Looking for the best high tea in Sydney? The city is home to a variety of lovely places where high tea is served with style. From fancy hotels with harbour views to cosy cafés and historic buildings, there’s something for every occasion. Many spots offer classic high tea with scones, finger sandwiches, and pots of tea, while others add a modern twist with unique desserts and a glass of bubbly. High tea in Sydney is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply a quiet afternoon treat.

Lookout Australia has put together a list of top high tea venues across Sydney. Each place offers its own special setting and menu, making it easy to find the right fit. Some have stunning views, others feel like hidden gems, and many offer options for gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan diets. Whether it’s a group gathering or a peaceful moment alone, these high tea spots offer great food and a relaxing atmosphere. From the city centre to the suburbs, there’s no shortage of places to enjoy a delicious and elegant high tea. Explore the guide and discover the best spots to enjoy a special afternoon tea experience in Sydney.

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1. QTea High Tea by QT Sydney

QTea High Tea by QT Sydney
QTea High Tea by QT Sydney offers a fun and fancy way to enjoy traditional afternoon tea in the heart of Sydney. It’s a special experience where guests can enjoy delicious treats like soft scones with jam and cream, tasty finger sandwiches, and mouth-watering pastries. The setting is beautiful and modern, with a relaxing atmosphere that makes it perfect for spending time with friends or family. The staff is friendly and makes sure everyone feels welcome. It’s a great place to celebrate a special day, like a birthday or an anniversary, or simply enjoy a fun and relaxing afternoon. QTea High Tea adds a modern twist to classic flavors, making it an exciting way to enjoy afternoon tea.
Review on Google: “We went to QT High Tea as part of my bachelorette celebration activities and we absolutely adored it! The atmosphere was incredible and the food was so tasty as well as unique. The rest of my group kept saying “we have to do high tea here all the time now!”. They also catered to multiple dietary options and the staff were really friendly and helpful. Safe to say we’ll be back again! “- Sarah Veitch

2. Ms.Cattea Tea Bar

MSCATTEA is a special place for people who love tea. They offer a wide range of loose-leaf teas, from classic black and green teas to fruity and herbal blends. MSCATTEA focuses on using fresh, high-quality ingredients to create the best-tasting tea. Whether it’s a relaxing tea break at home or sharing a pot of tea with friends, MSCATTEA makes every cup enjoyable. They also sell accessories like teapots, infusers, and cups, which help make the tea experience even more fun. With so many different flavors to try, MSCATTEA is the perfect place for anyone who wants to explore new types of tea or enjoy a peaceful moment with a warm cup in hand.
Review on Google: “This has to be the best tea place. The drinks are amazing and the employee is so knowledgeable about tea – going out of his way to discuss the history and flavours of it. Such a calm environment, and although a bit pricey it is definitely worth it. The design of the store is also really pretty, love the dark woods and rich colours. “- Jay

3. Quali-Tea Sydney

Quali-Tea Sydney
Quali-Tea is all about providing the best tea for tea lovers. They offer a huge variety of loose-leaf teas, including classic black and green teas, fruity blends, and herbal options. Every tea is made from fresh, high-quality ingredients, making sure every sip tastes amazing. Quali-Tea takes pride in creating small batches of tea, which helps keep the flavors fresh and strong. Whether it’s for a quiet moment alone or sharing with family and friends, Quali-Tea has something for everyone. This is the perfect place to try new flavors and enjoy the relaxing experience of drinking tea. Quali-Tea makes every cup special and is a great choice for anyone who loves tea.
Review on Google: “I’ve been coming to Qualitea for over 7 years and I can’t go anywhere else! They have a great range, with the highest quality green teas. The owners are friendly and always happy to chat to whenever I pop in to get more. “- Lily Tran

4. The Sconery

The Sconery is a charming café that is famous for its freshly baked scones. It’s the perfect place for anyone who loves afternoon tea. Visitors can enjoy soft, warm scones served with jam and cream, along with a variety of hot teas. The scones are made with the best ingredients, giving them a light and fluffy texture that everyone loves. The Sconery has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, making it a great spot to spend time with family or friends. Whether celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying a quiet afternoon, The Sconery offers a perfect tea experience. They also serve delicious cakes and pastries, making it a sweet and satisfying place to visit.
Review on Google: “I had a lovely surprise! A hidden café in a quiet and pleasant spot… with the exquisite spring afternoon sun, the best homemade Scottish shortbread. Incredible, fresh Vitamins juice, and the glass couldn’t hold any more. Very fair prices… a place I would highly recommend! Next time I’ll come back with my book to try the menu. “- Daniela Farías

5. The Grounds of the City

The Grounds is a popular café and restaurant known for serving fresh, delicious food and drinks. The café offers a variety of meals, from breakfast to lunch, as well as sweet desserts and freshly brewed coffee. The atmosphere is warm and stylish, making it a cozy place to spend time with friends or family. The Grounds takes pride in using fresh, local ingredients to make every meal flavorful and satisfying. Whether it’s a casual coffee break or a full meal, The Grounds provides a welcoming space to relax and enjoy good food. The café’s friendly service and great food make it a perfect place to hang out with loved ones and enjoy the simple joys of good company.
Review on Google: “I had an amazing experience at the grounds of the city! The atmosphere is beautiful and well-maintained, making it a perfect spot for enjoyment. What truly stood out was the exceptional service we received from Arlene. She was incredibly attentive, friendly, and went above and beyond to ensure we had everything we needed. Her dedication to providing the best service made our visit truly memorable. I highly recommend visiting this place. “- Sumal Peiris

Frequently Asked Questions

High tea in Sydney can be both formal and casual. Some places have a fancy setting with elegant tableware, while others offer a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great way to dress up for a special occasion or simply enjoy a delightful afternoon with tea and treats in a comfortable setting.
Sydney’s high tea is special because of its nice locations, tasty food, and a mix of classic and new tea choices. Many places also have amazing views of the city or the harbor, making the experience even better. It’s a great way to relax, enjoy yummy treats, and spend time with friends or family.
Yes, many high tea places in Sydney welcome children. Some venues even have special kids’ menus with child-friendly sandwiches, scones, and small treats. It’s a fun way for families to enjoy a special outing together, with a relaxed environment that suits all ages.
High tea in Sydney can be a bit pricey, but there are options for every budget. Simple venues may offer more affordable experiences, while luxury hotels and restaurants can have higher prices. It’s always good to look at what’s included in the package before making a choice.
At high tea in Sydney, guests can expect a variety of foods, including finger sandwiches, fresh scones with jam and cream, and sweet pastries. Some places also offer savory dishes like quiches and small tarts. The food is always fresh and delicious, making it a great experience for food lovers.