Looking for an incredible high tea around Sydney? If you fancy making the trek ‘over the bridge’ from the North Shore, there are lots of incredible places in and around Sydney that also offer an indulgent high tea experience – like The Rocks, Darling Harbour, Barangaroo and some fancy hotels in the city.
Is there anything better than a crustless cucumber sandwich, a warm scone slathered with jam and cream or a selection of sweet pastries? Wash it down with a fancy cup of Earl Grey or a cheeky glass of bubbles, and you’ve found yourself the perfect High Tea in Sydney!
Whether you’re celebrating a Hen’s Day, Baby Shower or a Milestone Birthday… or simply having a long-overdue catch up with girlfriends, Sydney has some stunning venues to enjoy a decadent High Tea. Here are our pick of the best!
Best spots for High Tea in Sydney
- Park Hyatt Sydney’s The Living Room, The Rocks
- Shangri-La Hotel Sydney, The Rocks
- Sir Stamford, Circular Quay
- The Tea Room QVB, Town Hall
- InterContinental Sydney, Circular Quay
- Swissôtel Sydney, Sydney CBD
- Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Sydney CBD
- Bottega Coco, Barangaroo
- TWR at Crown Sydney, Barangaroo
Or if you prefer something closer to home, check out our list of Best Spots for High Tea on the North Shore.
What is High Tea?
High tea, often referred to as “afternoon tea,” is a British tradition that involves a light meal typically served in the late afternoon. High tea is thought to have originated in the 19th century as a way for the working class to have a substantial meal after a day of work, whereas low tea was a more elegant affair traditionally associated with the upper class.
What can you expect to eat at a High Tea?
High tea usually consists of a combination of savoury and sweet dishes, served alongside tea and possibly a glass of champagne or sparkling wine. The menu may include items such as:
- Sandwiches or finger sandwiches: These are small, delicate sandwiches with various fillings like cucumber, smoked salmon, egg salad, ham, and more.
- Scones: These are small, slightly sweet, baked goods that are often served with clotted cream and jam.
- Cakes and pastries: A selection of pastries like petit fours, tarts, cakes, and other sweet treats are commonly served.
- Small savory items: Quiches, mini pies, sausage rolls, and similar items might also be included.
- Tea: A variety of tea blends are offered, such as black tea, herbal tea, and sometimes even champagne.
How is High Tea served?
High tea is typically served on a tiered stand, with the savory items on the bottom tier, followed by the scones in the middle tier, and the sweets on the top tier. It’s a social occasion that encourages conversation and relaxation. The term “high tea” can sometimes be confusing because in some parts of the world, it’s used to refer to a more formal tea, but in the traditional British context, it’s the opposite – a heartier meal served later in the day.
High Tea around The Rocks, Sydney
1. Park Hyatt Sydney’s The Living Room
High Tea at Park Hyatt Sydney’s Dining Room
Delight in the exclusive ambience of Park Hyatt Sydney’s Dining Room. With its floor-to-ceiling glass windows and plush sofas, afternoon tea in The Dining Room is the perfect homage to a bygone era. Enjoy the glittering harbour as your backdrop, as you dine on delicate finger sandwiches, warm scones served with jam and clotted cream, and a platter of miniature cakes, tartlets and macarons. An elegant flute of Moët & Chandon Rosé Champagne is served to add a little celebration to this delightful afternoon experience.
- Address: Park Hyatt Sydney, 7 Hickson Road, The Rocks
- Available: Friday – Sunday, 12.00pm – 3:30pm
- Cost: Afternoon tea with NV Taittinger ‘Cuvée Prestige’ Champagne $125 pp | Afternoon tea with NV Paul Bara, Grand Rosé de Bouzy Grand Cru Champagne $140 pp
- Website: parkhyattsydneydining.com/the-living-room
2. Shangri-La Hotel Sydney
High Tea at Shangri-La Hotel Sydney
You have a few options for high tea when it comes to Shangri-La Hotel. You can go the traditional route and indulge in a Traditional Afternoon Tea (expect macarons, mille-feuille, delice, verrine, a selection of savoury creations and scones with clotted cream and housemade preserve). Or you can enjoy a high tea buffet with the sweetest Sydney Harbour views at Blu Bar on 36. Executive Pastry Chef Anna Polyviou dishes up some daring creations, while you enjoy a sparkling on arrival. There is also an option to enjoy free flowing cocktails!
- Address: Shangri-La Hotel, Blu Bar on 36, 176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks
- Options: Weekdays priced from $79 pp $89 pp inc. one glass of sparkling wine | Weekends priced from $94 per person for high tea with tea and coffee, $104 per person including one glass of sparkling wine,
- Website: shangri-la.com
3. Sir Stamford, Circular Quay
Sir Stamford, Circular Quay
Enjoy this most English of traditions surrounded by exquisite antiques and charming artworks, in the understated elegance and warm ambiance of Sir Stamford at Circular Quay – the perfect setting for an afternoon of indulgence. These high teas from Sir Stamford include fluffy scones served with jam & double cream; a selection of sweet & savoury pastries and tea or coffee. For the ultimate indulgence, add a glass of Sparkling wine to your Elegance High Tea.
They are happy to cater for all special diets (gluten free and others^).
