There's something so sophisticated (and perhaps a bit indulgent) about treating yourself to afternoon tea. The classic British tradition is one of our favourite ways to spend an afternoon in a new city, but when we can't get to London, New York or Paris for high tea, we find great ways to escape right here in Toronto. Here are some of our favourite afternoon tea spots -- whether you live in Toronto or are just visiting, a quiet afternoon of tea will always hit the spot.
The King Edward Hotel
One of Toronto's most famed downtown hotels, the King Eddy also serves up some of the best afternoon tea in the city. If classic and traditional is what you're after, the King Eddy is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon sipping on fine Earl Grey (try the special hotel blend), or any of their other 20 tea selections, and nibble on decadent scones topped with Devonshire cream, pastries, fresh berries and cream, and of course, delicate finger sandwiches like lobster and shrimp brioche, and smoked salmon and cucumber with cream. Tea is served Friday through Sunday from 2:30 p.m to 5 p.m.
Where to Find:
The King Edward Hotel
37 King St. East, Toronto
416-863-9700, omnihotels.com
Price: Starting at $42 for the King's Tea.
The Windsor Arms
A frequent celebrity haunt, The Windsor Arms is quiet and tucked away on St. Thomas Street, just off of Bloor Street West. Tea is served in the Tea Room from 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. daily and includes smoked salmon mini sandwiches and salmon caviar, petit fours, scones, tarts and fresh fruit (think strawberries and rich cream). Even more dainty -- your tea is poured from pretty flowered pots making it one of the favourite tea spots in the city. You can also opt for the hotel's Twilight Tea which is served daily at 5:30 p.m and 6:00 p.m.
Where to Find:
Windsor Arms Hotel
18 St. Thomas Street, Toronto
416-971-9666, windsorarmshotel.com
Price: Starting at $38 per person for traditional afternoon tea.
The Old Mill Inn and Spa
Charmingly British, this Tudor-inspired hotel in the west-end of Toronto has an adorable garden terrace that makes afternoon tea in the spring and summer a special treat. But in cooler months, you can sip on Earl Grey and dine on sandies and sweets in the cozy inclosed terrace. This year the hotel is offering a special Centennial Afternoon Tea to celebrate 100 years of the tradition, with a new selection of sweets and savory treats, plus a decorative tea box you get to take home.
Where to Find:
Old Mill Inn & Spa
21 Old Mill Road, Toronto
416-207-2020, oldmilltoronto.com
Price: Starting at $24.95 for Monday through Thursday.
The Fairmont Royal York Hotel
This hotel stands as a landmark in the heart of Toronto and officially opened in 1929. Its grand and old-fashioned Library Room with regal, plush chairs and dark-wood tables is the perfect setting for daily tea at 12 p.m, 12:30 p.m and 2:30 p.m on Saturdays and Sundays that comes with a berry cocktail, pastries, crumpets, little sandwiches and of course, scones. An added bonus? Your tea includes a trip up to the hotel's rooftop garden (weather permitting) where you can spot herbs, veggies and flowers used in your tea.
Where to Find:
The Fairmont Royal York
100 Front Street West, Toronto
416-860-5004, fairmont.com
Price: Starting at $39.50.
The Ritz-Carlton Toronto
One of Toronto's newer hotels, the Ritz-Carlton has also jumped on the afternoon tea band wagon serving up a classy version in the posh DEQ Terrace and Lounge. Feast midday on petite cakes, bread and butter sandwiches, other sweets and you can even top it off with a chilled glass of Veuve Clicquot for a bit extra.
Where to Find:
The Ritz-Carlton Toronto
181 Wellington Street West, Toronto
416-585-2500, ritzcarlton.com
Price: Starting at $40 for the Classic Tea.
MoRoCo Chocolat
Add a twist to your afternoon tea experience thanks to an extra dose of chocolate. This fine chocolate and sweet shop offers up afternoon tea Tuesday through Sunday complete with savory sandwiches, their house-made scones with Devonshire cream and lemon curd, the option of champagne and the kicker -- a decadent sipping chocolate, too.
Where to Find:
MoRoCo Chocolat
99 Yorkville Avenue, Toronto
416-961-2202, morocochocolat.com
Price: Starting at $35 without champagne Tuesday-Thursday.
