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    Tea at The Empress

    4.0 (438 reviews)
    PriceyTea Rooms
    Closed • 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

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    Filthy tea cup that left a noticeable stain when wiped.
    Brett C.

    I do agree with some of the reviewers that say that this place is overhyped and overpriced. Seems like this place is catered for tourist since a lot of the guests I saw came from the cruise ships. The ambiance was great, the food and selections of teas tasted amazing. Good place to try at least once. My only issue was that they gave me a filthy tea cup. Made me think twice about trying their teas. In the end the waiter gave me a clean cup without leaving any stain.

    Shirley D.

    Pricey, yes. However, you are paying for an amazing experience! This is high tea done right. We are from St Louis, Missouri, USA visiting my sister who lives in Victoria. My niece wanted to celebrate her birthday at the Empress. We made reservations for a table of 8. Service was over the top. Attendant came to our table and made each person their tea of choice. I had the Rose Pedals and my husband had the Empress Blend. You can customize your tiered platters. For example we had one gluten free and my husband had his without fish/seafood. You can also do double sandwiches and no sweets. We had a wonderful time and the dining area is beautiful. Piano player while you dine. Gift shop sells the various teas and other hotel related items. Lots of other unique shops to browse. We had took our family photo on a staircase.

    Jam
    Jemellee S.

    Afternoon Tea at the Empress was lovely. We enjoyed ourselves very much. Reservations are highly recommended. It was walking distance from our hotel so we need not to worry about parking. You can enjoy the tea and pastries in the Empress' sophisticatedly decorated lounge. We went during the Christmas Holidays so it was even more special. You must dress for the occasion: no sportswear or beachwear. Here at the Empress you can enjoy a collection of teas including their exclusive Empress Blend paired with delicious scones, finger sandwiches, pastries and other sweets. Price: do some people they may say it's pricey for "just tea and pastries." But I say it's just right for the such a wonderful experience. I recommend it to anyone who loves tea and pastries or to someone who hasn't experienced afternoon or high tea. If I have the chance I'll come back here again. Customer Service: top notch. That's is all.

    Place setting
    Nadine C.

    High Tea in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada... A long time ago, my mom and I enjoyed High Tea at The Empress... it was a wonderful experience that I wanted to share with my niece. I booked a reservation online and drove from Seattle to Victoria... We arrived at The Empress Hotel via a Vancouver ferry. Parking in the structure Empress Hotel was a bit of a walk sice there's a convention center linked to the hotel. Tea at the Empress is located in the lobby of the hotel. It's open-air, high-ceilinged, and spacious! It's elegance and dignity! Our server was top-notch! She was friendly, professional, and attentive! We really enjoyed this fancy experience and dressed up for the occasion!

    Karlo G.

    A unique and wonderful tea experience that's worth the price. My husband came here for my birthday and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The experience is in the hotel lobby lounge. The space is decorated in classic Edwardian style and exudes elegance. There was even a live piano during our tea time. The tea sets were ornate and beautiful. Their tea menu features LOT35 and is exclusive to Fairmont. We opted for the tea with a glass of champagne, which was a Laurent Perrier Brut Cuvée. Their tea selection was impressive! The high tea tower consisted of fruit, scones, finger sandwiches, tarts, cakes, and puffed pastries. They include condiments such as cream and jam for the scones and pastries. This was indeed a lot of food and our server was kind enough to box up our leftovers. Tea at the Empress is a premium high tea experience. Reservations is a must and I recommend booking ahead of time.

    Afternoon tea
    Jill W.

    Everybody says you need to do afternoon tea at the Empress. The building is beautiful and the chairs are comfortable. There are a lot of teas to choose from and I like that they use a candle to keep the kettle warm. My favorite thing was the scones and spreads. The finger sandwiches and desserts were just so so. If this is your first time having high tea, I think you would enjoy it. I think it was overhyped.

    Mandy T.

    Tea at The Empress is served at the 2nd flr Lobby Lounge. Its an open lounge where you can people watch as visitors of the Express walk through. Carollers were singing by the hallway when we went. Make reservations in advance. High tea starts at $109pp. We came during winter holiday so it was Christmas themed. The scone was served with clotted cream, jam, and lemon curd options which were all really good. The savoury bites were delicious and filling. The desserts were mostly good, not overly sweet. However it did include fruit cake (that was not our favorite but it's because we don't like fruit cake in general), and the Eggnog Ornament dessert was falling apart and on the softer side than expected. Raymond was our server and provided lovely service, frequently checking on us. The tea he recommended, #4 Lady Londonnery, was delicious. Hubby got the #10 Blue Suede Shoes which was a cool blue color and was also really good.

