More and more places to have high tea are springing up all across Melbourne. There is a wide range of options for enjoying high tea, from historic establishments steeped in custom to modern spots that put their own unique spin on things.
We have compiled a list of the top locations to enjoy high tea in Melbourne, so whether you're looking for a traditional afternoon of indulgence or a new twist, you'll find something to your liking.
A cup of hot tea is the perfect way to perk up after a long day. It goes well with light appetizers and desserts that can be devoured in one bite, making it the ideal lunch to accompany long conversations. If this describes your perfect Sunday, then view the places for high tea in Melbourne to put it to the test yourself.
FAQs Places For High Tea In Melbourne
High tea is a British tradition that originated in the mid-1800s as a late afternoon meal typically consisting of tea, sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, cakes, and pastries. It was originally intended to be a more substantial meal than afternoon tea, which was a lighter, more social affair that typically involved just tea and small cakes or pastries.
The Tea Room QVB in Sydney isn’t the only place to have pleasant afternoon tea. You’ll find many similar options in Melbourne, including the following: 10. The Windsor You can’t have a list of the best high tea in Melbourne without including The Windsor.
Afternoon tea or the classic high tea has seen a resurgence in Melbourne, so too has the return to elegance in fashion. Tea, cucumber sandwiches and petit fours in a venue that boasts class and elegance seems to never go out of style.
High tea is served every day between 2.30 and 5.00. The staff are incredibly friendly and attentive. The Westin does its take on high tea with High Cheese at The Westin Melbourne.
High tea is traditionally a formal affair, so it's a good idea to dress up a bit. While some venues may have dress codes, in general, it's best to wear smart casual attire, such as a dress or skirt and blouse for women, and a collared shirt and dress pants for men. Avoid wearing sneakers or flip-flops, and try to avoid overly casual clothing like shorts or t-shirts.
High Tea Melbourne
The High Tea, which originated with in seventeenth century as a supplement for lunch and dinner, has evolved into a social affair appropriate for a king or queen. Several of these locations are sure to be long remembered by those who attended. Melbourne is home to a plethora of comparable establishments, such as
The Windsor
There is no definitive ranking of Melbourne's finest high tea establishments that does not include The Windsor. The hotel has been offering afternoon tea with fancy ribbon sandwiches and fresh pastries since 1883. Choices that don't include gluten are also on the menu. To bring the high tea experience into your own house, hire a private catering service. They look forward to being of assistance to you.
This big dame is truly exceptional, reeking of the glitz and elegance of a bygone era. It has been welcoming people since it first opened in 1883. The decor here is more subtle and elegant than the ostentatious glitz of some so-called "luxury" hotels, with nice furnishings, high ceilings, and charming leadlight accents. The staff is kind and helpful, offering advice on where to go out and even providing guests with toothbrushes if they forget theirs.
Each room is luxurious, complete with a plush king size bed, a marble bathroom, and fluffy bathrobes and slippers. If you really want to splurge, though, the Victorian Suite at 122 square meters has a dining room, a separate lounge, and a second bedroom. The suite looks and feels less like a hotel room and more like a 19th-century Parisian apartment of the wealthy due to the two walls of windows. The two LCD TVs, strong water pressure, and high-end toiletries in the bathroom won't detract from the authentic feel of the 19th-century decor, but they will ensure a restful night's sleep.
The Windsor's convenient location on Spring Street makes it a great home base for exploring the state capital, Melbourne Museum, the Princess, Comedy, or Her Majesty's Theaters in the Old Treasury Building.
Crown Melbourne Conservatory
High tea is also served in the Conservatory, another of the Crown's elegant spaces. On the weekends, you may enjoy an assortment of delicious open sandwiches, sweet desserts, and scones during the restaurant's weekly afternoon tea.
Sheraton Afternoon Tea
Guests of The Sheraton Hotel may expect a high tea with a touch of French elegance. Their Little Collins St. Kitchen serves up warm scones, a gruyere quiche, and salmon and crème Fraiche finger sandwiches. In the Melbourne Sheraton Hotel, the cozy atmosphere at Little Collins Street Kitchen complements the European-inspired dishes served.
It's a great place to have a date or bring the whole family for a feast at the seafood buffet. It serves all three meals of the day, from breakfast to dinner, and even has specials like high tea before the theater.
