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The Best High Tea in Sydney for a Decadent Afternoon Out
From luxe hotel lobbies to dedicated tea rooms, we've got the lowdown on the best high tea in Sydney.
Rooted in the concept of afternoon tea, this relaxed affair traces its origins back to the clever seventh Duchess of Bedford, Anna Maria Russell, around the 1840s. Feeling a tad peckish around 5 p.m., the Duchess sought out tea, bread, butter, and cake to satisfy her afternoon hunger, sparking a trend that soon became fashionable among the upper echelons of society.
Today, it’s the perfect excuse to gather your best mates or family for a leisurely catch-up, all while snagging a few Instagram-worthy shots of those beautiful tiered platters. And with Sydney’s high tea scene buzzing, there’s a spot for every taste. Hungry? Take your pick below from the best high teas Sydney has to offer.
Best High Tea Sydney: Coming Soon
High Cheese at The Gallery, Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park
High tea is about to get a very welcome reimagining at The Gallery inside the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park. Launching June 5th in partnership with world-renowned cheese expert Will Studd, High Cheese swaps the usual tiered sweets for a curated cheese-led experience.
We’re talking fried Aphrodite haloumi, a signature cheese course, baked camembert and feta scones, and a dessert selection that includes a Basque Galotyri Cheesecake and Le Dauphin Double Crème profiterole. At $75pp for two including tea and coffee (with an optional wine pairing of Tyrrell’s Chardonnay or Shiraz for $20 per couple) it’s one of the most interesting high tea concepts in Sydney right now.
Every Friday from 11am to 4pm, launching June 5th
161 Elizabeth St, Sydney NSW 2000
Midden by Mark Olive
A celebration of Australia’s rich heritage, the Native High Tea Experience at Midden by Mark Olive features native ingredients like bush tomatoes, lemon myrtle and finger lime. With three sittings a day, three days a week, expect traditional high tea treats like finger sandwiches with a unique Australian twist, as well as sweet and savoury offerings like kangaroo sausage rolls and strawberry gum and strawberry mousse tart.
The tea is supplied by Indigiearth, with flavours like Corroboree Infusion, Dreaming Tea Blend and Wild Rosella.
Sydney Opera House
Luna Lu
Blending contemporary Asian flavours with one of Sydney’s most iconic backdrops, Luna Lu‘s high tea is a standout for something a little different.
Nestled in The Rocks, the experience offers a fresh take on the classic with a menu that includes everything from lobster bao and duck pancakes to miso caramel eclairs and matcha lamingtons. It’s a creative, flavour-packed spread that’s perfect for long lunches and special occasions.
7-27 Circular Quay West, Campbells Cove, The Rocks
Novotel Sydney Parramatta
If you’re looking for a charming high tea experience a little closer to home in Sydney’s west, Novotel Parramatta has you covered. Served in the hotel’s airy dining space overlooking Parramatta River, their high tea offers all the essentials including fluffy scones with jam and cream, dainty finger sandwiches, savoury pastries, and a tempting line-up of petite desserts.
Whether you’re celebrating something special or just catching up with friends, it’s an easy-going, well-executed affair that doesn’t skimp on the details. You can add bubbles to your booking or stick with a pot of tea—either way, it’s a laidback way to indulge in a classic afternoon ritual without heading into the city.
350 Church Street, Parramatta
Afternoon Tea Trolley at The Charles
Indulge your sweet tooth in style at The Charles Grand Brasserie with their afternoon tea trolley. Sip on a glass of NV Moët & Chandon on arrival before moving into some savoury treats including smoked salmon madelines; warm Gougères with Brillat-Savarin cream; and vanilla waffles served with crème fraîche. Then once the formalities are out of the way (because let’s be honest we’re here for the sweets) make way for the roving dessert trolley of your dreams. Let the talented head of pastry, Rhiann Mead (ex Quay, Bennelong and Harrod’s Food Hall), take your tastebuds around the world with a selection of decadent desserts from passionfruit meringue tarts and basil & lime bon bons to Earl Grey and grapefruit charlottes and chocolat au choux.
