It’s 2024, there are two seasons of everyone’s favourite period drama Bridgerton (patiently awaiting the third) and it’s time to drink tea (or champagne) in style. Be transported back to the 1800s and swoon over the most decadent treats, at the best high tea Melbourne has to offer.
We’ve compiled everything from your 19th-century traditional venues to the more contemporary high-teas complete with Burlesque—they’re so good even Lady Whistleton would approve. Here's a rundown on the best high tea in Melbourne for 2024:
Yugen Tea Bar
SOUTH YARRA
A high tea experience doesn't have to feel like an episode of Bridgerton. At Yugen Tea Bar, the experience is a contemporary one within a space unlike anything you've ever seen before, and you've likely not tried a lot of their teas, either. Their tea sommelier sources loose leaves from around the globe, from Fujian green tea to Assam black tea.
As you'd expect, the team here also put on a top-notch high tea, with several tiers of sweet and savoury bites and if you so choose, a flute of champagne or sparkling wine. Book in here.
Mamor Chocolates
COLLINGWOOD
Local chocolatiers Mamor, are offering up their own version of high tea, with a boudoir-themed (think velvet furniture, china tea cups and vintage chandeliers) afternoon of sweet and savoury delights. As you can imagine, the sweets side of things is taken very seriously and made on-site, but that's not to say it ain't fun and games here. Included in the afternoon are bottomless bubbles, pink lemonade and, of course, tea. Book in here.
Magic Charters
DOCKLANDS
Raise the pinky finger while cruising blissfully down the Yarra River. This one-of-a-kind high tea experience will take you down to Williamstown and Hobson's Bay, then back again as you peruse the sweet and savoury snack tiers. Free-flowing coffee and tea come standard, and you'll also be greeted by your captain—and a glass of sparkling—on arrival. And the best part? It'll set you back just a modest $99pp all-inclusive. Book in here.
Hopetoun Tea Rooms
CBD
If Melbourne is home, then the Hopetoun Tea Rooms are a part of the furniture. Named after Lady Hopetoun, the wife of the first Governor of Victoria, who opened the rooms in 1892, in The Block Arcade. Now, the legacy continues in the three-storey heritage-listed Kozminsky building on Burke Street.
As you step inside the tea rooms you are transported back to the Victorian era, with white and gold fine-bone china and classical melodies played—it’s the full authentic English tea room experience. This might just be the best high tea Melbourne has to offer.
The Windsor
CBD
High tea lovers can thank The Hotel Windsor for bringing the tradition to Melbourne, with the historic five-star hotel putting on its first high tea in 1883. Executive pastry chef Felix Goodwin presents some of the best high tea in the city on fine bone china and pristine silverware.
Upon arrival, enjoy a glass of bubbles, and then settle in for a selection of 11 specialty teas—they’ve even got their own namesake blend of the stuff. The Hotel Windsor’s high tea will transport you directly from 2024 to the 1800s. Book it here.
Jardin Tan
SOUTH YARRA
Why run around The Tan when you could simply go there for high tea instead? Jardin Tan offers the classic high tea experience—bubbly upon arrival, free-flowing tea, and housemade sweet and savoury treats—with a modern twist. Sustainability is at the core of their ethos, with most of the produce grown in their own backyard. And of course, the backdrop is none other than the Royal Botanical Gardens. Book it here.
Westin Melbourne
CBD
Tea lovers, this one's for you. The Westin Melbourne has partnered with Jing Tea to bring you some of the rarest teas from across Asia. The company sources their teas directly from farmers in China, India, Japan and Taiwan.
As well as their Seasonal High Tea, this five-star luxury hotel has something for the little ones too. Le Petit High Tea is a sweet treat for kids aged 4-12 and even includes a Westin teddy bear with their visit. Book it here.
Mary Eats Cake
BRUNSWICK, MONTROSE
With locations in both Brunswick and Montrose, Mary Eats Cake offers a bunch of different options, ranging from a traditional high tea to a bottomless brunch with free-flowing mimosas and Pimms. The venue also caters for various dietary requirements, so there’s no excuse to not eat cake.