Wedgwood Afternoon Tea
The Langham's "Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood" is a bespoke take on the classic afternoon ritual, created in partnership with the venerable ceramics manufacturer. The hotel's pastry chefs crafted elaborate meals to accompany the Wedgwood specialty teas served in custom-made "Langham Rose" Wedgwood teaware.
Savor delectable morsels of tea time fare presented on excellent Wedgwood ware. Help yourself to a glass of bubbly champagne or have one of our Tea Sommeliers assist you in choosing the ideal blend to accompany your goodies.
Royal St Collins High Tea
Never let it be stated that your morning cup of tea can only be enjoyed at a specific time of day Royal St. Collins not only serves a traditional high tea, but also a high breakfast tea, where you may indulge in scrumptious pastries and other goodies. A delightful morning includes fruit salad, jam-filled pastries, and beautiful droplets of Harney & Sons tea. You can also stick to more conventional menu items like point sandwiches, a miniature dessert platter, and rose water scones.
In the middle of St Collins Lane, you'll find the European-style cafe Royal St Collins, which is known for its sumptuous high tea, rich breakfast, beautiful lunch, and luscious desserts. Typical breakfast items include ham and eggs in toasted brioche, a European take on the classic, and the signature pasta dish is a pumpkin & mushroom farfalle, a twist on the traditional.
Miniature pastries with jam, finger sandwiches, seasonal fruit in a cup, Greek yogurt, your choice of coffee or tea, and champagne or local sparkling wine are all part of a traditional high tea spread.
Werribee Park Mansion Hotel
The Mansion Hotel in Werribee Park is a regular hangout for Werribee's upper crust every Sunday afternoon. The hotel's distinctive high tea series was developed in collaboration with T2, and it features an extravagant buffet of sweet and savory delicacies served in a truly regal atmosphere.
Intercontinental Melbourne High Tea Degustation
Does the idea of a multi-course high tea sound familiar? Those who haven't experienced it yet are missing out. If you visit The Intercontinental for high tea, you can enjoy a degustation menu with four dishes. The meal begins with buttermilk scones and progresses via finger sandwiches before arriving at the main course. When the meal is over, you can select a sweet from a dessert trolley.
Conservatory Afternoon Tea
If you're looking for a refined setting to enjoy Melbourne's finest high tea, look no further than The Conservatory, where you'll feel as though you've been transported to a traditional French tea salon. The restaurant is well known for its lunch and supper buffets, but it also serves afternoon tea on the weekends. Famous for Marike van Beurden's seasonal fruit pastries.
There's a brand-new afternoon tea service at the conservatory called "In Full Bloom," and it's a celebration of spring. Strawberry as well as rose Mille Feuille tartlets, raspberry and hibiscus profiteroles, and other handcrafted spring delicacies can be found on high tea stands and dessert buffets. Spring floral cupcakes , pistachio as well as earl grey chocolate friands are also available. The Conservatory is another restaurant offers premium buffet featuring delectable meals from around the world, including a vast selection of different cuisines.
Whether you're craving sushi, a Western dish, an Eastern dish, or an Indian dish, you'll find it here. After that, round up your meal with a visit to the chocolate fountain at the dessert bar, a hit with guests of all ages.
We highly recommend making a reservation for lunch or dinner, but walk-ins are welcome for breakfast.
Adelphi Hotel Om Nom
For those who have dined at Om Nom, the Adelphi Hotel's, you’ll know that they do things a variant here and there Even the weekend high tea at the restaurant is a special occasion, with special cuisine and presentation.
Housed within a massive building from 1938 on the heart of the thriving City, Flinders Lane,
Hotel guests that place a premium on convenience, style, and service will enjoy their stay at the Adelphi. Boutique hotels like The Adelphi are known for their beautiful design, and this one is no exception.
Although Hachem updated the hotel's look in 2013, maybe it's not as posh as the Westin Hotel that sits directly across the street. Adelphi's great atmosphere is, however, to your benefit, especially when you consider that it is located next to few of the city's most popular eateries.
The Adelphi only has 34 rooms, therefore the decor can be more whimsical. The king-sized bed is the comfortable focal point of the room, surrounded by kooky lamps, fluffy carpets, and armchairs that aren't particularly useful yet are still adorable. Minibars stocked with free food and non-alcoholic beverages are included, as are flat TVs (with non-stop movies) and rainfall showerheads in the big bathrooms.
