Tea at The Empress

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1. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Phoenix

   5 reviews

   4.0

   5 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   overall4food4service5ambience5

   Just a special way to spend an afternoon together. It was delicious though not gourmet by any means. The desserts were my least favorite. Too “overdone.” The scone was amazing.

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2. M

   Mabeeel

   Toronto

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined 1 day ago

   overall4food4service4ambience4

   It was great food and tea but a bit noisy and busy.

   Report
3. NL

   NathalieL

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Chic. Vaut le détour. Un peu cher mais nous avons assez eu de nourriture pour en rapporter. Remplace un diner. Très bel hotel.

   Report
4. TM

   TammyM

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   My husband and I enjoyed this relaxing experience at such a nice hotel. The food was enough to fill us up and we enjoyed the flavours I recommend the Bella Coola Tea if you like hibiscus.

   Report
5. TC

   TandCouttodinnerin9

   Philadelphia

   64 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   64 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   We thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our tea at the Empress. We were congratulated many times regarding our 40th anniversary. The teas we selected were delicious as was the entire selection of sweet d savories. Thank you so our wait Lorne. He was professional and so friendly and courteous.

   Report
6. RT

   RobertTorgerson

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall4food4service5ambience5

   Charging high prices for popular teas (Earl Grey caught us by surprise. Also suggest you consider serving more sandwiches and fewer sugar-laden tea cakes.

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7. LW

   LynnW

   Edmonton

   2 reviews

   3.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall3food3service3ambience4

   Once in a lifetime. Butchart Gardens Tea was more value for your money. The Empress is all about the ambiance and the history of the building.

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8. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Los Angeles

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Overall lovely experience

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9. Z

   Zman

   Portland

   4 reviews

   4.0

   4 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall4food3service4ambience4

   Service was outstanding. Food was marginal with exception of Salmon. Quantity of food was fine. Quality of food was average, however I'm not a high tea expert. If price is a bench mark of quality, then a disconnect is present between food and price. Had high tea at Butchard Gardens for 1/2 the price with a better selection of tea sandwiches, Granted you had to travel to Butchard Gardens, but it seems that the Empress plays on convenient tourism instead.

   Report
10. P

    Paige

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall3food2service4ambience3

    -Noise volume was unacceptable for a tea event. People volumes vs piano volumes was chaotic. - Egg sandwiches were tasteless and the ones with curry spice were overwhelming, not to our liking. -#13 tea indicated lemon flavor but found none in either fragrance or the drink itself. -Jam was too sweet and deserts were too sugary and had no flavor - Not worth the $250 bill for 2 people

    Report
11. C

    Chris

    Houston

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall3food3service4ambience3

    It was okay.

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12. DG

    DianeG

    Charleston

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience5

    Very enjoyable afternoon tea. A bit pricey but generally tasty food and great tea and service.

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13. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Nashville

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Fantastic anniversary celebration! Delicious food at a beautiful table by the window, what a view!

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14. B

    Biltmore15

    Atlanta

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The Empress has the best service and food for Tea. The beautiful china makes it even better. Ambiance is prefect in this historical hotel.

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15. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall2food3service2ambience4

    For the price point I really expected top notch service. Unfortunately this was not the case. The server was scattered and seemed anxious to get us out of there. She asked us to complete our bill twice before our food plates were even cleared from the table. We didn’t linger long enough to be rushed like this, probably less than an hour all together. She rarely came back to check on us or pour tea for us. The food was tasty but what you’re really paying for is the high tea ambiance and service which was lacking. I won’t be back.

    Report
16. MB

    MelissaB

    Austin

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent! A MUST experience if you are in Victoria!

    Report
17. Y

    Yummy

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food4service4ambience4

    Nice event! Would recommend. It is noisy in the room thpigh

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18. SG

    ScottG

    Vancouver

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall3food3service2ambience5

    I love the afternoon tea tradition and enjoy it daily with my family. Sorry to say this wasn’t very good. The tea itself was weak, in a paper tea bag, and generally disappointing. The waiter actually forgot to bring the tea. Food was ok but tea for 2 for $300 should be spectacular. So, yeah, not great. Nice dishes. Good view.

    Report
19. DB

    DeborahB

    Portland

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience2

    This High Tea was alot better when it was in the dining area rather than lobby lounge-- just not as elegant. Plus Noone followed dress code so you had people in shorts, casual wear, etc. We were lined up in a row of tables with shared bench. Service was great, fodd was pretty good. I was shocked to be charged $15 per pot of tea in addition to the already steep $89 pp for the high tea. Felt like a gouge. I wouldn't do again. Not as special as I hoped.

