Categories > Guides and Tips
The 10 Best High Tea Spots in Victoria That’ll Have You Sipping in Style
You know, every time I go out for high tea with friends, I always feel like I’ve stepped into an episode of Bridgerton—there must be something about the delicate china, the floral aromas… or maybe just the Bridgerton playlist in the background.
Who’s to say? Either way, there’s something about sipping a perfectly steeped cup of tea while nibbling on sandwiches that feels both elegant and delightfully indulgent. It’s also fun to pick out the best pairings—because let’s be honest, a great scone can make or break the experience.
And every place has its own way of making even the most basic black tea feel special. So, to help you book your next afternoon tea, here are the best spots in Victoria!
Tea at the Empress
Media from ohmyjingzhi
Address: 721 Government St
Contact details: +1 250-389-2727
Opening hours:
- Sunday to Friday: 11 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM to 6 PM
If you’re going to do high tea in Victoria and want the full royal treatment, Tea at the Empress is the one. The setting inside the Fairmont Empress is absolutely stunning—soaring ceilings, elegant chandeliers, and massive windows that frame the harbour beautifully.
The tea itself? Impeccable. Their signature Empress Blend is rich and smooth with hints of citrus and vanilla, and it pairs perfectly with the three-tiered selection of finger sandwiches, flaky scones, and exquisite little pastries.
The attention to detail is unreal, from the gold-rimmed china to the impeccable service that makes you feel like royalty. It’s definitely a splurge, running around $109 per person, but it’s more than just tea—it’s an experience.
Pro tip:
Book well in advance, especially during the summer. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, upgrade to include champagne.
The Teahouse at Abkhazi Garden
Media from abkhaziteahouse
Address: 1964 Fairfield Rd
Contact details: +1 778-265-6466
Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday: 11 AM – 3 PM
Pricing: $$
Website
Menu
The Teahouse at Abkhazi Garden is tucked away in a stunning heritage garden, and the whole experience feels peaceful, like a little escape from the city. It’s smaller and more intimate than some of the other high tea spots, which makes it perfect for a slow, relaxed afternoon.
The tea selection is lovely, with floral and herbal blends that complement the fresh, locally sourced menu. The savouries lean towards the traditional, but the desserts often have a creative twist—think lavender shortbread or Earl Grey-infused mousse.
Pricing is on the more reasonable side at around $68 per person, especially considering the setting. And the best part? You can take a stroll through the gardens before or after tea—it’s the perfect way to extend the experience.
Pro tip:
Spring and summer are the best times to visit when the garden is in full bloom. If you can, request an outdoor table—the atmosphere is pure magic.
Pendray Inn and Tea House
Media from huntingdonhotelandsuites
Address: 309 Belleville St.
Contact details: +1 250-388-3892
Opening hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 7 AM – 10 AM, 11 AM – 4 PM
- Friday to Sunday: 7 AM – 10 AM, 11 AM – 6 PM
This place is like stepping into a Victorian novel. The Pendray Inn, housed in a gorgeous 19th-century mansion, is a high tea spot that leans heavily into old-world charm.
The rooms are beautifully decorated with antique furniture, and it does feel like you’ve travelled back in time. The high tea itself is a balance of classic and West Coast flavours—think smoked salmon sandwiches alongside delicate cucumber and cream cheese bites.
They also offer a nice selection of teas, including some bolder black teas that pair well with heavier savouries. Starting at around $62 per person, it’s a fair price for both the quality and the experience, especially considering the historic setting.
Pro tip:
Parking in this area can be tricky, so give yourself extra time to find a spot. If you love history, take a moment to wander through the inn—it’s filled with fascinating little details from the past.
White Heather Tea Room
Media from whiteheathertearoom
Address: 1885 Oak Bay Ave
Contact details: +1 250-595-8020
Opening hours:
- Wednesday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 3 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 11:30 AM – 5 PM
If you’re in it for the food, White Heather Tea Room is the place to go. This spot is all about generous portions and goodness. Their “Big Muckle” tea service is quite comically large, with an overflowing selection of sandwiches, scones, and desserts—you absolutely will not leave hungry.
The quality is fantastic, too; everything is baked fresh, and the flavours are classic but never boring. Their scones are especially good—soft, fluffy, and just the right amount of crumbly.
The tea selection is solid, with a mix of black, green, and herbal options, though the standout here is the food. Prices range from $57 to $63, which is incredibly reasonable given how much you get.
Pro tip:
Come hungry or bring a container—there’s a good chance you won’t finish everything. Reservations are a must, especially on weekends, because this place fills up fast.
The Oaks Restaurant and Tearoom
Media from oaksrestaurant
Address: 2250 Oak Bay Ave
Contact details: +1 250-590-3155
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 8 AM – 9 AM
Pricing: $
Website
Menu
This one feels like stepping into an “I know a place” type of café, but with a charming British twist. Located in the heart of Oak Bay, The Oaks Restaurant and Tearoom has a welcoming, unfussy atmosphere that makes it perfect for a casual yet delightful high tea.
The food is classic and comforting—well-made scones, delicate sandwiches, and sweet treats that feel just right. Their tea selection is straightforward but high quality, with a focus on traditional blends like English Breakfast and Earl Grey.
