgia Street

Shangri-La has made a name for itself in Vancouver as the ultimate in luxe dining. It’s no surprise that their afternoon tea service in the Xi Shi Lounge lives up to the hype. The chic ambiance is complete with live classical piano on weekends and afternoon tea served on blue willow china.

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, 900 West Georgia Street

Steps away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Vancouver’s busy shopping district, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver offers sanctuary. Up on the 15th floor, the classic English-inspired tea service combines treats from their in-house pastry shop with stunning mountain views. And on Sunday’s—during the 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. seatings—the best-dressed win a round of bubbly. What an excuse to fancy-up!

Mount Pleasant

La Petite Cuillère, 55 Kingsway Street

With beautiful teacups and knickknacks tucked into every nook, shelf, loft, and cranny, your eyes will never be bored at La Petite Cuillère on Kingsway. The décor is equally matched by a delicious offering of Afternoon, High, petit fromage, or petite cuillère teas. To top it off, there is Professor Layton-esque music playing in the background to get you in the mood to solve a puzzle.

Richmond

Fairmont Vancouver Airport, 3111 Grant McConachie Way

Just a short drive (or SkyTrain) away from the hustle and bustle of YVR, the Fairmont Vancouver Airport is serving up afternoon tea to relax before or after your flight. Travelling with tots? The Fairmont also offers a Junior’s Tea complete with PB&J finger sandwiches. Reservations are required, so call ahead.

Adorabelle Tea Room, 12051 Third Avenue

By the water in an old courthouse in Steveston Village (aka Storybrooke, Maine if you’re a fan of ABC’s Once Upon a Time) is the delightful Adorabelle. From the moment you walk past the white picket fence, you’ll feel like you stepped into a fairytale. They also have a gift shop if you wish to bring home a treat.

L’Opera Pâtisserie, 153-5951 Minoru Boulevard

Inspired by the City of Light, L’Opéra Pâtisserie, serves an immaculate afternoon tea with French-style macarons and pastries. Make a day of it, just a hop, skip and a jump away from No. 3 Road and the Richmond Art Gallery. 24-hour notice is required, so reserve ahead.

Victoria

Unsurprisingly, Victoria has a handful of spots that serve Afternoon Tea, so grab your fancy hats and check out one of these four enchanting locales.

O’Reilleys’ at Point Ellice House, 2616 Pleasant Street

O’Reilleys’ at Point Ellice House serves afternoon tea every day of the week. As a bonus, a tour of the historic Point Ellice House is included in the price, so not only will you be partaking in a Victorian tradition, but you’ll also seeing one of North America’s largest collections of original artifacts from the Victorian period.

Venus Sophia Tea Room, 540 Fisgard Street

Husband and wife duo Alain and Sallie opened Venus Sophia in 2011 to bring vegetarian cuisine and exquisite teas to Victoria’s Chinatown. Serving their afternoon tea service throughout most of the day, you’ll enjoy the inspired menu from Alain, a Swiss-trained chef, and international teas curated by Sallie, an aspiring certified tea sommelier.

Fairmont Empress, 721 Government Street

When it comes to history, the Fairmont Empress in Victoria has it all. Serving afternoon tea in their tea lobby since 1908, the Fairmont Empress has seen royal, celebrity, and dignitary visitors over the years. The graceful room is decorated with chintz fabrics, antiqued tapestries, and vintage and hand-carved furniture. With the picturesque Victoria Inner Harbour as a backdrop, afternoon tea at the Empress will delight every sense.

Pendray Restaurant at The Gatsby Mansion, 309 Belleville Street

Wish you lived during the roaring ’20s? Check out Pendray Restaurant at The Gatsby Mansion. The mansion itself is actually a Queen Anne-style Victorian and charms visitors with stained glass and crystal chandeliers. With a view of the Inner Harbour, don’t spend too long looking for a green light on the horizon. Afternoon tea is served Wednesdays to Sundays from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.