    Desserts & Pasties
    Christine S.

    Ready for the royal treatment? Afternoon Tea at The Fairmont Empress absolutely delivers. The Lobby Lounge is stunning, bright, elegant, and full of that timeless charm the hotel is known for. It perfectly balances turn-of-the-century grace with modern refinement. The tea service itself was perfection. Every tier was beautifully presented: flaky scones with house-made strawberry jam, delicate pastries, honey straight from the hotel's own beehives, and perfectly crafted finger sandwiches. You can taste the care that goes into everything. A special shout-out to Malou, who made the experience unforgettable. She treated us like royalty, helping us choose the perfect teas, explaining the traditions behind the service, and even taking photos for us. It's rare to see that level of warmth and professionalism blended so naturally. If you're visiting Victoria, this is an experience you simply can't miss. Afternoon Tea at The Empress isn't just a meal, it's a tradition, and one worth savoring.

    Fruity tea
    Holly R.

    As soon as you walk into the Empress, you transported back in time with its rich wood and gold accents. The ambience is on point. We had amazing service and the waiter explained everything in detail to us and went through the tea flavors the food accompanying the tea was also delicious, including warm scones, cucumbers, sandwiches, and a variety of desserts. If you are in Victoria, if only for the day, you must go have tea! You will need to have a reservation. 10/10 recommend!!

    Michelle D.

    This is a terrific place to have afternoon tea. I have been before a few years back, but recently came back with my friend. It was her first time and my first time in a long time, and we could not have had a better experience! It was easy to make a reservation on OpenTable, comfortable, and good service even though it's always fairly busy. We tried a couple of different teas and really enjoyed them. And of course, their traditional sandwiches, scones, and treats were fantastic. Beautiful day and a beautiful location for a special experience. There's just something amazing about coming to the Empress in Victoria for tea. It's one of those things everyone should do and it's worth repeating. Highly recommend!

    The gelatin free pastries. I think the macaron and chocolate tart were "normal" while the other three were gelatin free substitutions.

    I am a vegetarian and my 3 previous afternoon tea experiences at The Empress were great. This 4th time was horrible. I went alone today. I attended alone once before and the experience was just as great as when I came with friends. I wasn't wearing expensive designer clothing or makeup, but I was still dressed better than 70% of the other guests so I don't know why they treated me differently. Seating: 2/5 - they sat me in the middle vs near a window even though there were available window seats for 1-2 people (I was told they were for groups). It was awkward since I was there alone and they had me facing a wall and two rows of other tables (nothing to look at). Also people kept bumping into my table, so it felt "in the way" and made me uncomfortable. Service: 2/5 - the wait staff were friendly with the other guests. They introduced themselves, made conversation, checked in with them, explained the menu, and so on. For me, they gave me a menu and said to pick a tea, never told me their name or asked me anything, and barely checked on me. Environment: 2/5 - most of the guests didn't meet the dress code, which was annoying since the Empress advertises one and threatens turning people away. Maybe they use it as an excuse to turn away certain people. The "bone china" they used is very thick with a poor sound, and felt like generic ceramic. Food: 0/5 - in the past, the savory vegetarian options were 3/5, the biscuit + accompaniments are 4/5, but the pastries are always amazing and why I visit The Empress. This time, the savory options were 2/5, the biscuit was 4/5, and the pastries were INSULTINGLY BAD. They were what I would expect at a mid-tier continental breakfast buffet, NOT an establishment that boasts top pastry chefs and charges over $100 per person. I could probably find better pastries at a standard grocery store, and I have found better at a Trade Joe's in the US. I have literally spent $30-40 at Trader Joes to put together afternoon tea for 4-6 people that was SIGNIFICANTLY better than this. When I first checked in, the hostess clarified that I was vegetarian, then asked if I was also gelatin free. I said I would prefer gelatin free unless it would be hard to accommodate. The hostess made a face (perhaps a warning) and said they could accommodate that. I have been gelatin free in the past and the pastries were still amazing. I wish they had either clarified at checkin or after I made a vegetarian reservation that they no longer have gelatin free pastries OR just gave me a choice. I would have been willing to accept gelatin if I knew the alternatives were convenience store level. Pastries: 1) There was one good pastry- some sort of round chocolate crème tart with a fruit compote at the bottom. 2) Their macarons are normally a little above average, but this one was stale, too sweet, and had an overly dense texture. 3) The chocolate brownie seemed like a gluten free option but the texture was bad, the chocolate was overpowering and the temperature was melty on top but near frozen on the bottom. The flavor was slightly interesting but not amazing. 4) The lemon cake was too dense/moist and collapsed on the bottom (an uneven bake), but dry on top. The flavor was fine, but its temperature was also uneven, so maybe it was hastily thawed from a fridge. Its frosting was not good but they added gold leaf to make it look fancy (but it still looked bad?). 5) The muffin was bad-moist and cold like it had been placed in a fridge before it cooled completely. Its flavor was boring and seemed like a generic breakfast muffin that someone added frosting to. I can't believe that a pastry chef created these. They honestly gave the vibe of a cheap, day-old sheet cake or mini muffin box someone bought on sale at the grocery store, froze, then thawed before serving. Price: 0/5 - I paid $119- more than double the next highest afternoon tea I had on this trip. The food and service were offensive for that price. If they want to offer lower tier food to people with dietary restrictions, they should cut the price in half (still a little offensive) and improve the service. I normally think of The Empress as being expensive, but paying for good pastries + the ambiance + the experience, but this had none that. Summary: I made a vegetarian reservation days in advanced. If they can no longer accommodate vegetarians or people who don't want gelatin, I wish that they had just warned me instead of charging me top dollar for bad food and bad service. Also, it is weird for them to imply that most vegetarians eat gelatin - something made from (mammal) animal body parts. I personally don't know any vegetarians that eat gelatin, but I know lots of non-vegetarians who don't eat gelatin for religous reasons. If you are vegetarian, don't eat gelatin, or want to dine alone, don't come here. I previously recommended this place to all of my friends, but now I am going to actively discourage anyone from coming here.

