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13 Best High Teas in Melbourne
High tea was once considered a fussy and old-fashioned pastime, but today high tea (or afternoon tea as it’s often called in British culture) is a much sought-after and popular activity across the top Australian cities. We have our Commonwealth roots to thank for the selection of pastries, loose-leaf, and free-flowing French wines at our disposal on any given weekend.
The decadent display of pastries, preserves, and well, tea served in dainty china at these spots will send your mind straight to the Victorian era, make you feel like a right gentleman, trigger a growl in your tummy, and remind you of a visit to grandma’s all in one sitting. Whether you’re looking for the best locations for a spot of tea, some jam and cream scones, cakes, sandwiches or even a glass of bubbles, we’ve rounded up the best high tea in Melbourne.
Related: If a good hot drink is on the cards, why not check out the best coffee shops in Melbourne?
How Man of Many Chose This List of High Tea in Melbourne
Finding the best high teas in Melbourne is easier said than done, it’s a niche cuisine for those in the know. Thankfully, Man of Many knows a thing or two about the topic and we’ve rounded up the top spots for those seeking to leave the mayhem of modernity behind for an hour or so. We’ve taken into account personal experience, public reviews, and commentary from our industry friends in the know. Collating all that information into a list of the best high tea in Melbourne you can trust.
Best High Tea in Melbourne at a Glance
Our list of best High Tea in Melbourne goes like this.
- Best overall experience: High Tea at The Waiting Room, Crown Melbourne
- Best for value for money: Seasonal High Tea, The Westin Melbourne
- Best high tea Champagne offering: The Langham Afternoon Tea, The Langham Hotel
- Best food selection: High Tea in Style by Cristina Re at Collins Kitchen, Grand Hyatt Melbourne
Now we’ve rounded up our favourites, let’s check out the full list.
High Tea at The Waiting Room, Crown Melbourne | Image: Supplied
1. High Tea at The Waiting Room, Crown Melbourne
Formerly known as ‘Conservatory’, the High Tea at The Waiting Room in Crown Melbourne brings Paris straight to you in the form of a classic Parisian hotel tea room. If you’re looking to impress, you can’t go wrong with a booking at this opulent location. Situated in the heart of Melbourne’s Southbank, it offers stunning Yarra views, marble floors, lavish décor, hand-crafted chocolate desserts, and an indulgent buffet spread designed to delight the senses.
In fact, we’ve even dubbed High Tea at The Waiting Room in Crown Melbourne as one of the best high tea experiences in Melbourne thanks to their range of cold and hot dishes on offer, with must-try dishes including the Crab and Green Apple, Brioche, Lemon Verbena, alongside the Spring Pea, Burrata Tartlet, Balsamic Texture. Hot dish favourites start with the Wild Mushroom Arancini, Truffle Aioli, and Parmesan but extend to classic Beef Empanadas with Chimichurri. Pair this with flowing Piper-Heidsieck ‘Essentiel’ (2 hours) for a great Saturday morning from $129pp.
Pricing for High Tea at The Waiting Room, Crown Melbourne
- Served with flowing Piper-Heidsieck ‘Essentiel’ (2 hours) – $129 pp
- Served with a glass of Piper-Heidsieck ‘Essentiel’ – $99 pp
- Served with Tea and Vittoria Coffee – $79 pp
Check out the menu below for all food and drink options.
Address: Crown Towers, Crown Melbourne, 8 Whiteman St, Southbank VIC 3006
Hours: Fri-Sun 12-5pm
Phone: (03) 9292 5777
The Langham Afternoon Tea, The Langham Hotel | Image: Supplied
2. The Langham Afternoon Tea, The Langham Hotel
The Langham Afternoon Tea offers a traditional British High Tea, including specialty tea from the British tea brand, JING. Executive pastry chef, Markus Bohm, takes care of the menu with our favourite dish being the classic freshly-baked scones with fresh cream and fruit preserves. It doesn’t stop there, this is our pick of all the spots on this list if food is a priority, think Cherry and pistachio mousse with hazelnut jaconde and pistachio microwave sponge, or try the Chestnut panna cotta to transport yourself to another dimension. Pair any of the above with a glass of Louis Roederer for $128 pp and relax in utter opulence. This is luxury high tea at its finest.
