Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
Tea at The Empress, Victoria, BC

Tea at The Empress

4.7 (4568)
CAN$51 and over
Afternoon Tea
721 Government Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1W5

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 88 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Fancy
Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Empress is a cherished tradition in Victoria, delighting guests for over a century. The menu features freshly baked scones, delicate finger sandwiches, and decadent pastries, all paired with premium teas sourced from the world’s top 10% tea producers. Ideal for celebrations or a sophisticated afternoon outing, this world-renowned tea service is a must-try experience. Reservations are highly recommended.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Elegant Dining
  • Price
    CAN$51 and over
  • Cuisines
    Afternoon Tea
  • Hours of Operation
    Daily 11:00 am–5:30 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Isabel Chung
  • Neighbourhood
    Victoria
  • Cross Street
    Government & Douglas Streets
  • Parking details
    Self parking is available
  • Additional
    Entertainment, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, High Tea, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Sunset Sips - An Evening Cocktail Experience

    Apr 4, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025
    As the sun sets over Victoria’s stunning Inner Harbour, Fairmont Empress transforms its renowned Lobby Lounge into a lively evening escape. Sunset Sips offers an elevated nightlife experience, blending the elegance of Afternoon Tea with a playful, Prohibition-era twist. Indulge in exquisitely crafted cocktails and spirit-free libations, served in glass teapots, a nod to the hotel’s legendary tea service. Complementing the handcrafted cocktails is a three-tiered selection of elevated small bites. This unique evening tea lounge is available Thursday through Sunday. Perfect for date nights, special celebrations, or an unforgettable night out in Victoria, BC.
    Sunset Sips - An Evening Cocktail Experience photo

What 4,568 people are saying

Tea at The Empress reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 3.9Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Vancouver / British Columbia

    Most Booked

  • Victoria

    Best Ambience

  • Victoria

    Good for special occasions

  • Victoria

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Tea at The Empress offers a "very neat experience" with delicious tea time snacks and desserts. Set in a historic hotel, the ambiance is "exquisite" and the service "wonderful." Guests rave about the "superior" tea selection and "outstanding" food presentation. Though pricey, it's a "must do" for special occasions.

4,568 Reviews
  1. Michelle

    Toronto1 review

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a wonderful afternoon tea. Raymond, our server, was excellent. It was a memorable birthday at the Empress Hotel.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Larry VIP

    Portland8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Ask for Marlene. She explained everything to us and was very hospitable with a good sense of humor. My wife and I really enjoyed our tea time.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Judy

    Vancouver1 review

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It’s very special to have a 65th high school reunion plus celebrate two of your friends turning 80 years old so we had to go to a very special place to celebrate. Tea at the Empress hotel was that place. Thank you, Marlene for being so attentive and explaining and serving us so well. Thank you, Empress hotel, for the kind gift of tea to the birthday girls. Thank you everyone for making this event one we will never forget.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Angie

    Indiana7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our experience did not disappoint and was everything we had hoped for. Beautiful ambience, delicious food, and impeccable service. Our server was gracious and attentive while not an imposition. Tea at The Empress was a highlight of our time in Victoria and one of the most memorable teas we have experienced around the world. Highly recommend!!!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Carol VIP

    New York City62 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    My daughter and I had a fabulous time at the high tea! The food was delicious and our waitress “Alex” was the best! The only slight issue we had was the amount of time it took for us to get our food. Our teapots came out right away but we waited over 35 mins after that until our food arrived… not sure what the hold up was in the kitchen…

    Is this helpful?

  6. Tanya

    Los Angeles2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I have been to several other high teas . They don’t charge for additional item like extra sandwiches or scones.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Claire

    Vancouver3 reviews

    1.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    Absolutely dreadful and a waste of money. We paid $350 for half a sandwich each, a piece of shortbread, a couple of miniature cakes, and a glass of fizz. I’ve dined all over the world and this was one of the worst experiences I’ve encountered. It was a complete scam. Do not go here.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Kevin

    Edmonton1 review

    4.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Noisy and pricey, but taste and quality of what we devoured was exceptional. Only downside was very pricey for what we received. Bill was over $900 for 7 people. Time spent there was 1½ hours. Waiter Raymond was terrific.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Michelle

    Seattle1 review

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I had an amazing afternoon tea with friends. Our server, Lorne was knowledgeable, friendly and was able to recommend the perfect teas. Also,with notice, they were able to provide allergy friendly food for me

    Is this helpful?

  10. adam VIP

    Toronto5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent for people with dietary conditions. Service was fantastic. One of the most beautiful tea rooms in Canada.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Tea at The Empress offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (250) 384-8111.

Tea at The Empress is rated 4.7 stars by 4568 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. Canada
  3. Vancouver / British Columbia
  4. Victoria
  5. Victoria

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 88 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Tea at The Empress

721 Government Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1W5

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Government & Douglas Streets
  • Neighbourhood
    Victoria
  • Hours of Operation
    Daily 11:00 am–5:30 pm
  • Price
    CAN$51 and over
  • Cuisines
    Afternoon Tea
  • Dining style
    Elegant Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Self parking is available
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Isabel Chung
  • Additional
    Entertainment, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, High Tea, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2025 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo