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Reviews, get directions and contact details for The Empress Tea Room & Bistro

The Empress Tea Room & Bistro
"We are so happy you found us!! We offer a traditional High Tea experience. You will find availability for a party of 2 or we can accommodate birthday parties, bridal or baby showers for over 100 guest. Our desire is to join you in something memorable.Kim"
Address: 12924 N Dale Mabry Hwy , Tampa 33618, FL, US
Phone: (813) 988-9027
State: FL
City: Tampa
Zip Code: 33618


Opening Hours

Thursday: 11:00-15:00
Friday: 11:00-15:00
Saturday: 11:00-15:00
Sunday: 11:00-15:00


related searches: Tea Room Tampa, High tea Tampa, The empress tea room menu, Tea Room near me, Tea Room Clearwater, Royal tea Room, Tea Room Wesley Chapel, Tea Room Lakeland
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Reviews
I’ve been to many tea houses. This is by far the best I’ve ever been to. So you’re not gonna find anything comparable in Tampa. The owner is so friendly and accommodating. And all the staff makes you feel like you’re in Downton Abbey this is a little honey hole of a tea room in Tampa Florida it’s a must see especially if you have a daughters or a mothers group!
Wonderful place! my Red Hat Chapter went for High Tea and it did not disappoint! amazing food and treats and the servers were always nearby refreshing our tea pots with delish tea. the venue itself is beautiful, perfect for parties and weddings. While we were there a group of little girls came to tea all dressed in their princess gowns! So cute!
I would love to give this tea house five stars but much has changed since the last reviews. The location is different than the one addressed online. It is now in a hall like setting geared more towards weddings, baby showers, engagement parties, etc. With that being said, you do not get that cozy and comforting atmosphere feeling. Nor do you get the individualized catered feeling you get at a different location. I walked into the building to what I can only describe as chaos. All the way in the back was a baby shower. To the left looked like a wedding or engagement party. To my right was a group of Red Hat ladies. Right in front of me seemed like a gathering or reunion. Then in the middle spread randomly throughout it seemed were the individual parties. I stood there for a good 15 or more minutes waiting to be greeted. Finally, a lady came who also appeared to be in charge. She sat us at the first table for two in the very front. We had a great view of the harp player on stage. Yes, a harp player. I was impressed with that, too. It was very loud due to all the various conversations being had and the lack of separate rooms for the parties. My guest and I had problems hearing each other so we just sat and ate. The waitress came over and asked us what kind of tea did we want. We were surprised to find out there were only two options. I wanted one option and my guest wanted the other. The waitress told us they only bring one pot out with one flavor to share at a time. This was odd to me as every other tea house gives everyone their own pot. What if one doesn't want that flavor at all the other person wanted? Do they have to wait for the other to finish in order to drink what they want? She agreed to bringing both after I made that point. The teas were pleasant. After tea, she brought out a two tier spread. I have only experienced the three tier spreads and prefer it that way. I felt the items on the second tier were being squished together to fit. The fruit or scones could be on a separate tier or plate from the rest. On the bottom tier were the scones and spread as well as the finger sandwiches. The chicken salad one is usually my second favorite but this time it was not. I think the chicken may have expired or turned. I was disappointed. My favorite sandwich is the cucumber sandwich. This one though had too much bread and not enough spread or cucumber. I recommend removing the top bread piece and putting a longer, thicker cucumber slice. The last two sandwiches neither my guest nor I liked. One was another spread. Not sure what kind but the spread was put on so lightly that you tasted mostly bread. The last sandwich was a pear sandwich. This was interesting and I thought had potential to be the best.. however, my pear was a little hard or stale. On the top tier were chocolate covered strawberries, fruit, etc. I just remembered things being on top of each other and not as nicely presented. When we were done, we had to wait for the lady who greeted us at the entrance to come over to our table to ring us up using her cell phone and a credit card charger adapter. One by one I watched her ring up the Red Hat ladies. There has to be a better less time consuming way to ring out guest. Maybe have them prepay online or over the phone during booking. Maybe set up a register. After we were rung up, we got an emailed receipt. When we left, we walked to my car. The parking was limited. People were parked on the grass as the lot is not big. They may have to make a bigger lot. I will not be returning to this venue until the group parties are separate from the private smaller parties.
