WTF I Tried 20 High Tea Spots In Vancouver!
Welcome to Tea Time 2.0. in Vancouver! The original post can be found here.
Whoa, did I say TWENTY?
While we can get addicted to pretty much anything these days, afternoon tea is the one with a gravitational pull on me.
In an ever-changing world of local, high tea destinations, the quest for the cutest bite-sized desserts and the most imaginative themed tea experience continues! As of July 2024, the tea scene is buzzing with contenders for the title of ‘Ultimate high tea experience’. From elegant tearooms nestled along the seawall to quaint cafes in bustling neighbourhoods, there isn’t a shortage of places to indulge in a luxurious afternoon tea party. Get ready to update your must-visit list with these fresh high tea hotspots, and elevate your tea-drinking escapades to a whole new level of indulgence.
Cute or Themed High Tea
High tea spots that will transport you into a whimsical world of Jellycat plushies, magical forests, designer shoes, or just so much cuteness that you can’t help but accept that it’s too late for your wallet.
Le Doux Ciel
Le Doux Ciel is steps away from the seawall and a permanent fixture in JW Marriott Parq Vancouver. Opening its doors to pastel and cutie aesthetics back in 2017, it continues to offer caffeinated pick-me-ups and a variety of Instagram-worthy desserts. Le Doux Ciel took a hiatus from the high tea scene after COVID but have returned with a much anticipated and picturesque Jellycat afternoon tea!
I wasn’t wowed by the savouries (sandwich and sushi) or having to wait 20 minutes for my bill, but the potential for a comeback is there.
WTF Bride was last here: July 2024
Price: Jellycat Themed Afternoon Tea - $59.99 pp
Availability: June 5 - August 31, 2024: Wednesday - Monday, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
(Reserve 24 hours in advance)
Favourites: Cherry and raspberry cream cake
Make it a boozy high tea: Not available
Address: 65 Smithe Street, Vancouver, BC V6N 0R3
Reservations: Through website
Website | Instagram
Brunch 1003 And Dessert
Brunch 1003 and Dessert is a double threat of brunch and well, dessert!
Taking over what was once another teahouse (Audrey Moment), Brunch 1003 has set out to create its own mark on teatime. Offering one of the best value tea sets with a forest theme to boot, what’s not to love?! Word has gotten out about Brunch 1003, because when we arrived at 3pm on a Sunday, it was packed! Flagging down servers was tricky, but they are so nice once you get ahold of them.
WTF Bride was last here: June 2024
Price: Forest High Tea $75 for 2 people, reservations required
Availability: Wednesday - Monday, 2:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Make it a boozy high tea: Not available
Favourites: Ice-cream latte!
Address: 120b-6540 Burlington Ave, Burnaby, BC V5H 4G3
Reservations: Call 236-886-2223
Website | Instagram
Notch 8 - The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
This one’s for my fancy girlies!
Notch8 is an upscale fixture in my favourite hotel chain - The Fairmont. With an everchanging rotation of elevated high tea offerings, you’ll definitely find a theme to love.
Most tea services will be held within Notch8’s chic and train-inspired decor. Sold out tea events like Tea in the Window, an intimate experience for two amid custom art, was held in the hotel’s street-level window display on West Georgia Street. The Jimmy Choo Tea (above) was hosted on The Roof (15th floor) where tea drinkers enjoyed the city skyline, listened to live music, and shopped the Jimmy Choo Autumn/Winter Collection.
My favourite theme by far was this year’s cherry blossom tea with New-York based artist Meredith Wing (moomooi), Fairmont’s artist-in-residence. Before our tea, Meredith guided us in creating our own fashion illustration with real pressed flowers to take home - a core memory right there!
WTF Bride was last here: April 2024
Price: Afternoon Tea - $74 per adult, $40 per child (12 and under)
*Afternoon tea to-go is also available
Availability: Thursday - Sunday (Sittings at 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm)
Make it a boozy high tea: Cocktails, wines, & bubbles available
Favourites: the afternoon tea themes that The Fairmont comes up with!
Address: 900 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2W6
Reservations: Through website
Website | Instagram
Tea Thyme
Kenny, the owner of Tea Thyme, brought over his team from Audrey Moment to create this magical tea spot in the Riley Park-Little Mountain area! Although the iconic bird cage cake stands are no longer available, Tea Thyme’s cake stands and serving sets are modern and pretty cute!
Tea Thyme’s mellow space offers a short reprieve from busy life. There were moments when I forgot I was on Main Street entirely! For more info on Tea Thyme, click here.
