Is there anything better than a warm scone slathered with jam and cream, a crustless cucumber sandwich or the perfect, bite-sized eclair at one of the best high teas in Brisbane/Meanjin?
Combine that with a fancy cup of tea or a cheeky glass of champagne, and you’ve found yourself the perfect afternoon—or at least we here at Urban List sure think so.
No matter if you’re celebrating a special occasion, catching up over tiny sandwiches or having a mother-daughter date, we've got some pretty spectacular places to slip into civilised society. Here’s where to find the best high teas Brisbane has to offer.
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W Brisbane
81 N Quay, Brisbane CBD
High tea is naturally a fancy affair, and W Brisbane is turning it up with their bold, design-led take on the much-loved tradition: The Art of Indulgence. Set against the atmospheric Living Room Bar, settle in for an afternoon of innovative twists on classic high tea staples, including caviar-topped sandwiches, matcha tiramisu, and more. On the drinks front, W Brisbane’s in-house sommelier has created a high tea menu featuring a bespoke selection of hand-blended teas from South Australian tea specialists, T Bar, but we recommend elevating your experience with the help of the Ruinart Champagne trolley—which gives the option to add on a glass of R de Ruinart Brut NV. Available Friday to Sunday from 11am to 3pm for $80 per person (or $99 per person with a glass of Champagne), this is the perfect way to sip up. Book here.
Bacchus
9 Glenelg Street, South Bank
Famed for its high tea, Bacchus loves any excuse for a seasonal update of their sweet and savoury selection, and this month, you’ll find a menu fit for a Queen. For just $69pp, take a bite into classics like chicken sandwiches, scones, and macarons, as well as crab remoulade sliders, kangaroo tart, and rich chocolate slice. You can also upgrade your bottomless tea and barista coffee to two hours of bubbles for an additional price.
Belle Epoque
267 Grey Street, South Brisbane
Belle Epoque gives the closest experience to a Parisian café you’ll find on the streets of Brisbane. Their high tea is an absolute crowd-pleaser, with vegan, vegetarian, nut-free, and gluten-free menus available from $80pp up to $130pp with two hours of bottomless Champagne. We’d go for the crab vol au vent, with avocado, chives, and cream fraîche first before digging into their freshly baked scones and other sweet treats.
Naldham House
33 Felix Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Naldham House | Instagram
We couldn’t think of a more perfect setting for high tea than the stunning, heritage-listed surrounds of Naldham House and clearly they agree, because they’re now doing it every Saturday from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Seated in the cosy brasserie, you can nibble on a tier of chicken and avocado sandwiches, smoked mortadella and adobo croquettes, chicken skin crisps, salted caramel eclairs, and scones with jam and cream for $65pp. While you dine you can sip on a glass of bubbles, or even add on two hours of Taittinger for an additional $80pp.
Lennons Restaurant & Bar
72 Queens Street, Brisbane CBD
Afternoon tea is served true blue-style at Lennons Restaurant And Bar on Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm to 4:40pm. The high tea menu here is all about simple Aussie icons, like the mushroom cuppa soup with truffle, cucumber and chive cream cheese on traditional white bread, and chocolate pudding . You can even upgrade from the $65pp traditional high tea to include a glass of Champagne for $85pp (why wouldn’t you?).
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Bar 1603
27 Turbot Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Bar 1603 | Supplied
Crafted by Executive Chef Valentino Acuzar, Bar 1603's signature Zen Garden High Tea is inspired by the tranquility of a Japanese Zen garden and available Friday to Sunday from 11am to 3pm. Beginning with a glass of Veuve Tailhan Blanc de Blanc NV, the artfully curated menu doubles as a serene and sensory escape via the plate, with succulent Moreton Bay bug rolls, wagyu beef tataki, salmon sashimi, chicken karaage, and vegetable gyoza. However it’s the centrepiece of the Zen Garden High Tea that’ll truly drop jaws. The Edible Haus of Zen—a handcrafted chocolate sculpture surrounded by sweet treats like stone mousse, matcha tiramisu, and yuzu log. Coming in at $109pp, it might be pricier than most on the list, but well worth every dollar.
Customs House
399 Queen Street, Brisbane CBD
This Brisbane high tea definitely has the best views in town, overlooking the Story Bridge from Patina By Customs House's breezy courtyard. Available Tuesday to Sunday, the tiered trays feature ribbon sandwiches, savoury canapes, raspberry scones, macarons and more. Alongside you can sip on French handcrafted teas, espresso coffees plus a glass of champagne for $90pp.
Goldfinch
Corner Ann And Roma Street, Brisbane CBD
With their greenhouse-like dining area complete with lush greenery and florals hanging from the ceiling, Goldfinch is the perfect backdrop for a high tea, and they’ve finally come to the party with a delightful offering. For $69pp, you can nibble your way through a three-tier tray of ribbon sandwiches, mini quiches, and buttermilk scones with jam and cream, plus a glass of sparkling to wash it down. A premium tea selection is also included, or you can upgrade to two hours of bubbles for $30pp (just say yes).
The Balfour Kitchen
37 Balfour Street, New Farm
Sip on specialty teas in the lush courtyard at Spicers Balfour once-a-month weekend offering. On the menu you'll find classic high tea nibbles like mini chicken brioche buns, vegetarian spring rolls, and pork belly rillette, as well as whipped chocolate tarts, sticky date pudding, and a variety of scones. Whether you dine in the stylish restaurant, on the wrap-around verandah, or under the blossoming frangipani trees in the courtyard, this $89pp offering will fit the bill.
Kazba
1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: Kazba | Supplied
Much as we love a classic high tea, sometimes you just want to mix things up. Enter: Kazba's new Harem High Tea— a delightful excursion to the Middle East. Featuring Za Za Ta's famed haloumi doughnuts, sesame falafel, chicken pita tea sandwiches and smoked salmon latkes, plus desserts like pistachio baklava, rosewater Turkish delight, and dates stuffed with orange and almond, this is definitely the most exotic high tea in Brisbane. For $59pp it comes with bottomless BlakBrews Tea and coffee, or you can upgrade to 90 minutes of sparkling wine for $99pp.
Dandelion & Driftwood
20 Doncaster Street, Hendra
Dandelion & Driftwood have always known how to put on a good high tea, offering tier after tier of bite-sized delights. Using their renowned signature recipes, D & D’s delicate three-tiered high tea stands features fluffy scones with jam and cream, mini croissants and veggie frittatas, as well as finger sandwiches and fruit tarts. Starting from $65pp, we highly recommend pairing your feast with Champagne or signature cocktail.
Room With Roses
117 Adelaide Street, Brisbane CBD
Tucked away upstairs in the historic Brisbane Arcade, Room With Roses is a Brisbane high tea heaven for traditionalists. Famed for their scones with jam and cream, and passionfruit sponge, it’s a beautiful spot to relax and savour your surroundings. Pick from one of three high tea options, and don’t forget to add that glass of bubbles to your order.
Main image credit: W Brisbane | Supplied
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