14 Of The Best High Teas In Sydney In 2023 (2023)

Is there anything better than a warm scone slathered with jam and cream, a crustless cucumber sandwich or a perfect, bite-sized eclair? Combine that with a fancy cup of mint tea or a cheeky glass of champagne, and you’ve found yourself the perfect afternoon.

No matter if you’re celebrating a special occasion, catching up with an old friend or having a mother-daughter date, Sydney has some pretty spectacular places to enjoy high tea—here are 14of the best high teas in Sydney.

The Waiting Room

Barangaroo

Get to the elegant, understated waterside space at TWR at Crown Towers Sydney for a high tea experience that's as much about the bubbles as the beautiful treats. Champagne high tea is available between 2pm and 5pm, Friday–Sunday, with various experiences on offer from $105pp. All options include a decadent multi-course menu with the likes of crab salad sandwiches, lobster bon bons with charred lime aioli, mandarin cheesecake mille feuille, and apricot scones, which can be paired with tea or coffee, a glass ofBunnamagoo Blanc de Blancs ($115pp),Veuve Clicquot Rosé ($140pp), orRuinart Blanc de Blancs ($150pp). Read up on all of the champagne options and book your high tea here.

Where: The Waiting Room, Crown Towers Sydney, Barangaroo
When: Friday–Sunday, 2pm–5pm
Cost:Various, from $105pp

The Charles Grand Brasserie

CBD

The Charles haslaunched a daily afternoon tea menu and, having been crafted by its head of pastry Rhiann Mead(who has experience at Harrod's Food Hall, Bennelong and Quay), it's safe to say it's an indulgent afternoon affair. The set afternoon tea is available for $99pp, starting with a glass ofMoët & Chandon to sip alongsidescones, smoked salmon on toasted brioche, brillat-savarin gougères, and a cauliflower and bacon muffin. The dessert trolley then rolls up, loaded with the likes of 28-layer Russian honey cake, tarte aux pralines, hand-made chocolates, macarons and more for you to select three items from. For a special treat, a traditional caviar service with N25 Oscietra is available as an add-on for $140.

The Charles' Afternoon Tea isavailable in the mezzanine level overlooking the main dining room between midday and 5pm, every day. Bookings are required between midday and 3pm, and walk-ins welcome from 3pm—learn more and book here.

Where: The Charles Grand Brasserie, King Street, CBD
When: Daily, 12pm-5pm
Cost: $99pp with champagne or mocktail on arrival, tea and coffee($75 for food only)

QT Sydney

CBD

Australia's dessert king, Adriano Zumbo, has teamed up with fun-loving boutique hotel groupQT for a whimsical high tea at its CBD location. The extravagant QTeaisreminiscent of a Mad Hatter's tea party in the best kind of way; expectpatterned china, gold cutlery, and colourful quirky sofas and chairs to lounge on. The main event is the food, of course, so expect prawn rolls, goats cheese and asparagus tartlets, and Zumbo's signature macarons. As fordrinks, try the High Chai daiquiri or select a few glassesfrom the champagne trolley. Bonus: they also offer gluten-free and plant-based takes. See more here.

Where:QT Sydney Lobby Lounge
When: Saturdays and Sundays, 11am, 1pm, 3pm
Cost:$95–$125 per person

The Langham

The Rocks

The Langhamis one of Sydney's most luxurious hotels, and you can take your high tea to new heights at their restaurant Kitchens on Kent's exclusive afternoon tea by pastry powerhouse Anna Polyviou. You'll be tucking into pastries such as a flourless chocolate roulade, a baked cheesecake with biscuit crunch and a breakfast-inspired mousse with honey cereal financier. On the savoury side of things, expect a mini prawn cocktail, roast chicken and stuffing roll and goats cheese tart, all with Anna's signature twist and stunning presentation. View The Langham's high tea menus (which include a vegan option)and book in here.

Where: The Langham, The Rocks
When:Every day, from 11am
Cost: From $98pp, including a glass of sparkling

Reign AtQVB

CBD

If you’re a big-timecheese fan, get yourself down toReignatQVBto try their dedicated cheese high tea.This savoury spin on afternoon tea—aptly called High Cheese—lets you select three types of cheeseto be enjoyed with lavosh, oat crackers, grapes, quince, chutney, dried fruits and nuts so you can crate your perfect cheesy morsel. Explore their bubbles-focusedlist including champagne flights, cocktails and more, or go all out andpop a bottle. Learn more and make a bookinghere.

Where:Reign atQVB, CBD
When:Daily,until 10pm
Cost:$36pp

The InterContinental Hotel

Double Bay

If you’re looking for an iconic Sydney dining experience, look no further than InterContinental Double Bay’s renowned high tea. The luxe Eastern Suburbshotel is the ideal place to feel like royalty—particularly with its exquisite high tea offering that caters for all tastes and dietaries—they even offer aChildren’s Tea Party filled with quintessential Australian delights. Expect everything from scones and sandwiches to quiches,cakes, and cookies, and accompany your high tea with a grand selection of artisanal loose-leaf teas and bubbly. For more information and to book, head here.

Where: Stillery Bar and Dining Room,InterContinental Double Bay
When: Every day, 11am–5pm
Cost: $85–$389.50 per person

The Waiting Room

Barangaroo

While glitzy casinos and traditional British high teas may not go hand in hand, the Crown's TWR serves up some pretty fabulous views with its high tea offering. TWR islocated right on the waterfront, making itan ideal spot for sunny afternoons spent withgruyere and trufflesandwiches, lobster bon bons, yuzu meringue tarts, and apricot scones—among many other treats. As for drinks, you've got the option to go booze-free and sip tea and coffee, or upgrade to Aussie sparkling or champagne. See the full menu and book your high tea here.