Pricing for The Langham Afternoon Tea, The Langham Hotel
- Weekdays, Served with a glass of Taittinger Brut Reserve – $98 pp
- Weekdays, Served with a glass of Louis Roederer Collection – $108 pp
- Weekends, Served with a glass of Taittinger Brut Reserve – $118 pp
- Weekends, Served with a glass of Louis Roederer Collection – $128 pp
- Free-flowing Taittinger Brut Reserve – additional $115 pp
- Free-flowing Louis Roederer Collection – additional $135 pp
Check out the menu below for all food and drink options.
Address: 1 Southgate Ave, Southbank VIC 3006
Hours: Mon-Fri & Sun 10am-12pm, 1-3pm, 4-6pm, Sunday 10am-12pm, 1-3pm
Phone: 1800 641 107
Afternoon Tea at the Windsor, The Hotel Windsor | Image: Supplied
3. Afternoon Tea at the Windsor, The Hotel Windsor
For authentic high tea food (Melbourne style), head on over to The Hotel Windsor which has been serving over two million guests since its inception in 1883! In celebration of its 130 years of afternoon tea, the hotel came up with a guide that highlights tea etiquette and the history of high tea. Some enticing treats on the menu include cauliflower and cheese pie, caramel log, and mandarin mousse, but we struggle to go past The Hotel Windsor’s Famous Scones. If you could only pick one of the best high teas in Melbourne CBD to try, you can’t go wrong with The Hotel Windsor.
Pricing for Afternoon Tea at the Windsor, The Hotel Windsor
- Weekdays, priced from $89 pp
- Weekends, priced from $109 pp
Check out the menu below for all food and drink options.
Address: 111 Spring St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Hours: Mon-Sun 12-4:30pm
Phone: (03) 9633 6002
The Art of Afternoon Tea, Park Hyatt Melbourne | Image: Supplied
4. The Art of Afternoon Tea, Park Hyatt Melbourne
The Art of Afternoon Tea hosted by the famous Park Hyatt Melbourne is a five-star high tea experience like no other. With world-class chefs and sommeliers utilising locally sourced ingredients, you are guaranteed a truly Melburnian culinary adventure. High tea here is served in the Tea Lounge overlooking the picturesque Trilogy Gardens. Highlights include finely cut sandwiches together with freshly baked scones served with a selection of jams and double cream, followed by a delectable selection of afternoon pastries that include our favourite, the classic Tiffany cake.
Pricing for The Art of Afternoon Tea, Park Hyatt Melbourne
- Served with a selection of loose tea and coffee – $78 pp
- Served with unlimited Victorian sparkling wine – $88 pp
- Served with a glass of Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial – $98 pp
Check out the menu below for all food and drink options.
Address: 1 Parliament Pl, East Melbourne VIC 3002
Hours: Sat-Sun 2:30-5pm
Phone: (03) 9224 1211
High Tea in Style by Cristina Re at Collins Kitchen | Image: Supplied
5. High Tea in Style by Cristina Re at Collins Kitchen, Grand Hyatt Melbourne
One of Melbourne’s best restaurants is also host to one of the best high teas in Melbourne. High Tea in Style by Cristina Re at Collins Kitchen is an extravagant experience that offers lasting memories and exquisite tastes. The menu offers a range of high-tea classics, including scones served with jams, cream and preserves, elegant finger sandwiches, decadent desserts and golden pastries presented on traditional tiered platters. The melt-in-your-mouth menu is served on 24-carat gold-rimmed Cristina Re china with beautiful arrays of colours and patterns. It’s easy to see why this makes the shortlist for our favourite high teas in Melbourne.
Pricing for High Tea in Style by Cristina Re at Collins Kitchen, Grand Hyatt Melbourne
- Served with a glass of Chandon Blanc de Blancs – $99 pp
- Served with free-flowing Chandon Blanc de Blancs – $119 pp
Check out the menu below for all food and drink options.
Address: 123 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Hours: Sat-Sun 12:30-3pm
Phone: (03) 9653 4831
Seasonal High Tea, The Westin Melbourne | Image: Supplied
6. Seasonal High Tea, The Westin Melbourne
The Westin offers a seasonal menu of delicate bites including scones, finger sandwiches and delectable desserts at its high tea in Melbourne. Assembled on specially designed high tea stands, this drool-worthy menu has it all with favourites of ours including the Beurre Noisette, apple & caramel cupcake alongside the crowd-favourite Blueberry and coconut scones. The best part? All of this is served with free-flowing Vittoria coffee blends, Jing Tea herbal infusions and hot chocolate.
