The best places for high tea in Melbourne

Melbourne really loves a good high tea. Those indulgent afternoons of tea and scones, dainty sandwiches and picture-perfect pastries. Here are some of the city’s lushest spreads.

High Tea at The Tea Rooms 1892

The Tea Rooms 1892 sit at an iconic spot in the Block Arcade. They have a rich history of serving high tea to elegant Melburnians in gilt surrounds. Of course, there are scones, and the famous smoked salmon pinwheel sandwiches. Or enjoy quiches, chicken liver pate on chestnut biscuits, and refreshing fresh fruit. Cakes from the beautiful window display go perfectly with your pot of tea. Reservations essential.

High Tea at The Westin

Dial up the sophistication with an indulgent high tea at The Westin. Hosted in the hotel's Lobby Lounge, the daily tea is inspired by the seasons. Dine on three decadent tiers of sweet and savoury treats. Think classic vanilla scones, moussaka tarts, and chocolate and peanut butter canelés. Sip unlimited tea and coffee, or up the ante with two-hours of free flowing wine. Did we mention The Westin even does a sweet high tea for children?

The Langham Afternoon Tea

Steeped in tradition (and speciality British tea), high tea at The Langham has been an afternoon ritual since 1865. Start with gourmet sandwiches and savouries. Perhaps classic cucumber sandwiches and savoury cheese scones. Then move onto dessert. Dainty pastries are lovingly made fresh in house. Try the heavenly ginger and rose lamingtons and Vegemite macarons. Scones with berries and rhubarb jam are a must.

High G&T at Pilgrim

Pilgrim puts a cheeky twist into the classic high tea with its Gin High Tea. Over two hours, you’ll dine on dainty sweet and savoury bites. Like mini chicken croissants, lamb sausage rolls and prawn toast with pepperberry aioli. Then there’s the drinks. They include three gin-based, tea-inspired cocktails and bottomless sparkling wine and tea. For non-drinkers, there’s a legit tasting alcohol-free gin to sip instead.

Afternoon Tea at Hotel Windsor

Travel back in time to 1883 for a traditional afternoon tea at Hotel Windsor – with a hint of stylish contemporary flavours. A three-tiered silver stand is adorned with freshly baked scones, strawberry jam and cream. The ever-changing menu includes exquisite pastries like gourmet sausage rolls and mini tarts. There's also choux pastries stuffed with caramelised apple. Or try classic chicken Waldorf sandwiches.

Weekend High Tea at Om Nom Kitchen

High tea at Om Nom Kitchen is a creative take on tradition. You'll find Om Nom set within the designer Adelphi Hotel. The decor is dark and dramatic and perfectly sets the scene for the stunning treats. Savouries include scones with gruyere and truffle honey. Sandwiches are filled with egg, potato and jamon. For sweets think lemon pavlova, tiramisu tart and nostalgic fairy bread scones.

High Tea at Collins Coffee House

Dine in under grand chandeliers and decorative ceilings at Collins Coffee House. Visit the heritage building for pumpkin and sage tarts, quiche and cucumber ribbon sandwiches. Plus enjoy classic scones, handmade cakes and tea or coffee. Now there’s a perfect day out. All the goodies are baked fresh onsite daily and gluten-free selections are also available.

High Tea in Style by Cristina Re

Cristina Re is known for her gorgeous gold-trimmed tableware and elegant, vintage style. For an ultra-glamorous high tea experience, head to Collins Kitchen at the Grand Hyatt. The Saturday high tea is framed with Cristina’s beautiful pieces. Enjoy warm scones and finger sandwiches. There are also golden savoury goat cheese pastries, French macarons and other decadent treats. Tea is served by loose leaf icons T2.

Garden High Tea at Jardin Tan

What better setting for an elegant high tea than among the greenery at the Royal Botanic Gardens? Jardin Tan's high tea for two starts with a glass of bubbly and tea and coffee is free-flowing. The savoury selection includes portobello mushroom pie and mini brioche with cured trout. Finish on pint-sized desserts such as coconut pandan panna cotta, brownies and scones with jam and Chantilly cream.

Sunday High Tea at No35

High tea with stellar views over the city from the 35th floor is a no-brainer. The Sofitel's in-house restaurant No35 puts on a gorgeous spread every Sunday. Start with a sparkling wine and graze through a dizzying array of treats. Savouries include pork and fennel rolls and feta quiche. And for sweets, Belgian chocolate and raspberry tartlets hit the spot. Scones are studded with sultanas and come served with Tahitian vanilla Chantilly cream.

Signature Pink High Tea at Mercury Restaurant

Spending a day exploring the Melbourne Museum? Cap off your cultural outing in the tastiest way possible – with high tea at Mercury. Sip sparkling rosé and rose tea while making your way through the tiered tray of nibbles. Try tomato and bocconcini tarts, blue swimmer crab crackers and dainty sandwiches. And finish on a sweet note, with mini scones and pink lady lamingtons.

Gardens House High Tea in the Royal Botanic Gardens

Melbourne's most scenic high tea is back with a retro theme for winter. Sip champagne in the heart of the gardens while you nibble on nostalgic childhood treats. Think chicken parma pies, fairy bread lamingtons, Hubba Bubba macarons and more. After tea, head outside to the lush grounds of the Gardens House for family-friendly lawn games.

Parisian High Tea at The Waiting Room

Fly to Paris for the afternoon with high tea at Crown's opulent hotel lobby bar, The Waiting Room. A glass of French Champagne on arrival perfectly sets the tone for your elegant soirée. A towering silver stand holds four tiers of moreish Parisian treats. Tuck into orange crème brûlée, chicken mille-feuille tarts and house-baked scones with jam and cream.