Matthew TremblayLast month, my friend celebrated her birthday at a charming high tea spot in Halifax, and it was an experience I’ll never forget.
The elegance of the afternoon was palpable as we sipped delicately brewed teas and savored an array of exquisite pastries and finger sandwiches.
The atmosphere was a far cry from our usual coffee shop hangouts. I felt both cozy and sophisticated, making it the perfect backdrop for our laughter and heartfelt conversations.
That magical afternoon sparked my curiosity about other hidden gems around the city. Inspired by our delightful experience, I set out to discover more high tea spots in the area. Here’s what I found.
1. Eastern Tea Bar
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Address: 2093 Gottingen Street
Contact details: (902) 497-5045
Website: https://www.easternteabar.com/
Operating Hours:
- Monday and Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday to Thursday: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Friday: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM – 6 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 4 PM
Must-order: Eastern Tea
Every afternoon at Eastern Tea Bar, a traditional high tea gets a fun twist. The menu brims with delicious pastries and savory bites, all set against bright decor and a friendly vibe—perfect for catching up with friends or celebrating something special.
You can indulge in a delightful mix-and-match experience with an array of tea selections. These teas are perfect to pair with freshly baked pastries, from zesty lemon tarts to rich chocolate éclairs.
There’s a lovely spread of scones with clotted cream and seasonal jams, along with tasty finger sandwiches. Local ingredients shine in seasonal specialties, bringing a savory twist to every dish!
| Pro Tip: Try the tea house’s themed tea events and workshops to deepen your appreciation for tea and enhance your overall experience. |
2. Rose & Kettle Tea Room
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Address: 471 Poplar Drive Dartmouth
Contact details: (902) 434-0222
Website: https://coleharbourfarmmuseum.ca/tearoom/
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday: 11 PM – 3 PM
- Mondays and Tuesdays: Closed
Must-order: Cream Tea
Far from the city’s chaos, a charming, homey atmosphere awaits you at Rose & Kettle Tea Room.
Their high tea includes freshly baked scones with delicious homemade jam and cream. With an emphasis on local ingredients, everything tastes fresh and vibrant.
Patrons rave about the Rose Petal Tea and homemade cupcakes. But my favorite is the Cream Tea. It highlights freshly baked scones paired with clotted cream and seasonal jams—perfect for a cozy afternoon.
| Pro Tip: Be sure to check out their seasonal specials—they often have unique flavors that you won’t want to miss! |
3. Yu Yo Craft Supply + Tea House
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Address: 1498/1496 Lower Water St.
Contact details: 902 444 2588
Website: https://yuyo.ca/
Opening Hours:
- Wednesday to Friday: 11 AM – 5 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM
- Monday and Tuesday: Closed
Must-order: Matcha Latte Scone
Yu Yo Craft Supply + Tea House is a vibrant spot where delicious food meets creative craft workshops. In addition to high tea servings, they offer activities like pottery, painting, knitting, and jewelry making.
I highly recommend their homemade pastries and Chai Latte. The flaky crusts and rich fillings make every bite a delight.
For high tea, we enjoyed unique bites from various cultures, plus classic scones with clotted cream.
| Pro Tip: Check out their craft supplies and craft workshops to create a multifaceted experience that blends creativity, learning, and community |
4. Fawn
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Address: 1589 South Park St
Contact details: 902-422-5524
Website: https://www.fawnresto.com/
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 12 PM – 11 PM
- Monday: Closed
Must-order: Afternoon Tea
Fawn is a welcoming spot where you can enjoy a lovely high tea.
Afternoon teas here cost $55 per person, and each meal is served with freshly baked scones, savory finger sandwiches, and an assortment of sweet treats.
I loved their pastries, especially Choux au Craquelin, and paired it with my choice of lemon blend tea.
As for the sweet treats, the classic English scone melted in my mouth, especially when paired with cream. The carrot cake was moist and flavorful, and the Macaron had just the right amount of sweetness.
| Pro Tip:Explore the gift shop, which showcases seasonal decorations and supports local artisans. |
5. Ardmore Tea Room
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Address: 6499 Quinpool Rd.
