24 of the Best High Tea Places in Brisbane

There is something special about putting on a very lady-like frock, slipping on some heels and heading out during the day for the promise of something fancy. Add to that a glass or two of bubbly, some insanely tiny sandwiches, a few delightfully mouth-watering treats and an atmosphere of decadence and you’ve swayed even the most dubious of people to enjoy a high tea.

Here are some of the best high teas in Brisbane according to Brisbane parents, from the wonderful to the fancy and everything in between. (This list is updated regularly)

Bacchus Restaurant

Suburb: South Bank

Spoil yourself with this beautifully presented high tea using fine bone chinaware at Bacchus in South Bank. Available on Saturdays and Sundays between 1pm and 2.30pm, this high tea includes traditional items, including continuous Harney & Sons tea and barista-made coffee. Bookings required.

Find out more https://www.bacchussouthbank.com.au/high-tea

The Balfour Kitchen & Bar

Suburb: New Farm

Nestled in the suburban streets of New Farm, not far from Brunswick Street, high tea can be enjoyed once a month (on a Saturday) at The Balfour Kitchen and Bar. Three sittings are available – 11.30am, 12.30pm and 1.30pm, with sweet and savoury offerings tantalising the tastebuds in peaceful surroundings. Bookings required.  

Find out more https://thebalfourkitchenandbar.com.au/

Belle Epoque – Emporium Hotel

Suburb: South Bank

The Belle Epoque patisserie at the Emporium Hotel is the setting for this stunning high tea. Priced from $70 per person, high teas at Emporium are served on a three-tier stand and can include champagne and cocktails (additional cost may be involved). There is even a bespoke children’s menu to be enjoyed for guests under the age of 12. Vegetarian, vegan, nut-free and gluten-free menu options are also available.

Find out more at https://www.emporiumhotels.com.au/eat-and-drink.html

The Chef’s Manor

Suburb: Anstead

The Chef’s Manor is a favourite amongst Brisbane high tea aficionados. Only open on Saturdays with three high tea sittings per day (9.30am, noon and 2.30pm), high tea at this relaxed venue is not to be missed. The cost per person starts from $38.00 per person with gluten-free options available. BYO. Bookings are essential.

Find out more at https://www.facebook.com/thechefsmanoranstead/

Dandelion & Driftwood

Suburb: Hendra

This gorgeous, licensed café offers a delicious high tea menu serving traditional treats on a three-tiered stand. You can even upgrade your beverages to include a glass of Prosecco, sparkling rosé or French champagne.  If you would prefer to enjoy your high tea at home, why not order a takeaway ‘boxed’ high tea. Bookings can be made online.

Find out more at https://www.dandeliondriftwood.com/

Devon Pixies

Suburb: Kingston

Devon Pixies, Logan’s first dedicated tea house located in the Kingston Butter Factory precinct, serves up tasty, traditional high tea for guests to enjoy. They even offer a petit high tea for those with a smaller appetite. And if you would prefer to enjoy your high tea in the garden or your favourite park, a high tea picnic box can be ordered.

Find out more at https://devonpixies.com.au/

Forget Me Not Café

Suburb: Graceville

This friendly family run café offers a delicious high tea of delicate pastries, tea sandwiches and scones in a relaxed setting. Gluten-free options are available. Bookings are encouraged.

Find out more at https://forgetmenotcafe.com.au/

French & Mor

Suburb: Albany Creek

With a modern French twist on the traditional high tea, French & Mor delivers a selection of T2 teas, pastries, petite desserts, tea sandwiches, and gateaux at their high tea sittings from Tuesday to Sunday. A specially tailored children’s high tea can also be arranged at a discounted price. Bookings are essential.

Find out more at http://www.frenchandmor.com.au/hightea.html

Hilton Brisbane Hotel – Vintaged Bar + Grill

Suburb: Brisbane City

Stop by the Hilton Brisbane Hotel to spoil yourself and your guests with a classic high tea at the Vintaged Bar + Grill. Available seven days a week, and served on a traditional three-tiered tray, this high tea is indulgent and delicious. Bookings required 48 hours in advance.

Find out more at  https://www.vintagedbarandgrill.com/

Keri Craig Emporium

Suburb: Brisbane City

Located in the basement of the Brisbane Arcade, Keri Craig Emporium features a coffee lounge and store selling ladies fashion, gifts and homewares. They feature traditional high tea including French champagne or juice. The Children’s Fantasy offering is petite sized for kids and includes sandwiches, sausage roll, a sweet treat and a drink.

