Discover the best high tea experiences Brisbane has to offer.
Queensland’s sun-drenched capital has an impressive arts scene and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. But the dining and drinking culture is equally as remarkable, where restaurants meet riverside gardens, man-made beaches, and most importantly, offers gorgeous high teas!
There is nowhere better than Brisbane to indulge your taste buds in an afternoon of mouth-watering sweet and savoury delights accompanied by tea and champagne. If you are a tea lover who appreciates artsy and classic teahouses, the City’s thriving high tea scene will spoil you for choice.
The Brisbane High Tea scene offers a range of options, so we compiled a list based on our favourites. Read on to find out the best high tea places in Brisbane based on reviews by High Tea Society contributors.
Best High Teas in Brisbane:
Lennons Restaurant & Bar
Unlike any high tea you have tried before, this menu will encourage you to take a breath, slow down and enjoy a degustation of afternoon treats like no other. A unique and indulgent offering of truly comforting food; the perfect antidote to Brisbane’s bitter cold-snap, rainy days, and chilly winds.
72 Queen Street, Brisbane
Our review of the High Tea at Lennons Restaurant & Bar
Spicers Balfour, Brisbane
There’s nothing quite like basking in winter sunshine, while sitting on the veranda of a beautifully restored Queenslander. This is one of those perfect Brisbane days. The only thing that could make this even better is high tea. Spicers Balfour Kitchen & Bar have you covered, serving up a modern twist to the classic afternoon tea, but with enough traditional charm to satisfy the most ardent high tea enthusiasts.
37 Balfour Street, New Farm
Our review of High Tea at Spicers Balfour
The Matriarch
As soon as you step inside The Matriarch for High Tea you know you’re in for a treat. Arguably one of the most Instagramable venues in Brisbane. From the black iron archway at the entrance, to the industrial foil ceiling, to the fairy lit ten-foot trees and the many hanging lights that line the venue’s ceiling – your eyes will be eager to take it all in. Like a playground for adults, Matriarch offers stimulation for all your senses right down to the velvet covered and multi-coloured chairs your arms will just love to rest on. Even the perfectly minimalist bar with its incredible feature wall will take your breath away.
1/22 Masters St, Newstead
Our review of High Tea at The Matriarch
Dovetail Social
Dovetail Social might be gluten free Brisbane’s best kept secret. Nestled away in leafy Highgate Hill, this charming café, which is 100% gluten free, offers one of the most unique high teas in Brisbane – possibly the world. Owner and passionate pastry chef Rejoice Thomson believes Dovetail Social offers the only gluten free high tea with a Filipino twist, in the world. For Rejoice, this high tea is a labour of love. Her gift to all coeliacs, but especially for her young daughter and her husband who are unable to enjoy gluten foods.
49 Laura St. Highgate Hill, Brisbane
Our review of the High Tea at Dovetail Social
Spicers Balfour
There’s nothing quite like sitting on the veranda of a beautifully restored Queenslander. This is one of those perfect Brisbane days. The only thing that could make this even better is high tea. Spicers Balfour Kitchen & Bar have you covered, serving up a modern twist to the classic afternoon tea, but with enough traditional charm to satisfy the most ardent high tea enthusiasts.
37 Balfour Street, New Farm
Our review of the High Tea at Spicers Balfour
Emporium Hotel
High Tea at Emporium Hotel South Bank comes with high expectations, given the glamorous surrounds and Emporium’s impeccable reputation for quality and style. Emporium has found its new home in South Bank with a dazzling fit out and first class facilities. The exquisite boutique hotel offers 143 luxuriously appointed suites, a spectacular rooftop bar, infinity edge pool and restaurants & cafes including the beautiful Belle Epoque a Parisian style patisserie.
267 Grey Street, South Bank
Our review of the High Tea at The Emporium Hotel
Bacchus
The glamorous Rydges Hotel in Southbank is ideal for tea lovers. Edibles also pleasantly surprise. Take the croissant, which is served with truffle and eggs – a lovely twist on an old favourite.
Corner Grey and Glenelg Streets, South Bank
Our review of the High Tea at Bacchus
W Brisbane
Wow factor with a capital W. Forget what you know about high tea, the W Brisbane Hotel is about to challenge everything you thought you knew. As soon as the ‘W’ shaped stand is placed out in front of you – you know there is going to be nothing traditional about this experience. Australia’s premiere W Hotel has shaken things up – and I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
81 North Quay, Brisbane QLD, 4000
Our review of the High Tea at the W Brisbane
Treasury Hotel Brisbane
High Tea at the Lab is a decadent affair, with a glorious backdrop of old-world elegance; The Treasury Brisbane is an experience to be savoured. If indulging in High Tea is one of your favourite past times, then add High Tea at The Lab in the stunning Treasury Hotel Brisbane to your must-do list, considered one of the most generous and great value high teas in Brisbane.
Top of the Queen Street Mall, Brisbane
Review our review of the High Tea at The Treasury Brisbane
Stamford Plaza Brisbane – temporarily closed
This venue with its stunning floral bouquets is inspired by The Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong. The Stamford takes cue from a colonial past and offers a high tea service fit for the Queen. In regards to food we particularly enjoyed the crispy, non-greasy chicken curry puffs.
Corner Edward & Margaret Street, Brisbane
Our review of the High Tea at the Stamford Plaza Brisbane
Looking for more suggestions? Then search the High Tea Society Venue Directory.