WTF Bride was last here: July 2023
Price: $45.95 per person
Availability: Wednesday - Monday, 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Make it a boozy high tea: Not available
Favourites: Strawberry and cream phyllo pastry and the scones!
Address: 4385 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3R1
Reservations: Call 778-882-3228
Website | Instagram
Holts Café Vancouver
Formerly Colette Grand Cafe, Holts Cafe has gone through a rebranding face lift. Hidden among the designer names inside Holts Renfrew, this cafe offers a modern take on decor and food. Imagine an efortlessy-chic, Mediterranean seaside escape and French cuisine, without all the annoying sand.
WTF Bride was last here: January 2023 for Lunar New Year themed tea
Price: Afternoon Tea – $55 per person
Availability: Monday to Thursday | 2:00 pm until close
Friday to Sunday | All Day
*Reservations required
Make it a boozy high tea: Champagne and sparkling options available!
Address: 737 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver, BC V7Y 1E4
Reservations: Through website @OpenTable
Website | Instagram
Hy Tea Lounge
Hy Tea Lounge
Tucked away on the edge of Granville Island is the beautiful Hy Tea Lounge. The Lounge is home in the contemporary and refined space of the Waterfall Building, a pyramidal glass building with floor-to-ceiling windows. During spring, you’ll want a picture outside this architectural design among the cherry blossoms!
Hy Tea’s ambiance is gorgeously fancy. Soft lo-fi or piano music gently set the tone for tea, among the tall ceilings and cascading natural light. The tea was aromatic, and there were options for tea lattes too. Hy Tea’s classy tea experience is a calm departure from busy city life.
*Hy Tea now has a patisserie located at 165-8171 Ackroyd Road, Richmond.
WTF Bride was last here: March 2022
Price: Hy Tea Lounge Set, $58 per person
Availability: Daily, 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Make it a boozy high tea: Not available
Favourites: fluffy scones with delicious house made jam, smoked duck salad, bean curd shrimp roll, chicken and apple croissant egg salad sandwich AND Mello donuts! The tea was very fragrant!
Address: 205-1540 W 2nd Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1H2
Reservations: Call (604) 568-6888 or through website
Website | Instagram
Ladurée
The Ladurée dream started in 1862. Initially, it was just a bakery before Louis Ladurée’s wife revolutionized her husband’s idea and came up with the idea for Paris’ first teahouse - the place to be for women of high society.
The Ladurée legacy is synonomous with luxury, elegance, prestige, exclusivity, and of course, the world's best-known sellers of macarons! Lucky for us, we can live out that Ladurée dream without leaving the country.
Enjoy a decadent, Parisian-style Afternoon Tea on Robson Street! It’s hard to miss the emblematic soft green and gold gothic lettering of this sweet and sophisticated teahouse.
Price: Afternoon Tea, $60 per person
Availability: Monday to Sunday
Make it a boozy high tea: Glass of champagne or Royal Ladurée cocktail for $10.00
Favourites: Signature Macarons, and don’t forget to try the macaron icecream sandwiches in the summer!
Address: 1141 Robson Street Vancouver, BC V6E 1B5
Reservations: Through website @OpenTable
Website | Instagram
La Petite Cuillère
La Petite Cuillère was one of the first tea houses I visited!
Situated in the heart of Mount Pleasant, it got a major celebratory and glamorous makeover since opening its doors in 2012. Sleek, gold, ferris-wheel like dessert stands have replaced the original 3-tier serving platters, and the hot pink couch also made a stunning debut. Try not to do a doubletake when you see it through La Petite Cuillère’s windows! Their menu honours traditional English tea service, while catering to a more contemporary palate.
I’m overdue for a visit!
WTF Bride was last here: February 2014
Price: $68 per person
Availability: Tuesday and Friday 12:00 - 6:00 pm, Saturday & Sunday 11:00 - 6:00 pm
Make it a boozy high tea: Not available
Address: 55 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5T 1R9
Reservations: Call 604-298-0088, text 778-859-8644, or email lnk.creative.innovation@gmail.com
Website | Instagram
Patisserie Fur Elise
Patisserie Fur Elise was one of the first teahouses to start my high tea addiction and subsequent outflow of cash, haha!
At first glance, Fur Elise blends in with the neigbouring Queen Anne-style Victorian heritage houses in Yaletown. A warm, homey retreat in Downtown Vancouver, its cute interiors will have your eyes sparkling with delight. Patisserie Fur Elise is also a pastry shop!
