Stylish Sydney is among the world’s most visited cities so it’s important it serves up the best high tea.
There are many high tea venues to choose from, some with stunning harbour or bushland views, and others filled with crystal chandeliers and glamour. We have done the hard work and put together a list of our favourite Sydney high tea venues. Us lucky High Tea Society contributors give our reviews a star rating and these are the top-rated reviews.
Best High Tea Sydney:
Langham Sydney 5 stars
When entering The Langham Hotel Sydney there is a real sense of tradition. You would expect that though, being strongly linked to The Langham Hotel London – one of the oldest, purpose-built hotels harking back to 1865. Tiffin at the Langham continues the long held traditions of high tea, serving ribbon sandwiches, scones and petit fours on a three-tiered stand. The tea service is all custom-made for the Langham by Wedgwood, and as you can see from the pictures, it’s quite pretty.
89-113 Kent Street, Sydney
High Tea Langham Sydney Review
Park Hyatt Sydney 4.5 stars
Be immersed in the most luxurious high tea experience at the Park Hyatt. Floor to ceiling windows give you stunning harbour views all the way across to the Sydney Opera House. The room is bathed in natural light, with plush chairs pulled up to tables set with fine bone china, champagne flutes and fresh flowers. A modern interior accompanies a very traditional afternoon tea.
7 Hickson Road, The Rocks, Sydney
High Tea Park Hyatt Sydney Review
Primus Hotel 4.5 stars
From entering the Art Deco atrium until taking the very last bite of your indulgent feast, you are taken on a journey of luxurious and exotic 1930s glamour at the Primus Hotel. Teas range from Moroccan Mint to an African Solstice. The selection of hedonistic cocktails isn’t modest either; A wise choice is the 1939 Absolut citron, lychee and cassis, named after the year the building was established. What is unique is the pumpkin tart, popcorn mouse and rhubarb jam that will have you scraping the bottom of the jar.
339 Pitt Street, Sydney
High Tea Primus Hotel Review
Vaucluse House Tearooms 4.5 stars
Vaucluse House is one of Sydney’s few 19th-century mansions that still maintains its original garden surrounds. Purchased in 1827 by eminent colonial figure William Charles Wentworth, the splendid gothic building would become his family home. Almost a century later, in 1915 Vaucluse House opened to the public as a museum. Now heritage-listed, it continues to entice visitors to the lush, still-secluded and largely-native secret gardens that gently envelop the idyllic Vaucluse House Tearooms.
Wentworth Road, Vaucluse
High Tea Vaucluse House Tearooms Review
Gunners Barracks Tea Room 4.5 stars
Long an iconic heritage site known for its great food, peaceful bushland setting and spectacular harbour views, this dining and event space has now evolved to become one of Sydney’s most stylish venues. Add to that the scrumptious ‘Afternoon Tea’ service and this place becomes a must-do for a glorious, memorable treat. There’s even a Cocktail Afternoon Tea option.
End of Suakin Drive, Georges Heights
High Tea Gunners Barracks Rea Room Review
Doltone House 4 stars
This high ceilinged, bright, powder blue painted ‘Manhattan’ tea salon was lit with a brilliant soft glow, the sun from the vast windows reflecting from the leaves of the park outside, rainbows were cast around the room, a prismatic display cast from the crystal chandeliers. The food was as impressive; Such sumptuous savoury fillings as salmon and avocado, eggplant, pepper and spinach, and coronation chicken were robed in a variety of breads and wraps, with gluten free, veggie, and vegan options available, and thoughtfully, the base layer contained a selection of pies – an Aussie twist on the classic British tradition that symphonized surprisingly well! The chorizo and cheese empanada was our meat lover’s choice, whilst atop a spinach and ricotta flan sat the most deliciously soft poached quails egg, satisfying our vegetarians palate opulently.
181 Elizabeth Street, Sydney
High Tea Doltone House Review
Shangri-La Hotel Sydney 4 stars
Celebrated pastry chef Anna Polyviou pleasantly surprises at this classic hotel. Who said éclairs are only sweet? These tiny choux éclairs are filled with a delicious chicken mix. Chai tea and apple marshmallows are also testament that this afternoon tea is one tipped on its head. A classic standout is the puff pastry that is made in house. Sweet tooths will be happy to know that it is caramelised to perfection.
179 Cumberland St, The Rocks, Sydney
High Tea Shangri-La Sydney Review
InterContinental Double Bay 4 stars
This venue presents a stylish high tea experience with delectable housemade sweets and savouries. It’s so sophisticated that you can choose the hotel’s unique High Martini on arrival in lieu of the traditional tea, coffee or champagne.
33 Cross Street, Double Bay
High Tea InterContinental Double Bay Review
Stranger’s Dining Room, Parliament NSW 4 stars
Served in the Stranger’s Dining Room on the last Friday of each month, ‘High tea in the House’ is an opportunity to visit areas of Parliament usually reserved only for members. With panoramic views across Sydney’s Domain the soft green interior feels like an extension of the lush green lawns outdoors. The fresh cut flowers on each table, thick white tablecloths and Wedgwood table service (all with the NSW parliament crest embossed) completes the setting.
6 Macquarie Street, Sydney
High Tea Stranger’s Dining Room Parliament NSW Review
InterContinental Sydney 4 stars
Traditionalists can indulge in a well-stocked high tea buffet, while those who think outside of the teacup can relish in a decadent high coffee experience instead. Everything is made in house, with the attention to detail that really shows the pastry team love what they do. The menu is well thought out, with interesting, original pairings without anything being too over the top.
117 Macquarie Street, Sydney
High Tea InterContinental Sydney Review
High Tea Sydney – find more venues in the the High Tea Society Venue Directory.
