Everyone knows that the cafes and restaurants of Melbourne excel in serving up fantastic breakfast, brunch and lunch menus. But did you know they do an incredible range of high teas too?
All across the city there are a number of fabulous venues that serve outstanding high teas in Melbourne. Whether it be gourmet ribbon sandwiches, mouthwatering pastries, traditional scones with jam and clotted cream, or a sparkling glass of bubbly, they all make you feel like you are indulging in a truly wonderful experience.
A great way to catch up with family and friends, or impress a date, we’ve taken one for the team, and done the rounds for you. Checking out numerous venues within the Garden City to come up with this list of high tea recommendations.
The Melba Restaurant
Home to the iconic ‘Langham High Tea’, the Melba Restaurant does high tea the old fashioned imperial way.
Providing the quintessential British high tea experience, they offer a range of packages with themes like ‘Afternoon Tea With Wedgwood’, ‘Twilight Tea With Wedgwood’ and ‘Spa And Afternoon Tea’.
Located within the plush surrounds of The Langham Hotel, their bespoke offerings highlight an impressive menu that has been thoughtfully curated by their pastry chefs.
Overall it’s a very upscale experience, and they even also offer a range of Wedgwood specialty teas that are brewed in luxurious ‘Langham Rose’ Wedgwood tea ware.
Address: 8 Whiteman St, Southbank VIC 3006
The Art of Afternoon Tea
Few five-star high tea experiences can match the one you get from the Park Hyatt Melbourne hotel.
Presented by a team of chefs and sommeliers who rank amongst the best in Australia, The Art of Afternoon Tea is not so much of an experience, but rather a gastronomic adventure.
Showcasing the best in seasonal and locally sourced produce, their high tea is served at the ornate Tea Lounge which directly looks out to the scenic Trilogy Gardens.
It features a gorgeous selection of finely cut sandwiches, delicious scones that are accompanied by a range of gourmet jams and double cream and a decadent collection of sweet pastries. All of which will make your taste buds dance with delight.
Address: 1 Parliament Square Off, Parliament Pl, Melbourne VIC 3002
Mary Eats Cake
If ‘Mary Eats Cake’ sounds exactly like your kind of eating place, then its definitely worth a visit here for their high tea.
Situated in the vibrant heart of Brunswick, this glamorous 2-storey tea house treats you to a fantastic spread of savoury bites, sweet treats and artisanal teas – which they serve up to you in fine bone china.
They offer a range of high tea packages to suit all occasions, including a bottomless brunch, a bridal bliss and even a gin high tea package.
All of which include various extras elements like French champagne on arrival, wine pairing, tea blending a calligraphy workshop and a delicious fruit and cheese board.
Address: 558 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056
Conservatory
The Conservatory Crown Melbourne knows that nobody does a high tea quite like the French, which is why they offer an exquisite Parisian hotel inspired tea room within their premises.
Nestled in the heart of Southbank and showcasing terrific views of the Yarra River, the setting is delightful. With marble floors and opulent décor being the perfect backdrop to enjoy a sumptuous buffet of savoury treats, as well as the most amazing hand-crafted chocolate desserts.
The high tea here is very popular, so bookings are essential, but if you manage to secure one, prepare to be blown away by the experience.
Address: 8, Level 1 Crown Towers, Whiteman St, Southbank VIC 3006
The Hotel Windsor
There’s traditional high tea, and then there is high tea Melbourne style. Which is exactly what they have been dishing up at The Hotel Windsor for over 130 years.
Served to you with no pretentions, but a healthy slice of flair, some of their high tea offerings include a delicious cauliflower and cheese pie, as well as mandarin mousse, caramel log and their legendary scones.
The hotel has even devised a guide that highlights the history of tea and the most appropriate tea etiquette. Not that they are judging you mind!
Address: 111 Spring St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Om Nom
If you have a sweet tooth then you simply have to check out what’s on offer at the Adelphi Hotel.
Priding itself on being the world’s first dessert-themed hotel, you will literally be like a kid in a candy store when you come here.
Not only are the colours and textures of its décor based on desserts, its lobby and reception area are also adorned with colourful jars of lollies and toffee apples.
A stay here will also see you get free confectionery in the fridges of every room, as well as a turn-down service that offers homemade macaroons, on your bed, as a finishing touch.
There is also a fantastic dessert ‘resto-bar’ that plates a high tea of the most spectacular sweet treats which are so theatrically presented, you’ll feel guilty a little bit guilty for eating them.
Address: 187 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
Strangers Corridor
Parliament House in Victoria might not be the first place you think of when it comes to deciding upon high tea venues in Melbourne. But it has actually been serving up delightful afternoon teas for almost 100 years now in its Strangers Corridor venue.
Set amongst the stately surroundings, you will be presented with a glass of sparkling wine as soon as you get there, and once you sit down you will treated to unlimited cups of tea or coffee.
The high tea offering includes finger sandwiches, delicious pastries and of course the ubiquitous freshly baked scones which are complimented by a lovely selection of preserves.
After you have eaten, a guided tour of the building is offered, to ensure you get the most out of your visit to this notable Australian landmark.
Address: 1 Spring St, Melbourne VIC 3000