Indulgent tea and scones, dainty sandwiches and picture-perfect pastries are fine markers of a great high tea in Johannesburg. From extravagant drawing rooms and quirky garden cafes to some seriously sharp sophisticated dining, we bring you a list of the best places to enjoy high tea in Johannesburg.
OLIVES & PLATES
Olives And Plates Wits Club host their exclusive High Tea experience on the first Saturday and Sunday of every month. A complimentary glass of bubbles is served to guests on arrival before they are seated at a beautiful table setup complete with fresh flowers. With a seasonal menu, the delicious eats are served individually on High Tea stands, first the savoury and then the sweets.
The Afternoon High Tea also features a mug of complimentary imported loose leaf teas from Germany or a fresh-brewed plunger coffee. READ MORE
Cost: R590pp. Book via email
When: Every first Saturday and Sunday of the month, from 11.30am to 4.30pm
Where: Olives And Plates Wits Club, 7 Yale Rd, Parktown, Johannesburg
JUST TEDDY FINE BOULANGERIE & PATISSERIE
Just Teddy built up a quick rep here for their take on master patisserie mixed with Middle Eastern flavours, and have expanded from their Hyde Park venue to Nelson Mandela Square. Their high tea leans more toward the purist side with impressive pastry creations and savoury treats layered on three tiers. READ MORE
Cost: Hyde Park – R300pp for up to 6 people & R450pp for 7 or more | Nelson Mandela Square – R450pp. Book online
When: Hyde Park – Daiy from 7:30am to 6pm | Nelson Mandela Square – Daily from 2pm to 4pm
Where: Hyde Park – Shop LM4 – Hyde Park Corner Shopping Centre Corner William Nicole Drive &, Jan Smuts Ave, Hyde Park, Sandton | Nelson Mandela Square, Atrium on 5th, Sandton City
ALTO 234
Johannesburg’s bucket-list rooftop bar doesn’t quite do a set high tea. The bar allows guests to create their own high tea or nibble platter from their set menu of canape-style sweet and savoury creations. With such winning views from high, you’d want something a bit more festive so opt for a mimosa, cocktail, or Moët to pair with your canape selection. READ MORE
Cost: From R25 per canapé. Book via email
When: Every Saturday and Sunday, from 10am to 12pm
Where: The Leonardo, 75 Maude St, Sandown, Sandton
FAIRLAWNS BOUTIQUE HOTEL & SPA
Tea in the Woods at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa ties together the colours and culture of European tea rooms with a South African twist, all set against a tranquil space. The space oozes pure class with upholstery and table linen and crockery from renowned designer, Jenna Clifford.
Tuck into a selection of delicate savoury nibbles and sweet sensations developed by Executive Chef, Gareth Jordaan and Head Pastry Chef, Christopher Berg. A morning and afternoon tea sitting takes place daily. READ MORE
Cost: R425pp. Book via email
When: Daily
Where: 1 Alma Road, Morningside, Sandton
KAYLEE’S EATERY
Kaylee’s Eatery is a vegan restaurant in Johannesburg that does wonderful things with pastry for their vegan high tea. The offer is served on Sundays during three sittings. Vegans, vegetarians, and carnies can delight in a tray filled with savoury sandwiches, scones, French pastries and a pot of tea. READ MORE
Cost: From R395pp, book online
When: Selected dates, at 10am, 12pm, or 2pm
Where: 147 N Reef Rd, Bedfordview, Johannesburg
GABRIELLA’S TEA ROOM
You’ll find Gabriella’s Tea Room hidden between bamboo arches, quietly serving some of the best high tea in Johannesburg. This whimsical spot comes with a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere.
The restaurant offers three set variations all starting with a free welcoming drink – a champagne high tea, the standard version, and an option for vegetarians and vegans. READ MORE
Cost: Champagne or Vegan/Vegetarian High Tea – R395pp. Standard High Tea – R325pp. Book online
When: Tuesday to Sunday, from 8am to 4pm. Closed on Monday and Friday
Where: 43 7th Avenue Parktown North, Johannesburg
GODDESS CAFE
Nothing screams indulgent girlish treat like a visit to Goddess Cafe, one of Johannesburg’s most Instagrammable restaurants. They’ve got a venue in Linden and a three in Pretoria. Once you slip through the door, you’re greeted with a pink wonderland with bold interiors, floral decorations aplenty, and a relaxed, easy-going atmosphere. High tea is the ultimate signature experience with a tray of confectionery and gourmet savoury creations served gorgeously. READ MORE
Cost: High Tea – R350pp. Book via email
When: Monday to Saturday, from 8am to 5pm. Sunday, 8am to 3pm
Where: 44 1st Ave, Linden, Johannesburg
THE NORTHCLIFF
The Northcliff boutique hotel is hosting a high tea every Friday for an afternoon of treats, teas, and bubbles, rounded out by the best views in town. The offer includes a glass of bubbly on arrival, a selection of 10 sweet and savoury canape creations, and bottomless gourmet tea or coffee.
