a room with a large table set with plates and flowers

Culinary Heritage

Guests wishing to dine at the Fairmont Empress have no shortage of thoughtfully inspired cuisine at their disposal. There are three dining locations and two bars within the premises, as well as dedicated 24-hour room service. Offering a variety of specialties are Q at the Empress, Q Bar, the Lobby Lounge and the Veranda. The hotel is also proud to present Tea at the Empress, where diners can choose from 21 teas, including the Fairmont Empress’s own Empress Blend.

Q at the Empress

As a nod to Queen Victoria, the Q represents Queen and country, with a modern twist on royalty. Located in one of the most storied rooms in Victoria, this must-have culinary experience provides guests with a fresh, contemporary feel, while serving Pacific Northwest cuisine based on regional ingredients. Partnerships with local farmers and artisans, as well as the chef’s own herb and vegetable garden, ensures a fresh, unique meal every time. The carefully curated menu offers sustainably sourced seafood and traditionally raised meats, which pairs well with the excellent selection of wine that earned the 2017 Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator. Enjoy a romantic dinner or a lively social event while taking in the quiet ambiance of the Q.

Q Bar

The Q Bar at Fairmont Empress provides a vibrant selection of signature cocktails, an exhaustive wine list, and a mouthwatering array of local craft beers on tap. Open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., Q Bar has plush couches and ample bar seating with an energetic scene; the perfect setting to create new memories.

The Veranda

Open for the summer season, this is one of the best spots in Victoria for a cocktail, delectable bites, and a view of Victoria’s sparkling Inner Harbour. Share the Empress Spice Kennebec Chips & Dip with caramelized onion sour cream, or the seafood platter for two featuring king crab, oysters, prawns, tuna poke, and hot smoked salmon. Indulge in a stone oven cooked Sausage and Mushroom Pizza, or experience the Pan seared Lake Lois trout with sprouted lentils, cured tomato, and charred lemon.

Tea at the Empress

A grand tradition for over a century, the world-renowned Fairmont Empress has served England’s most beloved ritual of afternoon tea to famed royalty, celebrities, and dignitaries alike. Reinvigorated in the timeless, sophisticated Lobby Lounge, Tea at the Empress will continue this quintessentially Victoria experience. Tea at the Empress is among the world’s most unique tea experiences. To complement the house-made signature Empress scones, pastries, clotted creams, and strawberry preserves with fresh lavender from the rooftop herb garden, are 21 of the finest loose leaf teas available. Featuring the original blend of The Empress Tea and the exceptionally rare Tong Mu Phoenix Lapsang Souchang blend, the tea list is ethically sourced and certified by the Ethical Tea Partnership. Tea at the Empress is an absolute must-do event in Victoria.

One of the quintessential things visitors must experience at the Fairmont Empress is afternoon tea. Tea at the Empress offers guests the choice of 21 loose leaf teas, as well as a beautiful selection of pastries, scones, and sandwiches – all crafted in house. The warm raisin scone is a popular item and the exact recipe is closely guarded secret, and has not been changed in decades. Served warm with clotted cream and house made strawberry lavender jam, warm raisin scones are an integral component of afternoon tea at this historic hotel. Afternoon tea has been served since the day the hotel opened on January 20, 1908.

In-Room Dining

With the Fairmont Empress offering a variety of impeccable dining options and experiences delivered to rooms, guests can enjoy five-star dining in the comfort and convenience of their own rooms.

Recipes

Dishes with a backstory

Savor our kitchen's signature recipes, each dish a flavorful reflection of our hotel's storied past.

Empress Signature Raisin Scone

Empress Signature Raisin Scone Recipe

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