Afternoon Tea at the InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto

Step back in time to Melbourne’s storied past and savour an Afternoon Tea experience fit for high society at the InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto.

InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto proudly presents the return of its iconic Afternoon Tea, an indulgent experience blending rich heritage with native flavours. The captivating legacy of Melbourne’s past comes to life in the striking 1890s neo-Gothic architecture of the iconic Rialto building, where history and grandeur intertwine.

After arriving at the Flinders Lane level of the InterContinental, we find ourselves standing beneath a stunning grand glass atrium that floods the Alluvial Restaurant with light. The restaurant sits between two heritage-listed buildings, seamlessly connecting the 1890s Victorian-era façade of the Rialto with the modern-day structure. Diners are offered a unique blend of old-world charm and contemporary sophistication.

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Once seated, we are warmly welcomed by Executive Chef Charlie Song, who introduces us to his carefully curated Afternoon Tea. He explains how it has been designed to showcase the beauty of the Australian landscape, featuring native ingredients that celebrate the country’s rich natural heritage.

We are each presented with an elegant almost pearlescent menu, showcasing a refined selection of TWG teas. As we peruse the offerings, our waiter gracefully pours each of us a glass of Mumm champagne, further enhancing the experience into one of true indulgence.

Afternoon Tea at the InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto

I choose the Pink Flamingo tea, a vibrant fruity infusion with bright, tangy notes of tropical fruits and a hint of citrus. It’s refreshing and lively character makes it the perfect choice for a light, invigorating brew.

We begin our afternoon tea with the savory delights. The classic chicken finger sandwich is one of my absolute favourites. The addition of cranberry and seeded mustard is genius and the tender chicken is expertly seasoned.

Executive Chef Charlie Song

Afternoon Tea at the InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto

Next, we indulge in the most delicious Tasmanian smoked salmon on brioche, accented with pink finger lime and sauce gribiche which is a cold and herbaceous egg sauce in French cuisine. The richness of the smoked salmon pairs perfectly with the buttery brioche and the bursts of citrus from the finger lime add a refreshing brightness.

Next, we crunch into the smoked ham hock terrine, accompanied by bush tomato chutney and caper berry. The terrine, tender and packed with rich flavours, is perfectly complemented by the sweet and tangy bush tomato chutney. As a devoted fan of caper berries, I relish the addition of the briny garnish, which enhances the overall taste.

Our final savoury treat is the truffle egg pinwheel with crispy saltbush. Elegantly rolled, the pinwheel reveals a delicious truffle flavour that is moreish to the palate. The crispy saltbush adds a delightful crunch and a hint of savoury depth, transforming this bite into an indulgent yet refreshing twist on a classic favourite.

Savoury selection

As we reach the end of our savoury course, we are invited to sip the Orange and Cointreau shooter, an interesting inclusion to the Afternoon Tea. This delightful shooter is refreshing and leaves us with a lingering warmth and a sense of anticipation for the sweet course to follow.

As we work our way up the tiered cake stand, we arrive at the middle tier, where we find the exquisite Madeleines and housemade buttermilk scones. The Madeleines are delicate and light, with a tender crumb that melts in the mouth. I try mine with the sustainable honey provided which adds a touch of floral sweetness.

Madeleine and Housemade Buttermilk Scone

Accompanying the Madeleines are the housemade buttermilk scones, which are wonderfully fresh. They boast a rustic golden-brown crust that gives way to a soft, airy interior. Paired with Yarra Valley strawberry jam, the flavour of the ripe strawberries and lemon myrtle double cream is simply incredible, and before we know it, we have devoured our scones.

The top tier presents four colourful and impeccably crafted sweets for us to enjoy. We begin with the Davidson plum-infused Black Forest dessert, where velvety chocolate mousse harmoniously layers with the tartness of Davidson plum, tasting as exquisite as it appears.

The Chocolate Bounty dessert has a luscious chocolate exterior that encases a coconut filling, beautifully elevated by the fragrant essence of strawberry gum.

InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto

The InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto

The Charlotte Fraise truly stood out as a remarkable creation. Its pale pink hue entices with the delightful essence of strawberries, while the delicate sponge and silky white chocolate mousse combine to create an irresistibly addictive treat.

We conclude our lavish afternoon tea with the exquisite Pepperberry choux bun, elegantly filled with a rich berry crèmeux. This delightful treat offers a subtle spice alongside vibrant fruity notes, providing the perfect finale to our five-star high tea experience.

Afternoon Tea at InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto: A Journey of Timeless Elegance and Heritage is available every Friday and Saturday from 12:30pm to 2:30pm at $99 per person with a glass of Champagne. Bookings can be made by visiting the InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto website.