These high tea specialists have also dialled up a bottomless brunch and winery tour for an all-day boozy excursion. Kicking off at the Melrose venue, guests will scoff down bottomless scones and sling back a few mimosas before winery hopping through the Yarra Valley. Book your tour here.
Om Nom
CBD
Who said the best high tea in Melbourne had to be all white tablecloths and bone china? If you’re looking for high tea with a modern twist, look no further than Om Nom. Sitting inside Adelphi Hotel, famous for its edgy design and rooftop pool, Om Nom is the swish cocktail bar offering high tea on weekends. Over the two-hour sittings, filled with six desserts and six savoury bites, this venue brings high tea right into 2024. Book it here.
Strangers Corridor
CBD
Ever wondered what happens in the “Members Only” rooms in Parliament House? Well, wonder no more, you can enjoy high tea in Strangers Corridor.
This historic room has been serving afternoon tea since 1924 and is committed to using local Victorian food and beverages. Before sitting down for tea, take a guided tour of Parliament House—rumour has it you may even discover a secret underground passage. Book it here.
Langham Melbourne
SOUTHBANK
Over 100 years ago at the Langham Hotel in London, the first commercial afternoon tea was served. And so began a tradition that lives on in the Melbourne branch of this famous hotel chain.
You’ll find British classics with a modern twist, made in-house by the Langham and Melbourne chefs, paired with high-quality teas from Ronnefeldt. Book it here.
Old Man Drew
ASCOT VALE
Step back in time at Miss Violets Tea Rooms, inside Old Man Drew Cafe. What started as a grocery store in 1868 for miners heading to the goldfields, is now a luxury tea house. Expect the full works—Royal Albert China, crystal chandeliers and decadent treats. There’s also a kid-friendly vintage garden with an Old Bedford Truck, a nod to its former life as a truck dealership. Book in here.
Sofitel Melbourne
CBD
Following the French philosophy “joie-de-vivre”, which translates to “the enjoyment of life”, No35 at the Sofitel serves some of the best high tea Melbourne has. Jump into an elevator and head up to the 35th floor for savoury and sweet delights with a view across Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay. Book in here.
Collins Coffee House
CBD
Collins Coffee House’s 1867 building, opulent furniture and gold-detailed crockery carry all the charm you’d expect from a high tea experience. From delicate sandwiches, to bite-size macarons—the menu has been curated by British pastry chef Chef Laura, who brings over four decades of experience to this Bridgeton-like gem. On Sundays, guests can enjoy live opera performances as they sip and graze. Book it here.
The NGV Tea Room
SOUTHBANK
Is there anything the NGV doesn't do well? Enter past the iconic waterfall, to the tea rooms, and discover a little bit of history with a modern twist. You don’t have to be seeing an exhibition to head inside, although with so many incredible artists on display, we do recommend setting aside time for the gallery as well. Book in here.
Olinda Tea House
OLINDA
Around 50kms out of Melbourne in the Dandenong Ranges you’ll find Olinda—an Asian-inspired tea house. Not only do they serve up some of the best high tea Melbourne has on offer, but the venue is completely immersed in nature. After you've finished eating, head out to the gardens, you may see some Alpacas and ponies roaming around. Book in here.
Coombe Yarra Valley
COLDSTREAM
Located inside the garage in the former home of famous operatic soprano Dame Nellie Melba, is Coombe Yarra Valley. The restaurant sits on seven acres of beautifully maintained gardens and is offering high tea and a garden tour all in one. This lavish location is the perfect spot for high tea, especially if you’re an opera fan. Book in here.
Make a day of it and hit up some of Melbourne's best spots for breakfast, lunch and dinner:
Melbourne's best restaurants
Melbourne's best cafes
Melbourne's best bars
Melbourne's best breakfast
Melbourne's best Japanese
Image credit: The Hotel Windsor
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