WTF Bride was last here: June 2013
Price: $49 per person, $30 for children
Availability: Fridays 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Saturdays & Sundays 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Make it a boozy high tea: Not an option
Address: 847 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6A1
Reservations: Use online reservation system or call 604-684-1025
Website | Instagram
Contemporary High Tea
Experimental tea menus. Places that are modern, classy, plush - maybe throw in a few elegant crystal chandeliers and gold accents. You won’t find a trace of pink or Grandma’s lace here.
Unni Pastries
Feast your eyes on this afternoon tea contender!
Unni Pastries not only has the best-value tea sets in the city, their charcuterie platters (Dip and Sip is their sister company) and donuts are unmatched.
Their tea set includes 2 drinks, a mini egg salad sandwich, mini prosciutto and cheese sandwich, cucumber cream cheese sandwich, a selection of cured meats, cheeses, fruits, and crackers, 2 seasonal scones, fresh cream and preserves, 1 creme brûlée, a selection of macarons, brownie bites, cookies, tarts, seasonal desserts, cheesecake, and their signature donuts.
It’s a tea set that satisfies!
WTF Bride was last here: July 2023
Price: $65 per person, minimum 2 people for dine in
Availability: Sunday to Thursday 10:00 am - 9:00 pm, Friday and Saturday 10:00 am - 10:00 pm (2 hours seating limit), Monday - closed
Make it a boozy high tea: Not available, but choose from 2 Rishi Leaf teas, 2 iced teas, or 2 coffee drinks
Favourites: Their signature donuts!
Address: 1773 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC V6G 1C9
Reservations: Through their website
Website | Instagram
Palate Kitchen
Opening its Georgian Revival Style heritage building doors in Feburary 2020, it started out as a coffee bar and brunch gathering place before launching its high tea menu in August 2020.
(For a few nights, it transformed into a Parisian-inspired bar that served up complementary Grey Goose cocktails!)
The restaurant is beautiful, with contemporary decor and high ceilings. Palate offers its high tea on the second floor, an elevated choice for what it has to offer.
WTF Bride was last here: April 2022
Price: High Tea – $59 per person
Availability: Daily, by reservations only
Make it a boozy high tea: Cocktails & mimosas available!
Address: 848 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6C 1C8
Reservations: Through website
Website | Instagram
H Tasting Lounge
H Tasting Lounge’s Gatsby-esque, art deco interior is perfect with a Moët & Chandon! Imagine booth seating among plush navy, matte gold, and views of Coal Harbour right outside. The Lounge’s high tea menu changes seasonally, but the cute Ferris Treat Wheel and cotton candy tree remain a playful staple.
*During my five-week high tea binge several years back, H Tasting offered us complimentary Moët for canceled reservations during a renovation. It shows how great the lounge’s service is, and they’re open to have you for a Groom Shower!
WTF Bride was last here: August 2021
Price: Winnie the Pooh Afternoon Tea – $75 per person
Availability: Saturdays & Sundays, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Make it a boozy high tea: Signature cocktails and mocktails available for add on
Favourites: The cotton candy tree and the Ferris Wheel of treats are definite winners
Address: 1601 Bayshore Drive Vancouver, BC V6G 3H3
Reservations: Through their website
Website | Instagram
Classic High Tea
Setting the standard for traditional high tea in Vancouver, here are some of the oldest tea houses in the city
The Secret Garden Tea Company
The Secret Garden has been serving up tiers of finger sandwiches, cakes, and scones for more than 20 years! There’s a bakery and gift shop to browse, while you wait to be seated in the heritage tea room. It emanates warm and cozy vibes, but don’t mistake it for a hidden, secret spot - The Secret Garden will be busy!
WTF Bride was last here: March 2019
Price: $56 per person, $39 for children (8 and younger)
Availability: Monday-Friday 11:30 am or 2:00 pm. Saturday and Sunday 11:00 am, 1:30 pm, or 4:00 pm.
Make it a boozy high tea: Not available
Favourites: the savouries!
Address: 2138 W 40th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6M 1W5
Reservations: Through website
Website | Instagram
Neverland Tea Salon Vancouver
Neverland Tea Salon’s elegant, Queen Anne-style decorations are sure to make a statement, as you walk into this Victorian heritage house. It’s the tea salon that never gets old (Peter Pan joke, can’t help it). Opened since September 2013, this locally-owned pastry shop and tea house keeps things novel with its changing tea themes. Neverland is currently serving a summer high theme before launching into a Wicked theme in the fall.