Don't do it. Not peaceful, not organized, never received the tea I asked for, more expensive but less food than other local tea rooms, and they tell you to pay in advance if you want to secure your reservation. I've been to various tearooms & typically it's relaxing, good tea & finger sandwiches. This environment was hectic & disorganized. They apparently focus on their events so they booked a large bridal shower in the same room. The 1st teapot they brought out was muddled fruit in hot water?; we asked what actual teas they had 3 times before we were finally given any specifics so we requested a fruity black tea, she said of course, walked off, we never did receive that tea. Another staff was doing what I guess is their bulk tea service, she brought us some other "tea", didn't tell us what the flavor is, disappeared. The main host returned, saw the teapot on our table & proceeded to tell us it was the fruity one I asked for, walked off again. At that point I was over it and didn't feel like explaining to her that it was simply the same teapot that everybody else in the room had received and we had no idea what it was but it definitely wasn't the fruity black tea she told us about sigh. After that we gave up since we were already done with our food and it was obvious the ladies were going to keep disappearing AND by then the noise from the bridal party was so loud that it was hard to even hear each other. We left. I would suggest Whistle Stop Gardens in Lutz as a cozy alternative with good tea and good service unless you're looking for "princess" value in which case, stick with Empress.
On Saturday, my church family and I had the pleasure of fellowshipping with a tea luncheon here at Empress Tea Room. The fellowship, ambiance and overall experience was great. Our only downside was the food that was served and the type of food served. However, after speaking with the owner/operator Ms. Kym, I got a better understanding of the food delivery/display. Going forward we have a clearer expectation.
My mom, daughters and I loved this place. It was beautiful, the food and service were great! Kim was so sweet and wonderful. We will be coming back for sure, and bringing girlfriends and sisters in the future.
Thank you for the wonderful social experience we had today at your Tea Room! The room was elegant and beautiful; the food was fancy and delicious, and the atmosphere was full of love and grace!
Quirky decor - bit dated. There was no choice of teas - just the brews of the day. Sandwiches were just ok. Best part of the High Tea were the scones & cream which were authentic. They could do better. Pity as this area of Tampa needs a really good English Tea Room.
Empress tea room is a favorite of not just mine but my children's as well! The food is amazing! We have had several lunch dates there and special events! I wouldn't want to go anywhere else for a relaxing beautiful tea time or catered party with my friends or family! They exceed my expectations in service, food, professionalism, courtesy, cleanliness & attentiveness everytime we are there!! My children have multiple special needs between the 3 of them including food allergies & immune Deficiencies so especially in this past year we go NOWHERE, however we HAVE gone here and everytime Kim & her staff go above and beyond to meet my children's special needs. The food is always served quickly & fresh. Even with their dietary limitations she makes them feel super special and not even realize their plates are different than others around us. She gets us in and out quickly and with the utmost attention to all the special details with a smile on her and her staff's faces! Can't wait to visit again because I am craving tea & scones just typing this!!
I've always wanted to try this place, and have been following on Facebook for a while. Came across one of their specials during this "social distancing" phase we're in and thought what a great idea to change up the boredom at the house. I sent her a message on Facebook in reply to the post and received a reply back almost instantly! Upon arrival at the tea room stayed in my car, she had the order in hand right away with gloves, took my payment and I was on my way. Completely safe take out experience. Couldn't have asked for a better afternoon treat! The Order: Kim is very attentive to the details. The Afternoon Tea spread was awesome, I honestly don't know which one of the sandwiches I could say was my favorite, because they were ALL delicious. I received 4 tea sandwiches, scone and toppings can choose to have it raw and bake at home or pre-baked, mini cupcake, chocolate dipped strawberry, fresh fruit and she put together a lovely tea combo for me strawberries, pineapple and coconut. ***I added my own glass of champagne to top off my wonderful afternoon pictured. ;- I will certainly be recommending to friends/family, and can't wait to come have a real experience in the dining room soon. Thank you again Empress Tea Room, wonderful service and scrumptious treats!
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