    Food offering with tea at The Impress Hotel, Victoria BC.

    It is a good novelty offering for tourist who wants to experience English Tea at the historic Impress hotel. Is it something outstanding, don't think so. It is overpriced. Tea is good but nothing special. Sconces and pastry were delicious. Would recommend to someone who is willing to spend more than $130 US on tea per person.

    Tea time!
    Kate K.

    Worth the experience, but slightly over priced. Food was filling and hands down the scone/jam pairing was divine. Reservations are necessary and very accommodating to food allergies. Noise level minimal considering being an open room/walk through.

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    Pendray Tea House - Outside

    Pendray Tea House

    3.7(84 reviews)
    0.5 km
    •$$$

    I have never had tea like this before and I felt like I had to come in proper attire but they do…read morenot scrounge you in your leggings and fleece sweater at all! The place is super cute. It's a old Victorian style house that has been turned into a tea party spot. Our server Keira was super patient and sweet. We ordered the afternoon tea for two. I opted for the peach tea and it was so tummy satisfying as it was a cold day too. It hit the spot! We got our tower of decadent sweet and salty treats. My favorite was the beef pot pie and the potato mash. That paired very well together. As far as sweets, the tart and chocolate cake were delish! Make sure to come with an empty tummy. We were not able to finish half of the goodies we were served but you can always take it to go.

