Cardinal Tearoom

Tea house · Mile End

Cardinal Tearoom

Tea house · Mile End

3

5326 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2T 1S1, Canada

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Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
Cardinal Tearoom by null
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Highlights

Step into Montreal’s Mile End and unwind in Cardinal’s cozy, vintage-inspired two-story tea room, serving exquisite teas, scones, and classic sandwiches.  

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5326 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2T 1S1, Canada Get directions

thecardinaltea.com
@cardinaltearoom

$$

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5326 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2T 1S1, Canada Get directions

+1 514 903 2877
thecardinaltea.com
@cardinaltearoom

$$

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Jul 30, 2025

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@afar

"Victorian Tea Room in Montreal That Is Not Just For Old Ladies Although Montreal 's Mile End neighbourhood is rife with hip and fashionable restaurants and cafés, this one is different. This salon de thé plays in another league, where lines are blurred between tradition and modernity, and where everyone and their (grand) mother feels welcome. Originally a nightclub, the massive open space was converted to a Victorian tea room a couple of years ago; the love story between Cardinal and Montrealers has not faltered since. Understandably, some would say. With their tall windows, elegant furniture, purposefully mismatched dainty china and their friendly waiters, it's no wonder people flock to this place. Cardinal serves 20 different kinds of tea, as well as a variety of baked goods including but not limited to the mandatory scones. Salted cakes, sausages and salads and sandwiches are also on the menu for the brunch types. Cardinal is the kind of place where a group of local girlfriends will go on a dark November afternoon to drink tea and catch up on their love lives. So don't be surprised if you see a couple of them on your visit."

10 Plateau Mont-Royal Essentials
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@eater

The Best British-Inspired Restaurants in Montreal - Eater Montreal

"Occupying a gorgeous vintage space above bar Sparrow (which itself has English influences), Cardinal offers English elegance in a uniquely Montreal setting. From a picturesque balcony above the main dining room, guests can enjoy a classic afternoon tea, complete with finger sandwiches, petits fours, and scones with jam and clotted cream, all served on delicate mismatched china." - Holly Tousignant

https://montreal.eater.com/maps/best-british-food-restaurants-montreal
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@eater

The Best Restaurants and Bars For a First Date in Montreal - Eater Montreal

"Right above popular bar Sparrow is this solid option for the teetotalers, the hungover, or simply folk who don't want to drink on a date. The spectacular interior should impress any love interest with a sense of aesthetics, while pillowy tea cakes and cucumber sandwiches add something novel in a patisserie-fixated city." - Tim Forster, Mallory Frayn

https://montreal.eater.com/maps/montreal-best-bars-cafes-restaurants-first-date
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Yelena Mirko

Google
We had a wonderful time for Mother’s Day. The decor and ambience was amazing. Everything we ordered was delicious. So many beautiful little touches and nooks. The service was fantastic. We never felt rushed. It felt very easy-going and relaxed. Took our time to enjoy tea and three tiers of goodness with our moms.

Shannon

Google
Super cute and very trendy place to celebrate Mother’s Day. The decor was very British inspired from the tea cups to the platters the food was served on. We ordered the “area for Two” which I recommend was full of sweet and savoury bites that were quite filling. They have a nice patio for the summer and two floor inside. Definitely one of Montreal’s hidden treasures, loved it!!

S “Caldzone” Calderoni

Google
A Delightful Afternoon Tea Experience! What an incredible experience! This was my first time at a tea room, and it certainly won’t be my last. The tea was absolutely delicious—rich yet delicate, with beautiful floral notes. The sandwiches were scrumptious, and I especially loved trying cucumber sandwiches for the first time—what a delightful surprise! Everything was fresh, perfectly balanced, and satisfying without being too heavy. The atmosphere was charming, and the service was just as wonderful. A truly memorable experience—I can’t wait to come back!

Greeneyes 95

Google
My friend and I had a great high tea experience. The music suited the atmosphere perfectly and on this gloomy day it was the perfect spot. The only downfall is that for the price that you’re paying, I expected a little bit more food. They give mini portions for everything. It’s not realistic if you’re offering a high tea for two people. I was also charged for cream when I ordered another scone… I was not told of this when I ordered it. She had simply asked if I wanted the cream. Never mentioning that it would be charged an extra fee and even so, the amount of cream I was given was a tiny little teaspoon. The staff is overall really nice and welcoming, I recommend coming for the atmosphere alone. Suggestion: I would’ve been completely fine, if the portions had been bigger, you can make the price a little bit more expensive. Two mini scones for two people is simply not enough.Perhaps instead, give two regular size scones at least or at least four mini scones. that portion, and for the price would make way more sense. also, for the sandwiches, two sandwiches for each person making a total of four sandwiches is more recommended for two people.

