There are not many places in Sydney where you can take High Tea in a room that has hosted heads of state, Hollywood royalty, and members of royal families. Strangers' Restaurant at NSW Parliament is one of them.
Arriving at Parliament House feels a little ceremonial even before you sit down. The building has been the seat of New South Wales democracy since 1856, and walking through it, past the central fountain that links the historic old precinct to the new, you feel that history quite deliberately
The restaurant itself strikes a confident balance between formal and welcoming. White linen dresses the tables, staff move through the room in crisp black and white, and the soft notes of a grand piano carry across the space. On the afternoon we visited, the room was full and buzzing with conversation, sunlight falling through windows that frame the Domain Gardens beyond. There is a sense of occasion here that feels entirely earned.
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The menu features seasonal and local produce sourced from across New South Wales, something the culinary team at Parliament House has long championed.
From the five savoury items, the smoked duck on rye with blackberry and cherry was the standout. The coronation chicken sandwich, a classic done properly, well-seasoned, generous and satisfying, was a reminder of why some things never go out of fashion.
On the sweet selection, the lamington was soft and fresh. The panna cotta with peach coulis was delicate and light, the kind of thing you find yourself finishing slowly just to make it last. The scones were moist and served with homemade jam.
Everything was served on NSW Parliament’s own Wedgwood crested teaware, lending the table a quiet, distinguished character that suits the setting perfectly.
Traditional High Tea is $70 per person, with a Sparkling option at $80 and Rosé Sparkling at $85. For the setting, the food quality, and the overall experience, this represents solid value.
A free one-hour guided tour of Parliament departs at 11:30am and 2pm. It is worth doing, especially for first-timers or those visiting with guests from interstate or overseas.
The Strangers’ Restaurant High Tea menu changes each month, and in July and December a Christmas-themed High Tea menu is served. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available on request.
Strangers’ Restaurant is not chasing trends. It is a traditional High Tea — white linen, plain scones, finger sandwiches — delivered with care.
Strangers’ Restaurant High Tea Menu
Sweet
- Scones with homemade jam & cream (V)
- Chocolate Manjari cake (GF, V)
- Lemon tart with fresh blueberry (GF)
- Mini lamington
- Pistachio financier
Savoury
- Coronation chicken sandwich
- Smoke salmon tart
- Moroccan lamb pie with hummus & za’atar
- Pumpkin, basil & thyme pithivier with herb aioli (V)
- Smoked duck on rye with blackberry & cherry
Tea & coffee
Vegetarian and gluten free menu is available on request.
High Tea Sydney – find more experiences
in our High Tea Venue Directory
Reviews for this venue:
- 1 August 2025: High Tea at Strangers’ Restaurant, NSW Parliament, Sydney
- 3 March 2021: High Tea at the Parliament of NSW, Sydney
- 29 September 2018: High Tea at the Parliament of NSW Sydney
- 31 January 2016: High Tea in the House, NSW Parliament Sydney