    At the Pendry Tea House, one does not merely have afternoon tea; one boards a doomed vessel,…read morecrosses the boundary of good sense, and descends, Virgil-less and increasingly dehydrated, into a minor but memorable circle of Dante's Inferno. More specifically, the experience recalls Canto XXVI, when Dante encounters Odysseus in Hell: the great voyager whose final journey is not wisdom, but overconfidence, misdirection, and wreckage. Pendry offered much the same voyage, except the sea was tannic tea, the ship was a sun-blasted room without air conditioning, and the wreckage cost 167 Canadian dollars. The setting was the first sign that we had passed through the gates. Rather than being seated in a calm or elegant space, everyone seemed shoved into the same glaring, sunlit room, where the lack of air conditioning turned afternoon tea into a slow roast. It was less refined Victoria tea service and more waiting room in the eighth circle: hot, crowded, and airless. If Dante had needed a modern architectural metaphor for Hell, this room would have done nicely. Then came the vegetarian meal, each course another island on the journey, each landing bleaker than the last. The bread was dried past redemption, as if abandoned on shore long before we arrived. The scones were burnt in a way that suggested not rustic charm, but open hostility. The cucumber sandwiches were the most haunting stop of all: barely two slices of cucumber, no discernible spread, and all the lushness of a moral allegory about scarcity. As for the vegan option, it was so dry that the Sahara might have sent a cease-and-desist for reputational damage. With each bite, another member of the culinary crew seemed to be left behind. The tea itself was somehow worse, which is especially impressive at a tea house. Silk Road should strongly consider pulling any association they have with this establishment, because the staff appeared not to know the steep times for the teas on their own menu. At a tea house, steeping guidance is not ornamental; it is the rudder. Without it, the whole voyage is already lost. The jasmine green tea tasted less like jasmine flowers and more like someone had steeped the dirt from beneath a jasmine bush. The tannic overload was so severe that I had to order a Coke simply to exorcise the taste from my mouth. It was the kind of bitterness Dante might have reserved for fraudulent counselors: those who know the language of refinement but use it to lead others into suffering. The masala chai, meanwhile, was so weak that I do not think even someone with IBS would have found it threatening, though perhaps that is too generous, because visually it resembled the brown water left behind by data farms in AOC's mason jar. The rich golden color one expects from chai was nowhere to be found. To their credit, they did swap it for a breakfast blend, but that tea, too, arrived with no instructions, no steeping guidance, and no follow-up. No one came by to ask whether the teas were good. We had to inquire ourselves. The service completed the allegory. When the trays of pastries were brought to the table, they were not presented so much as dumped upon us, as if they were refuse--which, surprisingly, they largely were. No one explained what anything was. At other tea services in Victoria, such as Butchart Gardens, there is pride in presentation. There, the staff arrived equipped with a baton and explained each item with care and ceremony. Here, our questions seemed to be treated as trespass, as if curiosity itself had violated house rules. We were not guests being guided through a service. We were passengers who had made the mistake of asking the captain where exactly he was taking us. The finale was fittingly infernal. After removing the first of two trays, the staff disappeared for over thirty minutes and only returned with the bill after being prompted. For two people, an 18% gratuity had already been included, which perhaps explains the total absence of incentive to provide anything resembling attentive service. Like Odysseus urging his crew onward while knowing only his own ambition mattered, the house had already secured its reward. The rest of us could drift. Hell may have no fury like that of a woman scorned, but should you wish to experience the particular fury of being packed into a hot, sunlit room without air conditioning, then served dried bread, burnt scones, cucumber sandwiches without dignity, tea brewed beyond recognition, and service conducted as though hospitality were an imposition, by all means book a table at the Pendry Tea House. At 167 Canadian dollars, it is less an afternoon tea than a guided descent: a voyage past taste, past comfort, and past the last known boundary of hospitality.

    Photos
    Pendray Tea House
    Pendray Tea House
    Pendray Tea House

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    JagaSilk Tea Bar - the latte came out lukewarm, the pour art had already blurred by the time it reached me

    JagaSilk Tea Bar

    4.6(16 reviews)
    0.2 km
    •$$

    i'd been really looking forward to checking out jaga silk, and finally got the chance on a friday…read morebetween noon and 4:00 pm, their only open hours each week. tucked away in nootka court at 633 courtney street, just steps from the victoria bug zoo, this café has a reputation for its maccha milled right here in victoria. they also supply their teas to other cafés, host tastings and workshops, so there's clearly a strong focus on the craft and quality. i got there around 12:05 pm, and there was already a couple seated at the bar with two more people ahead of me. not surprisingly, a steady stream followed soon after, the kind of quiet rush you'd expect from a place that opens just four hours a week. the space feels warm and rustic, shelves lined with teacups, maccha bowls and brewing gear. it has that quiet charm that makes you observe and appreciate their maccha making technique and process. one side of the café displays neatly arranged maccha tins, ceramic bowls, and starter kits, each item speaking to the care that goes into their craft. three baristas were behind the counter, focused, but clearly stretched thin. the café was busy, someone was in training, and a bit of confusion at the register made things feel a little chaotic. i ordered the oku shimo maccha latte ($12) with oat milk and a black sesame daifuku ($5), my second maccha latte of the day, because apparently moderation doesn't apply when it comes to tea. the latte took a while and came out lukewarm, having sat while they sorted an overcharge. the foam art had already blurred by the time it reached me. my daifuku was forgotten until i asked about it about nine minutes later, when it finally arrived, with an apology, it was filled with red bean instead of black sesame. it tasted fine, just not what i was expecting. for $17, the quality and service didn't feel worth it. i left wishing it had matched the story i'd built up in my head, of a serene, intentional tea experience, steeped in care and ritual. everything about the space suggests harmony and mindfulness, but the execution didn't quite land. it's the kind of place you want to fall in love with, the kind that promises quiet beauty and reflection, but sometimes, even the most beautiful rituals can lose their rhythm.

