Afternoon tea never goes out of style. It’s a timeless way to mark a special occasion or simply slow down for a few hours. Just don’t call it high tea. That 18th-century term refers to a hearty evening meal, not a midday indulgence. What many of us call high tea is actually afternoon tea: a refined ritual of finger sandwiches, flaky scones and fragrant brews (and perhaps a splash of bubbles!). In Toronto, we’re spoiled for choice of venue at which to linger over the dainty delight. You can still nab a reservation for Mother’s Day weekend at some of these special spots, or book another date just because.
Most splurge-worthy: d|bar at Four Seasons Hotel Toronto
Afternoon tea at d|bar is a stylish and serene affair set in the sunlit lounge of the Four Seasons, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame the chic Yorkville scene. Live piano music drifts through the modern space as guests ease in with a glass of Perrier-Jouët champagne or a mocktail. The menu changes with the seasons, offering luxe bites like devilled eggs crowned with lobster and caviar, alongside delicate French sweets by pastry chef Kevin Levionnois. A dedicated tea sommelier is on hand to guide guests through an impressive lineup of rare and premium loose-leaf teas, including Silver Leaf white tea and Pu-Erh Tuo Cha, an aged black tea known for its depth and complexity. Weekends, $105 p/p, fourseasons.com/toronto
Best budget-friendly: T-Buds
T-Buds offers a cosy and relaxed take on traditional afternoon tea, with several packages to suit different budgets. Served on a three-tiered stand, the spread features playful riffs on finger sandwich staples, like curried chicken with mango chutney or roast beef with tea-infused gravy. Freshly baked scones come with a house-made clotted cream of mascarpone and Greek yogurt, while dainty petit fours include date cake with salted caramel and Earl Grey panna cotta topped with blueberry compote. Guests can choose from more than 60 teas, including unexpected options like the Scarlet champagne white tea blends, which are infused with Ontario ice wine grape juice. Daily, $14 to 46, t-buds.com
Most traditional: Clockwork at Fairmont Royal York
Afternoon tea at Clockwork offers a timeless experience in one of Toronto’s most storied settings. Locals and visitors have gathered for tea at the Fairmont Royal York since the hotel first opened in 1929. The tradition continues today in a railway-inspired lounge anchored by a striking celestial clock. Tea is served in hand-painted Narumi Bone China trimmed with 24-karat gold, while the menu features savoury offerings like classic egg salad or slow-roasted prime beef, alongside warm scones with berry compote and whipped cream. The tea menu is equally refined, featuring Fairmont’s LOT 35 collection, which spans from bold black blends to subtle florals like Jasmine Gold Dragon Organic. Weekends, $95-120 p/p, $47.95 kids, thefairmontroyalyork.com
Most Innovative: Guerlain Spa at Hotel X Toronto
Afternoon tea meets high-end pampering at Hotel X’s swish spa. For $50, guests can add afternoon tea to any weekday spa service or weekend package. Served in a tranquil lounge overlooking Lake Ontario, the menu features sophisticated bites like smoked ham and truffle egg sandwiches, Earl Grey and chive cheddar scones and pillowy house-made macarons. A selection of Harney & Sons teas, including a lovely floral cherry blossom green, is paired to complement the spa’s Guerlain scents, creating a multi-sensory experience. Guests can sip a glass of Prosecco for an added touch of indulgence, or opt for infused water to keep things light and refreshing. Weekdays, $50 p/p with spa service, spa.hotelxtoronto.com
Most day-trip-worthy: The Bruce Hotel, Stratford
Set on six well-manicured acres in the heart of Stratford, the Bruce Hotel offers a thoughtfully crafted afternoon tea that’s well worth the day trip from Toronto. Served in the hotel’s pretty garden-facing dining room, the menu highlights seasonal, locally sourced ingredients like rhubarb scones, a Mountainoak Gouda and maple danish and smoked trout sandwiches, all made in-house. Jams and preserves are prepared on-site or sourced from nearby Moss Berry Farm. Guests can choose from more than 20 teas blended by Stratford’s own Distinctly Tea, including the signature Bruce Breakfast Blend and a popular caffeine-free hibiscus and berry tisane. The result is a memorable escape that pairs small-town charm with polished hospitality. Daily, $65 p/p, thebruce.ca
Most Instagram-ready: Shangri-La Toronto
Afternoon tea at the Shangri-La is as photogenic as it is luxurious. Served in the hotel’s airy, art-filled Lobby Lounge, the Hues of Spring menu, which is available until June 1, is a pastel dream of intricately plated nibbles like smoked salmon vol-au-vent and grapefruit rosé jelly with basil mousse. Highlights include warm scones with clotted cream and beet macarons with crispy quinoa. Teas are drawn from a far-reaching global collection, with the Shangri-La Blend — a fragrant black tea laced with vanilla and rose — a perennial favourite. Add soaring windows, live music and plush seating, and you’ve got tea worth dressing up for. Weekends, $108, shangri-la.com/toronto
