Tea Store

Roaming around the market buying random things and I stumbled upon the Tea Store. Being a tea advocate I walked in as I usually do and I sniffed the living crap out of all the teas that caught my eye.
I have to say I was really disappointed. All the teas were sort of dull and seemed almost stale. They stored them in clear glass jars with creative artwork and names for each tea but the teas were not very impressive at all.
I really really wanted to buy tea but even for the inexpensive prices I didn’t end up buying any of them.
The only plus were their tea accessories which were super quirky and fun and the actual store itself. It was very quaint and seemed like a good place to sit and be mellow.
Overall this place was very unimpressive…

A nice, cosy place, quiet so you can have a normal conversation. They have a large collection of tea, but specialize in fusions. Helas, they store the tea in glass bottles instead of tin cans so the tea will lose it’s quality over time. The staff is really friendly and helpful.

I’ve shopped at a lot of tea stores and when I am in Ottawa, I always stop and the Tea Store.
They have a wide selection of teas that you can choose from. Just pull a jar down, take a whiff of the tea, and if you like it, they will package it for you. They sell their tea in 50g or 100g increments. Overall, this place is reasonably priced and they have great tea blends for every palette.

Awesome location and amazing tea. Also had a great piece of pie. This is a nice relaxing place to have a cup of tea! I would highly recommend it.

Amazing store. One of my ultimate favourites in the market hands down. I love going in for a pot of tea with friends and relaxing. They have the best selection of loose teas (I recommend the Lavender Tea and the Sleeping Beauty Tea) and the prices are great. The staff is always friendly and will custom blend for you if you want. If you want a real treat try their Peanut Butter Nanimo Bar with a cup if Earl Grey. you won’t regret it.

This store is a great stop in the market. An amazing assortment of teas, friendly staff and affordable prices. A pot of tea for two costs around $ 5 and the variety of teas will suit anyone’s taste. There is not a lot of seating, so it can get a bit cramped at times, and their hours are a bit crazy (closing at 7PM?! I’m just getting ready for a nice evening cup of tea, especially during various festivals and parties near the market).
The one complain I have (I suppose in general) is a lot of the teas have added sweeteners or flavours. Please be sure to read the ingredients so you can know what you’re getting.
I purchase a lot of tea by Metropolitan, along with other brands, that are top notch.

It’s really inexpensive. I can go in there with a friend and for 5 $($ 2.50 each), share a pot of tea, and have it served to us at a table.
They have a really great selection of tea.
It is much more inexpensive than Teavana and the tea is much better quality.
And then have a great selection of pre-​bagged tea, such as the Metropolitan Tea Company.

The «Tea Store» located on York St the Byward Market has indeed a great selection of very average teas and is sort of a nice place to sit while sipping. However, their teas are not the best and mostly include artificial flavours and additives and unless you keep your selection very basic. I don’t mind paying more for a special tea but I have yet to try anything that really impressed. After repeatedly shopping at this store (I have been in at least 10 times) I will never return. It’s not the average teas but the awful staff that really set the negative tone. Every single time I have asked questions I have been made to feel stupid and wished I hadn’t bothered. Not once have I been given a straightforward answer and not once have I left there with any product worth while. I have likely spent over $ 100 dollars in the past year (which I will agree is not a fortune) but every time I leave, I feel sorry that I returned. The last time I was there, I even found myself apologizing for asking whether or not «natural flavour» was indeed natural flavour, I was humiliated by a certain red haired staff member and it was not the first time. After being informed that this was essential oils of flowers, one sip told me it was certainly not. In fact it was anything but. The teas are also brewed extremely hot and this is a sure way to ruin any good leaf. Tea store, you do not deserve such rave reviews and I hope you hire someone that actually feels a bit of passion and interest toward the ancient art of tea. Thumbs down. From now on I will always visit the tiny tea shop located right inside the Byward Market, Their teas are truly made from real flowers and contain no artificial additives. The best part is that the staff are so sweet and friendly and always pleased to answer any questions without making me feel sorry or stupid.