    Extremely friendly and helpful. I came in with a bit of a sour stomach ache, and the barrister made…read morea suggestion for something I would not have tried on my own-really wish I could tell you what it was, but it was fermented and a little bubble in it. Served in a chemistry beaker and a rocks glass-which I thought was clever. I didn't really 'love' the taste-but it did do the trick! Made my stomach feel much better. My daughter ordered a green frothy thing that she at first did not like ...and then it grew on her and she loved it. (served in a mason jar with a metal straw to be environmental-which I absolutely LOVE and will try and find one to buy for myself here in the states) Comfy little funky seating area with an old couch and chair

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    JagaSilk Tea Bar
    JagaSilk Tea Bar
    JagaSilk Tea Bar

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    Silk Road Tea - Outside view

    Silk Road Tea

    4.1(67 reviews)
    0.8 km
    •$$

    silk road has always been my go to for teas whenever i'm in victoria. the blends are thoughtful,…read morethe quality consistent, and stepping inside feels like entering a calm, almost gallery like space. tall ceilings, exposed brick, and lacquered cabinets give it a serene, slightly old world charm, and the careful arrangement of colourful teacups, tins, and tea accessories makes it feel like a curated collection rather than a shop. it's the kind of place where you can linger for a while, taking in the details, inhaling the aromas, and feeling a sense of calm wash over you. the tea bar is well thought out, and the staff are knowledgeable and helpful, they're happy to explain blends, suggest teas based on your taste preferences, or guide you through proper steeping techniques. beyond teas, silk road also carries skincare, body products, and aromatherapy, making it a destination for a full sensory experience. i used to love the little rituals here: reading the detailed descriptions of each tea, opening the canisters to smell the aromas, scooping tea into the mini tins, and finishing with the label stickers that list the name and steeping time. those small, interactive touches made the experience feel playful and intimate, it wasn't just shopping, it was a ritual, a way to slow down and enjoy the moment. lately, however, some of these touches have quietly disappeared. i'm told there's been a shortage of the mini tins, my favourite tea has been discontinued, and the tactile, sensory elements that once made silk road feel so special aren't as prominent. even with these changes, it's still a beautiful shop worth visiting. the space itself encourages you to pause, explore, and appreciate the craft of tea, and the blends remain high quality. if you're seeking a serene, visually rich environment with thoughtful teas and attentive service, silk road delivers. just be aware that some of the hands on, ritualistic experiences that used to make it feel extra special may no longer be available. overall, silk road strikes a balance between elegance, calm, and quality, and for anyone serious about tea or looking for a peaceful spot to browse, it's still a worthwhile stop.

    A very big, modern tea shop, located in the heart of Victoria Chinatown. It has been around for…read moremore than 30 years, starting first from this location. We stopped in before it was closing on a Wednesday. It has expanded since its original opening, with the main entrance housing its line of tea-infused skin and body care line of products. Next door is the tea room and tea bar, where you can smell and taste the various teas from around the world. We did pick up sample sizes of the mini ($4.99 CAD for a 10 cup supply); Mango Shade, Earl Green, and Darjeeling. Once packaged, you take it back to the front where you checkout. I was trying to remember what a tea shop is supposed to smell like...strangely I have no recollection of it. And the smell here was pretty sterile...assuming it is a lot better if fresh steeped tea was being served.

    Photos
    Silk Road Tea
    Silk Road Tea
    Silk Road Tea

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    Hey Happy - Honey Latte

    Hey Happy

    4.5(139 reviews)
    0.7 km
    •$$

    So glad we decided to walk in on our recent trip to Victoria. We did not plan to be here but…read moreliterally every person walking on the street seemed to be walking in and we were like - let's go, check it out. This is right outside the Public Market and has plenty of street parking on and around the block. From the get go, amazing ambiance - bright, colorful infused with wooden interiors makes you take notice. A very innovative menu makes it hard to not try more than you planned on. Service is fast and the staff is friendly. We had the below items and can't wait to be back to try more on their menu. It seems they do refresh their menu quite a bit and the current menu is definitely bomb! 1. Hong Kong style Pork Sandwich - 12/10, amazing favors, very nicely done! 2. Savory Poptart - 10/10, light, flake, buttery, melt in the mouth 3. Mandarin Day Dream from their Signature Drinks - Drink of my dreams. I will dream of it until I can have it again and I hope they do not drop it from the menu until then. Such a innovative and well balanced drink - 20/10, must try!! We need you here in the U.S. Whoever is dishing out these creative menu items (signature drinks & the sandwiches) needs a raise!

    Really cute cafe with nice staff and amazing beverages. We tried the Apple Pie Matcha and Purple…read moreRain both were great. I will have to try their food menu next time I'm in town.

    Photos
    Hey Happy - House made strawberry cream dream with matcha and oat mylk

    House made strawberry cream dream with matcha and oat mylk

    Hey Happy - Bacon breakfast sandwich

    Bacon breakfast sandwich

    Hey Happy

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    Tea at The Empress - tea - Updated October 2026

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