Carol Silas

Google
Lovely! I took one of my nieces here in 2018 and another niece this past weekend and even though my visits were years apart, it was the same great experience. The food is amazing (the scones are to die for), the tea was seriously good, and it was all served in high tea style—so pretty!! The staff are the sweetest. The atmosphere is cozy, filled with rich deep royal colours which I love. And the price is totally reasonable. Parking is fine: I went around the block only once and then found a spot right in front. I recommend reserving in advance because then you get a choice of seating: table or sofa—sofa of course!!

Ash Roux

Google
We had an amazing afternoon at Cardinal Tea Room! Our group of 8 was seated comfortably and treated to warm, attentive service throughout. The space is beautifully decorated with a cozy, vintage charm that made us feel instantly at home. The tea selection is fantastic—everyone found something they loved—and the food was fresh, beautifully plated, and delicious. The scones, sandwiches, and pastries were a highlight! Perfect spot for a relaxed catch-up with friends. We left full, happy, and already talking about coming back. A five-star experience all around!

Alessandra Rbeiz

Google
Tea room serving tea service as well as sandwiches and bites, set in a cozy atmosphere on two floors. Service is slow (we waited 15 minutes even though we had a reservation) but portions are good compared to other tea service places. Note that the service is for 2 persons, so I would recommend going in pairs!

Lise G

Google
I am used to tearooms and I was enchanted with this one The decorate is lovely and classy. The staff is attention and professional. The choice of teas of great. I had the rooibos and it was delicious. The food is marvelous. The sandwich with salmon was amazing and the cheesecake was like French-kissing a charming prince. It is the best I have had in Montreal
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Janet A.

Yelp
Me and my daughter love this place! Love the atmosphere and the service is always great and friendly. The tea is so good, especially the Cardinal Grey blend. All the food we have tried is delicious. Highly recommend!
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Dani A.

Yelp
Very cool space, from the street it's barely noticeable, but take some stairs up and be wowed. We were seated immediately even without a reservation. We tried to call ahead for a table but they didn't answer We ordered tea for two which came with a boatload of snacks. I got the mint and she got the Earl Grey crème tea. My tea was fine, hard to mess up, hers was delicious. Our cucumber sandwiches were fun to chomp on. I loved the texture. She got the tomato sandwiches which she adored. Meh for me. The clotted cream and scones were her absolute favorite. I liked the cream on the jalapeño muffins. We both avoid goat cheese but were pleasantly surprised to find they were not sour as is typical with goat products. We had to order her an extra scone and Devon cream because she found it to be that good. Waitress was super sweet, unlike the gal who sat us. Our waitress was very personable and friendly.
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Kimmy U.

Yelp
Very cool space, serving afternoon tea. I wanted to treat my girlfriends during my bachelorette weekend and Cardinal was fairly easy to communicate with via email regarding the reservation and ensuring I could pay in advance to avoid fighting over the bill the day of. With a larger group, they requested we choose certain items on the menu, however on that day, they allowed some swaps due to dietary restrictions. They have a large selection of teas to choose from, and we chose 1 pot per 2 people, so we got a good variety between the 9 of us. I thought the food options were just ok. We all loved the scones with clotted cream & jam, but the sandwiches were hit or miss, and the desserts weren't very memorable.

V V.

Yelp
Such a fun place to enjoy tea! Our group did the tea for two and everything was great. The place itself is very cute and feels as if you are stepping into a different time period. I look forward to hopefully coming back one day!
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Marisa P.

Yelp
I was really looking forward to having high tea while in Montréal and let me tell ya this place did not disappoint. Hidden in a small doorway with a steep staircase, the Cardinal is full of charm and character. I was lucky enough to sit upstairs with a view of the downstairs. The tea for two was wonderful. It came with 2 types of finger sandwiches, curried deviled eggs, scones, jalapeno biscuits, and chef choice pastries. They also have wine and bubbles to go with the high tea. Such a beautiful venue, I am so glad I visited.
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Mercedes C.