66 King Street, Sydney
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney
The Fullerton Hotel is the perfect place to marvel at a piece of Sydney’s history as you take respite from the energy and indulge in sweet sensations and savoury treats. To celebrate 150 years of the former General Post Office building, there is currently a heritage-themed afternoon tea, inspired by the Victorian renaissance era. Expect reimagined favourites that blend British flavours with Australia’s unique culinary heritage—like the Neapolitan ice cream verrine, malted milk envelopes and cucumber sandwiches, potted shrimps, as well as egg and smoked Salmon.
1 Martin Place, Sydney
Estate Vaucluse House
This is hands-down a grandmother-pleaser. At Estate Vaucluse House you can treat yourself to something sweet, something savoury and, naturally, something bubbly. Mushroom brioche buns and egg, chive and watercress finger sandwiches are followed up with a host of sweet morsels, from citrus cheesecakes to buttermilk scones with clotted cream and Valrhona chocolate and macadamia tarts. Start with tea and coffee and, if you feel that way inclined, upgrade your high tea to include a glass of champagne.
Wentworth Road, Vaucluse
QT Sydney
QT Sydney is known for turning expectations on their heads which is exactly what they’ve done with their QTea. Suitably extravagant, they have teamed up with Adriano Zumbo to prepare a mix of unique sweet and savoury dishes. Expect Zumbo classics from macarons and savoury faves like lobster rolls with coconut, chilli and lime mayo. Guests are encouraged to play with their food with twirling stands and a champagne trolley. They even offer a gluten-free and plant-based option so everyone can get involved. Pinkies up with your gals for an awesome high tea right here in Sydney.
49 Market Street, Sydney
The Tea Room QVB
An old-time favourite and one for the traditionalist, the Tea Room hardly gets more grandiose than the ornate room on level 3 of the QVB. Making a sophisticated affair over Royal Albert china and British silverware part and parcel. Finger sandwiches, scones and an assortment of sweet morsels will be plied on you as you lounge in luxurious armchairs and take in the opulence of your surroundings. Bookings are essential, so get in early to avoid missing out.
455 George Street, Sydney
Burnt Orange
Steeped in history, Burnt Orange is situated in an historic sandstone mansion that takes in sweeping views of Sydney Harbour. Everything is made fresh on the day, with the French onion and goats cheese tartlets and chicken and tarragon finger sandwiches on Japanese milk bread keeping the savoury options in check. Naturally, scones make an appearance in the sweet stakes, teamed with yuzu choux buns and mini banoffee tarts. Reservations are essential.
1109 Middle Head Road, Mosman
Aperture at Capella Sydney
Capturing the timeless essence of hotel lobby dining, Aperture offers a sophisticated experience in the heart of Sydney. Among its culinary treasures is the indulgent Aperture Afternoon Tea. You and your best pals can delight in the house-made delicacies crafted by Capella Sydney’s French Pastry Chef, Charlotte Brimaud. If you’ve got younger ones in tow, they’re also in for a treat with a dedicated children’s afternoon tea menu tailored for those under 12. It’s an enchanting adventure with savoury delights like croissants, sandwiches, and pies, topped off with sweet classics like lamingtons and scones. Aperture promises an elegant and memorable high tea experience for all ages in Sydney.
24 Loftus Street, Sydney
Gunners’ Barracks
For a classic high tea experience in Sydney, Gunners’ Barracks stands as a historic and enchanting venue perfect for this timeless tradition. Enjoy freshly baked scones with cream and preserve, along with finely cut sandwiches, savoury pastries, and delightful petit cakes, all meticulously crafted by a skilled team of chefs. The tea selection is impressive with Asia’s largest array of Ronnefeldt teas available for your choosing—or ditch the brew for a wine or cocktail pairing for a boozy punch to your afternoon affair. Whatever you go for, you’ll surely have a grand high tea time here.
End of Suakin Drive, Georges Heights, Mosman
Loving our edit of the best high tea in Sydney and looking for more decadent desserts? Make sure to read up on the best bakeries and dessert delivery around town. Don’t miss our round up of the best spots for a glamorous long lunch around the city, too.
