t-buds, Food & Tea Lounge in Toronto — Restaurant in Toronto

Food: 3 Stars Service: 3 Stars Ambience: 4 Stars Value: 3.5 Stars Overall: 3.4 Stars

Walking into T-Buds, I was immediately struck by the warm and inviting ambiance of the tearoom. The decor is reminiscent of a traditional English tea house, with soft lighting, elegant floral arrangements, and comfortable seating. The tearoom is small and intimate, making it ideal for a small party or an intimate gathering with friends.

To begin with, one of the highlights of the high tea experience at T-Buds is the pot of tea that comes with the tea service you choose from the menu. As a tea enthusiast, I was thrilled to see the wide variety of teas available to choose from, each with its unique flavors and characteristics. From classic black teas to aromatic green teas, fragrant floral teas to soothing herbal infusions, T-Buds has something to suit every palate.

I opted for the Organic Tie Kwan Yin buds tea, a classic oolong tea literally translated as “iron goddess of mercy”. it has a sweet, floral aroma and a light, smooth, delicate flavour. The tea leaves were of high quality, resulting in a perfectly brewed cup of tea that was aromatic and satisfying.

However, one of the best things about T-Buds is that it offers an affordable high tea experience. Unlike some other high tea places that can break the bank, T-Buds offers a reasonably priced menu without compromising on quality. The high tea menu is priced competitively, making it accessible to a wider range of tea lovers. This is definitely a big plus for those who want to enjoy a high tea experience without emptying their pockets.

The service at T-Buds was friendly and attentive, though there were a few minor hiccups. The teas were brewed to perfection and served at the right temperature. However, there were a few delays in getting our food, and we had to remind the server a couple of times. Nevertheless, the overall service was satisfactory, and it did not significantly impact our overall experience.

The taste of the food at T-Buds was enjoyable, though not outstanding. I ordered the Chocolate Afternoon Tea. The finger sandwiches were fresh and flavourful, with classic fillings such as cucumber and smoked salmon. The scones were warm and crumbly, and the clotted cream and jam were a delicious accompaniment. The pastries were well-presented, but I felt that they lacked the wow factor in terms of taste. They were pleasant, but not particularly memorable. I would have liked to see more creativity and innovation in the flavour combinations and presentation of the pastries to elevate the overall dining experience.

My overall experience at T-Buds with my friends was pleasant and enjoyable. The cozy and inviting atmosphere, extensive tea menu, and affordable prices were definite highlights. The service was friendly, though there were some minor delays in getting our food. The taste of the food was enjoyable, though not particularly memorable, and I would have liked to see more creativity in the flavours and presentation of the pastries. The variety of options and accommodation of special dietary needs were commendable, though there could be more diverse options for those with specific dietary restrictions. Despite these minor areas for improvement, T-Buds offers a charming and affordable high tea experience that is worth considering for tea lovers who are looking for a cozy and intimate setting to enjoy tea with...

The classic afternoon tea menu ($38) begins with a hot pot of tea selected from an extensive two-page listing. I stick with a traditional black tea that allows me to include a splash of oat milk into it without drowning out the tea flavours. If you’re waiting on a guest, look through their tea descriptions. Someone poetic crafted them; such the description of how black Ceylon spring valley tea leaves are created through “warm sunshine following tropical monsoons with cold nights”.

As the tea tower is prepared, a two-bite leek quiche and simple caprese salad tie us over. If you’re the type of person who skips breakfast and lunch before heading to afternoon tea, you’ll appreciate these pre-tea light bites.

However, if you’re like me and never skip a meal, I’d forgo the microwave re-heated quiche to save room for Tbuds amazing scones. They have a lovely crispy crust that breaks easily to reveal a soft fluffy centre and aren’t overly sweet so you can slather it with mascarpone cream and jam. Too bad they are so stingy with the condiments, providing enough for two scones at most. In fact, if anything we need more of the mascarpone cream as it’s lighter and less buttery than traditional clotted cream.

Their sandwiches each incorporates an herb and a creamy element. We loved them all: the egg salad is enhanced with a bit of chives, the cucumber sandwich is sliced paper thin and uses an herbed cream cheese, the curried chicken includes a refreshing chutney, and even the sun-dried tomato and cheddar combination surprisingly works. With six sandwiches to a person, it makes for a filling meal.

The tower is capped off with fresh soft macarons that have a vibrant fruity flavour and luscious cream. The other petit fours – a fruit tart and ultra-decadent salted chocolate square – are less impressive but...

Alli (I'm not certain of the spelling, sorry!), was absolutely amazing with his knowledge of tea. Who knew that certain teas were good for making meat rubs and gravy??? I won't say which - you have to go in, have a cup or three of tea, and be pleasant ☺

The servers were all very courteous, polite, and watchful without being annoying. They knew all the food offerings and ingredients, and were very patient with my group as we tried to figure out substitutions and such. Our fault for not calling ahead to ask.

The service was impeccable, and appropriately timed. The food and tea are made as you order, so it isn't instant. The tea is steeped for the appropriate time (if you prefer a lighter or heavier brew, tell the server when you order! They will change the brewing time as needed).

The lounge is small, so the atmosphere really depends on who else is there. A large birthday group = very lively and loud. Mostly couples = quiet and more intimate.

You do have to do up a set of stairs to reach t-buds, and there isn't an elevator or lift option. It's Toronto so parking can be a pain in the tush, but there is paid street parking all around that area. My group went on a Sunday, and parking was easy and close.

No idea if there's free WiFi, but it's a tea lounge. Enjoying the tea, food, and company is the goal.

I'm very impressed by everything t-buds offered, and will definitely be back!

Thank you Alli for chatting with us and sharing your tea knowledge. It really was an amazing...