The Best Places for Tea in Windsor-Essex

The Windsor-Essex region is right across the river from Detroit, located in the southern most point of Ontario, Canada. I’ve been in this area for most of my life and, unfortunately, there was once a time when we did not have many tea options. If I wanted loose leaf tea from somewhere local, I had to head to Teaopia in Devonshire Mall, which eventually turned into Teavana. Now that Teavana is gone, the mall still has David’s Tea but I’m thrilled that today there are more options for tea in Windsor-Essex! If you’re a tea lover residing in the area, or just visiting and looking for a great tea experience, these are the places I recommend. Please note that this list doesn’t include franchises, only small businesses.

Where to Get Tea in Windsor-Essex

It can be tricky finding a place that not only serves loose leaf tea, but also does so properly (i.e. not over-steeping). I think it’s important to highlight those that provide a great tea service, so that more will become available in the future. The places below are some of the best to visit if you’re looking for loose leaf teas, great atmosphere and exceptional service. As more places pop up, I’ll update this list accordingly.

*Update: Unfortunately 3 out of the 4 places on this list has permanently closed. I will continue to update this list as more places for tea open in the Windsor-Essex area.

1. Teacups & Crowns

Teacups & Crowns is the place to visit if you’re looking for the most gorgeous tea break. They offer a few teas, in vintage teacups, and you can pair your steeps with a variety of treats (scones, cookies, cakes, etc.)

After ordering your tea, you can pick one of their many teacups to use as they bring a teapot filled with your selected steep. I’m always in awe with the entire atmosphere and fine details that went into creating this charming tea (and jewellery) boutique!

*Update: Permanently closed*

Located at: 591 Erie Street East, Windsor, Ontario
Check out my full review of Teacups & Crowns here.

2. Annabelle’s Tea Room

Annabelle’s Tea Room is the only afternoon tea room in the area, and fortunately, it exceeds my expectations. This is probably the place I visit the most for tea in Windsor-Essex!

If you’re looking for a delightful lunch to go with your tea, look no further. Their menu includes some classics like Quiche Du Jour, Portobello Baguette Sandwich, and my personal favourite, their Queen’s Tea Service.

You’ll find an entire menu devoted to a wide selection of loose leaf teas, that they serve in matching teapots. I appreciate that they’re always on top of refilling teapots with hot water when they are getting low, too!

*Update: Permanently closed*

Located at: 76 Main Street East, Kingsville, Ontario
Check out my full review of Annabelle’s Tea Room here.

*Side note: If you’re looking for another afternoon tea experience close to the area, check the Iron Kettle Bed & Breakfast. They host their own afternoon tea events for the public a few times a year!

3. Windsor Tea Emporium

Windsor Tea Emporium is home of over 60 loose leaf teas, comprising mainly of blends. The design and layout of this tea store is absolutely beautiful.

What I love most about Windsor Tea Emporium is that they offer other ways to enjoy your tea! If you’re looking for fun and trendy tea drinks to-go, this is the place to visit.

In addition to having bath and body products infused with their teas, their tea bar menu is filled with neat items like tea frappes, matcha lemonade and, my personal favourite, Nitro Tea! Nitrogen infused tea is naturally sweet and creamy, and thanks to them, you can try some right in Windsor.

*Update: The store-front has closed, but their teas are still available online.*

Located at: 1284 Ottawa Street, Windsor, Ontario

4. Taloola Cafe

This spot is the perfect example of how all cafes should be offering a tea service. All of the tea Taloola Cafe serves is from Rishi Tea. They have a menu devoted to just loose leaf teas — black, green, white, oolong, puerh and herbal. Some are straight teas, and some are blends. (Here’s their tea menu)

When you order a tea from Taloola Cafe, you’re directed to a shelf to pick out a mug to bring back to your table. Shortly after, a staff member will arrive with a teapot or carafe filled with hot water and a dish with an infuser basket filled with loose leaf tea leaves. Set the infuser basket with your tea of choice into your mug, pour the hot water over the leaves, and steep for as long as you’d like! No generic tea bags, no poorly made cups of teas. This is my favourite type of tea service!

Taloola Cafe has a table with milk, cream, raw sugar, and more if you wish to add extra items to your cuppa. They also have another section on their menu with some pretty delicious tea lattes!

Located at: 396 Devonshire Road, Windsor, Ontario

Windsor-Essex is home to a few tea related franchises I enjoy as well such as Chatime. As mentioned above, I wanted to keep this list as tea places you can experience in this region only. The region includes the city of Windsor, along with 7 towns: Amherstburg, Essex, Kingsville, Lakeshore, LaSalle, Leamington and Tecumseh.

Happy steeping & sipping in Windsor-Essex! 🙂

Heading for tea in Windsor-Essex? Pin this post for later here –> http://bit.ly/2WlVQUr

Have another place for tea in Windsor-Essex that you think should be on this list? Let me know in the comments below!