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.

Our list of best High Tea in Melbourne goes like this.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.