Cost: R495pp. Book via email
When: Every Friday, 11am to 4.30pm
Where: The Northcliff, 10 Solution Cl, Northcliff, Johannesburg
SAXON HOTEL, VILLAS & SPA
The morning and afternoon tea at The Saxon is an elegant institution steeped in tradition and one of the boutique hotel’s best specialities. A sophisticated experience takes place in the grand Piano Lounge. Tea lovers will enjoy the collection of infused teas. Relax and unwind while the pastry kitchen’s handcrafted and delicate bite-sized delights are delivered on glossy trays. A stand-alone vegan and vegetarian menu is also available. READ MORE
Cost: Monday to Friday, R600pp. Saturday & Sunday R650pp. Book online
When: Morning Tea – Monday to Saturday from 9:30am to 11:30am | Afternoon Tea – Monday to Sunday from 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Where: 36 Saxon Rd, Sandhurst, Johannesburg
RAND CLUB
You can’t beat an afternoon tea at the epic Rand Club, one of Johannesburg’s greatest Member’s clubs that’s steeped in history. The tea is served in three courses and quality teas in the epic heritage venue in Marshalltown. End it all off with a freshly brewed latte or cappuccino. READ MORE
Cost: R250pp, members pay R200pp. Book via email
When: Monday to Saturday, from 7am to 11pm
Where: 33 Loveday Street, Marshalltown, Johannesburg
LIBERTÉ RESTAURANT
Liberté in Craighall Park stays true to its identity with an afternoon tea tray with beautifully arranged French-inspired pastries and canape creations.
The sweet selection heroes a decadent dark Belgian chocolate ganache cupcake and treats like melt-in-the-mouth eclairs with creme patisserie. Naturally, freshly baked scones are on the menu served with sweetened cream and berry jam. Savoury options include smoked salmon and spinach canapes, grilled Haloumi and zucchini skewers, salmon and caviar frosting and more.
End with a range of cheese with artisanal crackers and tomato jam – the room-temperature Camembert is bound to be a hit with cheese lovers. The high tea at Liberté also includes one pot of tea to pair with your confectionery. Choose from 12 interesting flavours, we recommend the refreshing mint tea that goes well with both the sweet and savoury treats on your tray. READ MORE
Cost: R500 for 2 people. Book via email at bookings@liberte.com or call 010 824 5791
When: Every Friday, between 11am and 3pm
Where: The Woods Shopping Centre, 345 Jan Smuts Ave, Craighall, Randburg
LEVEL FOUR RESTAURANT
Escape the city buzz in the elegant surroundings of the Level Four Restaurant and Terrace with premium loose-leaf tea, classic English sandwiches, French-inspired pastries, cakes, quiches, and freshly baked scones served with fresh cream and preserves. For an extra spoil, go for the bubbly options paired with authentic French champagne. READ MORE
Cost: Champagne Afternoon Tea incl. a glass of Perrier-Jouët Champagne – R535pp | Royal Afternoon Tea incl. a Kir Royal cocktail – R415pp | Traditional Afternoon Tea – R345pp. Book via email
When: Every Saturday, from 1:30 pm to 4:30pm
Where: 54 on Bath Hotel, 54 Bath Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg
THE VICTORIAN SECRET
The Victorian Secret is Benoni’s best-kept secret. High tea here takes on an insanely romantic iteration thanks to the fairytale-like setting without breaking the bank. The tea is served in the venue’s antique Victorian bone china while treats includes both sweet and savoury goodies and a welcoming drink. READ MORE
Cost: R220pp plus 15% service charge. Book via email
When: Tuesday to Saturday, from 9am to 4pm; Sunday to Monday, 9am to 2pm
Where: 140 Woburn Ave, Benoni
MODEO RESTAURANT AT THE PALAZZO
Settle into the super fancy surrounds of the Palazzo Hotel’s Medeo Restaurant and prepare to indulge in a decadent mix of sweet and savoury treats. Their high tea menu features a Passionfruit meringue tartlet, Crème brulee, Chocolate caramel tart, a delightful selection of scones, gourmet quiches, assorted sandwiches and many more mouth-watering delights.
Booking and full prepayments are essential. Call or email to secure a spot.
Cost: R385pp. Book via email or call 011 510 3000
When: Monday to Sunday, from 2pm to 5pm
Where: The Palazzo Hotel, Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways
