Tea at the Empress absolutely lived up to its reputation. The setting and experience were everything you'd hope for, but the true highlight was the service. Our server, Lorne, made us feel genuinely welcome from the moment we sat down. He was attentive without ever being intrusive, warm, and effortlessly friendly. His stories and conversation added a personal, memorable layer to the experience that elevated it well beyond a traditional afternoon tea. Lorne is a standout hospitality professional who embodies what exceptional service should be. The Fairmont Empress has done itself a great service by employing someone of his caliber. He represents the very best of what hospitality can be.
Blaine
My wife and I took my parents for their first afternoon tea. We had a lovely time. The food, service and atmosphere was perfect.
Megan
Mandy was outstanding. We have been to tea before but this time far exceeds the last one because of Mandy. Was a very fun time for my mom's 75th bday but very pricy!
A
Our attendant was excellent and attentive. Had suggestions for each of us on our tea selections based on a few answers. The food was excellent. Overall just a great experience.
Eryn
It's not just the delicious tea, excellent bites, nor the exceptional service you know awaits... it is always the experience of English high tea. They are able to accommodate gluten free and I will give enormous kudos for the "Brownie" bite, it was like a less sweet, melt in your mouth fudge.... Thank you for the amazing time.
benjamin
Fantastic! The gluten-free options were amazing! we tried four different tees and they were all delicious.
Miriam
Tea at The Empress is an iconic experience. The selection of teas was excellent and the service superb. The sandwiches, while generally not extraordinary, was better than I've had at other teas both in Canada and the UK. Everything else was delicious. We especially appreciated the care they took to accommodate difficult diets.
Zdena
Variety of delicious teas to choose from....excellent food and waiter was very attentive and informative!....money well spent...
Paul
Just perfect. Professional Staff, amazing teas sweet and savoury offerings on tiered tea plates. We keep going back!
Barbra
Great experience!!! The service was outstanding from the hostess to our server and from the food runner. Tea was great and the food selection and amount was so grand!! I was so full and I had to try at least a bite of everything. (The top plate of the tower is so fantastic!)
Our server Guy was fantastic, his tea suggestions were spot on. His attention to our table was just enough. We had a window seat on a sunny day and harbour view was an added bonus. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a lovely afternoon tea experience.
Mackenzie
11/30/25 - We celebrated my mom's birthday with High Tea at The Empress and had a fabulous experience. Everyone was a delight, making sure to make the experience memorable and special. Raymond, our server, made sure to take extra care of us because of the occasion but I can imagine that's just his level of care and service 24/7 regardless of the circumstances. We were surprised with complimentary premium tea, extra specialty chocolates, and even a keepsake box as a birthday gift for my mom upon leaving! There were decorations and carolers for the holidays, who even serenaded us with “Happy Birthday!” It was everything and more.
Kyle Warkentin
Absolutely worth every penny thank you 😊
Caitlin Andrew
We had a wonderful experience at the empress! We came in for a birthday and Raymond made sure that the we felt special. The food was delicious and the tea was even more so! The thoughtful suggestions, the music and the service provided was the star of the show and I really appreciated all of the care given by each member of the team! Thank you!
Ed Hones
Incredible experience. The little finger sandwiches are so delicious. The tea is incredible, and the servers are so lovely. Raymond, in particular, was the best. He explained the origins of all the teas and went above and beyond to make the experience special. Highly recommend!
Tea at the Empress absolutely lived up to its reputation. The setting and experience were everything you'd hope for, but the true highlight was the service. Our server, Lorne, made us feel genuinely welcome from the moment we sat down. He was attentive without ever being intrusive, warm, and effortlessly friendly. His stories and conversation added a personal, memorable layer to the experience that elevated it well beyond a traditional afternoon tea. Lorne is a standout hospitality professional who embodies what exceptional service should be. The Fairmont Empress has done itself a great service by employing someone of his caliber. He represents the very best of what hospitality can be.
My wife and I took my parents for their first afternoon tea. We had a lovely time. The food, service and atmosphere was perfect.
Mandy was outstanding. We have been to tea before but this time far exceeds the last one because of Mandy. Was a very fun time for my mom's 75th bday but very pricy!
Our attendant was excellent and attentive. Had suggestions for each of us on our tea selections based on a few answers. The food was excellent. Overall just a great experience.
It's not just the delicious tea, excellent bites, nor the exceptional service you know awaits... it is always the experience of English high tea. They are able to accommodate gluten free and I will give enormous kudos for the "Brownie" bite, it was like a less sweet, melt in your mouth fudge.... Thank you for the amazing time.
Fantastic! The gluten-free options were amazing! we tried four different tees and they were all delicious.
Tea at The Empress is an iconic experience. The selection of teas was excellent and the service superb. The sandwiches, while generally not extraordinary, was better than I've had at other teas both in Canada and the UK. Everything else was delicious. We especially appreciated the care they took to accommodate difficult diets.
Variety of delicious teas to choose from....excellent food and waiter was very attentive and informative!....money well spent...
Just perfect. Professional Staff, amazing teas sweet and savoury offerings on tiered tea plates. We keep going back!
Great experience!!! The service was outstanding from the hostess to our server and from the food runner. Tea was great and the food selection and amount was so grand!! I was so full and I had to try at least a bite of everything. (The top plate of the tower is so fantastic!)
Restaurantji Recommends
Our server Guy was fantastic, his tea suggestions were spot on. His attention to our table was just enough. We had a window seat on a sunny day and harbour view was an added bonus. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a lovely afternoon tea experience.
11/30/25 - We celebrated my mom's birthday with High Tea at The Empress and had a fabulous experience. Everyone was a delight, making sure to make the experience memorable and special. Raymond, our server, made sure to take extra care of us because of the occasion but I can imagine that's just his level of care and service 24/7 regardless of the circumstances. We were surprised with complimentary premium tea, extra specialty chocolates, and even a keepsake box as a birthday gift for my mom upon leaving! There were decorations and carolers for the holidays, who even serenaded us with “Happy Birthday!” It was everything and more.
Absolutely worth every penny thank you 😊
We had a wonderful experience at the empress! We came in for a birthday and Raymond made sure that the we felt special. The food was delicious and the tea was even more so! The thoughtful suggestions, the music and the service provided was the star of the show and I really appreciated all of the care given by each member of the team! Thank you!
Incredible experience. The little finger sandwiches are so delicious. The tea is incredible, and the servers are so lovely. Raymond, in particular, was the best. He explained the origins of all the teas and went above and beyond to make the experience special. Highly recommend!
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