Yelp
Aside from a great cup of Hot Chocolate which I absolutely adore, Tea is another one of my favorite hot beverages to drink. You can't even imagine how excited I was when hubs was interested in drinking Tea. I'm not sure what the star of the show is here- but tea is served in this funky a$$ upstairs space that smells entirely like butter (I need to get that thought outta my head quick). Located in the Mile End neighborhood, menu here is both French and English and highlights all their Tea offerings with light savory and sweet bites. I honestly don't remember how many different types of teas or combinations they have- I'd ask. But there are also finger-cut sandwiches, warm baked scones, and a beautiful selection of fine pastries and mini cakes for a quintessential British experience. Hubs had the 2-cup Teapot Chamomile+ Milk combo, with a Turkey-Cranberry Sandwich. I decided on the Chai+Chocolate Ganache combo with Almond milk and two Orange Madeleines. The service was friendly and the atmosphere was cozy. They had a nice mix of Indie and some instrumental jazz music playing softly in the background which was a nice touch. My only issue was that my hot beverage was served in a non-handle, clear water type glass ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ and not in a tea cup. Not to mention the fact that even trying to hold the clear glass, was hot to the touch. I was just a bit confused and let my drink cool a bit. Aside from that, service was super nice plus there's something to suit every taste.
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Matt A.

Yelp
Even though we didn't order any tea  we were still impressed with the overall vibe of @cardinaltearoom. The live piano playing while we drank our very delcious cocktails and enjoyed the comfortable, old-time decor.
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Jensen S.

Yelp
Great spot for tea and hanging out. I'm not crazy into tea drinking but my friend was so we came here on our 2 night, do everything in Montreal tour. Tea is good. I'm not a crazy good judge of that but the FOOD is where it's at for me. We got the tea for two which comes with a bunch of small portions of the regular stuff (at least I think it's small portions of the regular size) but it was alllllllll good. The best things were the trout sandwich, scones, and lemon bars. Everything else was good though and I would 100% recommend getting this sampler set, tea for two. Overall, a great stop in the never ending quest to eat and drink everything in Montreal.
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Laura R.

Yelp
A very unique find! A delectable tea room, with a grand old chandelier, very ornate decor, a piano, two levels for your high tea treats, and very nice service to boot! Had I known about this place sooner, I would have been frequenting this establishment many times. I ordered the tea for two, and the little sandwiches and desserts were delicious. Everything comes on beautiful antique china, and the place has a warm, hospitable atmosphere in the trendy plateau area.
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Jason M.

Yelp
Came here on a Sunday afternoon for a high tea lunch. It was just okay, compared to several other high tea places I have been to. Three of us split a high tea for two. There was no option to add another portion for a third person but how hard can it be to portion and price out additional people for an odd numbered group. But no biggie, the portion is obviously a bit small since it was only meant for two people. We were all left satisfied but we definitely still had plenty of room to eat. Nothing served was really memorable. The flavors were pretty mild, close to borderline bland. The most enjoyable for me were the deviled eggs. The lemon tarts for dessert were also good, strong lemon flavor but it was balanced out and not too overpowering. The decor was nice and the overall vibe was great. If I'm ever back, I would try other things on the menu.
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Jasmine And Meko S.

Yelp
Hidden behind an unassuming door and a small flight of stairs, Le Cardinal tea room opens up into a charming and old-fashioned two-story salon. With a variety seating options around the room, we settled into a long green couch by the window with a large rustic chest as our table to enjoy our afternoon. The walls were lined with knick knacks, book shelves and interesting decor! We decided on ordering the Tea For Two option at $43. Included was two types of sandwiches, deviled eggs, sausage rolls, scones, desert and most importantly, a large pot of Earl Grey and Lavender tea. It was a little pricier but worth it for a long afternoon! The food arrived on a three-tiered serving tray (neat!) and was an absolute delight. A few highlights for us were definitely the chicken salad sandwich which was seasoned very well and their blueberry scones. I think this has become our new standard to compare all other scones! The tea was fragrant and pleasant even without milk or sugar. Le Cardinal is well located, ensconced in a cool part of town, with street parking readily available. The service was attentive and courteous. An important note for those who intend to work while they enjoy their tea is that they do not have wi-fi. Bring a book or a conversation partner instead! Overall, Le Cardinal is perfect for a quiet day with a book and a pot of tea or a quirky place for a date! With interesting food choices and varied array of teas, this tea room is well worth the visit.
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Kate G.

