Afternoon tea is one of Melbourne’s loveliest ways to mark a birthday, welcome interstate visitors, organise a bridal or baby shower, or reserve an unhurried afternoon for tea and conversation. The city offers grand, white-linen hotel traditions alongside playful, cake-led experiences in the suburbs and hills.

This is a curated guide, not a directory. We focus on venues that currently promote a regular public high-tea or afternoon-tea service, then assess the details that make an occasion work: setting, food and beverage format, service length, dietary support, group suitability, accessibility and booking clarity. Prices, menus and session times change, so confirm the live offering before paying a deposit.

Brighton Savoy formerly operated as a Melbourne hotel, restaurant and function venue for more than five decades. Michael Lee’s hospitality perspective is also informed by a Certificate of Catering from William Angliss College and an Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Studies. That experience informs the practical questions behind this guide: portion balance, tea and beverage choice, dietary communication, service pacing, table comfort and whether a venue can genuinely support a group celebration.

Brighton Savoy no longer operates as a hotel or function venue. This is an independent consumer guide based on current public venue information and a hospitality-informed editorial assessment. We do not claim personal visits to every venue. Readers should check each provider’s current menu, pricing, availability and terms before booking.

How this guide was researched

We checked the venues’ own current pages for a regular public service, published sessions or booking pathway, group-booking information and dietary guidance. We then compared occasion fit rather than assigning subjective star ratings. One-off pop-ups are excluded unless they develop into a regular public service. The list is reviewed when a venue opens, closes, materially changes its service, or launches a new regular high tea.

Compare the best afternoon teas in Melbourne

Jump to an individual venue listing: The Hotel Windsor | The Langham Melbourne | The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne | Grand Hyatt Melbourne | Sofitel Melbourne on Collins | Park Hyatt Melbourne | Mary Eats Cake | Pan Pacific Melbourne | InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto | Society Restaurant | Amora Herencia Riverwalk | Olinda Tea House | The Westin Melbourne | TWR at Crown Towers | Stamford Plaza Melbourne | The Tea Rooms 1892 | Lancemore Mansion Hotel | Fortnums | Reverie Cafe | Mámor Chocolates | Collins Coffee House | Oxi Tea Room | Gigi Melbourne.

A short history of high tea and afternoon tea

Afternoon tea began in Britain in the mid-19th century, when the gap between lunch and a late evening dinner created a need for a light meal in the afternoon. It became a social ritual of tea, small sandwiches, scones and cakes, usually served at a low table in a drawing room or hotel lounge.

Strictly speaking, afternoon tea and high tea were not originally the same thing. High tea was a more substantial early-evening meal, often including savoury dishes, eaten at a higher dining table. In Australia, as in much of the world, “high tea” has become the familiar name for the celebratory tiered experience. Melbourne’s version adds specialty tea, local patisserie, dietary inclusivity, sparkling wine and settings designed for occasions.

That history helps you book well. A traditional afternoon tea should have balance between savoury, scone and sweet courses. A modern high tea can be more theatrical, but it should still allow enough time, food and comfortable service for people to properly enjoy each other’s company.

23 high tea venues in Melbourne, compared

1. The Hotel Windsor, Melbourne CBD

The Hotel Windsor remains the essential choice for the classic version of afternoon tea: tiered stands, a broad tea selection, attentive service and a sense of occasion in a landmark hotel. It is particularly well suited to visitors, multi-generational family gatherings and anyone who wants tradition rather than a novelty format. Current two-hour sittings start at $89 on weekdays; weekend service includes a dessert buffet and chocolate fountain, with adult prices from $119. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and pregnancy-friendly stands are available with notice.

Best for: a quintessential Melbourne afternoon tea. View The Hotel Windsor afternoon tea.

2. The Langham Melbourne, Southbank

The Langham’s afternoon tea is a polished Southbank occasion close to the river, Arts Precinct and CBD. It suits a dressed-up birthday or gift experience where service, presentation and a luxurious hotel setting matter as much as the food. The current menu describes a bespoke afternoon tea served with Ronnefeldt speciality tea, a worthwhile point of difference for serious tea drinkers. Sessions are currently 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm on weekdays, and 10am to noon, 1pm to 3pm and 4pm to 6pm on weekends.