Contact details: 902-423-7523
Website: https://www.ardmoretearoom.ca/
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 8 AM – 2 PM
Must-order: Scones
Ardmore Tea Room offers an easygoing atmosphere for enjoying high tea. Its old-school vintage vibe creates an inviting space to relax.
Their high tea features homemade pastries and artisan sandwiches made with fresh, local ingredients. It starts at $25 per person, a fantastic value for the experience.
Guests rave about their smoked salmon sandwiches and the lemon tarts. The sandwiches have a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the dill cream cheese.
| Pro Tip: Ask their staff for new menus. There’s always something new and exciting served here! |
6. Bird’s Nest Cafe + Catering
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Address: 1547 Barrington St
Contact details: 902-423-5282
Website: https://www.birdsnesthalifax.com/
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8 AM – 3 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM – 2 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Must-order: Porchetta
Nestled in the vibrant Barrington Street area, Bird’s Nest Cafe + Catering offers a cheerful atmosphere filled with warm decor and friendly staff.
We came here for their high tea that features delectable treats, including freshly baked scones, exquisite pastries, and savory finger sandwiches. You can savor these delights from 2 PM to 4 PM, making it a perfect afternoon indulgence.
I ordered Loose Leaf Tea to complete my afternoon meal. The tea perfectly complemented the delicate pastries and savory bites on my plate.
You should also try their rich and aromatic coffee blends, including the Americano Misto, Cappuccino, and Latte with a Flavor Shot.
| Pro tip: For a unique flavor twist, pair your sweet treats with herbal teas! |
7. World Tea House
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Address: 1592 Argyle Street
Contact details: (902) 422-8327
Website: https://worldteahouse.ca/
Operating Hours:
- Monday: 12 – 6 PM
- Tuesday to Saturday: 11 AM-8 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Must-order: Tea Cider
You’ll have the chance to savor high teas from around the globe at World Tea House. Their high tea features a delightful mix of flavors from various cultures, including tasty Asian treats.
One of their standout teas is the Moroccan Mint Green Tea, a refreshing blend that combines the delicate flavors of green tea with the vibrant notes of fresh mint. Another crowd favorite is the deliciously creamy matcha lattes.
| Pro Tip: Don’t miss the monthly tea-tasting events that explore teas from different regions. |
8. Two If By Sea
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Address: 66 Ochterloney St, Dartmouth
Contact details: (902) 469-0721
Website: https://www.twoifbysea.cafe/
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7 AM – 6 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 8 AM – 5 PM
Must-order: Croissant stuffed with gravy and dried cranberry
Two If By Sea in Halifax offers a delightful twist on traditional afternoon tea. Here, guests can indulge in a selection of house-made pastries, including perfectly flaky croissants and scones that change daily.
Each high tea service features an array of savory bites like prosciutto and provolone sandwiches. This comes with sweet delights that might include seasonal tarts or cookies.
Fan favorites include the Earl Grey Tea and Lemon Lavender Scones. They’re complemented by a variety of pastries that pair beautifully with the teas.
The café’s charming seaside vibe reflects its Dartmouth roots, enhancing the overall ambiance. Cozy seating and a warm atmosphere make it an ideal spot for catching up with friends or enjoying a quiet moment.
In warmer months, enjoy outdoor seating, and keep an ear out for occasional live music—what a lovely touch!
| Pro Tip: Don’t miss their Croissant of the Week deal. This special treat is only available Monday through Friday, showcasing unique flavors that change regularly. |
9. Eastern Tea Bar & Friends (ETBF)
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Address: 2093 Gottingen St
Contact details: (902) 497-5045
Website: https://www.easternteabar.com/shop
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday – Thursday: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Friday: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM – 6 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 4 PM
- Monday – Tuesday: Closed
Must-order: British Cream Tea
High tea at Eastern Tea Bar & Friends transforms into a delightful affair. The ETBF High Tea Set showcases an enticing assortment of scones, finger sandwiches, and exquisite pastries.
Unique tea blends fill each cup with stories, and the friendly staff loves sharing recommendations. A chat about your tastes often leads to a delightful discovery.
| Pro Tip: Each season brings new delights, so ask your server about the current offerings. |
