Where to enjoy afternoon tea in Montréal
Any reason is a good reason to disconnect, escape the din and indulge in some me time over delicious tea and cucumber sandwiches. From ultra-posh to timelessly traditional, Montréal has an array of salons celebrating this afternoon English ritual. Here are eight that give you the total teatime experience.
Ritz-Carlton Montréal
For an elegant afternoon tea in the heart of downtown, the Ritz-Carlton Montréal is the place to go. Settle in with a glass of bubbly and let yourself be pampered in true refined style. From an extensive selection of premium teas to scones, savoury pastries, finger sandwiches and decadent desserts crafted by Claude Guérin (named Canada’s Best Pastry Chef in 2017), every bite is designed for a fabulous experience.
1228 Sherbrooke Street West
Paparmane
Paparmane is the latest creation from the popular brunch spots Régine Café and Janine Café. Regulars will feel right at home with the playful French rococo-inspired decor and warm, welcoming vibe. The menu changes with the seasons (there’s even a special one for kids!), but you’ll always find scones, sandwiches, devilled eggs and an ever-changing array of sweet treats to pair with your choice of 20+ teas or herbal infusions. You may also treat yourself to a glass of Champagne!
209 Notre-Dame Street West
Lady Porcelaine
Lady Porcelaine is all about creating a full sensory, immersive experience — where elegance meets a hint of whimsy. Guests are encouraged to dress up (with a touch of eccentricity if you wish); you can even borrow gloves or a hat to complete your look! Upon choosing your tea, you will be served a beautiful three-tiered stand featuring 10 artisanal delights: think Point G macarons, Carrément Tarte quiche, Gryphon d’Or scones, Végo veggie pastries, and more. Delightful!
4545 Saint-Denis Street
Le Petit Dep et La Buvette du Dep
Le Petit Dep combines the charm of a neighbourhood café with the delightful eats of a fine delicatessen showcasing local artisanal Québec products and flavours. To keep up with customer demand and to offer an immersive Québec experience, they launched La Buvette du Dep with two inviting locations: one in Griffintown and another in the Plateau. Both offer Les Délices du Québec, a tasting experience inspired by afternoon tea — Québec-style! Expect mini smoked meat sandwiches, pâté chinois bites, Fairmount bagels with smoked salmon, blueberry tart, maple treats and more. You can also complement your mini-feast with Québec wine or cider. Santé!
178 Saint-Paul Street West
300 de la Montagne Street
Le Parloir
Le Parloir is the Plateau’s go-to tea room — and for good reason. The setting is charmingly English, and the tiered platters are as authentic as it gets. Think plain scones served with Devonshire cream imported from England, homemade jam, cucumber and ham-butter sandwiches, smoked salmon blinis, mini chocolate pots and other sweet treats. Reservations recommended!
4354 Christophe-Colomb Avenue
Salon de thé Cardinal
From Friday to Sunday starting at 11 a.m., Salon de thé Cardinal serves up lemon bars, cucumber sandwiches, devilled eggs, macarons and some of the best scones in town, complete with cream and jam. Locals and visitors alike are drawn to this Victorian-style hideaway for a peaceful tea break in a porcelain-filled wonderland.
5326 Saint-Laurent Boulevard
La Brume
Formerly known as La Brume dans mes Lunettes, La Brume is still one of the best spots to sip tea at any time of day. Whether you’re flying solo or out with friends, a little or ravenously hungry, one of their royal tea service options is sure to hit the spot. Note: tea service is offered exclusively at the Saint-Zotique East location.
378 Saint-Zotique Street East
Gryphon d’Or
A Notre-Dame-de-Grace neighbourhood institution, Gryphon d’Or was one of the first tea rooms in Montréal to offer a proper English-style afternoon tea. While many now come just for the tea ritual, you can also pop in for a hearty lunch Wednesday through Sunday — always with a nod to British tradition.
5968 Monkland Avenue
Maison de thé Cha Noir Tea House
Cha Noir Tea House invites you to explore a selection of over 100 teas and herbal infusions from around the world. Sit back and relax in their calming tea lounge while enjoying matcha shortbread, financiers, chocolate confections or whatever seasonal delights are on offer. A little moment of Zen in your day!
4611 Wellington Street
The Burgundy Lion
The Burgundy Lion may be best known as a lively English pub, but insiders know it also hosts full-on afternoon tea every other Sunday, by reservation only. The best place to enjoy it? The sun-drenched veranda. This is one of Montréal’s best-kept tea secrets!
2496 Notre-Dame Street West
Restaurant Rosélys — Fairmont Le Reine Elizabeth
For a modern and elegant take on afternoon tea, head to Rosélys at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth. Here, the classic ritual gets a creative twist with dishes like matcha-salmon macarons, cucumber maki with yuzu mayo, lobster devilled eggs and hazelnut-raspberry mini club sandwiches — perhaps even with a glass of bubbly to top it all off.
900 René-Lévesque Boulevard West
Original article in French by Tommy Dion, adapted into English by Dawn Bessey-Gans.
Tommy Dion
Tommy is a journalist, food critic, and the founder of the blog and gourmet guide Le Cuisinomane, whose mission is to showcase Québec’s local products and gastronomy. With an in-depth knowledge of Montréal’s food scene, his expertise and professionalism make him a trusted source for all the best food spots and experiences in Montréal. In addition to tasting and writing about food, Tommy also creates content for brands, always related to food and gastronomy.