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 Wits Club
Olives&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 [email protected] or call 011 717 9365
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
DAVINCI Hotel and Suites
When it comes to high tea in Johannesburg, DAVINCI Hotel is punching above its weight. With plush furnishings and an air of minimalist luxury, the hotel takes the tradition seriously, offering a charming selection of loose-leaf tea and gourmet treats. Enjoy some sweet and savoury delicacies, complemented by a sophisticated selection of Ronnefeldt teas and Nespresso coffees.
Cost: R465pp. Book online, via email [email protected] or call 011 292 7000
When: Every First Saturday of the month, from 2pm to 5pm
Where: Corner 5th Street &, Maude St, Sandton
Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and 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: Morning Tea, R385pp. High Tea, R695pp. Book via email
When: Daily – Morning Tea from 9:30am to 11:30am. High Tea from 2pm to 4pm
Where: 1 Alma Road, Morningside, Sandton
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 (minimum 2 people). Book via email
When: Monday to Saturday, from 8am to 5pm. Sunday, 8am to 3pm
Where: 44 1st Ave, Linden, Johannesburg
Harpers Restaurant and Cafe
Harpers Restaurant & Café at Eastgate Mall offers a classic high tea experience rooted in decades of warm hospitality. Since its opening in 1979, Harpers has long been a favourite in Bedfordview for its comforting flavours, welcoming atmosphere and consistently excellent coffee.
Their high tea is an invitation to slow down and indulge, featuring a generous selection of freshly prepared sweet and savoury treats, thoughtfully presented and perfect for sharing. Expect time-honoured favourites alongside freshly baked delights, paired with a choice of quality teas or Harpers’ much-loved coffee.
Cost: Book via email [email protected] or call 011 510 3000
When: Daily, from 2pm to 6pm
Where: Shop U28C, Eastgate Shopping Centre, 43 Bradford Road, Bedfordview, Johannesburg
Saxon Hotel, Villas and 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
The Saxon hotel serves a Vegan and Gluten-free afternoon tea as well
Cost: Monday to Friday, R750pp. Saturday & Sunday R800pp. 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
Liberté Restaurant
Liberté in Craighall Park stays true to its identity with an afternoon tea tray with beautifully arranged French-inspired pastries and canapé 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 twelve 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 [email protected] 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 at 54 on Bath Hotel
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, add a glass of Champagne for an additional R350 per person or a Hendrick’s cucumber and rose-infused Scottish gin cocktail for an additional R100 per person. READ MORE
Cost: Traditional Afternoon Tea – R395pp. Book via email
When: Sunday to Friday, from 2:30 pm to 4:30pm. Not served on Saturday
Where: 54 on Bath Hotel, 54 Bath Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Four Seasons The Westcliff Hotel
A beautiful space calls for a beautiful afternoon tea, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at Flames Restaurant inside the pastel pink walls of the Four Seasons The Westcliff Hotel. From the decor and service to the delightful locally sourced treats and masterful tea menu, they’ve finetuned every detail for a peak sophisticated high tea.
The current menu crafted by famed pastry chef Jared Melamed features savoury delights such as a Saffron egg sandwich with caviar, beetroot phyllo tartlet, and a chicken and potato Dhaltjie. For dessert, dive into a puffy strawberry choux, and pistachio ganache, along with freshly baked buttermilk scones with cream and homemade preserves. The afternoon tea is served with a loose-leaf tea collection and a glass of Steenberg 1682 Brut Rosé.
Four Seasons The Westcliff Hotel serves a Vegetarian afternoon tea as well
Cost: R600pp, book via Dineplan
When: Thursday to Sunday, at 12pm and 3pm
Where: Flames Restaurant at Four Seasons The Westcliff Johannesburg, 67 Jan Smuts Ave, Westcliff, Johannesburg
Medeo Restaurant at Palazzo Hotel
Medeo Restaurant at Palazzo Hotel has been nailing the art of the perfect afternoon tea for a number of years. Join them for 3 hours of the most delightful spread of sweet and savoury bites to share. On the menu, you’ll find Nutella macarons, passion fruit meringue tartlets, a luscious raspberry opera slice and a selection of gorgeous little sarnies and bread bites. You’ll definitely want to splash out for the fancy bottle of bubbles. READ MORE
Cost: R385pp. Book via email [email protected] or call 011 510 3000
When: Daily from 2pm to 5pm
Where: Medeo Restaurant at Palazzo Hotel, Montecasino, Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways, Johannesburg
Rand Club
You can’t beat an afternoon tea at the epic Rand Club, one of Johannesburg’s greatest members’ clubs that’s steeped in history. This high tea in Johannesburg 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