Yelp
Exactly the kind of tea shop I've been looking for -- and it was hiding above Sparrow this whole time! Cute, cosy and welcoming, with a surprisingly fantastic food menu (I had a Caesar, my mum had olive & cheddar muffins and nearly died of happiness). Of course, we're here for the tea. There's a nicely varied selection, served in generously sized teapots, and though I'm not personally a fan of the cup-and-saucer experience (the tea cools too quickly) I do quite like the novelty of pretending I'm a fancy British lady. Also you can totally trust my tea opinions because I am an actual British lady. Not a fancy one, though.
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Cindy Feng Xin L.

Yelp
Great place to enjoy a quiet afternoon, a very nice tea room located at second floor of an ancient looking building. The interior decor is tasteful and lovely, I picked the outside "terrace", which was warm and cute, decorated with charming green plants. The staff is very friendly and the service is quick. They have a variety of tea and savoury dishes, I assume not very filling but I didn't try personally to see the portion. I tried their white tea called Pai Mu Tan, which means white peony in Chinese. The tea was exquisite, even a little teapot was already very satisfying. I think that I would come back again with a book or my laptop next time to spend more time here.
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Julia WeiYi Z.

Yelp
I love the atmosphere, the design, the tea cups pretty much everything! I'm not sure if it's antique or vintage, but you get what I'm trying to say. And we were lucky to get the table without waiting. I love this place
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Shahanaz B.

Yelp
I have been there twice. Beautiful and quint place. It gives an European feel. Love the piano and the bookshelves by the wall. I tried few teas... an absolute delight. Trout and cucumber sandwiches are the best. Blueberry scones are heaven. I drop the stars for the service. First time, the waitress had full on attitude that killed our excitement for being there. Second time, the place wasn't busy, the service is long. We could see the waitresses are hanging by the counter chitchatting. When we had questions, not well explained. Go for the food and decor, but be patient with the disappointing service.
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Dawn M.

Yelp
Very, very good tea place. The door looks like just a hole in the wall but when you emerge from the stairs, it looks like you've walked into a quaint, old-timey library. We had the two for two, and chose to have 2 different pots of tea instead of 1 large one. We chose the trout sandwich, which was deliciously savoury, as well as the sausage rolls (instead of the bacon and cheese muffins). All the food was really good but the highlight was the scone for sure - probably the best scone we had in the city. The food was very good but to be honest, I was glad we came here before we went to Le Parloir, because that place is the best tea room I've been. But not having been there, Le Cardinal was very nice too. I didn't love as much of the items in the tea set as compared to other places, but everything was house made and high quality. The service could have been a bit more attentive, but it wasn't a big deal. This place is very well-located so if you come when the weather is nice, it'd be wonderful to follow up afternoon tea with a stroll in the area! Also, there's plenty of free street parking, which is very convenient.
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S K.

Yelp
I love tea and this place fulfilled my tea needs! My sister and I had tea for 2- I had the Early Grey and Lavender and she had the Jasmine tea and we drank every last sip of it. I loved the tea cups, the dishes, the food, the ambiance, and the decorations. Usually a place like this has either great tea or great food but this place had both! The scones are out of this world and the sausage biscuits? TO DIE FOR. I love love love it here and would recommend it to everyone!
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Frédéric L.

Yelp
Went at this amazing tea salon this weekend for a great afternoon. The decor and silverware is amazing really feels like a 19th century tea salon with a great selection of tea as well as biscuits, amazing treats and finger foods. My personal favourite was the lemon square which was one of the best I've ever had !!!!
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Alex S.

Yelp
Great little place for afternoon tea, with snacks and a great ambiance. Cardinal is located on the second story of the building, complete with an adorable little sign out front telling you so. It's such a great space - while its filled with dark wood panelling and a really charming ambiance, it's got a wall of nice bright windows letting in a lot of light. The service here is wonderful, everything is tasty from the salads to the shortbread cookies. Tea is served by the pot full, and they've got a great selection.
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Amy O.

Yelp
Incredible. And what a treat!! On my last day in Montreal, it decided to rain a bit, and I just wanted to read and chill. Finding Le Cardinal just two blocks from the apartment I rented was perfect. Entering through the door, and climbing the stairs, I immediately felt special. The energy of the place is calm, eclectic, and spacious. I loved the decor. I sat by the window on this beautiful green couch. The table was an old chest. They had such a great mix of tea and snacks. I opted for this incredible green tea (that I need to look up), trout open faced sandwich, and the scone with clotted cream. The service was also on point, and the food was a delight. I loved the sandwich, and the scone. However, could have skipped the clotted cream. The scone didn't need anything, it was that good! I read a few chapters of my book, ate my treats, slowly drank my tea, and was off for the day. Easily one of my favorite spots during my 5 night Montreal stay.
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Sarah D.

Yelp
Am I in a dream? No, I am writing on Yelp wishing I was in the dreamy, scone-scented tea room that is Cardinal. The feeling you have when you're here is the best part. You are swept away into another universe if only for a cup of tea or two or three. the decor is unlike any spot in the city. A bit Wes Anderson storybook-ish. The space is two levels of eye candy with the best spot on the upper deck if I do say so myself. Prime people watching down below. If you're expecting high tea, jump off of that high horse. You won't find this kind of service here. Expect a nice tea selection spanning the staples along with a menu of sweets (might I suggest the Cardinal cake) and a small menu of sandwiches. I believe there may or may not have been a charcuterie board as well. This a special place that deserves to be visited with someone special or simply with the most special person in your life, you. Enjoy.
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Shazia K.

Yelp
Everything about this place is beautiful. When you walk in you can't help but do a little twirl as you take in all the little details and decor. The piano in the corner, the bookshelves, the chandelier, the paintings etc...everything is breathtaking. The seating arrangements are unique and fun, especially if you go with a couple of friends. The tea is exceptionally good. They have many options for you to choose from and they serve it in the cutest teapots. The food was excellent as well. Everything from the cucumber sandwiches, deviled eggs, and salmon was very good. The desserts were on point as well. I loved their scones and butter tarts. Service was a bit slow but the waitress was very friendly and helpful.
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Jenviev A.

Yelp
Perfect place to warm up on a winters day. Leave all your troubles at the door, as you entered this lovely, quaint tea house. A blend of English style high tea design accents and more eclectic hipster undertones, create a very unique and comfortable space. You can enjoy sitting back in a leather arm chair, couch or sharing a long wooden table as you overlook their stunning chandelier. As for the tea, they provide a small but wonderful selection of British classic, accompanied by perfectly prepared blueberry scones and their clotted cream. You'll also find other staples on the menu, such as cucumber sandwiches, quiche and a delicious beef curry pot pie. My only comment would be, this place gets very crowded on Sunday's, so you'll need to either plan a short wait or try to come on another day.
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Lanyi L.

Yelp
After a lacklustre customer service experience at its neighbour, I really think Le Cardinal is the perfect experience. Great atmosphere, tea, scones, sandwiches, and service.
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Risa D.

Yelp
Beautiful room with lovely tea and sweet and savoury baked goods by the amazing and amazingly hard working Kathy D. It's so wonderful to see this lovely upstairs space so full of warm light and people enjoying themselves. It's not a traditional fancy tea service, just cozy pots of fresh home brews, a delicious house chai and lots of super temping menu items that I'll be back for often. The room is full of wood, a chandelier, piano, small chairs around the balcony and comfy couches on the floor, an incredibly inviting space that I highly recommend!
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David N.

Yelp
I worried this place might suffer as it became more popular, but I'm glad to see its still exactly the same. Montreal does have a habit of turning anything new and interesting into a "scene", but thankfully there are no hour-long waits to be seated here (yet). The Norfolk Breakfast tea was fantastic, as was the Branston pickle and cheese sandwich. The space retains its airy, luxurious feel, and if it's possible, the staff are even friendlier now. Groups here continue to be small and rather quiet, which helps retain the intimate feel of the place. I'm pretty sure it's still a no wi-fi zone. Definitely a place to visit more often as the weather starts to improve.
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Bobby A.

Yelp
I don't know why its taken me this long to review Le Cardinal tearoom, but if you love cozy, quirky spaces which serves up tea and nibbles, then this is the spot for you. Velvet couches, retro decor, china tea cups, cakes, butter tarts, scones with clotted cream, watercress and egg, ham, and cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches this is a great place to curl up with a book by yourself or meet a friend or two on those cold, grey dismal days when you need to feel some warmth. Reasonable prices, friendly service, yummy treats, what is there not to love?
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Yingcan L.

Yelp
Great service, nice environment, comfortable ambiance. I like a lot the decoration in the store. It is a perfect place to friends joining and talking. Also the blue berry scone was the best scone that I've ever tasted until now!
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Usha S.

Yelp
Very quaint setting . They now serve their afternoon tea on two tiered plates or you can still order a la carte. The food is not elaborate but tastes good and is fresh . The quantity was just right . They don't take reservations and we had about a 10 minute wait at 1:30 on a Friday. Price is very reasonable .
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Sabeena S.

