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The Best High Tea in Melbourne

Updated 11 months ago

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There’s a (not entirely unfair) association between high tea and snobbery. It doesn’t help that you “take” high tea rather than “have” it. Or that it evokes imagery of a pinkie-finger-out ladies-who-lunch set that’s largely irrelevant in contemporary Australia.

And yet, the fun’s undeniable. High tea is a great excuse to dress up, not to mention a socially acceptable way of eating cake after cake. Some of these venues cleverly put their own spin on it (we see you, Yugen Tea Bar). But the ones who stay classic do so well, and very extravagantly. For either of these experiences, check off this list of Melbourne’s best high teas, curated by Broadsheet’s expert food and drink editors.

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  • The Conservatory

    Restaurant

    This opulent tearoom is the perfect setting for an afternoon high tea of scones, finger sandwiches and cakes. It also offers expansive buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

  • The Hotel Windsor

    Restaurant

    In one of Melbourne's most luxurious settings for high tea, the menu changes seasonally.

  • Hopetoun Tea Rooms

    Cafe

    After an expansion in 2015, this 100-plus-year-old tea room now serves over 400 people a day.

  • Old Man Drew

    Cafe

    Take high tea at Miss Violet's tea rooms on Saturdays and Sundays.

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  • The Tea Room NGV

    Cafe

    A classic high tea in the NGV. There's a family-friendly "kids high tea" that will keep everyone happy.

  • Madame Brussels

    Bar

    This "garden party" takes place on a scenic rooftop and comes with a jug of punch if you're after something stronger than tea.

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  • Jardin Tan

    Restaurant

    This casual Vietnamese eatery in the Botanic Gardens is a great setting for an afternoon tea, at $45 per head (or $44 with a glass of Cuvée sparkling).

  • Yugen Tea Bar

    Bar

    Thibaut Chuzeville takes tea very seriously. Here, he’s serving more than 40 varieties from 10 countries, all in their purest form. There’s also a show-stopping patisserie selection, sparkling wine and tea-infused cocktails.

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