Peckish? To your good fortune. If you plan to stay at the Adelphi, you'll be within walking distance of several excellent restaurants, including the Français-Vietnamese Coda, the city's most popular restaurant Chin Chin (if you're up for queueing a long line) and the Japanese eatery Supernormal. Om Nom Dessert Restaurant, located on the lower level of the Adelphi, is a dessert lover's dream.
It would be improper if we didn't mention the roof. Its cantilevered glass bottom extends out over Flinders Lane to the rooftop pool at one of Melbourne's most iconic pools at Adelphi. Most days, you can go swimming first thing in the morning. Otherwise, Friday night is great for a dip in the pool and a drink after work.
Park Hyatt
Have a relaxing afternoon drinking in a hidden spot amidst the trees. In the high tea at Park Hyatt Melbourne a variety of little pastries, sandwiches, and scones. Having high tea here is wonderful idea for any occasion, from a bridal shower to a way to spice up your weekend.
Rendezvous Hotel
Enjoy a delicious assortment of high tea treats while you unwind in a charming setting. The Rendezvous Hotel provides a traditional high tea service with a choice of sparkling wine, coffee, or tea. Also available are finger sandwiches, scones, and assorted pastries.
Are you in the mood for something a little more luxurious? Stop by the hotel and get the Heritage High Tea they provide. There will be a spectacular chocolate fountain in addition to the generous table of seasonal desserts. A glass of sparkling chardonnay will also be brought to the table for you.
Marriott
The Melbourne Marriott Hotel is known because it has the best high tea I've ever had. Miniature scones, macaroons, and sandwiches are just some of the tasty treats that make up the afternoon tea, which is appropriately named Three Plates High. Marriott's Tea Forte is among the best in the industry.
NGV International
The NGV is hosting a champagne high tea in collaboration with the Yering Station winery in the Yarra Valley. A variety of savory bites, such as Wagyu beef sausage rolls , roast pepper as well as mozzarella tartlets, will be served alongside freshly cut finger sandwiches. All of this is served with your choice of tea or coffee and a glass of (2013) Yarrabank Cuvée or (2013) Yarrabank Brut Rosé from Yering Station. The Tea Room, like the remainder of the NGV, has a spare decor to match the remainder of the museum.
Black Star Pastry's delicious cakes are available as an add-on for $12. The oldest and most visited art museum in Australia may be found in this stunning modernist structure on St. Kilda Road. This distinction is due to the consistently high quality of the gallery's permanent collection, the impressive quality of its visiting collections, and the wide variety of supplementary programs it hosts for both locals and visitors.
Although though it has only been open since the mid-1800s, the gallery's permanent collection already features works by Rembrandt, Bonnard, and Tiepolo. The NGV's water wall is a must first stop for all visitors, and we know it's tempting to put your hand in. The gallery's main shows are often displayed on the ground floor, beneath the Great Hall's famous boiled-lolly-like stained glass roof.
Permanent collections and smaller visiting exhibitions are located on the upper floors. Keep a watchful check on any juvenile inmates planning an escape, as the huge chambers reminiscent of the colonial era are easy to get lost in. Do not visit the NGV without spending a hefty chunk of time location: The Gallery of the Nineteenth Century (or Salon Gallery). 'Anguish' by August Friedrich Schenck, one of the most colorful works in the collection, is displayed in this room, which got its moniker from the way the paintings were hung.
Plan on spending the better part of a day here; take advantage of the many dining options available, including the elegant Tea Room's high tea, pastries, and light meals, and the more casual Garden Restaurant's cuisine, which changes with the seasons.
Arts Centre Melbourne High Tea Live
To what else could you compare the marriage of food and music? So arts Centre Melbourne is treating Melburnians by playing music from the swing, rock, cabaret, and opera genres as they indulge in sweets and tea. High Tea Live will feature a variety of performers at each event, from jazz vocalists to didgeridoo master William Barton. In particular, on November 4th and December 2nd, both Sundays.
Indulge in a sophisticated day with a modern twist at High Tea Live, which has been recognized as one of Melbourne's top high teas. To begin, enjoy a glass of Azahara bubbly as you are greeted, and then dive into a three-tiered stand of delicious sweet and savory treats served alongside freshly prepared tea and coffee. While taking in a private performance by some of Australia's most talented musicians. Enjoy a high-quality cultural program with your high tea, ranging from jazz and modern music to cabaret and Broadway classics.