Located in the Byward Market, this is a great stop for an afternoon tea and perhaps a light snack. The selection of blends of teas is fantastic. To the best of my knowledge, the blends are mostly made in-​house there (but don’t quote me on that until I verify it!). The décor is cheerful, chairs are comfortable and life is good.
Would I return: Yes
Would I recommend: Yes

We came upon this store while looking around the Byward Market for a place to hang out for a bit. They have a fantastic collection of teas, but their organic varieties are limited. The girl at the counter was happy to help us sniff any of the offerings on the shelf and made suggestions based on our preferences. What was nice was that they didn’t rush us at all; we sat comfortably for a couple of hours. We bought some «Mighty Leaf» brand tea and it was $ 16.99 whereas we buy the same thing at Longo’s for $ 9.99 (but they’ve been out of the green tea we like so since we’d stumbled upon it we figured we’d pick some up) so for that reason, and the fact that the store is lit up like a highschool cafeteria, it doesn’t get 5 stars but I would go there again.

Great tea shop!
They have a wonderful selection of teas, and lots of room to enjoy a cup or two (their prices are reasonable — $ 2/​cup) .
My favorite thing about this place is that they are more than willing to make you your own speciality blend. I’ve had two very specific requests and I’ve gotten wonderful mixes (where they record the ingredients and the quantities for you too!).
Also — their tea tools (strainers, spoons, etc.) are cheaper than any where else I’ve seen.
Great place, friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgable staff, great atmosphere!

I have been to The Tea Store about 10 times in the past year. If all you want is a place to drink tea, than I do suggest this place. They have a huge selection of teas and great atmosphere.
However, all of that can be destroyed by one simple thing: their staff. They all come across as pretentious tea snobs who do not treat those without a fine knowledge of tea with respect. Actually, I was there this past Sunday and met one gentleman working behind the bar who was nice. However, the rest are unbelievably rude.
If you are simply in the market and want some tea leaves, I highly suggest the little shop located across the street. I am not sure of the exact name, but it is in the same mini mall as the place that sells «Obama Cookies».
If you are new to tea and simply looking to learn, I would avoid this place.

I dropped into the store to get some tea leaves as I knew I was running out. When I walked in I saw a pretty good sized tea store that had more than just tea!
The place had some pastries and you could buy tea and sit and relax.
I was on a mission though and went looking for some tea leaves. The only problem was that there was so much tea in the place I got a little side tracked. They seem to have all kinds of different combinations of teas and some sounded great, while others, not so much.
I bought a cup to try and it was ok. I’m looking forward to making a pot of the tea leaves I bought and will update this when I can give a report on the quality of the tea leaves.
The place on Bank St I used to get tea leaves from closed down but their leaves were always really fresh and always had great flavour. Some places seem to have no flavour in their tea leaves or at times… tasted almost stale!
Update: I tried the tea leaves and they’re alright. Same type I used to buy all the time but not as good as the place that used to be on Bank St near the highway but definitely not bad.

Cute little place that can be overlooked (placed in the middle of the market but next to random stores).
Love the whole concept of being able to sit and enjoy a pot of tea and scones with others. The scones are served with whipped cream, jam, and butter. Delicious.
Reasonable prices, and hundreds of different tea selections to chose from.
I would recommend the blooming tea if you want something light, also pretty to look at.
Great to catch up on a book or to get some work done. Bringing your laptop is okay.
Huge glass windows, which allows a good view of the market, and people watching if you’re feeling creepy.

This is a great little shop in ByWard Market. They have such a wide variety of teas in boxes and bags, and loose leaf tea in jars, as well as other tea-​related items and products. There are literally hundreds of different kinds of teas from all over the world. I love that they have such an international selection, from Asia, Africa, and Europe. Black, green, white, herbal, organic and natural, specialty, fruity, spicy, flavored, and even flowers. they have it all!
You can even take a seat, drink some tea, and have a little snack in-​store. Though this is a specialty store, the prices are not at all as high as you would think. Their location and selection make it incredibly convenient, so if you’re looking for something in particular, something different, or even a unique gift, this is a place you want to check out.

With over 200 varieties of tea, The Tea Store is probably the biggest provider of tea in Ottawa. They definitely have the most creative combination of teas and herbs, which can sometimes yield surprisingly good results… other times, not so good. The quality of their tea is highly satisfactory and it’s almost impossible to not find what you’re looking for. They also carry a variety of high quality bagged tea and tea accessories.
The Tea Store is somewhat cluttered since it’s a store and a café, but I still enjoy coming here for tea and dessert, even if it means getting bumped into once or twice while I eat. They also serve a few lunch items too.
The staff is consistently attentive and the prices are moderate ($ 7.25-$ 8.50 per 100g).