If you’re the type who can’t resist the charm of dainty sandwiches, fluffy scones with a dollop of jam and cream, or a perfectly brewed pot of tea, then Sydney’s high tea scene will fill your calendar. It’s a world where everything’s just that little bit fancier and a unique way to celebrate a special occasion, catch up with a mate, or indulge in a family day out.
We’ve rounded up the best high tea Sydney has to offer with tiered plates stacked high with petit fours and savoury treats, tea for every palate (or champagne, because it’s a party), and settings that range from lush gardens to iconic harbour views. Prepare thy pinky fingers!
While there are plenty of options, these are some of our top picks for the type of high tea buffet Sydney excels at:
The Four Seasons Hotel’s offering at Mode Kitchen & Bar offers a high tea where everything is made 100 percent from scratch by acclaimed pastry chef Quentin Zerr. And the attention to detail really shows, with each tier of delights blending classic French technique with a modern Australian twist.
From the savoury side, you can expect an indulgent egg and truffle finger sandwich, a tomato and stracciatella tart, and a tiger prawn brioche. For dessert, the signature pavlova is a balance of textures and flavours that make this high tea feel like a mini-tasting menu. The best part is the fact that gluten-free, dairy-free, or other dietary requirements are very well catered for.
The Charles Grand Brasserie brings a sense of old-world charm to its high tea, with head of pastry Rhiann Mead at the helm. With experience at renowned spots like Harrod’s Food Hall, Bennelong, and Quay, Mead has crafted an afternoon tea experience that’s indulgent and beautifully presented.
It all kicks off with a glass of Moët & Chandon, followed by a savoury selection of crumpets, chicken sandwiches, salmon croquettes, and a muffin. When the dessert trolley rolls around, things get serious with a towering 28-layer Russian honey cake, tarte aux pralines, hand-made chocolates, and delicate macarons. You can select three items, and good luck making your choices as they are all enticing!
High tea takes on a luxe twist at The Waiting Room at Crown Towers Sydney. This experience merges elegance with indulgence in the most stylish way possible. The space is sleek yet understated, with a waterside setting and a menu that features a multi-course, creative take on high tea classics.
There’s crab salad sandwiches and lobster bon bons paired with charred lime aioli, mandarin cheesecake mille feuille and apricot scones, all paired with a little bubbly. You can choose from a glass of Bunnamagoo Blanc de Blancs, Veuve Clicquot Rosé, or, if you really want to go all out, Ruinart Blanc de Blancs. This is the true high tea gourmet experience.
Let’s not forget about the little ones! The best kids’ high tea Sydney can offer can be found at Radisson Blu Plaza, where you’ll find a fun and whimsical high tea experience. The ‘Kids in the City High Tea’ is the perfect excuse for little ones to dress up in their fanciest frocks and enjoy a delightful afternoon of treats made just for them. There’s fairy bread, ham and cheese sandwiches, and marshmallowy hot chocolates – all served with a side of mocktails.
It’s a sweet and affordable option for a special day out. While the kids are having their fun, parents can indulge in one of the Radisson’s other high tea offerings, like their specialty vegan high tea. They also run seasonal-themed teas throughout the year, like the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory tea or their festive Christmas and Easter high teas, ensuring there’s always something new to try for every occasion
If you dream of cheese boards more than cakes, then Reign at QVB’s High Cheese is the high tea for you. This savoury twist on the traditional afternoon tea lets cheese lovers indulge in all their dairy desires. You get to pick three types of cheese, which you can pair with lavosh, oat crackers, grapes, quince, chutney, dried fruits, and nuts to create your perfect cheesy bite.
Of course, there’s bubbles to complement the spread with champagne flights and signature cocktails, plus, this is one of the most affordable high tea options in Sydney!
No matter which high tea option you select from the above, there is a Veriu hotel that positions you nearby in a comfortable abode. Veriu & Punthill exist to create authentic connections between people and places, and our bespoke collection of hotels and apartments represents the true character of each Sydney neighbourhood. Round out your luxury Sydney experience with a stay at Veriu today.
The most common tea served at a high tea is a simple black tea, but if you ask those who are looking for a fun experience, the best tea is actually champagne! You can customise your high tea experience to suit your taste in most cases, with a range of tea varieties on offer.
A high tea is often a substantial meal paired with champagne, earlier in the day than you would usually pop a bottle. They can be attended for celebrations or even just a fun day out with your friends that offers something a little different.
Sydney’s high tea prices vary depending on the location and what is included in the experience. Prices often start at around $90 per person and can even go as high as $250 per person, depending on the level of luxury you opt for.