Top Restaurants for the Best Afternoon Tea in Ottawa

One of my favourite experiences is getting dressed up and trying new afternoon tea restaurants around Ottawa, Ontario. I’ve even started a birthday tradition with my nieces. Each year, we choose a new place in the city to celebrate with Afternoon Tea. Ottawa has some lovely options, and it’s such a fun activity to plan with your loved ones. Below are a few of my favourite spots, along with honest reviews to help you find the right experience for you!

Château Laurier/Zoe’s Ottawa Afternoon Tea

The Fairmont Chateau Laurier hosts Afternoon Tea year round, with a special Holiday Tea menu during the Christmas season. They also offer Princess/Prince tea: an Afternoon Tea for kids who might not enjoy the fancier sandwiches and it comes with tea or hot chocolate.

The Afternoon Tea menu includes a variety of sandwiches, desserts, scones with cream and jam and enough loose leaf tea for a pot. You can order one tower for two people and there is a “Sharing Fee” (which is essentially for an extra pot of tea). I find that one tower for two people is the perfect amount of food!

This is a perfect outing to get dressed up and head to Ottawa’s own castle! It’s also a perfect “experience gift”: a gifted experience rather than something material. Pre-booking online is required to secure your spot.

Personal Review: This is an elevated dining event in the city and part of the higher price tag is the luxury of the Fairmont experience. I do love that they have a Princess/Prince tower for the kiddos, and their festive desserts are fun.

Tartelette Pastry and Cafe

Decadent pastries, scrumptious sandwiches and delicious tea, Tartelette might be the best place in the city! You must call a few days in advance to book, and it’s no wonder why! Everything looks freshly made-to-order, so it’s worth the advance planning.

Vanitea Room Afternoon Tea

The Vanitea Room has the BEST decor in the city. I took my niece for Christmas, and she loved it so much we went back for her birthday! The Afternoon Tea menu changes periodically, so it’s a great one you can keep going back to. They also have my favourite tea brand (Sloane Tea, $10 coupon here) and I love the Heavenly Cream black tea.

Personal Review: I’ve heard mixed reviews online about the freshness of the Afternoon Tea, but I’ve only ever had a good experience. It might be worth checking for recent reviews to see if things have improved!

TIP: Vanitea Room sometimes have a Groupon so that’s worth checking out in advance.

Cafe Cristal Afternoon Tea

I celebrated my 28th birthday at Cafe Cristal with a group of friends and the food was scrumptious. Similar to the Chateau Laurier Afternoon Tea, one tier is plenty of food for two people. We ordered 3 tiers for 6 people and it was the perfect amount. They also have Sloane Tea available to purchase in tins. This is another spot in Ottawa that has amazing decor and is perfectly instagrammable.

Personal Review: I went a few years ago and really enjoyed it, but the reviews online are still consistently good! I love the interior and they do put a lot of effort into their food and drinks.

Quelque Chose Pâtisserie Afternoon Tea

Quelque Chose is definitely my favourite place in the city for macarons and I always make time to stop any time I’m in Westboro. They also have Afternoon Tea available for take out and reservations can be made online. It’s a bit more affordable than some of the other options on this list!

Personal Review: I had the gluten-free tower, which was pleasant but I still don’t love gluten free alternatives. A couple of friends who had the regular version mentioned it wasn’t their favourite either. That said, the ambiance is cozy, the staff are friendly, and the macarons are consistently excellent. It might depend on what you’re looking for most: standout food, charming atmosphere, or great value!

Billings Estate National Historic Site “Tea on the Lawn”

Only available in the summer, you can visit the Billings Estate National Historic Site for Tea on the Lawn. The Billings family settled in 1812 on the shores of the Rideau River. They helped shape the community for over a century! The estate is 8 acres of green space, with stunning gardens. The Billings Estate is a museum that you can visit – their special exhibits are lovely! After tea, stroll through the grounds and gardens for a lovely summer evening. Heritage staff will describe the unique history of the estate during your Tea on the Lawn experience.

Laurier House National Historic Site “High tea on the Veranda”

In August and September , the Laurier House offers “High Tea on the Veranda”. The Laurier House is a National Historic Site, and was home to two of Canada’s longest serving prime ministers: Sir Wilfrid Laurier and William Lyon Mackenzie King. Enjoy a taste of history with a delicious Afternoon Tea!

Afternoon Tea from Home

While there are a few restaurants in the city offering afternoon tea take-out, you can always opt to make your own at home! You can pick up a box of 4 or 6 scones from Life of Pie, a few macarons from Quelque Chose Patisserie and make sandwiches from home.

Personal Review: Life of Pie is my favourite scratch bakery in Ottawa and I’ve never had anything bad. The flavours are all balanced, everything is baked fresh, and they consistently impress me.

Honourable Mention: MacKenzie King Estate

MacKenzie King Estate is not within the City of Ottawa limits, but it’s a fantastic location just outside the city, across the Ottawa River. Enjoy the beautiful gardens, a short walk through the forest and the ruins on the grounds to make an afternoon of it! NOTE: The estate no longer offers Afternoon Tea – but it’s a fun outing nonetheless.

Tips for Booking Afternoon Tea in Ottawa

Whether it’s your first time trying Afternoon Tea or you’re a seasoned tea-tower connoisseur, here are a few tips to help you plan the perfect outing:

1. Book in Advance: Many of the popular spots in Ottawa, especially during weekends or special occasions like Mother’s Day or the holiday season, fill up quickly. I recommend booking at least a week in advance, and even earlier for seasonal teas! Some spots, like Tartelette, require a minimum 3 days advance booking.
2. Mention Dietary Restrictions Early: Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, or kid-friendly? Most tea spots are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions, but they usually need advance notice (sometimes 48–72 hours). Be sure to mention any special requests when you book.
3. Ask About Portions: Some places serve generous towers meant for sharing, while others offer individual servings. If you’re unsure, ask how many people one tower serves. Sometimes one tower goes a long way for 2 people!
4. Check for Seasonal Menus: Several restaurants change their Afternoon Tea menus throughout the year, especially for holidays like Christmas or Valentine’s Day. If you’re looking for something festive or unique, check the current menu online or call to confirm.
5. Dress the Part (Optional, but Fun!): While there’s no formal dress code at most spots, getting dressed up is part of the fun! Think cute dresses, polished outfits, and a touch of sparkle. Whatever makes you feel elegant and cozy.

Disclaimer: these are just my thoughts and opinions from when I visited. Things like menu, service, and vibes can change over time. Take my reviews with a grain of sugar, and check out recent updates if you’re planning a visit!