Author: Shelly13

This is our third visit to Vanitea. Although they have no designated parking, we've never had difficulty getting a spot close by (city parking - $7). The place is small and chintzily (in the best sense) decorated. Maybe it's the covid barriers, but it seems...more crowded than before. This was a Friday on a beautiful autumn afternoon, and the place was busy. Although we had a reservation, we had to wait in a lineup outside - not long, maybe 10 minutes. We asked to be moved from our first table, which was wonky, only to find ourselves at an equally unstable table right under the speakers, which made conversation a bit of a challenge. We had a Groupon coupon for the full afternoon tea. The teas were excellent as were the mimosas, which seemed to have a touch of mango. The 4 small sandwich triangles - ranging from beet to chicken - were very tasty, the substantial scones need a bit more jam than offered (although the jam was excellent.) The sweets (2 macaroons) and coffee-flavoured (cup)cakes were tasty, but my companion doesn't like things coffee-flavoured. We finished all our offerings, but I noticed several table doing take-away. The service was friendly, and although crowded and noisy, everyone seemed to be having a good time. If one were to pay the original advertised price of $122.04 , I wouldn't recommend it. But it was marked down to $85, and then again to $68,, which is about right, although offering a second mimosa would have been nice. They charge tax on the $85 price and add 18% gratuity (not taxed), which I'm not used to, but is okay (I would have tipped a bit more). It's a cheery little place that is doing the best with what it has.