Yelp
Le Cardinal will always have a sweet place in my heart, especially because that is where I got engaged! Just about a month ago, my partner told me that we would be taking his best friend (visiting from D.C.) to a nice, fancy dinner. They both put on suits and I donned a chic new dress. In the car, they told me that we missed our reservation and would grab some tea with another friend of ours at Le Cardinal before our later reservation. I didn't think anything of it, and in fact was excited to go. The first time my partner took me to Le Cardinal was so romantic, at the beginning of our relationship. We spent an entire afternoon wrapped up in each other's thoughts. When we arrived, the last group was leaving. The place seemed oddly empty, although it was quite late. The waitress was so sweet and sat us down with our friend who had been waiting for us. She politely informed us that they close in 10 minutes but she would be happy to bring us out some tea and scones. We quickly ordered a big pot of mint tea. Before I knew it, our friend from D.C. decided he was going to play something on the baby grand piano. He stood up to set up his things and in walk my best friend from Austin! I run to him and start hugging him and begin to cry as I realize what song is playing in the background (everything is finally clicking). The original friend that was waiting for us, whips out his fancy camera and starts taking photos as my partner gets down on one knee and asks me to marry him. It was so incredibly romantic and the staff at Le Cardinal were wonderful for staying open a little bit later to make this night magical. We walked around the space and took a few more photos and even finished our tea. Definitely a night I will never forget. Thank you!
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Star Z.

Yelp
I would give a four star for this place. The ambience was real good. Love the china teapots, plates and dishes. There's even a piano. But I have to say the food was not as good as I expected. There was no set menu, you need to order everything by yourself. My friend and I ordered at least 60 percent of the menu... But I would say umm... I like the smoked trout sandwich... I liked the muffin... I liked the Eccles cake... That's it? The sausage was salty and not as savory... The scone... It's average I guess.... The place is worth coming definitely... But not for the food. For the good time that you sit here and catch up with your friends for the whole afternoon.
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Michael P.

Yelp
Free time is somewhat of a luxury for my girlfriend and I. Now...admittedly it is pretty much by choice as we like to keep ourselves busy but regardless, when we have some - especially on a gorgeous weekend like the one we had relatively recently - I quickly enter into date mode. We need to take advantage of the opportunity - and I need to win some brownie points with the lady of course! Prior to being completely embarrassed by my performance on the skating rink down in the old port later that afternoon, I figured this was a great chance to go visit a place I had on my lists for a while now, the Cardinal Tea Room. Somewhat secretly located on the second floor of the Sparrow bar on St-Laurent in Mile End, The Cardinal Tea Room is exactly that - a tea room in the typical British traditions, serving a variety of teas with sandwiches, pastry and salads to enjoy at the same time. Open from 11 to 7 only 4 days a week, it is not a place for a big hearty meal but for a nice relaxed light brunch, lunch or snack. First thing, this tea room is certainly a looker. A beautiful open two floor space anchored by a huge glass chandelier in the middle, the room is flooded with sunlights from the large windows to give it a warm and cozy feel. The key to the space though is the attention to detail and the inclusion of so much decoration to really give it that tea room feel. The jazzy music. The use of bookshelves, racquets, artwork, all the way down to the china and the handwritten painted signs. The entire space really feels like a proper British tea room without the kitsch. A lovely space to enjoy a lazy weekend. As we shared a tea kettle of Pai Mu Tan white tea, we decided to try a few items food wise. My girlfriend went for the open faced smoked trout sandwich. A generous portion of trout topped with some marinated onions and chives served over some cream cheese and some nice bread. A solid sandwich - light but still satisfying. On my end, I wanted something a little hearty so I went for the Ploughman's lunch - a plate of cured meats, campagnard pate, sharp cheddar, a soft boiled egg, roasted beets, sliced apple and fruit chutney. Served with some bread, the plate was a nice mixture of items - individually solid but that really worked well together. Still feeling a little hungry and of course having a sweet tooth, we were also in the mood for some dessert. There is a daily Cardinal cake which in this instance was a ground poppy seed cake topped with some cream cheese icing. Texturally, we were surprised but the moist and smooth consistency. The icing was a little too sweet however. We also tried the Eccles cake - essentially a puff pastry stuffed with currants and served (if so desired) with some sharp cheddar. I really enjoyed this one - the puff pastry was nice and flaky and the currants added a nice sweet bite to the dessert. It took too long to visit Cardinal Tea Room but I'm really happy we did. A super nice and relaxed spot where I can definitely see visiting for a regular tea. I liked the options food wise and was definitely happy with the quality of items. Mile End continues to be one of my favourites areas in town and Cardinal Tea Room just reinforces that opinion. Now go enjoy some sunday tea! Cheers!
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Zul Z.