WTF Bride was last here: September 2017
Price: Summer High Tea - $55 per person, $40 for children
(September 10th to November 30th) Wicked High Tea - $55 per person, $40 for children
Availability: Monday - Sunday, 11:00 am -5:00 pm. First seating time is 11:00 am and last seating is 3:30 pm
Make it a boozy high tea: Sparkling wine, rosé, or mimosa available for add-on
Address: 3066 W Broadway Vancouver, BC V6K 2H1
Reservations: Through website @OpenTable
Website | Instagram
Closed, Moved, or Seasonal Offerings High Tea
Changes are inevitable. Here are the latest changes to the high tea scene.
Yandoux Patisserie
The next time you’re moseying around Olympic Village, check out this patisserie for their Instagram-worthy cakes! Yandoux offers a bright, simple, and mellow space for conversations, but they no longer offer tea service.
*Yandoux’s tea sets are now available at their Richmond location.
WTF Bride was last here: March 2019
Price: Savouries Tea Set or Signature Tea Set, $75 per person
Availability: Wed-Sun 12:00 pm -7:00 pm (Vancouver)
Mon-Sun 10:00 am - 6:00 pm (Richmond)
Make it a boozy high tea: Not available
Favourites: Asian-style savourites from the Signature Tea Set and artistic cakes for the road
Address: 1731 Manitoba Street Vancouver, BC V5Y 0H8
ACRE #115 - 8400 West Rd Richmond, BC V6X 0S7
Reservations: Through website or call 604-242-2760
Website | Instagram
1931 Gallery Bistro
1931 Gallery Bistro’s artistic and beautifully-plated assortment of sweets and savouries will be missed. This modern tea, inspired by Yoko Ono & John Lennon, was the perfect addition to any date to the Art Gallery.
WTF Bride was last here: February 2022
Availability: High tea is no longer available, but 1931 Gallery Bistro is still open
Address: 750 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2H7
Reservations: Through their website @OpenTable
Website | Instagram
Jess’ Restaurant
Jess’ opened in January 2021 and began their culinary journey offering French-Asian fusion tea sets. They now specialize in modern Korean food.
WTF Bride was last here: October 2021
Availability: High tea is no longer available, but Jess’ Restaurant is still open
Address: 2179 W 41st Ave, Vancouver, BC V6M 1Z6
Reservations: Through their website @OpenTable
Website | Instagram
Faubourg Paris
Faubourg Paris brings a slice of the Parisian life to a bustling city like Vancouver. It wants us to be seduced by gastronomic adventures and indulge in small pleasures, like biting into a perfectly-made macaron.
While you can get French bread, cakes, and pastries from Faubourg all year round, their high tea offerings are few and far in between. It’s best to follow their Instagram, if you want to try the Paris-theme tea set I managed to get my hands on.
WTF Bride was last here: May 2020
Price: $60 to $80 a set
Availability: Seasonal (Mother’s Day, Valentine’s)
Make it a boozy high tea: Not an option
Favourites: An Eiffel Tower stand is the perfect touch to this take out tea set! Plus the raspberry chocolate opera and vanilla croquant choux
Address: 2156 W 41st Ave, Vancouver, BC V6M 1Z1
Reservations: Follow their IG to keep up to date on any specialty tea set offers and remember to pre-order!
Website | Instagram
Audrey Moment
Audrey Moment was. The. Cutest. Teahouse.
A straight drive down Kingsway, Audrey solidified its rep as the first Tea House in Burnaby. Home to French accents, cute wallpaper, all white dining sets, and… golden, birdcage tea sets, Audrey Moment didn’t disappoint!
WTF Bride was last here: October 2021
Availability: Closed
TWG
TWG will be missed! Their tea service was nothing but luxurious. This iconic Singaporean teahouse chain offered the most blends of teas I’ve ever seen, with more than 800 varieties to choose from!
TWG not only offered a selection of set menus for high tea and seasonal themed tea services, but lunch options and tea accessories too!
WTF Bride was last here: March 2019
Availability: Closed. It’s July 2024. I don’t think TWG is coming back
Nothing Bad Happens at Tea
And this tradition of winding down goes back to the mid-1700s. Before clever marketing dressed up high tea as an uber girly and frilly affair, it was a meal for the working man. High tea literally got its name because it was enjoyed after work on ‘high’ stools or standing up.
Give tea a chance. Have your eyes glued on scones instead of phones. Enjoy your friend or sweetie’s full company and indulge in 3 hours’ worth of conversation!
Leave me a comment! Tell me which high tea places you want to visit next.