Pricing for Seasonal High Tea, The Westin Melbourne
- Served with unlimited Vittoria coffee blends and Jing Herbal Infusions – $69 pp
- Served with a glass of Chandon NV Brut or Rosé – $82 pp
- Served with free-flowing Chandon NV Brut or Rosé for a two-hour duration – $99 pp
- The children’s menu includes hot chocolate, a selection of soft drinks, a range of healthy juices and ice cream spiders – $55 pp
Check out the menu below for all food and drink options.
Address: The Westin Melbourne – Ground Floor, 205 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Hours: Mon-Sun 11am-4pm (bookings are essential)
Phone: (03) 9635 2222
Weekend High Tea at Om Nom, Adelphi Hotel | Image: Supplied
7. Weekend High Tea at Om Nom, Adelphi Hotel
There’s really no better place to treat your tastebuds than at the world’s first dessert-themed hotel. The hotel’s colours and textures are based on desserts. And it also features jars of lollies and sticky toffee apples that welcome you at the lobby and reception area. Other mouthwatering features include free sweets in the bar fridges of every room, a turn-down service that comes with homemade macaroons, and of course the 40-seat dessert resto-bar, Om Nom that spins out sweet treats which look like pieces of art. No wonder it made the list of the best high tea Melbourne has on offer!
Pricing for Weekend High Tea at Om Nom, Adelphi Hotel
- Served with a glass of French sparkling – $89 pp
- Served with a glass of Veuve Cliquot – $99 pp
- Served with free-flowing French sparkling for a two-hour duration – $119 pp
- Children’s high tea – $59 pp
Check out the menu below for all food and drink options.
Address: 187 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
Hours: Sat-Sun with two seating times available, 12pm and 2.30pm
Phone: (03) 8080 8827
Tea Room, National Gallery of Victoria | Image: Supplied
8. Tea Room, National Gallery of Victoria
A team of talented pastry chefs are the masterminds behind the handcrafted macarons, éclairs, and other tantalising cakes and savouries found at the NGV Tea Room. High tea here comes with a modern twist i.e. it incorporates tradition with current trends. One fun example is that green tea and chai come served in pots with modern patterns. The best part is, thanks to the inclusive nature of the gallery, you needn’t come for the art to gain access to one of the best high tea Melbourne CBD has to date. Our recommendation? Take advantage of the 1 hour of free-flowing sparkling wine for the extra $10.
Pricing for Tea Room, National Gallery of Victoria
- Served with a glass of sparkling wine and a pot of tea or coffee – $79 pp
- Served with free-flowing sparkling wine for 1 hour – $89 pp
- Served with a glass of French Champagne – $89 pp
- Non-alcoholic high tea – $69 pp
- Children’s high tea – $29 pp
Check out the menu below for all food and drink options.
Address: 180 St Kilda Rd, Southbank VIC 3006
Hours: Mon-Sun 10am-5pm
Phone: (03) 8620 2434
Mámor Chocolates & High Tea Szalón | Image: Supplied
9. Mámor Chocolates & High Tea Szalón
Plush velvet furniture and fine antique china and silverware make Mámor a lavish location for your next high tea Melbourne hangout. Other than heavenly morsels of food made from the best produce in town, it’s also extremely familiar with helping to plan events. Mámor will be able to suggest a host of entertainment options such as tarot card reading, tea leaf reading, life drawing, burlesque, professional photography, topless waiters, and bonbonniere.
Pricing for Mámor Chocolates & High Tea Szalón
- Petit High Tea (no wine) – $59 pp
- Petit High Tea with a glass of French Sparkling wine – $65 pp
- Chocolate High Tea (no wine) – $60 pp
- Chocolate High Tea with a Cocktail plus take-home chocolates and meet the maker – $90 pp
- Luxe High Tea with a glass of French Sparkling wine – $79 pp
- Luxe High Tea with 2 hours of free-flowing French Sparkling wine – $95 pp
Check out the menu below for all food and drink options.
Address: 153 Johnston St, Collingwood VIC 3066
Hours: Fri 2:30-4:30pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm
Phone: 0432 516 776
Mary Eats Cake | Image: Supplied
10. Mary Eats Cake
In the heart of Brunswick lies Mary Eats Cake, a two-storey industrial glam’ tea house that’s dedicated to spoiling you with its version of fresh savoury items, sweet treats, and artisan teas served in fine bone china. In addition, add-ons such as French sparkling on arrival, tea blending workshop, wine pairing package, coffee, calligraphy workshop, blossoming tea, and cheese & fruit board are also available during bookings.