Where: TWR, Crown Towers Sydney, Barangaroo
When: Friday to Sunday, 2pm–5pm
Cost: $105–$150 per person

Loftus Lane

Circular Quay

This gorgeous spot takes its high tea to new heights, serving it on a spinning Ferris wheel instead of the traditional tiered stand. Chow down on smoked salmon tarts, prosciutto brioche, burnt Basque cheesecake and macarons, and pairyour nibbles with bottomless cocktails (their iconic colourful cocktails are a must-try), or the traditional tea and coffee. See the full menu and book inhere.

Where:Loftus Lane Cafe, Circular Quay
When:18 November–25 December
Cost:$59-$159 per person

Hyatt Regency Sydney

CBD

High tea is served with a twist, literally, at the Hyatt Regency, where their G&Tea sessions include a high tea spread featuring native Australian ingredients, and your pick of two fragrant hin and tonics. Menu highlights include native scones with strawberry eucalyptus jam, pork buns with sweet plum sauce, torched aniseed creme brulee, and apple and wattle seed zucotto. See the full menu and book your visit here.

Where: Lobby Lounge, Hyatt Regency Sydney, CBD
When: Saturdays from 2:30pm
Cost: $75pp

Alibi

Woolloomooloo

If you’re looking to shake up your typical high tea date, then head to Alibi inside Ovolo Woolloomooloo. The Ovolo crew have pledged to go veg with itsPlant'd initiative—and its high tea is no exception, givingthis British custom a creative makeover. The menu includes a yuzu cake withcremeux and milk chocolate, white radish andshiitake terrine with hoisin and onion, and roasted pear with maple pecan frangipane, plus tea and coffee. There’s also the option to get a little fancy by addingfree-flowing sparkling rosé orNV Taittinger Prestige Cuvée. To book,head here.

Where: Alibi, Ovolo Woolloomooloo
When:Saturdays andSundays, 12pm–2:30pm
Cost: $70–$210per person

The Tea Room

CBD

If there was ever a place made for the perfect high tea experience then it would be the QVB’s historic Tea Room.Indulge in a delectable selection of petits fours andloose-leaf teas poured from Royal Albert fine china and set with impeccably polished silverware. There’s an array of high tea menus to choose from including Devonshire tea, sandwich plates or light teas on weekdays, plus traditional, gluten-free or children’s high tea any day of the week. Make your afternoon a bit fancier by upgrading to include sparkling wine, a cocktail, or a glass of French champagne. There’s something for everyone at this luxurious spot. View the different menus and book inhere.

Where:The Tea Room at Queen Victoria Building, CBD
When:Every day, 10am–5pm
Cost:$28–$95per person

The Gunners’ Barracks

Mosman

Nestled in the picturesque bushlands of Georges Head with 180-degree views of Sydney Harbour, the Gunners’ Barracks is definitely a top place for high tea in Sydney. This heritage-listed venue honours high tea tradition and is the perfect place for those looking to snack in style. Themenu features freshly baked scones with clotted cream and preserves, finely cut sandwiches, savoury pastries, petit cakes, and a grand selection of 41 different Ronnefeldt teas. You also have the option to add on French champagne, rosé, Australian sparkling wine, or cocktails, and there's an option for the kids. Indulge in this delicate affair by booking here.

Where: Gunners’ Barracks, Mosman
When: Every day, from 10am
Cost: $70–$95per person

Burnt Orange

Mosman

For those searching for a more casual high tea that still offers sparkling views of theharbour and surrounding bushland, head to Burnt Orange. You’ll be able to soak up the incredible views whilefeasting on a charming assortment of savoury and sweet treats including choux buns, macarons, scones, and quiches, plus the venue'ssignature Burnt Orange tart with blood orange curd and Swiss meringue. You'll also score alarge pot of tea,or you can upgrade to a sparkling high tea for an extra $10 a head.Find out more here.

Where: Burnt Orange, Mosman
When: Fridayfrom 12pm, Saturday and Sunday from 3.30pm
Cost: $60–$670per person

Altitude At The Shangri-La Hotel

The Rocks

Take afternoon tea to great new heightsat Altitude, 36levels above the city. You'll getthree tiers of sweet creations and savoury treats, all whileenjoying some of the most breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour. Savourbarbecued pulled duck brioche sliders, tuna tartare, and raspberry pavlova, paired with tea,coffee, aglass of bubbles, or free-flowing sparkling vino.Find out more here.

Where: Altitude, The Shangri-La Hotel, The Rocks
When: Monday to Sunday, 12pm–2pm or 2.30pm–4pm
Cost: $74-$140 per person

Estate Vaucluse House

Vaucluse

Set amongst the sprawling, harbourfrontgrounds of Nielsen Park, Vaucluse House is one of the most picturesque settings for a high tea. Dine on the likes of finger sandwiches, pithiviers, wild mushroomtarts, mini chocolate eclairs, buttermilk scones, and more. The high tea includes coffee, tea and a glass of Aussie sparkling, but you can also tack on champagne for an additional $22 or a lychee cocktail for$10. See the seasonal menu and reserve your spot here.

Where: Estate Vaucluse House, Vaucluse
When:Wednesday to Sunday, 11am–3pm
Cost:$70 per person

For more sweet indulgence, check out this list of the bestdoughnuts in Sydney.

Image credit: Shangri-La Sydney, The Waiting Room, The Charles (Steven Woodburn), QT Hotels, The Langham, Loftus Lane (Leigh Griffiths), Reign at the QVB, Intercontinental, Hyatt Regency Sydney, Ovolo Hotels, The Gunners Barracks