Gryphon D’or Tearoom
5968 Monkland Ave. /Hampton
Montreal, Quebec
H4A 2L2
Telephone: (514) 485-7377

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Cost: $ 64.50
Chef Hats: 4

The Gryphon D’or Tearoom has been serving great comfort food for approximately twenty-one years on Monkland Avenue in the borough of Notre Dame de Grace. They are known for having some of the best scones in Montreal. But it does not stop here, the small yet cozy quaint tearoom, also now serves late breakfasts and brunch, lunch and take-out. It is the perfect place for a quiet break, fantastic homemade meals or a just a pot of tea with friends and family.

The shop was started and previously owned by a woman named Peggy Regan. The origins in the name of the cafe is of Celtic origin and contrary to our beliefs, the moniker is not for and has no reference to the house of Gryffindor from Harry Potter Books, but it is a good way to draw in the kids for breakfast.In 2012, Donna Malin took over from Peggy and has turned it into what it is today, a full-service café serving great breakfasts, healthy and comforting lunches and a wonderful tea service in the afternoon.

Aside from having some of the best scones in Montreal, le Gryphon D’or specialty lies in their afternoon Tea and Dessert Service, where everything is freshly homemade and absolutely delectable. A must here is an order of their three-tier tray of delicacies for $ 25.00 per person. Along with two warm scones, cream, jams and a pot of tea of your preference of twelve teas. You will also receive a beautiful presented tray containing smoked salmon canapes, heart shaped eggs salad sandwiches, cucumber sandwiches and homemade shortbread cookies shaped like teapots, and tons of little mignardises that will have you in awe.

The day we walked in, we were greeted with such warmth that it is easy to see how it totally permeates the entire locale. Aside from the hues or warm pumpkin and yellow sunflower that warm up the place like an Indian summer in Autumn, the aura is genuine and real. The Café is small yet cozy and comfortable. The atmosphere is calm and peaceful. A plethora of original art lines the walls which is so apropos for this artsy community. The wooden tables and chairs further add to the rustic atmosphere of unpretentiousness.

 

Our waiter, was very accommodating and patient in finding us a table that would accommodate our group. After playing switcheroo with our table a few times, we settled in, and quickly perused the menu and placed our order. Our decision was unanimous, we were all having the Afternoon Tea Service, all except for one of our tea buddies went with lunch menu; which consisted of a bean soup and salad that looked superb and tasted divine.

To share among six, we received two three-tier dessert tray that contained everything from sandwiches to miniature desserts. But beforehand we each received two warm scones with a plethora of jams, crème fraiche, homemade marmalade of bourbon infused peach/orange citrus, lemon custard and caramel spread.Everything was beautifully presented in separate bowls, along with our choice of tea that was given to us in our own teapots and were refillable at no extra cost.Everything was exceptionally fresh. I particularly like the cucumber sandwiches which had a hint of tzatziki and went well with the cucumber, very refreshing. The heart shaped egg sandwiches also hit the spot. The mignardises consisted of a lemon curd cake square, pecan cake, chocolate cake and mini beer mugs with blueberry and cream. The latter being one of my favorites. I chose the Earl Grey Cream Tea which reminded me of a London Fog and I was set for a cool two hours of relaxation, good conversation and fun.

I strongly recommend this tearoom, located just west of trendy Monkland village, it is open seven days a week starting at 11:30 am to 8pm daily and on weekends starting earlier at 10 am for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.