Cape Town is famous for its high tea offerings. Think dainty pastries and sandwiches served with some of the world’s best teas.
High tea, also referred to as afternoon tea, started in England in the 1840s and is typically served in the afternoon.
Let’s spill the tea on some of Cape Town’s most popular places to enjoy a high tea experience.
These include:
The Silo Hotel
Get the royal treatment at The Silo Hotel when you experience their indulgent high tea every Thursday to Sunday from 2:30pm to 5pm at The Granary Café. Guests can enjoy some delicate gateaux and other delicious teatime treats while they feast on some of the most striking views of the V&A Waterfront.
Location: Silo Square, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Website: https://theroyalportfolio.com/the-silo/experiences/at/royal-tea/
Cost: R350 per person. Bookings for up to 6 people can be made via the Dineplan booking button on the website.
The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa
Enjoy tea by the sea at The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa, a beloved Cape Town gem. Its regal setting and grand views of the Atlantic Ocean make it one of the finest spots for tea. Indulge in sweet, savoury or petit fours, all beautifully displayed on a three-tier stand and paired with an assortment of teas. The 12 Apostles also hosts a vegan high tea experience and is halaal friendly.
High tea takes place daily, from 10am, 12:30pm and 3pm.
Location: Victoria Rd, Camps Bay
Website: https://12apostleshotel.com/
Cost: R425 person
One&Only Cape Town
The Vista Bar and Lounge at One&Only Cape Town is where elegance and opulence reign supreme. Step into a world of grandeur and soak in the incredible views of the city’s famous mountain.
Their afternoon tea thrills with sweet and savoury delights. Be sure to try their buttermilk scones guaranteed to satiate guests’ palates. Afternoon tea takes place daily between 2pm and 5pm.
Location: One&Only Cape Town, Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Website: https://oneandonlyresorts.com/cape-town/
Cost: R425 per person
Mount Nelson
High tea at Mount Nelson (yes, the famous pink hotel in the Mother City) is a treat for all ages.
Experience old-school splendor with their sweet treat buffet and a varied selection of teas at the iconic lounge that opens up to the perfectly manicured garden.
Tea takes place every Wednesday to Sunday between 12-2pm and 3-5pm and offers a menu that boasts a selection of cakes, pastries and finger sandwiches stacked in tiers. The ambiance is set by background piano music. The experience is halal and vegetarian friendly.
Location: 76 Orange St, Gardens
Website: https://belmond.com/
Cost: R425 per adult, R215 for children under the age of 11
Cellars Hohenort
Another 5-star property that pulls out all the stops with its high tea experience is Cellars Hohenort. From roasted sundried tomato and feta cheese tarts, classic Madagascan chocolate cake to finger sandwiches, Cellars reinvents the high tea experience.
Guests can indulge in a fine selection of fragrant teas and coffees in various picturesque settings. Tea is served daily in the Greenhouse on the Hohenort Terrace, Greenhouse Bar or the Palm Arch. The menu can be customised for halaal and vegetarian guests, but it needs to be booked at least 48 hours in advance.
Location: 93 Brommersvlei Rd, Constantia Heights
Website: https://thecellars-hohenorthotel.com/
Cost: R325 per person
The Vineyard
The Vineyard in Newlands is the ideal spot for tea if you want to avoid the crowds. Sip some as you enjoy the greenery around. Their menu choice includes options of cream and sage cucumber ciabattas and chocolate-crusted whipped ganache tart with hazelnut crème.
After tea, explore the hotel, a famed historic attraction founded by Lady Anne as a country cottage in 1799. Stroll through the hotel’s historic riverside gardens that overlook Table Mountain’s eastern slopes.
Afternoon tea is served from Friday to Sunday from 3:30pm to 5pm.
Pre-booking is essential.
Location: Colinton Rd, Newlands
Website: https://vineyard.co.za/
Cost: R295 per person
Coco Safar
Coco Safar’s High Tea by Day experience is a multi-sensory culinary journey that will take you around the world, from Cape Town to Paris, Istanbul, Shanghai and back to Cape Town.
The trip will highlight sweet and savoury experiences set to enlighten your taste buds. Paired with a botanical tea or specialty coffee, the 16 food chapters will provide nothing but pure bliss.
High tea takes place every Friday to Sunday between 2pm and 6pm and is halaal and vegetarian friendly.
Location: Artem Centre, 277 Main Rd, Sea Point
Website: https://cocosafar.com/experiences/high-tea/
Cost: R695 per person
Misfits by Ideas Cartel
Misfits by Ideas Cartel aims to add some luxury to your weekend with a sophisticated high tea experience. Hosted every Saturday and Sunday between 10am and 3pm, indulge in mouthwatering cakes, pastries, and sandwiches stacked in tiers (perfect for that Instagrammable moment). Pre-booking and a 50% deposit is essential upon booking. The experience is halal and vegetarian friendly.
Location: 74 Prestwich St, De Waterkant
Website: https://whyfitin.co.za/
Cost: High tea experience starts from R295
Casa Labia
At Casa Labia, teatime is an experience. Pair your selection of teas with savoury and sweet delights like white truffle arancini balls and mini scones with chantilly cream and homemade berry compote.
The tea is served daily from 11am to 5pm. The experience is halal and vegetarian friendly.
Location: 192 Main Rd, Muizenberg
Website: https://casalabia.com/
Cost: R395 per person
Hazendal Wine Estate
If you do not mind a detour from the city, then a tea ceremony at Hazendal Wine Estate in Stellenbosch is highly recommended.
Hosted in the elegant Tea Room and adorned with hand-painted murals, crystal chandeliers and imported Dulevo porcelain, guests sample imported tea blends from a steaming samovar (Russian urn), served alongside delicate plates of sweet and savoury traditional treats.
The experience takes place from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan menus are available on request.
Location: Bottelary Rd, Brackenfell South, Stellenbosch
Website: https://hazendal.co.za/hazendal-tea-ceremony/
Cost: R395 per adult and R255 per child under 12