- Address: Sir Stamford, 93 Macquarie Street, Sydney
- Available: Saturday and Sundays, 11.00am – 2.30pm
- Cost: Elegance High Tea – $85
- Website: stamford.com.au
High Tea in the city of Sydney
4. The Tea Room QVB
High Tea at the Tea Rooms in the QVB
Whisk your dearest to High Tea in The Tea Room QVB, and immerse yourself in old-world charm. Located in the former Grand Ballroom of the city’s Queen Victoria Building, The Tea Room QVB is open daily for a decadent high tea service. Indulge in a truly unique experience from Royal Albert fine china and British silverware settings, to the delectable selection of petits fours prepared by our award-winning patissier. They also have a special children’s high tea on offer, with a selection of sandwiches and treats.
- Address: Queen Victoria Building, Level 3, North End QVB, 455 George St, Sydney
- Available: Daily, 10am to closing time
- Cost: Traditional High Tea – $70 | Sparkling High Tea – $80 | Children’s High Tea – $50 | Cocktail High Tea – $85
- Website: thetearoom.com.au
5. InterContinental Sydney
High Tea at the InterContinental Sydney
InterContinental Sydney’s High Tea experience is a careful curation of beloved classics alongside their modern interpretations. A selection of organic Mayde Teas and a glass of Australian sparkling wine complement three tiers of house-made sweets and savouries, divined by executive chef Matt Hart and his world-class pastry team.
- Address: InterContinental Sydney, 117 Macquarie St, Circular Quay, Sydney
- Available: Saturday and Sunday | 12:00pm to 2:00pm or 2:30pm to 4:30pm
- Cost: The Treasury High Tea – $89 weekdays $99 weekends | Children’s Tea Party – $45
- Website: sydney.intercontinental.com
6. Swissôtel Sydney
High Tea at Swissôtel Sydney
Enjoy a bespoke sweet and savoury afternoon high tea under the arches at Swissotel Sydney’s luxurious new bar, Arches on Market. Perched on Level 8 of Swissôtel Sydney, a sanctuary above the hustle and bustle of the vibrant Sydney CBD, let Arches on Market St. transport you to a place of old-world charm reminiscent of the grand palm court bars of yesteryear.
- Address: Swissôtel Sydney, Arches, Level 8, 68 Market St, Sydney
- Available: Daily, 12pm to late time
- Cost: Arches Afternoon Tea @ $75pp | + Glass Clover Hill Sparkling @ $95pp | + Glass Veuve Clicquot Champagne @ $105pp
- Website: archesonmarket.au
7. Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel
High Tea at Radisson Blu Sydney
Radisson Blu’s traditional high tea has remained their most popular offering over the years, providing a classic yet exciting selection of sweet and savoury delights. Expect seasonal flavours and ingredients with a range of La Maison Du Thé teas or Vittoria coffee to elevate your high tea experience.
A welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the CBD, high tea at the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney allows you to slow down and appreciate the finer things in life. Their high tea is perfect for celebrations, social gatherings, and receptions, and you can enjoy our signature high tea for groups of more than 20 in our elegant Lady Fairfax Room.
- Address: Radisson Blu, 27 O’Connell Street, Sydney
- Available: Thursday to Sunday 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm or 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
- Cost: From $75 per person
- Website: radissonhotels.com
High Tea around Barangaroo
8. Bottega Coco, Barangaroo
Italian Restaurant, Patisserie & Cellar in Barangaroo, Bottega Coco offers a luxurious, pastry chef perfected High Tea – where elegance meets indulgence.
Step into a charming haven that transports you to the heart of Italy, where the art of tea is celebrated with a touch of Italian flair.
Indulge in a delectable selection of savoury and home-made patisserie sweet treats inspired by Italian gastronomy. Savour delicate finger sandwiches, relish freshly baked scones and treat your taste buds to an array of exquisite desserts. Delight in a selection of delicate mini Mille Feuilles crafted with traditional layers of french butter puff pastry and vanilla crème pâtissière alongside mini nutcases filled with a smooth velvet milk chocolate mousse and encrusted with nuts and crispy chocolate.
- Address: Bottega Coco, T3.01/300 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo
- Available: Daily from 10am – 3:30pm. Needs to be booked with 24 hours notice.
- Price: Standard High Tea @ $80pp – Choice of tea and coffee | Deluxe High Tea $95pp – Glass of Chandon Brut | Platinum High Tea – $165pp – 2.5 hour Standard Beverage Pack
- Website: bottegacoco.com.au
9. TWR at Crown Sydney, Barangaroo
High Tea at Crown Sydney
The Waiting Room (TWR) is a classic hotel bar located in the heart of Crown Towers Sydney. It’s known for offering one of Sydney’s largest lists of vintage champagne by the glass in a warm and exceptionally beautiful setting. It’s also a beautiful spot for a stylish afternoon High Tea.
Inspired by the stars, perch upon Sydney’s breathtaking harbour to enjoy an exclusive Champagne High Tea. Take a seat in the lavish outdoor terrace and indulge in a delicious array of savoury and sweet Champagne-inspired treats alongside an extensive Champagne menu.
For the savoury lovers, enjoy bites like Moreton Bay Tart, Beef Tartare or Tasmanian Atlantic Salmon on Brioche. For the sweet tooth, indulge in Noisette Whipped Ganache, Cold Set Cheesecake and of course, scones.
- Address: The Waiting Room, TWR at Crown Sydney
- Available: Saturday & Sunday, 2-5pm
- Price: $105 pp with choice of Tea or Coffee |$115 pp with one glass of Lark Blanc de Blanc Sparkling Wine | $125 pp with one glass of Piper Heidsieck ‘Essential’ Brut Champagne
- Website: crownsydney.com.au