    Report
20. MS

    MelindaS

    Hampshire

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall2food3service2ambience1

    Very disappointed, given the very high price tag for afternoon tea at The Empress. We have experienced excellent high end afternoons teas’ in top London hotels and this experience failed spectacularly by comparison! The maitre’d was positively surly when we first arrived and basically told us to go away, as we were ten minutes early for our tea slot!? The gentleman serving us was very pleasant and redeemed the situation somewhat, but in all truth, given the drab environment, the general lack of ambience and the ridiculously over priced offerings, we would absolutely NOT recommend this experience to anyone!

    Report
21. RG

    RobertG

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Tea at the Empress is unusual and very good. You start with the tea. You are given about 30 different types to choose from, ranging from simple black tea, which I had, #1, and my wife had pomegranite hibiscus. There is a good assortment, and half of them cost a bit extra. The cost is about $90 per person. You are brought an assortment of 2 Scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream, varied sandwiches, and small desserts, all well presented - some are very artistically presented. This is a lovely meal, with good tea...you can also order champagne , etc. but we didn't feel the need for more.

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22. C

    Coqui

    Portland

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Second visit and always a wonderful experience!

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23. MS

    ManishS

    Orange County

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall3food4service4ambience3

    Overpriced. No value for money. Crowded seating area in the lobby. Nothing exclusive to set it apart from any other high tea experience

    Report
24. CR

    ChristopherR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Fun place, kids enjoyed the treats as we drank tea.

    Report
25. RM

    RobertM

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 19, 2022

    overall4food3service4ambience5

    Great time. Enjoyed the ambiance. The piano in the background was nice. The food was okay but the tea and presentation was very good. The total experience was worth the $89.

    Report
26. MH

    MeaghanH

    Vancouver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Beautiful experience. The food was very nicely presented and delicious. Server was very attentive. Ambiance was very elegant and regal.

    Report
27. GD

    GinaD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    A splurge, but totally worth it! Delicious tea and food, pastries. Great atmosphere. We loved it!

    Report
28. BP

    BruceP

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 18, 2022

    overall2food3service1ambience4

    Very expensive for the value. I would have thought the server could have made the tea and served it.

    Report
29. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience3

    While a great experience with excellent tea and delicious sandwiches and dessert, we found it to be overpriced. Also, while they state a particular dress code, it is not enforced which I felt affected the overall ambience of "Afternoon Tea"

    Report
30. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Calgary

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The ambience was lovely. It was so nice to dress up and enjoy an afternoon out in Victoria with my mother.

    Report
31. AB

    ArianneB

    Tampa

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This was our first time experiencing afternoon tea, and it did not disappoint. The tea room is magnificent, the porcelain simply gorgeous to look at, the tea selection was wide, and the food was delicious. The live piano was a bonus. The service was impeccable; we were pleasantly surprised to be served in French (we are Quebecois). I recommend making a reservation in advance as we couldn't get one for the time we originally wanted.

    Report
32. JS

    JeffS

    Calgary

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 17, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    If you want a special experience to make a family memory come to the Empress for High Tea. It is expensive but memories are priceless

    Report
33. DD

    DDHRVA

    Richmond

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Lovely experience. Wonderful service. Delightful ambience.

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34. DL

    DarleneL

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 16, 2022

    overall3food4service5ambience1

    We were looking very forward to an excellent, once in a life time tea. The Empress fell short. While the waiter was excellent, the overall experience felt like eating in a cafeteria. It was very loud. As much as The Empress stresses a dress code, it was not at all enforced. For what they charge, The Empress falls way short.

    Report
35. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 16, 2022

    overall3food3service5ambience5

    You go for the experience not the food.

    Report
36. MB

    MercedesB

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 16, 2022

    overall2food2service2ambience3

    More expensive than other fairmont tea experiences. The tearoom was very loud, tables were small and cramped, it was loud, not the best experience or value. Better places for tea.

    Report
37. BO

    BradleyO

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 16, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience5

    Beautiful experience. Top notch service. A tad bit overpriced.

    Report
38. J

    Julia

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Everything was good

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39. UH

    UllaH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This was on our bucket list and it surpassed our expectations! Our server, Guy, was knowledgeable, friendly, prompt and courteous. Enjoyed the piano very much. Thank you!

    Report
40. GT

    GandT

    Portland

    14 reviews

    2.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on June 14, 2022

    overall2food2service2ambience1

    Our table was next to the desk and main hotel thoroughfare, should have asked to be moved. Clotted cream is not clotted cream! not sure what it really was but quite strange flavor and appearance. Not enough servers , they were all so rushed. Scones were good as were the sandwiches although bread a little too thick - it was fresh though! Pastries very good, delicate little things but filling!

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