Have you ever thought about where you can enjoy a fancy cup of tea and some tasty treats in the city? You're in the right place!
This article is here to show you 7 awesome spots for high tea in Ottawa, each with its own special vibe.
So, why not take a break from your busy day and check out these amazing tea spots? Grab your favorite cup, and let’s explore these lovely high tea experiences in Ottawa!
1. The Vanitea Room, A Tea Salon & Eatery
If you're in Ottawa and really want to enjoy a nice cup of tea, you should check out The Vanitea Room. It’s a cute tea place that feels like you’ve stepped into a fancy storybook.
When you sit down, you’ll see beautiful trays filled with both sweet and savory treats, all arranged in a way that looks amazing.
The Vanitea Room is a treat for your eyes and taste buds. The decorations are lovely, mixing the charm of old times with a modern feel.
What makes The Vanitea Room stand out is that it has something for everyone. They offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices, so no one misses out on the fun.
Their "Spoil Yourself Three Course" brunch is a must-try. It includes yummy items like scones, mimosas, and beef bacon benedict. Everything is made with fresh ingredients from local farms.
People love the friendly service at The Vanitea Room. The staff is super nice and makes sure everyone feels welcome.
Located in a beautifully kept building, The Vanitea Room has a cozy and warm atmosphere that’s great for small get-togethers.
The prices are fair, especially for the quality of the food and how it’s served. No wonder both locals and visitors recommend it for a fantastic tea time!
2. ZOE'S
Located in the beautiful Fairmont Chateau Laurier, Zoe's is a cozy and classy place that’s perfect for both people who live in Ottawa and those just visiting.
This lovely spot is famous for its fancy high tea, which is a nice break from the busy day-to-day life.
Walking into Zoe's feels like entering a fairy tale with its tall ceilings and shiny crystal chandeliers.
The menu at Zoe's is mouth-watering. They serve a great variety of teas and tasty treats, including freshly baked scones, little sandwiches, and a bunch of sweet desserts.
They also have options for different diets, like vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free, so everyone can join in on the fun.
If you plan to go, it's a good idea to make a reservation since Zoe's is a popular spot for a nice afternoon tea. And, they offer valet parking, which makes getting there even easier.
What really makes Zoe's special is the amazing service. The staff is super friendly and always ready to help or share their tea knowledge. This personal touch makes every visit special.
3. Cafe Cristal
Located in the heart of Barrhaven, Ottawa, Cafe Cristal is a cozy spot that's like a hidden gem just waiting for you to find it.
This charming cafe combines the romantic feel of France with elegant Arab influences, making it a perfect place for anyone looking to enjoy a nice cup of tea or coffee.
They use ingredients from top culinary places in France and Italy, so every drink and snack gives you a taste of something special from around the world.
When you walk in, you'll notice the fun decor that feels like something out of a Parisian fairy tale. The warm atmosphere, comfy seating, and soft natural light make it a great spot for hanging out alone,
going on a date, or getting together with family. It's also a kid-friendly place, ensuring that drinks are served at a safe temperature for younger visitors.
Cafe Cristal’s menu is a treat for everyone, with tons of teas and coffees to satisfy any craving. They have a fantastic selection of teas, ranging from classic black to calming herbal options, and their coffee choices include everything from smooth espressos to flavorful pour-overs.
If you love sweets, you’ll find their homemade macarons and rich cakes hard to resist. They also offer a variety of pastries, sandwiches, and comfort foods, including popular Halal dishes like chicken Italiano and chicken pesto.
Even though it’s located in a strip mall, Cafe Cristal stands out as a unique and delightful spot for high tea.
With its lovely atmosphere, delicious food and drinks, and amazing service, it’s easy to see why both locals and visitors recommend this cafe so highly.
4. Fairmont Château Laurier
Located right in the center of Ottawa, Fairmont Château Laurier provides a unique high tea experience that mixes old traditions with a modern twist.
This stunning and classy hotel invites you to enjoy an afternoon tea that feels both traditional and fresh. In a beautiful, historic setting, you can sip tea that’s been brewed just right.
The LOT 35 teas, specially chosen for Fairmont, stand out and offer a rich, tasty experience that tea lovers will really enjoy.
The food at Fairmont Château Laurier is truly delightful. They serve a variety of open-faced sandwiches that are not only tasty but also look great.
Each bite takes you on a flavor journey, with tastes that work perfectly together. And, of course, no high tea is complete without scones, and theirs are simply amazing.
They're light and fluffy, served with all the classic toppings, making them a must-try.
If you have a sweet tooth, the delicious desserts are the perfect way to end this fancy experience. From elegant pastries to rich chocolate goodies, every dessert is made with care and attention.
People often leave Fairmont Château Laurier raving about their high tea experience, highlighting the fantastic service and relaxing atmosphere.
5. Quelque Chose
In the middle of Westboro Village, you'll find Quelque Chose, a little piece of Paris right in Ottawa.
Upon entering, you are greeted by a colorful café that has the delightful aroma of fresh baked goods.
This cute café and pastry shop was started by David Seba and Julia Dahdah, who have been making delicious French macarons and other treats since 2013.
As soon as you walk in, you feel at home in the cozy atmosphere that encourages you to linger. They have over 20 different flavors of macarons, ranging from classic pistachio to fun options like pina colada and even a Barbie flavor, so there's something for everyone to enjoy.
They also have a fancy high tea experience that's perfect for relaxing or celebrating special moments.
Their afternoon tea includes a tasty mix of sandwiches, scones, croissants, and of course, macarons, all served with a variety of fragrant teas.
If you're planning a bridal shower or bachelorette party, Quelque Chose has a lovely rooftop patio that adds a special touch to any event.
The care they put into both the food and service is what makes this place stand out. People who visit, always talk about how wonderful the experience is, making it a must-visit spot in Ottawa.
6. Carmelito Café
Walking into Carmelito Café reveals a special place hidden in Barrhaven. This cozy café is famous for its warm and welcoming vibe, making it a great spot to relax with a coffee or hang out with friends.
It has a cool Victorian style, with vintage decorations and colorful accents that give it a bright and cheerful feel.
Inside, the walls are decorated with pictures of famous stars like Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra, all while smooth jazz music plays in the background.
Carmelito Café takes pride in serving top-notch coffee that’s rich in flavor and super smooth. Along with your drink, you can enjoy a tasty selection of freshly baked pastries and light snacks that are sure to hit the spot.
One of the best things about Carmelito is their delicious cakes, with flavors like lemon blueberry cheesecake and raspberry lemon cake stealing the show.
These desserts are known for being light and just the right amount of sweet, making them a must-try for anyone who loves sweets.
Students will be happy to know that Carmelito Café gives a discount if you show your student card, making it a perfect place to study or take a chill break.
With both indoor and outdoor seating, you can choose your preferred spot to enjoy the café’s nice atmosphere.
The friendly staff at Carmelito Café are always there to help, enhancing your visit.
7. The SconeWitch
The SconeWitch might not serve the fancy high tea you might expect, but it definitely has its own charm with a yummy variety of scones and teas.
Located close to Parliament Hill, it's a popular spot for both locals and tourists, providing a cozy place to enjoy some tasty treats.
This cute little cafe serves a range of scones, both sweet and savory, all freshly baked every day. You can enjoy a zesty lemon cranberry scone or a classic vanilla-cream one. I
f you’re in the mood for something savory, the feta and cheddar scones are really good too. They even have a fun twist called sconewiches—yes, that’s right, scone sandwiches!
And what’s a scone without some clotted cream or strawberry jam? You can top your scones with these delicious spreads, making each bite even better.
The SconeWitch makes it easy to eat in or take out, and there's free street parking after 6 pm and on weekends.
It's a friendly place for everyone, with vegetarian choices and wheelchair access. The staff is really nice, which makes your visit even better.
To Sum It All Up
Ottawa has some really awesome places to enjoy high tea, and we've rounded up seven of the best! We picked these places to show off the variety in Ottawa's tea scene, so there’s something for everyone.
And don’t forget, there’s a ton of fun stuff to do out there! Check out ActiviFinder Ottawa to discover even more exciting activities in Ottawa and beyond.