Best High Tea in Sydney

If you enjoy going for fancy dinners and boozy lunches, another culinary event you'll surely enjoy is high tea. High tea (or Afternoon Tea) is an English ritual dating back to the 1700s. Traditionally, it features a fabulous spread of dainty sandwiches, scones with fresh cream and jam, and mouth-watering cakes; all washed down with endless pots of tea. Today, high tea is a much-loved luxurious dining experience in Sydney for locals and tourists alike. These five best high tea venues in Sydney include traditional offerings as well as modern and creative twists.

The Tea Room (QVB)

In what was once the ballroom of Sydney's iconic Queen Victoria Building, you'll find the elegant European-style Tea Room with traditional decor, fine china, and British silverware. The historical royal banquet setting is just one aspect that makes The Tea Room a truly unique experience, though. This high tea venue boasts world-class cuisine and an award-winning patissier, renowned for their delectable selection of petits fours. Plus, you can upgrade your traditional afternoon tea by adding a glass of champagne, sparkling wine, or even a cocktail.

Sir Stamford at Circular Quay

Sir Stamford at Circular Quay is an ideal place to go when you want to indulge on the weekend. Amongst an elegant setting with a warm and cozy ambience, you'll feast on fluffy homemade scones with homemade jam & double cream and a selection of sweet & savoury pastries. Along with high-quality tea and coffee, you can add a glass of Sparkling wine for extra indulgence. However, what we love most about high tea at Stamford is that they cater for all special diets, including gluten-free and vegan.

The Tea Cosy (The Rocks)

For an authentic yet gourmet afternoon tea, head to The Tea Cozy. Housed in a small heritage building in The Rocks, The Tea Cosy features indoor and outdoor seating, simple decor, and a casual vibe. Here, you'll enjoy freshly-baked scones with lashings of Australian-made jam and thick cream, along with flavourful finger sandwiches. What's more, if it's a hot day, you can opt for a jug of refreshing iced tea instead of the traditional pot. There's also a kids option if you want to take the whole family for an afternoon treat.

InterContinental Sydney & Double Bay

High Tea at InterContinental Sydney is always an extravagant event, perfect for special occasions, such as birthdays and anniversaries. The experienced team will tailor the experience to you by catering to all dietary needs and tastes. You'll also get much more than sandwiches and scones, including delicious savoury quiches and various sweet treats from petit fours to fruit cakes and chocolate cookies. With a spread this large, you'll undoubtedly need to put the diet on hold for the day! And of course, you can add a glass or a bottle of Moet or Chandon Brut Imperial, should you wish.

Loftus Lane Cafe

Loftus Lane Cafe offers a sophisticated and relaxing setting to spend an afternoon with Jazz and Bossa music playing in the background and cute, pastel decor. Their take on high tea comes served on a Ferris wheel or in a mini chest of drawers! Other than being extremely Instagram worthy, you'll get to taste a wide array of treats, including macaroons, fruit tarts and open sandwiches. What's more, if you're looking for a big celebration, you'll love the unlimited alcoholic beverage option.