Find out more at http://www.kericraig.com.au/coffee-lounge.html

Lennons Restaurant and Bar 

Suburb: Brisbane City

Centrally located in the Queen Street Mall, within the Hyatt Regency Brisbane, Lennons Restaurant and Bar offers a high tea experience like no other. Between 12pm and 4.30pm on Saturday and Sunday’s guests can indulge in an ‘Aussie Icons’ high tea featuring pavlova, finger buns, Vegemite scrolls as well as the traditional scones. 

Find out more at https://www.lennonsrestaurant.com.au/ 

Mandy’s Lakeview Lounge and Dining

Suburb: Clear Mountain

With stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere, high tea at Clear Mountain Lodge, Spa and Vineyard is the perfect way to relax and indulge. The Hinterland high tea starts at $35 per person and can be enjoyed Wednesday through to Sunday, either in the morning (11.30am – 12.30pm) or afternoon (2pm – 3.30pm).

Find out more at https://www.clearmountainlodge.com.au/restaurants-bar

The Matriarch

Suburb: Newstead

Catering for large and small groups, enjoy a ‘Fancy Tea’ at The Matriarch in their pretty cocktail garden. Available from Thursday to Sunday’s, this special high tea comes with a variety of sweet and savoury treats, in a number of packages which include cocktails, mocktails or champagne. Bookings required.

Find out more at https://www.thematriarch.com.au/thematriachfancytea

Patina at Customs House

Suburb: Brisbane City

If you want a special occasion high tea, then Customs House High Tea is an easy choice. Offering a champagne high tea with gluten free, vegetarian and pregnancy options available, this is the perfect place to settle in for an afternoon tea by the Brisbane River. Bookings essential.

Find out more at https://www.patinacustomshouse.com.au/high-tea/

Reid’s Place

Suburb: Redcliffe

If you are looking for a vintage-themed high tea party look no further than Reid’s Place. Popular for baby showers, this northside high tea venue is set in award-winning gardens and there are several locations within the venue to choose from for your party. This is a booking-only high tea venue for small and large groups.

Find out more at https://www.reidsplace.com.au/high-tea/

Room With Roses

Suburb: Brisbane City

Room With Roses is a long-standing member of the Brisbane high tea scene located at the top of the Brisbane Arcade off the Queen Street Mall. Their Deluxe High Tea is made fresh on premises and includes ten delicate high tea treats per person. With notice, gluten-free and vegetarian high tea options can be catered for. Group bookings welcome.

Find out more at http://roomwithroses.com.au/

Shingle Inn 

Suburb: Various locations

Served daily with no need to book (Brisbane City Hall location is the exception to this), the Shingle Inn has been serving up high tea in Brisbane for almost 80 years. Reasonably priced, the Shingle Inn High Tea includes ribbon sandwiches, sweets, a Shingle Inn Lime Mint Julep or champagne (at licensed venues), and a selection of teas and coffee. The awesome Kids High Tea is great value and perfect for birthday parties and includes a ribbon sandwich, a patty cake, clown biscuit and a kid’s shake or babyccino.

Find out more at http://www.shingleinn.com/

Sidonié Patisserie & Boulangerie

Suburb: Newport

With the option of traditional or champagne high teas, Sidonié Patisserie & Boulangerie offers the ultimate indulgence. Enjoy their superb selection of teas, freshly baked scones, delicate finger sandwiches, and iconic French desserts such as éclairs and macarons while taking in the waterfront views of Newport Anchorage. Bookings with at least 24 hours notice and a minimum of two dining guests are required.

Find out more at https://www.sidonie.com.au/hightea 

Sofitel Brisbane Central

Suburb: Brisbane City

A long-standing tradition in Brisbane, High Tea at Sofitel is a real treat and is served from 11am – 4pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the Cuvee Lounge Bar. Priced from $79, this decadent high tea includes high tea classics along with contemporary addition created in the hotel’s own French patisserie twist. Bookings are essential.

Find out more at http://www.sofitelbrisbane.com.au/en/high-tea.html

Stamford Plaza Brisbane

Suburb: Brisbane City

For a truly delectable high tea with a focus on local produce and Australian fare, the Stamford Plaza is so fabulous and fancy that they have even served high tea to the late Queen Elizabeth II. The ‘Spirit of Queensland High Tea’ on Saturdays and Sundays offers savoury delights including finger sandwiches and sweet treats of decadence by way of fluffy scones, sundaes and sweet tarts. On Sunday afternoons, Stamford Plaza’s Chocolate Afternoon Tea showcases a delightful selection of 17 chocolate-infused desserts. And don’t miss their themed Wizardry High Tea on at select times in school holiday periods and featuring magical treats and wizardry eats.