Pricing from $42 pp, check out the full offering via their website here.
Address: 558 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056
Hours: Wed-Thur 10am-2pm, Fri-Sun 10am-4pm
Phone: (03) 9728 6435
Strangers Corridor High Tea, Parliament House | Image: Supplied
11. Strangers Corridor High Tea, Parliament House
Where better to have a glass of sparkling than inside the Parliament House of Victoria? Strangers Corridor has been serving traditional afternoon teas since the 1920s. The venue is one of the more traditional high tea venues in Melbourne, including freshly baked scones served with jam and cream, pastries and finger sandwiches. When you arrive you’ll be offered a glass of sparkling wine, and the booking includes unlimited brewed tea and coffee at your table. A guided tour is offered to help you make the most of your time at this Australian landmark.
Pricing for Strangers Corridor High Tea, Parliament House
- Traditional High Tea – $65 pp
- Sparkling High Tea – $75 pp
- Sparkling Rose High Tea – $80 pp
Check out the menu below for all food and drink options.
Address: 1 Spring St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Hours: Friday 12-3pm
Phone: (03) 9651 8944
Miss Violets Team Rooms, Old Man Drew | Image: Supplied
12. Miss Violets Team Rooms, Old Man Drew
Step back in time and enjoy a traditional high tea at one of Melbourne’s best cafes. Picture high tea and you instantly think of Royal Albert China, crystal chandeliers, white starched tablecloths and fresh flowers. That is exactly what you are greeted with when you visit Miss Violets Tea Rooms in the Old Man Drew cafe. Sometimes it’s nice to be treated to a traditional menu with no surprises, and that’s exactly what this venue offers. The menu offers well-established options, such as scones, ribbon sandwiches, and cold savoury options. Reminisce the bygone era with Miss Violets Tea Room.
Pricing for Miss Violets Team Rooms, Old Man Drew
- Served with a glass of champagne on arrival – $85 pp
Check out the menu below for all food and drink options.
Address: 359-361 Mt Alexander Rd, Ascot Vale VIC 3032
Hours: Saturday and Sunday from 3-5pm, bookings are essential.
Phone: (03) 9375 4024
Joseph’s Dining High Tea, Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park | Image: Supplied
13. Joseph’s Dining High Tea, Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park
A lavish spread of sweet and savoury delicacies welcomes you every Saturday at 12.30pm, and Sunday at 12.30pm and 3.00pm inside the afternoon at the Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park (bookings essential). Here, High Tea is served in Joseph’s Dining overlooking the gardens of Werribee Gardens where you’ll be treated to a glass of Mum Champagne for $85 per person.
Pricing for Joseph’s Dining High Tea, Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park
- Served with a glass of Mumm Champagne – $85 pp
- Children’s High Tea – $55 pp.
Check out the menu below for all food and drink options.
Address: Escarpment Rd, Werribee South VIC 3030
Hours: Saturday at 12.30pm, and Sunday at 12.30pm and 3.00pm
Phone: (03) 9731 4130
General FAQ
What food do you have at a high tea?
There are many traditional options that are served at a high tea, these include, Scones, Asparagus Rolls, Crumpets, and Sandwiches. More contemporary options include Casseroles, Potatoes, Onion Cakes, and Pickled Salmon.
What do you wear to a high tea?
Most venues for high tea have a set dress code, typically smart-casual. This can include jeans, closed-toe shoes, and a collared shirt.
What tea is served at high tea?
Traditional black teas such as Earl Grey, Assam, and Lady Grey are traditionally served at high tea afternoons. Herbal options such as chamomile, ginger and honey, and peppermint are usually served as well.
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Ben McKimm
Ben lives in Sydney, Australia. He has a Bachelor's Degree (Media, Technology and the Law) from Macquarie University (2020). Outside of his studies, he has spent the last decade heavily involved in the automotive, technology and fashion world. Turning his passion and expertise into a Journalist position at Man of Many where he continues to write about everything that interests the modern man. Conducting car reviews on both the road and track, hands-on reviews of cutting-edge technology and employing a vast knowledge in the space of fashion and sneakers to his work. One day he hopes to own his own brand.
