In the plush, subtly lit surrounds of The Waiting Room (TWR) at Crown Melbourne, where glamour drips from every velvet-draped corner, the aptly named Crème de la Crème High Tea is redefining indulgence.
From the moment you arrive, it’s clear this is not your average afternoon affair. Crown doesn’t whisper luxury, it announces it. And this four-tiered high tea experience is no exception.
We were warmly welcomed by the Culinary Director of Crown Melbourne, Jochen Beranek, who took us through the menu.
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We began with a chilled French Martini taster, a delightful and stylish way to start. This is a four-tiered high tea stand, with two tiers dedicated to savoury delights, one hot and one cold. It’s a welcome trend we’ve observed across Melbourne, and it makes perfect sense. There’s only so much sweetness one can reasonably enjoy in a single sitting.
From the hot selection, the Zesty Lemon Lobster Mornay served with Thermidor aioli on wood-baked Comté sourdough was outstanding. Rich and tangy with generous portions of lobster, it was the standout savoury of the day.
The Trio Cauliflower Emulsion from the cold savoury tier deserves a moment of its own: creamy, pickled, and roasted versions of the humble veg came together in a little trio that was inventive, elegant, and packed with flavour.
The Caramelised White Chocolate & Hazelnut Madeleine was nothing short of sensational. Rich, smooth, delicately balanced, and dangerously moreish.
Another highlight was the Blueberry & Lemon Frangipane Tartlet topped with crunchy white chocolate balls for added texture. Zingy, bright, and elegant, it was the perfect palate cleanser between bites of buttery pastry and creamy ganache.
In place of the traditional scone, TWR offers a Tarte Tropézienne, a French brioche like pastry that is light, airy, perfect for holding jam and cream.
A final mention must go to the Canelé “Mon Cheri” which was rich, creamy and delicious. In our years of reviewing high teas, it’s rare to be wowed. But Crown Melbourne has managed it. This is high tea, generous, thoughtful, and extravagantly executed.
The Crème De La Crème High Tea at TWR is $95 per person or $120 with 90 minutes of flowing Pierlot Sparkling Brut Rosé, which represents excellent value for the quality and experience on offer. It’s available Friday to Sunday from 11am until 31 August 2025.
Crème de la Crème High Tea Menu
Adults receive a complimentary French Martini taster on arrival.
Cold Savoury:
- Charcoal Brioche – Smoked Trout Rillette, Horseradish & Saffron Crème Fraîche, Avruga Caviar
- Trio Cauliflower Emulsion – Olive Tart, Romesco Textures, Pomegranate Pearls
- Pulled Confit Chicken – Truffled Mushroom Pâté, Mini Croissant
Hot Savoury:
- Zesty Lemon Lobster Mornay – Thermidor Aioli, Wood-Baked Comté Sourdough
- Smoked Beef Brisket Croquettes, Parsley Dust, Sauce Gribiche
- Wild Mushroom and Leek Quiche – Black Garlic Aioli, Caramelised Pearl Onion, Gruyère Boulette
Sweet:
- French Vanilla Macaron
- Canelé “Mon Cheri”
- Blueberry & Lemon Frangipane Tartlet
- Caramelised White Chocolate & Hazelnut Madeleine
Tarte Tropézienne:
- Raspberry Jam, Triple Citrus Marmalade, Crème Chantilly
High Tea Melbourne – find more experiences
in our High Tea Venue Directory
Reviews for this venue:
- 29 July 2024: Vittoria Coffee High Tea at TWR, Crown Melbourne
- 30 April 2024: Aperol High Tea at The Waiting Room, Crown Melbourne
- 31 December 2023: Moët & Chandon High Tea at The Waiting Room, Crown Melbourne
- 29 July 2023: Nikka High Tea at The Waiting Room, Crown Melbourne
- 1 February 2023: Hendrick’s High Tea at TWR Crown Melbourne
- 2 August 2022: High Tea at The Waiting Room Crown Towers Melbourne
- 2 October 2018: Afternoon Tea at The Waiting Room Melbourne
- 4 June 2013: High Tea at The Waiting Room Melbourne
- 28 April 2012: High Tea at The Waiting Room Melbourne
