Escape to Bonappetea in Mudgeeraba for a charming High Tea experience, where homemade treats, warm hospitality and a picturesque country setting make for the perfect indulgence.
Take a leisurely country drive through the Gold Coast hinterland, and you’ll find yourself in the leafy surrounds of Mudgeeraba, home to Bonappetea, a charming homestead dedicated to the art of High Tea and country fare. Just 30 minutes from Gold Coast Airport or an hour south of Brisbane, this hidden gem invites guests to slow down and indulge in a refined yet relaxed experience.
Housed in a historic 1911 residence, Bonappetea has a fascinating past. Originally the home of the mayor of Southport, the building was later relocated to Springbrook, where it spent three decades as a teahouse and art gallery before Chef Bianca Phoenix took over in 2019. With 25 years in the industry and a passion for patisserie, Bianca has infused Bonappetea with her love of baking, creating exquisite cakes and delicate pastries.
The beautifully restored Queenslander and sprawling gardens allow for a mix of indoor and outdoor settings. Whether you prefer a garden gazebo, a private pavilion, the front balcony with a view, an intimate function room, or the warmth of the tea house itself, each space offers its own unique charm – perfect for baby showers, bridal gatherings, birthdays or simply a well-deserved treat.
Bonappetea’s menu offers something for every palate, from a Breakfast High Tea featuring scones, fresh fruit, muesli, Danish pastries, and house-made quiche, to a Savoury High Tea for those who prefer less sweetness. There’s also a petite High Tea kids and the indulgent Luxe High Tea, which we sampled on our visit.
Our Luxe High Tea arrived on a statuesque, three-tiered rustic timber stand, befitting the venue’s country setting. Starting with the savoury items including a beetroot mousse blini, with the beetroot adding a vibrant pop of colour and flavour, while a delicate potato rösti provided a satisfying crunch. The turkey and cheese baguette was beautifully balanced, topped with fresh garden herbs, and the classic finger sandwiches were perfectly executed – light, fresh, and generously filled. The standout was a sweet potato frittata, topped with fresh salad leaves creating a warm, hearty bite that was both comforting and flavourful.
For the sweet selection, a Chai brûlée, served in an elegant glass jar, was rich and aromatic, crowned with a delicate cream profiterole. A beautifully presented individual chocolate bundt cake, adorned with a sweet strawberry heart and accompanied by fresh berries, provided the perfect balance of indulgence and freshness.
The top tier was reserved for the Buttermilk Scones, served with homemade boysenberry and raspberry jam and thick cream, presented in vintage teacups, a cute touch that elevated the experience. The venue’s collection of vintage crockery is sourced from antique shops and second-hand finds, with many pieces generously donated by families who find joy in seeing their heirlooms appreciated in such a beautiful setting.
Open Thursday to Sunday, this destination tea house recommends pre-booking for High Tea, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available for every selection. With so many tempting options on the menu, I’ll definitely be returning to sample more. Next time, perhaps the Savoury High Tea, though the Breakfast High Tea is calling my name too…
Bonappetea delivers more than just a High Tea, it offers a warm, welcoming escape where every detail is thoughtfully considered. The service is friendly yet unobtrusive, ensuring a relaxed experience. While it’s a popular choice for special occasions, it’s equally delightful for a spontaneous countryside outing to savour homemade treats baked with love.
Reservations Required for High Tea. Cakes and scones are available all day for walk ins.
Luxe High Tea Sample Menu:
One Scone
- Buttermilk Scones with homemade boysenberry and raspberry jam and cream
Two Gourmet Sandwiches
- Selection of sandwiches including a
- Cucumber sandwich with dill and lemon cream cheese ribbon sandwich
- Organic chicken and semi-sundried tomato cream cheese mousse.
Two Petite Patisseries:
- Chai cream brûlée with a cream profiterole
- Dark chocolate bundt cake with strawberry heart and fresh berries
Three Savoury Bites:
- Potato rosti with garden herbs and baby bocconcini
- Sweet potato frittata
- Roasted turkey and Gruyere cheese stuffed bun
- Beetroot mousse bellini
- Herb arancini ball with house tomato chutney
One complimentary drink (changes seasonally with fresh produce). Add sparkling wine for $10pp.
