The Best High Tea in Sydney for a Decadent Afternoon Out

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.

Reign (Image Credits: Damian Flanagan) 

Reign

Cheese devotees, rejoice! Celebrate it in the way it deserves with a trip to Reign at the QVB for a High Cheese experience in Sydney. Here, you can score a selection of cheeses, lavosh oat crackers, grapes, quince, chutney, dried fruit and nuts. While you're at it, opt for the matching wine option for the ultimate in decadence. And if you're in the mood for more regal treats, Reign's Royal Tasting Menu awaits. With over 150 champagnes and a scrumptious menu featuring seasonally-driven treats and snacks, this spot is fit for royalty. 

Level 1, Shop 48/455 George Street, Sydney 

High Tea Buffet at Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park 

What's better than high tea? A high tea buffet! Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park doesn't just boast a fab location but also a feast like you've never seen before. We're talking honey-drizzled dishes (from the Sheraton's own urban beehive), savoury bites, cakes, eclairs and mini pavlovas, all topped off by a chocolate fountain. The decadent afternoon out you deserve. 

161 Elizabeth Street, Sydney 

The Charles Grand Brasserie (Image Credits: Steven Woodburn) 

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 alongside scones, Chantilly, and house-made seasonal preserve; before moving into some savoury treats including smoked salmon on toasted brioche; Brillat-Savarin gougères; and a cauliflower and bacon muffin. 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 tarte aux pralines; marjolaine; or stonefruit and frangipane tart but don't make the mistake of passing up the 28-layer honeycomb and dulche de leche Russian honey cake. Trust us. 

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. Try the gently toasted hazelnut choux bun or the Summer Cherry (a delightful cherry compote dome of Valrhona Hukamni mousse) or if savoury items are more your cup of tea opt for the Smoked Salmon Rillette with tobiko and seaweed salad, or the Grand Marnier Glazed Chicken and Pork Brioche buns. You can also expect scones aplenty served with homemade strawberry jam and clotted cream and a selection of premium selection of TWG Teas and coffee.

1 Martin Place, Sydney 

Champagne Jacquart Bar 

Located within David Jones' flagship store on Elizabeth Street, this sophisticated bar offers an unforgettable experience nestled within an Australian fashion institution. The bustling environment sets the scene for an afternoon of exquisite offerings curated by Head Chef Alessandro Morabito. Think poached slipper lobster meat on a brioche bun, homemade blini with herb crème fraiche and Yarra Valley salmon roe caviar, and house-baked petite scones served with clotted cream and strawberry preserve. Epic views overlooking the iconic Hyde park round out the offering - the perfect accompaniment to a shopping trip with the girls. 

Level 2 David Jones, 86-108 Castlereagh Street, Sydney 

Hyatt Regency Sydney

Giving a modern and youthful spin to its signature high tea – Hyatt Regency Sydney's G&Tea is a must-try. Putting an emphasis on modern Australian cuisine and beautiful botanicals, you can expect to embark on a multi-sensory journey with savoury and sweet delicacies infused with Australian native flavours, botanical G&Ts and a selection of artisan loose-leaf teas.

Enjoy the delectable array of dishes from Pastry Chef, Prashant Anand and Executive Chef, Sven Ullrich, as you sip and savour your way through the best in local cuisine. With your booking, you will indulge in an abundant selection of sweet and savoury delicacies (think scones, a savoury high tea stand, and an epic live dessert table manned by a pastry chef), two G&Ts, a selection of artisan loose-leaf teas from Rabbit Hole Tea and coffee.

When it comes to Sydney's high teas, Hyatt Regency Sydney's is one of the best!

161 Sussex Street, 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. Wild mushroom tarts with macadamia cream, and smoked salmon and caviar blinis are followed up with a host of sweet morsels, from citrus cheesecake to buttermilk scones with clotted cream and passionfruit macarons. 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; 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 mini quiches 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 their Burnt Orange signature tart with blood orange and swiss meringue, and choux bun with vanilla creme patissier. 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

Gunner’s 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