Best High Tea In Sydney
Prop up your pinky. Here’s where to book the best high tea in Sydney
From flaky pastries and warm scones to delicate canapés and triangular sandwiches, Sydney offers an afternoon tea experience for everyone. Whether you prefer a view with a glass of bubbles or to cosy up with a steaming cup of classic brew, Sydney’s got you covered. We’ve done the research, and here’s a list of where to find the best high tea in Sydney.
Housed in a heritage-listed 1938 Art Deco building on King Street, The Charles Grand Brasserie & Bar is one of Sydney's most stunning high tea settings. A roving dessert trolley swings by loaded with honey cake, tiramisu tarte and macarons. From $79pp, with bubbles upgrades available.
Crafted by beloved pastry chef Adriano Zumbo, QT's QTea puts a modern spin on the classics. Think scones with Tasmanian strawberry and lemon myrtle jam, crispy pulled beef with guacamole, and Japanese miso chicken rolls. Enjoy with bubbly, mocktails or free-flowing Aperol Spritz. Plant-based options available.
Step back to the 1800s with a London-style high tea at Vaucluse House, built in 1839. Choose the Art Deco interior or picturesque gardens, then tuck into finger sandwiches, arancini, macarons and decadent pastries. Sip Ovvio organic teas, barista coffee or a glass of bubbles.
The Hilton has launched its debut afternoon tea in the gorgeous Glass Brasserie. Executive Chef Hamish Neale's menu features smoked salmon cronuts and prosciutto gorgonzola crisps, alongside brûlée scones, seasonal tarts and macarons. Sip premium tea and coffee, with an adorable cocktail trolley rounding things out.
Set inside Sydney's iconic Queen Victoria Building, The Tea Room brings Romanesque grandeur to high tea. Choose from classic Devonshire tea with scones through to a luxurious Champagne high tea with Taittinger. Traditional from $80pp, Sparkling $90pp, Cocktail $95pp, Bottomless $115pp, Champagne for Two $125pp.
Experience a five-star high tea with The Star's G & Tea, spotlighting seasonal ingredients. Expect smoked ocean trout with fennel and dill, plus house-made pastries like their signature dark cocoa and Frangelico gateau. Choose tea, coffee, bubbles or tea-tails for the ultimate treat-yourself occasion.
Venture over the Harbour Bridge for one of Sydney's finest high teas, complete with breathtaking views. Gunners' Barracks pairs gorgeous Victorian décor with a traditional tiered spread of scones, finger sandwiches and petit cakes from $75pp. Choose sparkling for $85pp or cocktails for $90pp, with 40 specialty teas.
Aperture is a sensory showcase of art, nature and cuisine, surrounded by lush native greenery and natural light. Their modern Australian afternoon tea, running 12:30pm to 4pm, delivers decadent treats like lobster roll with crispy lettuce and yuzu mayo, and pistachio white chocolate orange lamington.
For legendary scones, head to The Rocks' The Tea Cosy, baked fresh daily just like nanna used to make. Their traditional high tea, fittingly named The Grandstand, is $30pp and perfect for two. Order multiples for bigger groups, and don't miss the homemade iced tea.
Seeking a luxurious high tea? Shangri-La's Level 36 delivers breathtaking harbour views alongside a seasonal menu. Weekdays from $98pp, weekends from $108pp, with upgrades to free-flowing sparkling or French Champagne available. Running seven days a week, this is elegance with a view.
This indulgent high tea transports you straight to Italy, with homemade pasticcini and sweet treats inspired by Italian gastronomy, alongside classic finger sandwiches and scones. Standard high tea is $95pp, or go premium for $105pp with a glass of Chandon included.
The Glasshouse is an intimate affair for 6 to 8 guests, enclosed by the rustic frame of an old greenhouse draped in lush vines. This charming spot feels like the English countryside in the heart of Sydney. Sweet and savoury treats await for $89pp.
Escape the city with high tea at Hydro Majestic's Wintergarden, blending opulence with panoramic Megalong Valley views. Live piano music sets the scene for handcrafted pastries, sandwiches and scones. Open daily 11am to 3.30pm, with stands from $70pp up to $280pp including champagne.