What sets this place apart is the friendly service and the relaxed setting. Plus, it’s one of the cheapest on this list, hovering around $32 per person (full tea experience), making it a great option if you want the high tea experience without the hefty price tag.
Pro tip:
Check out the seasonal tea specials—they sometimes feature fun flavours that aren’t on the regular menu.
Piggy & Paisley
Media from piggyandpaisley
Address: 143 Menzies St
Contact details: +1 250-386-4700
Opening hours:
- Monday, Wednesday: 9 AM – 4 PM
- Thursday to Sunday: 9 AM – 5 PM
For a high tea experience that breaks the mold, Piggy & Paisley delivers in the best way. This isn’t your traditional British afternoon tea—it’s playful, modern, and a little unexpected.
They feature bold flavours with international influences, like matcha éclairs, turmeric-infused scones, and curried egg salad sandwiches. The teas are just as unique, with blends incorporating ingredients like cardamom, lemongrass, and even coconut.
The atmosphere is bright and fun, with quirky decor that makes it feel like an adventure. Pricing sits around $60 per person, which is fair given the creativity and quality. If you love tea but don’t want the usual cucumber sandwiches and clotted cream, this spot is a breath of fresh air.
Pro tip:
If you have dietary restrictions, they offer fantastic plant-based and gluten-free options, but you’ll need to request them ahead of time. Definitely try their in-house chai—it’s unlike anything else in the city.
Q AT THE FAIRMONT EMPRESS
Media from qattheempress
Address: 721 Government St
Contact details: +1 250-384-8111
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Pricing: $$$
Website
Menu
If you want high tea but with a sleek, modern twist, Q at the Fairmont Empress is where you go. The tea selection is just as refined, with beautifully blended black, green, and herbal options, but what sets it apart is the food.
Expect high tea classics, but with a little extra flair—think truffle-infused egg salad sandwiches, honey-lavender scones, and delicate pastries that look like they belong in an art gallery. There’s also an option to pair your tea with handcrafted cocktails or champagne—a luxurious touch.
Not to mention, the place feels open and sunny, with awesome views of the harbour. It’s definitely an upscale experience, but perfect for a special occasion or just treating yourself.
Pro tip:
If you’re a cocktail fan, ask about their tea-infused spirits—it’s a fun twist that elevates the whole experience. Dress up a little to match the polished atmosphere; it makes it feel even more special.
Murchie’s Fine Tea & Coffee – Victoria
Media from murchiestea
Address: 1110 Government St
Contact details: +1 250-383-3112
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 AM – 6 PM
Pricing: $
Website
Menu
Murchie’s isn’t your typical high tea experience, but it’s an absolute must for tea lovers. This historic tea shop and café has been around since 1894, and you can taste the tradition in every sip.
Unlike the formal tea services elsewhere, Murchie’s offers a more relaxed, à la carte style, so you can order exactly what you want. Their unparalleled selection includes classic black teas and signature blends like the smoky “Black Currant” and the floral “Empress Afternoon.”
It’s also one of the most affordable options, with individual items priced between $5-$15. Bonus: You can buy loose-leaf tea to take home, so the experience doesn’t have to end when you leave.
Pro tip:
Seating fills up fast, especially in the afternoon, so try to visit during off-peak hours for a quieter experience. Grab a tin of their Empress Afternoon Blend—it’s a fantastic souvenir and brews beautifully at home.
Kiwanis Willows Beach Tea Room
Media from willowsbeachtearoom
Address: 2740 Dalhousie St
Contact details: +1 250-592-1612
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10 AM to 4:30 PM
Pricing: $
Instagram
Menu
For high tea with a view, this spot is unbeatable. Located right on Willows Beach, Kiwanis Willows Beach Tea Room offers a relaxed, no-frills afternoon tea experience with the added bonus of an oceanfront setting.
The tea itself is simple but well-executed—classic blends paired with fresh-baked scones, light sandwiches, and an assortment of sweet treats. It’s not as elaborate as some of the other high tea spots in town, but what it lacks in formality, it makes up for in charm.
There’s something special about sipping tea while watching the waves roll in, and the friendly, community-run atmosphere makes it feel even more welcoming.
Pro tip:
Bring a light sweater—the ocean breeze can be cool even on sunny days. After tea, take a walk along Willows Beach—it’s one of the most scenic spots in Victoria.
Aura Waterfront Restaurant + Patio
Media from aurayyj
Address: 680 Montreal St
Contact details: +1 250-414-6739
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 7 AM – 9:30 PM
Pricing: $$$
Website
Menu
High tea with a contemporary, West Coast twist—that’s what Aura Waterfront Restaurant + Patio brings to the table. Located right on the Inner Harbour, this spot takes afternoon tea in a completely different direction, blending classic elements with modern, Asian-inspired flavours.
Instead of your standard cucumber sandwiches, you might find delicate shrimp dumplings, matcha-infused desserts, or yuzu macarons. The tea menu is also unique, featuring some fantastic green and oolong blends alongside traditional black teas.
The presentation is stunning—every item looks like a tiny work of art. The harbour views make it even better, especially if you can snag a window seat or sit out on the patio when the weather is nice.
Pro tip:
If you love dessert, ask about their tea-infused pastries—they’re a hidden gem on the menu.
