Afternoon tea at Gabriella’s Tea Room continues to be an insider favourite for Joburg diners and those after an unpretentious experience. The eatery is home to a conservatory-style dining room, serving breakfast and lunch, but most notably, their popular afternoon tea.
This hidden restaurant in Parktown North can be found through a short bamboo arch right at the back of Ciros, one of the city’s oldest Italian restaurants. The restaurant is run by Chef Ciro Molinaro and his daughter Gabriella. Here’s what you can look forward to.
What to expect for afternoon tea at Gabriella’s Tea Room
Enter the hotel foyer and continue into the dining room where afternoon tea is served daily from Wednesday to Sunday. A pot of the comforting tea of your choice is a most pleasant accompaniment to creamy confections or savoury bites.
The high tea serving is well-presented and takes a departure from the classic scones and sandwiches afternoon tea we’re all familiar with. Instead, the afternoon tea at Gabriella’s Tea Room is heavily driven by familiar flavours with a touch of Italian culinary roots of their family recipes. For the savoury selection, dine on crispy phyllo pockets, bruschetta with rosa tomatoes and melted cheese, savoury tartlets, salmon and cream cheese creations, Italian-inspired stuffed chicken breasts and more.
Dessert comes with a decadent array of freshly made treats such as mini macarons with cream and preserves, melt–the-mouth fudge squares, and dainty apple crumble among others, all decorated with fresh seasonal fruit.
And as with most restaurants in Johannesburg, vegetarians and vegans are catered for on request.
The atmosphere
Preserving the casual and earthy charm of the venue, the dining interior boasts a welcoming and fairytale fit-out. Go here for cosy and intimate meetups, or if you’re planning a small event. The decor is highlighted by minimal, rustic Italian interiors that include tableclothed tables, a roaring fireplace during winter, and a transparent roof decorated with textile strips and natural creepers.
Cost: Champagne or Vegan/Vegetarian High Tea – R395pp. Standard High Tea – R325pp. Book via email [email protected] or call 076 386 5578
When: Wednesday to Sunday, from 8am to 4pm. Open on Tuesday for tables of 10 or more
Where: 43 7th Avenue Parktown North, Johannesburg
Website: lacucinadiciro.co.za
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 076 386 5578
Facebook: @gabriellastearoom
Instagram: @gabriellastearoom