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Tea at The Empress, Victoria, BC

Tea at The Empress

4.6 (4553)
CAN$51 and over
Afternoon Tea
721 Government Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1W5

Make a reservation

2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
8:00 PM
Booked 78 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
  • Neighborhood
    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 4,553 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

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

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Vancouver / British Columbia

    Most Booked

  • Victoria

    Best Ambiance

  • Victoria

    Good for special occasions

  • Victoria

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Tea at The Empress offers a "must-do" experience with "excellent service," "delicious and plentiful" food, and a "beautiful atmosphere." Highlights include "amazing" tea selections and "savoury tea sandwiches." While the experience is "a little pricey," the "historic ambiance" and "attentive staff" make it memorable. Perfect for special occasions!
4,553 Reviews
  1. Mark

    Vancouver1 review

    4.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    This is our second time attending the tea. The quality of the food was pretty much the same. However, the cost and the service did not comparably reflect the value expected. The service seemed brusk and hurried even though the space was only a fourth occupied. The piano playing was too loud and interfered with conversation. Overall, while it was OK, it did not feel as special as our first time and what we expected at a Fairmont property and for this price.

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  2. Loni

    Vancouver1 review

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Lovely experience. Have been wanting to do high tea at the Empress for many years. Finally treated myself. Having tea at a Hotel that is rich in Victoria history and over 120 years old is special. Food was excellent the service was wonderful and the ambiance exquisite. If you are not worried about the price I highly recommend.

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  3. marlene

    New Mexico1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Place was beautiful! Experience awesome. Raymond was excellent with his recommendations and service. Overall, it was a joyous occasion for the ladies in my party and for myself as well. Thank you for providing a great memory for us.

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  4. Carolyn

    Unspecified1 review

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Definitely a "must do" at least once. The service is excellent, the ambiance historic, the food is very good and diverse and the tea is superior. A perfect way to spend an afternoon visiting with old friends.

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  5. Arlene

    Vancouver1 review

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great service, beginning to end. Great place beautiful atmosphere. Highly recommend for any occasion

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  6. Paul VIP

    Calgary6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Tea at the Empress was so enjoyable. I recommend starting with a glass of champagne. The food and service was outstanding! Savoury tea sandwiches, scones and sweet desserts.. everything was delicious!!

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  7. Clay

    San Francisco2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Was just as amazing an experience as it was last time… which was 40 years ago!

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  8. Casey

    Phoenix1 review

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Guy was a great server and it was nice to relax and enjoy tea and treats in a beautiful location overlooking the Victoria waterfront.

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  9. Kira

    London6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    So much fun. It is a little pricey but such a great experience. The food and service was great. They even brought out a separate tray to deal with food allergies. I would recommend.

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  10. kimberley

    Vancouver1 review

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Enjoyed the piano player during our lunch. Ask if there were any allergies beforehand. Mentioned that we weren't big on seafood(salmon) and they accommodated us. Booked 2.5 months ahead . We were not rushed, and were able to sit back and enjoy our tray of sandwiches and desserts. Lemon curd for the scones was delicious! Was a leisurely stroll from the cruise port, 30 min.

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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 4.6 stars by 4553 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


Booked 78 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
  • Neighborhood
    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
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