Find out more at https://www.stamford.com.au/hotels/stamford-plaza-brisbane-hotel/events

Tiffany’s Maleny

Suburb: Maleny (Sunshine Coast)

Whilst not technically a Brisbane high tea place, we think Tiffany’s Maleny is well worth the drive – check out that glorious view! Perched high in the clouds on the Sunshine Coast and with uninterrupted views of the gorgeous Glass House Mountains, this exquisite venue offers hand-made sweet and savoury treats, including a variety of petit fours, delicious finger sandwiches and fresh homemade scones, as well as bottomless Tielka Tea options and delicious coffee. Little ones can enjoy their own exceptional High Tea service, a great way to introduce them to the finer things in life while creating beautiful memories together. 

Find out more at https://www.tiffanysmaleny.com.au/

Treasury Brisbane – The Lab

Suburb: Brisbane City

Enjoy an elegant high tea experience in The Lab at Treasury Brisbane. Starting at just $50 per person and $25 for children, guests can choose between a standard high tea or the special Chandon high tea. High tea can be booked every Saturday and Sunday afternoon between 1pm – 3.30pm. Bookings required.

Find out more at  https://www.treasurybrisbane.com.au/functions/the-lab/high-tea

W Brisbane – The Living Room Bar

Suburb: Brisbane City

Situated inside the trendy W Brisbane, the Living Room Bar serves delectable high teas from Friday to Sundays, 11am – 3pm. The ‘Eat Your Art’ high tea can be enjoyed with endless tea, barista coffee, champagne or even a specialty cocktail. Starting from $65 per person, this high tea is one not to be missed.

Find out more at https://www.wbrisbanedining.com/our-menus

White Horse Ranch

Suburb: Albany Creek

White Horse Ranch at Albany Creek is a lovely corner cafe serving excellent coffee and meals and now a high tea menu you can organise at booking (available every day) with no minimum in terms of numbers. They also have a kids’ play area in their cafe, which makes this the perfect high tea destination for a group of parents.

Find out more at https://whitehorseranch.com.au/

Map of High Tea Venues in Brisbane

So, if you are looking for some time to wind-down time and relax with friends or try a new dining experience with the family, treat yourself to a high tea experience for something a little different and special. 

W Hotel Brisbane, 81 North Quay, Brisbane

Vintaged Bar + Grill, 190 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane

Treasury Casino, 130 William Street, Brisbane

Tiffany's Maleny, 409 Mountain View Road, Maleny 

The Chef's Manor Anstead, 311 Sugars Road, Anstead 

Stamford Plaza, Edward Street, Brisbane

Sofitel Brisbane Central, 249 Turbot Street, Brisbane

Sidonie Patisserie and Boulangerie,  10 Lakeview Promenade, Newport 

Shingle Inn, 266 George Street, Brisbane

Room With Roses Cafe, 111-117 Adelaide Street, Brisbane

Reid's Place, 377 Scarborough Road, Scarborough 

The Matriarch, 1/22 Masters Street, Newstead 

Customs House, 399 Queen Street, Brisbane City

Mercure Clear Mountain Lodge, 564 Clear Mountain Road, Clear Mountain

Lennons Restaurant and Bar, 72 Queen Street, Brisbane

Keri Craig Emporium, 145 Eagle Street, Brisbane

High Tea at Tiffanys, 2/27 Discovery Drive, North Lakes 

French And Mor, 2-8 Dawn Road, Albany Creek

Forget Me Not Graceville, 4075

Devon Pixies, Kingston Butter Factory, 270 Jacaranda Avenue, Kingston. 

Dandelion and Driftwood, 20 Doncaster Street, Hendra 

Belle Époque, 267 Grey Street, South Brisbane

The Balfour Kitchen, Balfour Street, New Farm

Bacchus, 114 Grey Street, South Brisbane 

What exactly can you expect from a Brisbane high tea?

Initially enjoyed in the evening at the ‘high’ or kitchen table, hence its name, the well-loved high tea has been around since the 1700s and after a recent resurgence is still going strong. As is the desire to put aside coffee-stained mugs and fast-paced lifestyles for two hours so we can delight in this quiet and refined ritual. Perfect for mother’s days, baby showers and every day in between, high teas are as much about the experience as they are about the refreshments. 

If you haven’t experienced the delight of a high tea party yet, please let us entice you and invite you to do so. Many fantastic local places specialise in or cater for the high tea experience, and all welcome kids along too (replace the bubbly with some pink lemonade). Depending on the menu, prices generally start at about $40 per person, with bookings essential.

If you are the owner of a high tea establishment in Brisbane and would like us to review your venue, please email us at info@brisbanekids.com.au