Gânache High Tea
Anytime upon request in Gânache’s South Yarra This high tea serves both sweet and savory treats at a reasonable price (around $46 per person) and does not put on airs. Top sellers include the honeycomb sticks, which are sweetened with honey collected from the store's rooftop, the hazelnut fan slice, and the brownie mousse slice.
To offset the sugar rush, toasties and quiche can be eaten while still leaving room for a hot chocolate –The flavor is intense despite the high fat content. Instead of the pomp and circumstance of more formal high teas, guests can enjoy a more casual atmosphere while still feeling pampered.
To put it simply, Gânache Chocolate is a sensory extravaganza. Cases and windows are decked out with beautifully packaged chocolate gifts, such as chocolate figurines and bars covered with intricate designs and crafted from the highest quality couverture chocolate.
You'll be lured inside this sugary haven by the aroma of freshly baked macaroons, French-style patisserie delicacies, and a rich variety of hot chocolates. All of Gânache's wares are handcrafted in the shop's upstairs kitchen using fresh, high-quality ingredients obtained from nearby purveyors wherever possible.
Sofitel Melbourne
The Sofi Lounge is a spacious room adorned with beautiful artwork and flowers, perfect for afternoon tea. The buffet features a variety of finger sandwiches, scones, and cakes, in addition to the freshly made tea. Is your sweet tooth aching? The chocolate fountain wouldn't be the same without a little dipping, so go ahead and indulge in some pastries. Tea, sandwiches, pastries, and alcoholic beverages are all available at Sofi's Lounge, which is located on the hotel's first level.
Stop by on the weekends for a glass of champagne and a high tea spread that includes hot and cold savory bites, freshly baked scones, cakes, and desserts. Sofi's is an excellent spot to hold a business meeting throughout the week due to its abundance of windows, high ceiling, and afternoon tea.
Hopetoun Tearooms High Tea
Melbourne's historic Block Arcade is home to the Hopetoun Tea Rooms, which first opened as a Victorian Women Work Association tea shop. There is usually a line out the door at this Melbourne institution because it has become so popular.
The Hopetoun requires advance reservations for its high tea service. A variety of tasty treats, both savory and sweet, are delivered to you in a tiered stand. The scones, double cream, and jam at the Hopetoun's high tea are prepared fresh daily.
Hopetoun Tea Rooms is the place to go for a warm cup of tea and a raised pinky. Typical items on a three-tiered French pastry stand include quiche lorraine, roast beef sandwiches, petit fours, and seasonal fruits and vegetables. You can feel comfortable celebrating holidays like Mother's Day here since they provide special delicacies. A window display of delectable sweets is worth seeing even if you're only passing by.
Nova Cinema
Cinema Nova's Deluxe High Tea is a must-visit for any film buff with a taste for fine dining. Sip on some champagne, Pimm's, or iced tea while snacking on some delicious pastries, sandwiches, and other small bites. An entry ticket is included in the price of your $45 high tea.
Cinema Nova is Melbourne's premier arthouse and modern cinema, hosting premieres, special screenings, Q&As, Nova Deluxe, film festivals, the Cinema Nova Bar, and CineTrivia on a monthly basis. Cinema Nova, with its 16 screens, is known for showing first-run and art house films alongside mainstream commercial fare. Everything presented in an inviting, cozy space with some truly impressive architecture.
Westin Melbourne
At The Westin, you can have unlimited tea and delicious pastries. Enjoy the hotel's updated versions of old favorites including vanilla scones, macarons, tartlets, and éclairs in the lobby lounge.
Do you intend to bring the young ones along? The restaurant has a menu designed especially for kids. It is recommended that you visit The Westin's website for up-to-date information on the high tea selections available during each season.
Café Blush Emporium Melbourne
Do you want to spice up your high tea with something new and exciting? Check out Café Blush, located in Melbourne's Central Business District. The sophisticated and lavish decor may give the impression that this is a classic tea room, but it is actually much more. It offers a wide variety of traditional French sweets alongside high tea with a Japanese-Italian fusion twist. A creme brulee flavored with Earl Grey, anyone? To which the only appropriate reaction is "fine, when do we go?"
Conclusion
Would a sandwich of smoked salmon and cucumbers be enough to entice you? How about a tea sommelier guiding you through the many options while you snack on a miniature cupcake? High tea's obvious sense of old-world luxury—not to mention its ability to rationalize a meal dominated by cakes—make it a treat for any foodie. We put the greatest Melbourne spots for afternoon tea through their paces so you don't have to.
