The Old Curiosity Tea Shop

I have found this place randomly about 8 years ago and until this date, I have been in love! Every single time they provide the same taste, same customer service and same atmosphere which makes this place so unique, so cozy and brings me back to good memories. Tuna melt, quiche and scone - my top choices!

Visited for High Tea with a Black women's group and Adam was the most gracious host! Teas and nibbles were delicious. My Mum and I are planning a High Tea event there in the near future.

First afternoon tea experience for us and this was our first tea experience and this great place left no detail un-turned.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: High Tea, Tea Selection

This was my first ever afternoon tea experience and it was phenomenal. Adam was an absolute pleasure to deal with and was super accommodating. My mom and I aren’t super big fans of salmon and Adam substituted them for some of the other finger sandwiches we enjoyed. My absolute favourite was the currant scone, so warm and soft! (Especially with the clotted cream and preserves). I’m not a big tea drinker but Adam’s recommendation of the Peach Apricot tea was perfect, such a subtle sweetness! Even the decor was really cozy and welcoming. An absolute treat to come here, worth the trip and will definitely be returning!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Highly recommend for an Afternoon Tea.
Food and service wad amazing. Will definitely go back!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: High Tea

Today myself and 2 other friends went for a hi tea. It was lovely a treat 2 tier of unique sandwiches. 2tier plate of delicious cookies and a fresh hot scone And a pick of a loose leaf tea 53 different flavors. They also have other menu delights for lunches. I also bought a steak meat pie freshly made today for dinner. The owner Adam is welcoming and knowledgable. I will definitely be back trying other teas lunches. I also bought a wellness tea to bring home. Thank you Adam for a lovely experience. See you again soon. ROSSANNE.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: High Tea

If you have never been, this is a must do in Markham. Victorian-era decor with British imported tea and fresh traditional food. Definitely worth getting a reservation. We recommend the scones with clotted cream!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Peaches and Cream Tea, Tuna Melt, Tea Selection

Very nice experience, lots of different teas to choose from. One of the more affordable afternoon teas out there. I really liked the scones. They have a signature tea I enjoyed too. The sandwiches are all very delicious. Will have to come back to try their other meals. The decor is very nice too, hard to believe you're in Markham and not London when you're in and seated. The owners are also very nice and attentive.

Food: 4

Service: 5

Food and service- top notch. A real Markham gem.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We had a lovely experience. So friendly and pleasant . No rush .... treats were lovely and my sister received a special treat for her birthday !!!!

Atmosphere: An Old Curiosity indeed… We had long heard of this charming tea shop and finally decided to visit. Nestled between Main Street Markham and Highway 7, this little gem exudes a quaint and inviting atmosphere from the moment you step inside. Your eyes are immediately drawn to the large wooden counter adorned with an array of teas, teacups, and teapots, setting the stage for a delightful experience. We opted for the Afternoon Tea, which includes a tea of your choice, a selection of sandwiches, and a tray of desserts. The space is cozy and intimate, with only a handful of tables, but this adds to the charm and makes the experience all the more special. 5/5

Service: With a limited number of guests at any given time, the service here is exceptional. The staff are attentive and knowledgeable about their tea offerings. I chose the Victorian Markham, their signature house blend, which I highly recommend for lovers of Western-style tea. My mother enjoyed the Japanese Sencha, which she found delightful. The staff not only serve the tea but also provide instructions on the optimal steeping time to ensure maximum flavor. As the finger sandwiches arrived, each one was described to us in detail, enhancing our appreciation of the meal. The staff were diligent in ensuring our tea was regularly refilled and that we were well taken care of. Once we finished the sandwiches, a tray of desserts, including biscuits and teacake, was served. 5/5

Food: The food was light, appetizing, and surprisingly filling. While the offerings may not be extraordinary or groundbreaking, the quality and freshness of the ingredients are evident in every bite. It's worth noting that this experience may not be for everyone, as it is more about the ritual of Afternoon Tea than a culinary adventure. The desserts were delectable, embodying the sweetness one might expect from a Victorian tea experience. Paired with the tea, the flavors complemented each other beautifully. 4/5

Tea: The tea deserves its own spotlight because it is simply extraordinary. Words hardly do it justice. 10/5

Note: Due to the shop's small size, seating is limited, and reservations are essential. Don't expect to walk in and find a table, especially on weekends when bookings fill up quickly. We called in March and were able to secure a table in May. For a better chance of reaching someone, it's advisable to call shortly after they close (a bit after 4 PM) as the staff are often busy attending to customers during regular hours.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: High Tea

Reservations were made for July 25, 2024 to celebrate my 71st birthday. What a lovely and unique environment! The service and food were exceptional! Hope to return again one day. Will let friends know how wonderful the Old Curiosity Tea Shop is. Many thanks to Adam and the staff for making my birthday so special!

Vegetarian options: Stellar and delicious selection of vegetarian sandwiches

Dietary restrictions: Custom flexibility for special diets and food preferences

Wheelchair accessibility: Use of walker in accessible washroom was handy

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Peaches and Cream Tea, High Tea

My wife Suzanne and I are regulars .. I am not a tea drinker but she loves it .. the afternoon tea presentation is excellent and the other food is to die for ..

But the most unique thing about this tremendous shop is the atmosphere and the staff .. Everyone is made to feel special .. Led by “the man” and owner Adam, the staff which includes the superb talents of Sherri .. Madison and Julia make an afternoon a delight

We consider them our favourite dining family .. and we love the experience every single time

Suzanne & Mark Askin

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Shepherd's Pie, Peaches and Cream Tea, Tuna Melt, Cottage Pie, Tea Selection

We had a wonderful Victorian Afternoon Tea experience, celebrating an intimate bridal lunch.
With around 40+ variety of tea to select one, there's something for everyone.

Would've appreciated some salmon in our tea set. However, it looks like their offerings vary.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Loved the atmosphere and the food. Only suggestion is please use a proper container for clotted cream and jam. That plastic tiny cup was really hard to use.

The tea is great, scones were fresh, sandwiches were tasty, and the service was so homely ❤️

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Finger Sandwiches 2 Tier, Tea Selection