Best for: a refined celebration near the city. View The Langham Melbourne afternoon tea.

3. The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne, CBD

For an unmistakably special-occasion booking, The Ritz-Carlton brings afternoon tea to Level 80 with city views. The current three-course service runs from 11.30am to 2.30pm and includes 11 Love Tea loose-leaf teas, Code Black coffee and a Moët & Chandon arrival drink. It is $130 per adult, with a $230 free-flow option and a $65 children’s option for ages four to 12. It is a natural choice for an anniversary, a parent’s milestone or visitors wanting a memorable city experience.

Best for: views, champagne and a luxury gift. View The Ritz-Carlton afternoon tea.

4. Grand Hyatt Melbourne, Melbourne CBD

Grand Hyatt Melbourne’s High Tea in Style by Cristina Re is a generous Saturday service at Collins Kitchen. It runs from 12.30pm to 3pm and is $109 per adult or $54.50 per child, with warm scones, finger sandwiches, a dessert counter, chocolate fountain and made-to-order crêpes. T2 tea and espresso are served in Cristina Re porcelain, making this a particularly good choice for families or a group who want more than a compact three-tier stand. Online bookings accommodate up to 10 guests; larger groups of up to 20 can be arranged directly.

Best for: a Saturday luxury-hotel buffet with a family-friendly format. View Grand Hyatt Melbourne dining.

5. Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, Melbourne CBD

Sofitel’s Weekend High Tea at No35 is the strongest pick for guests who prefer abundance and variety over a strictly plated service. The current buffet combines finger sandwiches, hot and cold savouries, pastries and freshly baked scones, served with high-floor city and bay views. It runs on Saturdays and Sundays from 12.30pm, with published prices from $98 per adult, $125 with free-flowing beverages and $45 for children aged three to 11.

Best for: a generous luxury-hotel buffet with French influence. View Sofitel Melbourne Weekend High Tea.

6. Park Hyatt Melbourne, East Melbourne

Park Hyatt’s Art of Afternoon Tea is served in a calm luxury-hotel environment near Parliament House and Fitzroy Gardens. It is a quieter proposition than a busy shopping-centre or high-rise venue, so it suits an unhurried catch-up, an elegant gift or a small celebration where guests value space and a garden outlook. Check the hotel directly for the latest menu and sittings.

Best for: understated luxury and a garden outlook. View Park Hyatt Melbourne dining.

7. Mary Eats Cake, Brunswick and Montrose

Mary Eats Cake is one of Melbourne’s most practical choices when high tea is the main event rather than an add-on at a hotel. Its Brunswick and Montrose venues run two-hour high-tea packages from $72 per person, with bottomless tea and scones, children’s options and a wide range of dietary choices. Its group focus and private spaces make it especially useful for baby showers, hens’ gatherings and birthday groups. If you are also comparing a larger wedding celebration, see our Melbourne wedding venues guide.

Best for: private groups, dietary options and a relaxed celebration. View Mary Eats Cake high-tea packages.

8. Pan Pacific Melbourne, South Wharf

Pan Pacific’s signature high tea is served on weekends in the Pacific Club Lounge, overlooking the Melbourne skyline. The menu draws on native Australian ingredients alongside Singaporean and Southeast Asian influences, giving it a clearer culinary identity than many conventional hotel teas. The hotel also promotes tailored group high-tea packages, making it a useful choice for birthdays, milestones and showers.

Best for: South Wharf views, distinctive flavours and organised group occasions. View Pan Pacific Melbourne High Tea.

9. InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto, Melbourne CBD

InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto serves afternoon tea in Alluvial beneath its glass atrium, with a menu from Executive Chef Charlie Song that draws on native Australian ingredients. The regular service runs Thursday to Sunday from 12.30pm to 2.30pm. The current $99 adult offering includes TWG tea or coffee, an Orange and Cointreau shooter and a glass of G.H. Mumm Champagne; Little Rialto is the children’s option. It is an especially strong choice when heritage architecture matters as much as the menu.

Best for: a grand heritage setting in the CBD. View InterContinental Melbourne afternoon tea.

10. Society Restaurant, Melbourne CBD

Society’s Friday-to-Sunday afternoon tea is a contemporary CBD alternative rather than a conventional three-tier hotel ritual. Served as part of The Society Social lunch offering from noon to 3pm, it centres on the restaurant’s dessert trolley and pairs sweet dishes, cakes and desserts with a cocktail or glass of Chandon from $55 per person. It is the right choice for a fashion-forward lunch celebration, not for guests specifically seeking a full classic sandwich-and-scone format.

Best for: a polished city lunch with a dessert-led afternoon-tea finish. View Society Afternoon Tea.

11. Amora Herencia Riverwalk Melbourne, Richmond

Amora Herencia Riverwalk’s monthly Herencia High Tea is a well-priced hotel option close to the Yarra and Bridge Road. The current published offer is $49 per person and includes sweet treats, savoury bites, freshly baked scones, Dilmah tea and coffee. The service is scheduled monthly rather than daily, so check the hotel’s next published date, session time and dietary terms before making plans.

Best for: a relaxed Richmond celebration with a clear value proposition. View Herencia High Tea.

12. Olinda Tea House, Olinda

Olinda Tea House turns high tea into a Dandenong Ranges outing. Its bookable Signature High Tea, garden gazebo and floral-house options create a memorable setting for small celebrations, engagements and showers. It is best considered a destination outing rather than a quick city booking. People with serious food allergies should read the venue’s food-allergy notice carefully before committing, and all guests should check the current menu, pricing and session availability before booking.

Best for: garden scenery and a destination afternoon. View Olinda Tea House high tea.

13. The Westin Melbourne, CBD

The Westin’s current Native High Tea brings Australian native ingredients to a Collins Street high tea. It is available daily from 11am to 4pm through 29 November 2026, priced at $80 per person with unlimited Vittoria coffee, loose-leaf tea and hot chocolate. Native cocktails and sparkling upgrades are available, while the Little Wonders children’s high tea is $63 for ages five to 12. The hotel also promotes dedicated party packages for birthdays, engagements, bridal showers and baby showers. A 10 per cent weekend surcharge applies.

Best for: seasonal menus and a private high-tea party in the CBD. View The Westin Melbourne High Tea.

14. TWR at Crown Towers, Southbank

TWR’s current Green Edit Matcha High Tea is a modern Southbank option for guests who want an alternative to a traditional tea service. Available on Saturdays and Sundays for a limited time, it is $99 per adult with matcha and Vittoria coffee, $130 with Piper-Heidsieck Champagne, or $155 with 90 minutes of flowing Piper-Heidsieck. The children’s option for ages four to 12 is $55. A 10 per cent weekend surcharge applies, and group bookings need to select the same package.

Best for: matcha lovers and small celebratory groups. View TWR Matcha High Tea.

15. Stamford Plaza Melbourne, Melbourne CBD

Stamford Plaza offers one of the clearest value-led CBD hotel choices. Its current Harry’s Restaurant & Bar service runs Friday and Saturday from noon to 5pm and Sunday from noon to 3pm, with a published price of $59 per adult and $49 per child. The three-tier stand includes savouries, house-made scones, classic sweets and Dilmah tea; bookings and full payment are required at least 48 hours ahead.

Best for: a traditional hotel afternoon tea at an approachable price. View Stamford Plaza Melbourne High Tea.

16. The Tea Rooms 1892, Block Arcade

High tea at The Tea Rooms 1892 is as much about place as it is about the menu. Its location in the heritage Block Arcade suits visitors, shoppers and anyone seeking a recognisably Melbourne occasion. High tea is served by reservation on a three-tier stand, with bookings at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm for parties of up to eight. The venue can cater for gluten-free, vegetarian and pescatarian guests, but not vegan, dairy-free, lactose-free or halal requirements.