Yelp
Beautiful, amazing, unique. I've never seen anything quite like this. Servers are aloof, but sweet. Everyone is gorgeous.

U T.

Yelp
Cardinal Tearoom is not as fancy as the Ritz or Rosélys but it is an excellent value. Be sure to make a reservation as it is popular. Their sandwiches are all delicious and their Cardinal dessert changes every week. Their tea for 2 is very cute and the scones are freshly baked. Great variety of different teas to choose from. I will be back!
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Denzil D.

Yelp
Great place for a scone and tea. BTW the food is great. Enjoyed the spicy chicken pot pie, it was spicy!
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Andrew S.

Yelp
Walking in, you feel like you're transported into another world. Just like its neighbour, Sparrow, Cardinal succeeds in creating a delightful atmosphere with their new tea room. The chandelier is very charming, as are the swathes of old books littered throughout. I stumbled in with my friends on a cold day before Christmas, and nothing could have been better than the pot of tea we shared. I indulged and ordered one of their many appetizing desserts, a blueberry scone. It was perfect. I've never had one taste that good before. The selection was great without feeling overwhelming, but I was a little confused with how to order. We lingered for a bit wondering whether we wait for a server or order at the tastefully decorated bar until we were motioned to order before taking our seats. In hindsight, it makes sense since the tea could then brew while we got settled. When our order came, it was complete with proper English finery. One friend complained it was overly dainty with the floral china, but frankly, that's the point of an afternoon tea. Can't wait to go back.
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Ly Koung E.

Yelp
I only can give 2 stars,all for the food.i think probably I had too high expectations on this tea house,that's y make me upset about it.they have piano man playing the music,but u barely hear it cos too noisy.the tea wasn't good at all(this is tea house),I couldn't see the tea leafs and no taste. Thee food was tasty but the price is expensive.the service is bad,have no patience and rush order ,slow service rush for the payment.
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Ann T.

Yelp
Location: On the main, right next to Sparrow. Street parking available [metered] and the closest subway is probably Laurier or Mont-Royal. Alternatively, you can hop a bus from downtown - I think the 55 (or maybe it's the 51) that runs the length of St. Laurent. The place: Location on the 2nd floor of the building, Cardinal actually has two levels so be prepared to climb some stairs. I loved the space and the old-school decor - it's the perfect place to cozy up with a book while enjoying tea and scones. The goods: I defeated the purpose of visiting a 'tea' room by ordering the lemonade + the egg & cress sandwich. After walking around most of the day, I was feeling too warm for something hot SO I guess I'll just have to go back! The lemonade was very good and definitely tasted home-made. It was very tart with a hit of sweetness - just the way I like it. The egg & cress was served on a thick slab of bread and topped with arugula. I'm not super crazy about egg sandwiches but they were out of the avocado toast and this was my back-up. Quite surprisingly, the egg salad was delicious, as was the bread. For me, it was the perfect size because the bread itself was quite filling. Service: Good. We were seated immediately and the hostess let us pick our table. There was a bit of a mix-up when it came to the bills, but this was sorted out right away. Price point: About $10 for the lemonade and sandiwich.
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Denise S.

Yelp
Loved this inviting and cozy tea room on the 2nd floor from the moment I walked in (easy to miss it from street level). Antique furniture, a piano in the corner, pretty mismatched floral china, and a large tea menu -- this place is a great place to spend a lazy afternoon. They have baked goods, snacks, and bigger items if you are hungry. I had their blueberry scone which was fresh out of the oven warm and just the right texture (crispy outside, a little bit fluffy inside, not too dense/dough-y) and the london fog.
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Erin H.

Yelp
So pretty! Honestly this place wins on novelty factor alone with the fancy teas and the fancy decor but also I ordered a cheddar and Branston pickle sandwich and it was very very good. Branston pickle, be warned, is not your standard green pickle. Its a brown sauce that is spread on the sandwich like mayonnaise and....well let's just say I will be back for another one of these sandwiches and just to bask in the warmth and loveliness of the room
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Emilie M.

