Amazing decor, premium teas, warm scones and cucumber sandwiches are your idea of a posh activity when visiting somewhere? Gotta love me some high tea! Have you ever had the chance of experiencing this? I’ve got you covered with these afternoon tea and English high tea experiences in Quebec, a ritual that is easy to get addicted to!
My first experience afternoon tea experience ever was at the Uplands Culture and Heritage Centre in the Eastern Townships, along the English tea route and I fell head over heels for the cutesy bits and bites and delicious tea!
So, it’s no surprise that I wanted to keep on discovering new afternoon tea experiences in Montreal, near home, right? Unfortunately, Cardinal Tea Room recently closed; it was Montreal’s most popular afternoon tea place, but don’t fret, there are more!
Here’s my favourite one and a few other recommendations that are still on my tea bucket list!
Paparmane Tea Room – Old Montreal
It took me a while to discover it since its opening, but I must say Paparmane tea house in Old Montreal definitely lives up to the hype that’s been surrounding it ever since!
If Régine Café or Janine Café ring a bell, then you already know you’re in for a treat, as this establishment is run by the same group. If you don’t know them, be sure to add them to your Montreal brunch bucket list!
I met my friend Anne in the pink and black lobby on a snowy Montreal day and we were seated instantly.
Against the brick wall, I admire the decor. It’s colourful and playful yet fancy with marble-top tables. The decorations are always adapted to the season; the waitress tells me it will soon change for the Holidays, then Valentine’s Day, Easter, etc. Indeed, there are many seasons at Paparmane too and everything is tailored to the festivities coming up, depending on when you visit.
On the menu are 2 options:
- the regular selection (55$)
- the Royal one (85$)
which don’t include taxes (15%) and tip (+15%). The regular selection is tea and a platter, but the Royal lets you choose a premium tea, and you get a 200 ml bottle of Champagne. Ooh la la!
I’m surprised by the size of the tiered platter that our waitress sets in front of each of us. Canapés, scones, sandwiches, pastries; there is a great variety of bites as you can see from my photos.
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free platters are available, but they need to be booked ahead of time. They also offer a kid’s menu if you are visiting as a family, as well as a take-out option afternoon tea on the go! I would also definitely come back for a bachelorette party!
Local Tips:
- If you want to bring home something original as a souvenir, check out the mini shop in the entrance, they have some really cute cups for sale!
- Booking is not only encouraged, but kind of required, given the popularity of the place at peak periods!
Other Montreal Afternoon Tea Options
- One of the fanciest places is high tea at the Ritz-Carlton’s Palm Court, in the heart of Downtown Montreal. It’s been going on since 1912, so they definitely know their thing! They also offer a kosher version but require bookings 48h ahead.
- Round Table Food Tours, a company I absolutely love, offers a Montreal Afternoon Tea Tour that goes through Chinatown, Old Montreal and the Latin Quarter. It’s a great way to see the city on top of drinking some amazing teas!
- Lady Porcelaine on St-Denis Street in Plateau Mont-Royal also offers a Lady Whistledown Bridgerton experience where they will mail you a letter you wrote yourself within the next year.
So now that I’ve spilled the tea (see what I did there? Hahaha), you’re ready to book your English tea experience for your next trip! Which one will it be?
Want Some Other Foodie Tour Recommendations?
Montreal is such a perfect foodie city! Here are some food tours that I can recommend with my eyes closed and know you’ll have an amazing time with fun, knowledgeable guides.
Old Montreal Food and Drink Tour to not only see the historical part of town but learn about how food influences travel and where to catch the best bites in the old part of Montreal.
Mile-End Foodie Walking Tour with 7 Tastings, all the classics you need to try when you’re in Montreal, from poutine to bagels to other tasty surprises too!
Jean-Talon Market Hidden Gems Guided Food Tour in the Villeray neighbourhood where I spent 10 years of my life. The market is a Montreal must-see and it’s even better if you have someone explaining things to you!
No Diet Club: Walking food Tour with many tastings in the Mile-End neighbourhood that is known for its Jewish influences but also its hip and trendy stops.
Maple syrup tasting and conference in residential Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, a part of town off the beaten path that you will love. Domaine des 15 lots will explain all there is to know about maple syrup! If this interests you, check out this article about maple syrup farms!
Beyond the Bagel Jewish Food Walking Tour is guided by the Museum of Jewish Montreal and will show you a side of the city that people know about (bagels and smoked meat) but incorporate all kinds of interesting cultural facts from our Jewish community.
For more planning tips and tricks, check out these gourmet articles I prepared for you:
- Top Spots for the Best Cupcakes In Montreal
- Why Food-Loving Travellers Should Care About Quebec Michelin Restaurants
- Gluten Free Montreal: My Best Restaurants and Foodie Spots
- Le Boulevardier Restaurant – Where to Eat in Downtown Montreal
- Best Montreal Ice Cream Spots
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