Best for: heritage atmosphere in the heart of the city. View The Tea Rooms 1892 High Tea.

17. Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park

Lancemore Mansion Hotel makes high tea a destination. Joseph’s Restaurant overlooks Werribee Park’s gardens and offers high tea every Saturday and Sunday at 12.30pm. The current Indulgence option is $99 per person with free-flowing Prosecco, while the Luxury option is $169 with free-flowing Taittinger Brut Prestige. Groups of more than 10 require a 50 per cent deposit, so it is best planned rather than treated as a last-minute catch-up.

Best for: a historic-property day trip or a more celebratory sparkling-wine upgrade. View Lancemore Mansion Hotel High Tea.

18. Fortnums, Sassafras

Fortnums offers a relaxed, traditional high tea in Sassafras. Its current two-course experience is served Wednesday to Friday at 11.30am or 2pm, and weekends at 11.30am or 3pm. At $68 per person and $35 for children 10 and under, it is a practical Dandenong Ranges choice for families and friends. The menu includes sandwiches, savouries, cakes, pastries, Devonshire scones, tea or coffee, with dietary requests considered on request.

Best for: a classic hills outing with family-friendly pricing. View Fortnums High Tea.

19. Reverie Cafe, Prahran

Reverie Cafe is a polished inner-suburban alternative to a formal hotel. The current prepaid high tea is $60 and may be booked at 10am, 11.30am or 1pm. Its savoury selection, warm scone and pastry-led finish make it a good fit for a smaller catch-up, especially for guests already visiting Prahran Market or Chapel Street. Book ahead because the designated sessions are limited.

Best for: an intimate, relaxed Prahran occasion. View Reverie Cafe High Tea.

20. Mámor Chocolates, Collingwood

Mámor brings a dessert-led personality to the list, combining high tea with its artisan chocolate focus. The Luxe High Tea is $84 per person for three courses, a two-hour sitting, free-flowing tea and a glass of sparkling, with sittings on Friday at 2.30pm and Saturday and Sunday at 10am, 1pm and 4pm. The Petit High Tea is $64, while the Chocolate High Tea is $65 at selected Sunday sessions. Private functions can accommodate up to 12 seated or 18 standing guests.

Best for: chocolate lovers and an unhurried inner-north celebration. View Mámor Chocolates High Tea.

21. Collins Coffee House, Melbourne CBD

Collins Coffee House offers high tea in a historic building at 395 Collins Street, with live violin performances on weekends. The service includes finger sandwiches, pastries, freshly baked scones and a glass of Prosecco. It is particularly useful for people planning a private city occasion: the venue promotes private dining rooms and event packages, with an experienced events team to coordinate the booking.

Best for: a private CBD high tea with live weekend music. View Collins Coffee House.

22. Oxi Tea Room, Carlton

Oxi Tea Room is a contemporary, tea-led afternoon tea in Carlton, offered Friday to Monday. Its seasonal 120-minute experience is currently $135 per person and includes tea and a welcome drink, with optional tea, alcohol and free-flow upgrades. Groups of more than eight should contact the venue directly; its private room seats up to 16. Oxi is halal by default and can accommodate some dietary needs, but it is not suitable for gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, egg-free or soy-free diets, so read its dietary conditions carefully before booking.

Best for: a more contemporary tasting-style high tea. View Oxi Tea Room afternoon tea.

23. Gigi Melbourne, Prahran

Gigi’s Sunday High Tea is a lively, French-inspired Prahran option. The current $99.90 per-person package begins at noon and includes two hours of free-flowing French sparkling and wine, plus coffee and tea, alongside toasted chicken sandwiches, eggs, macarons, scones and pastries. It is promoted for birthdays, bridal showers and other celebrations. Note that the venue advises it is not wheelchair accessible because of stairs and narrow hallways.

Best for: a social Sunday celebration with free-flowing French sparkling. View Gigi Melbourne High Tea.

How Brighton Savoy assesses high-tea venues

We do not rank venues solely by luxury or price. A strong high tea needs a clear public offering, a setting that suits the occasion, sensible session length, transparent dietary support, workable group arrangements and a booking process that does not leave guests guessing. We also look for a distinct reason to choose each venue, whether that is a landmark-hotel tradition, skyline views, a specialist tea-house format or a destination garden setting.

Our former operations team hosted countless lunches, celebrations, weddings and private functions at Brighton Savoy. That first-hand operational experience shapes the questions behind this guide: will the service pace allow guests to talk, is the food likely to sustain the sitting, can the venue manage a late dietary change and is a private group actually private? Those are hospitality questions that matter well beyond the menu description.

How to choose the right high tea

The best venue depends on the reason for booking. A visitor may value a recognisable landmark and CBD location; a birthday group may need a private room, space for decorations and a clear minimum spend; a family may need a children’s menu and relaxed service. If your brief has grown beyond high tea to a larger celebration, compare private rooms and packages in our guide to Melbourne function venues.

• How long is the sitting? Two hours is comfortable for a celebration; shorter sessions can feel rushed for a larger group.
• What is included? Check whether sparkling wine, cocktails, tea refills, coffee and special dietary meals are included or additional.
• Can the venue accommodate the group? Ask about private rooms, shared tables, minimum numbers, deposits and access for prams or mobility aids.
• How are dietary requirements handled? Give notice for vegan, gluten-free, halal, dairy-free and allergy needs, and ask about cross-contact where it is important.
• What is the cancellation policy? This matters for prepaid packages and groups where numbers may change.

High tea vs afternoon tea: what is the difference?

Traditionally, afternoon tea is the mid-afternoon service of finger sandwiches, scones, cakes and tea, usually eaten at a low table. “High tea” historically referred to a more substantial evening meal served at a high dining table. In Melbourne, venues commonly use the terms interchangeably for a celebratory tiered tea service. The practical point is to look beyond the name: check the menu, beverage inclusions, duration and dress expectation.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best high tea in Melbourne for a birthday?

The Hotel Windsor, The Langham and The Ritz-Carlton are strong choices for a dressed-up milestone. Grand Hyatt and Sofitel suit guests who enjoy a generous buffet, while Mary Eats Cake, Collins Coffee House, Pan Pacific, Amora Herencia Riverwalk and Olinda Tea House are more group-focused options.

Where can I book high tea for a baby shower or bridal shower?

Start with Mary Eats Cake or Collins Coffee House, which promote private spaces and event packages. Pan Pacific, The Westin and Amora Herencia Riverwalk are also worth contacting for group arrangements, while Olinda Tea House suits a garden-led event. Always ask about private-room minimums, decorations, cakeage and final-number deadlines before sending invitations.

Are there kid-friendly high teas in Melbourne?

Yes. The Hotel Windsor, Sofitel, Stamford Plaza, Mary Eats Cake and Fortnums publish children’s options or pricing. Confirm the current children’s menu, age range and seating time directly before booking.

Do Melbourne high-tea venues cater for dietary requirements?

Many do, but notice periods and the exact substitutions vary. Book directly and state every requirement clearly rather than relying on a general menu description. For severe allergies, ask about preparation and cross-contact procedures before paying. The Tea Rooms 1892, for example, publishes more limited dietary coverage than several other venues in this guide.

Final thoughts

Melbourne has enough variety to make afternoon tea feel tailored rather than generic. Book a grand hotel when the setting and service are the gift; choose a specialist tea house when the group and celebration are central; head to the hills when the drive and scenery are part of the experience. Whichever you choose, book early for weekends and confirm the current menu, price and dietary policy in writing.

For a wider Melbourne celebration itinerary, also explore our Melbourne fine dining guide, best Melbourne brunch spots and best function venues in Melbourne.

Venue details were checked against publicly available venue information and should be confirmed with each provider before booking.