Yelp
There's something magical with this place. I get that feeling everytime I walk in : it makes you feel like the time has stopped. Grab a cozy seat upstairs, order some of their delicious teapots and a few snacks or sandwiches, and off you go for a few peaceful hours of just being in the moment.

Kat Z.

Yelp
What a gem! The decor consists of vintage portraits/wallpaper/lamps/books/teacups/music. There's even a large chandelier that greets you as you walk in...A very pretty sight. I ordered the London Fog with soy milk and a cucumber sandwich served with cream cheese and dill on milk bread. It was superb; a good snack or a light meal. The tea was smooth and light with the right amount of foam, and the milk bread was just delicious. The cucumber and cheese tastes refreshing and it was a good combination. The seating arrangements are intimate for parties of 2, 3 or 4, and the staff is pleasant. Overall, a quaint and beautiful place to go to for a first date or to re-connect with an old girl friend :). The noise level on a Friday afternoon was minimal.
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Leila H.

Yelp
Im in love with this place!! Its so cozy and warm and the pianist playing makes this place so lovely. I had a ginger lemon lemonade with the smoked trout, and my friend had tea and butter biscuits, its really fresh and tasty!! Will definitely go back again and again!!
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Valentina D.

Yelp
LOVE LOVE LOVE! Perfect place to catch up with an old friend over a pot of tea and cucumber sandwiches. We came on a chilly Saturday afternoon and walked into a beautiful room filled with warmth, light, books, laughing people and the strains of a grand piano. We were seated on the upper level which offers great people watching and my smile grew wider with every gorgeous piece of vintage flower-patterned china that was placed on my table. Lovely selection of tea and sweet and savoury menu options - yes to the sausage rolls, cucumber sandwiches, lemon bar and lemon cake! The atmosphere is unpretentious and relaxed....a perfectly lovely way to spend an afternoon.
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Eve C.

Yelp
Totally obsessed by this tea place!. Amazing homemade dessert. Try the lemon loaf with lavender earl grey tea. Harry Potter ambiance. Perfect to cosy up on a rainy afternoon. For Nostalgics of the 1800's. Dreamer hangout. Come early. If only they would be open later and Tuesday or Wednesdays.That's all you need to know.
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George A.

Yelp
I had to plan a day of distractions for my cousin's 50th birthday celebration that his wife was was preparing at home. I found this place online, and thanks to yelp I put it on the afternoon agenda. The magical vibe is evident from the moment you walk in. The flavour profiles are incredibly delicious. The ambience is perfectly cozy. The service is professional yet warm. One of the best foodservice operations that I have ever experienced! How lucky Montreal is to have such a place.
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Asha N.

Yelp
Really like this place. It is so cozy and relaxing. The tea cups are so beautiful. My favorite item was the lemon poundcake. It complimented my tea beautifully.
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Krista M.

Yelp
Le Salon Cardinal is a beautiful and enchanting place. Put your cellphones on airplane mode, leave your laptops at home and climb the stairs to a time when things were simpler and more elegant. A world of wooden chairs and bookshelves with real books and a grand piano that promises (in the near future) a piano player to fill the room with acoustic music. The chandelier sparkles in the center of the room while you are whisked to your table. It gets very busy being open only 11-7pm three days a week but is well worth the wait. Some may find the prices for simple fare (scones, sandwiches, quiche etc.) on the expensive side (for average Montrealers at least) but considering all things are made from scratch daily (with real butter and mostly local produce) by local pastry chef and baker Kathy Dahler and considering you'll want to cozy up for at least an hour if not two, it is a very reasonable afternoon out. The tea menu, although small, is carefully selected by owner Murad Meshgini. I found the Rooibos to be exquisite and my lady friends enjoyed their peppermint and Earl Grey Lavender choices. We collectively enjoyed the lemon loaf (moist and delicious), blueberry scone (these scones could easily be for 2 people! but order extra butter...), and a few buttery cookies (elephant ear and shortbread). On another occasion a friend & I sampled the savory selections - herbed scone with lardons, puff pastry sausage rolls and the ploughman's plate. A few extra slices of the fresh bread would have rounded out the plate nicely.
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Natalie B.

Yelp
A tearoom, Mile End style. This isn't an uppity afternoon tea, but a charming and cool experience instead. They have a mish mash of plates and teacups; old furniture; a piano; books and nooks and a selection of treats and teas. Stay here and linger for a while - we sure did.