1. La Maison du Thé Cha Guan
Photo © Evelyn Reid
Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Sunday
Location: 5756 Monkland, corner of Wilson; (514) 303-8238
Get there: Villa Maria Metro
2. Camellia Sinensis
With 150 teas to choose from in the heart of the Latin Quarter, Camellia Sinensis (Latin for "tea plant") is developing an international reputation as a prime tea house. The topmost passion for owner Hugo Americi and his team of expert tea tasters, they travel yearly to China, Taiwan, Japan, India and Sri Lanka to find the best leaves. A popular spot for moviegoers from Cinéma Quartier Latin just across the street, Camellia Sinensis hosts workshops and Saturday morning tea tastings. Reservations required for tastings. Hours: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday to Thursday; 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays
Location: 351 Émery, corner of St. Denis; (514) 286-4002
Get there: Berri-UQAM Metro
Video Tour of Camellia Sinensis (In French)
3. Cha Noir
Complementing an Asian accented ambiance with regular art exhibits on the tea house walls, Cha Noir is located in Verdun and offers tea sampling workshops about once a month and sells tea sampling kits as well as freshly squeezed juices. Hours: 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Friday; 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday
Location: 4646 Wellington, corner of 1st Avenue; (514) 769-1242
Get there: De l'Église Metro
4. Esprithé
Run by couple Bettina and Fabrice Perrin in the Mile End, Esprithé proposes an impressive collection of 200 teas chosen by Nadia Bécaud, the tea house's Maître de Thé (or "master of tea"). Esprithé also sells "tea chocolates," including green tea and Earl Grey flavors. A must! Don't forget to ask about their tea workshops. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday; 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday; closed Mondays
Location: 112 Laurier West, corner of St. Urbain; (514) 273-4087
Get there: Laurier Metro
5. Café Dervish
Best known for their home-brewed chai teas and all-vegetarian dishes, Café Dervish is popular with students and media types. And the couches, ample pillows and many variations on chai, from Wake me Up! to spicy ginger to Chainilla ooze comfort so you won't want to leave after one cup. Free wireless internet available. Hours: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday; 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday; 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday; 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday
Location: 2019 St. Denis, below Sherbrooke; (514) 816-1071
Get there: Berri-UQAM Metro
Please note that Café Dervish is relocating from its original Ontario Street location to St. Denis and will reopen in February 2009.
6. Salon de Thé Gryphon d'Or
Haggis with your tea? Sorry, but you'll have to wait till Christmas or another special occasion to partake in Gryphon's gutsy take on the Scottish dish. Gryphon's delectable shortbreads and scones -- claimed by some Monkland Village locals to be the best in Montreal -- will have to do for now. With a simple, almost spartan interior, the only caveat with Gryphon is the opening hours so keep that in mind before gathering the whole family for a weekend tea time. Reservations are a definite must. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday
Location: 5968 Monkland, corner of Royal; (514) 485-7377
Get there: Villa Maria Metro
