Where To Find The Best High Tea In Cape Town

Celebrate a special occasion or meet with a group of friends for some sweet and savoury treats over high tea in Cape Town. High tea has long been synonymous with elegance, tradition, and socialising. But it’s also a great way to celebrate special occasions like birthdays and bridal showers.

High teas are generally associated with the plush, lush grandeur of an English parlour. Picture fine china tea cups, tea, scones with jam, eclairs, and finger sandwiches. Capetonians seem to have taken a particular liking for high tea, and some places serve it with a difference.

Let’s take a glimpse at some of the places that serve delicious high teas in Cape Town.

Best Overall: The Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

• Address: 76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town
• Contact: +27 21 483 1000
• Cost: R550 per adult, R350 per child under 12, Wednesday to Sunday at either 12 pm or 3 pm

Less than 10 minutes from Cape Town’s CBD you will find the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel.

The piano sets the tone for an unforgettable high tea experience in The Lounge. The seats are plush, and the decor is contemporary. This is the perfect place to bring your friends for an afternoon of special treats and tea in Cape Town.

Overlooking the gardens, you will be treated to vanilla and salted caramel mousse, soy-cured salmon, and baskets with freshly baked scones, cheese, jam, and cream.

There are over 60 different tea varieties to choose from, as well as an array of tempting treats. Sit back and indulge your senses with gastronomical delight, from sweet cakes and flakey pastries to delicious finger sandwiches.

Best for Historical Significance: Casa Labia by Ideas Cartel

• Address: 192 Main Road, Muizenberg, Cape Town
• Contact: +27 81 409 8544 or email casalabia@ideascartel.com
• Cost: R395 per person

You are invited to “High Tea by the Sea” at Casa Labia in Muizenberg. Only 27 km from Cape Town’s CBD, Casa Labia is situated in a beautifully preserved section of Muizenburg. The building itself has a rich history and exudes the charming elegance of Italy.

The decor, from the artwork to the chandeliers, has either been imported from Italy or created in an Italian style. The lawns are perfectly manicured, and the ballroom, where high tea is served, is exquisite.

Casa Labia brings you morning or afternoon tea with a selection of savoury and sweet treats served on gorgeous tiered serving platters. From savoury treats like salmon and cucumber roulade to decadent chocolate brownies, you will find high tea here to be a delight.

The ballroom is the perfect setting for high tea in Cape Town. It is essential to book in advance. You can also book the venue for special occasions such as weddings and bridal showers.

Best for Vegans: The Conservatory at The Twelve Apostles Hotel

• Address: Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town
• Contact: +27 21 437 9029 or email restaurants@12apostles.co.za
• Cost: Monday to Friday: R495 per person; Saturday and Sunday: R525 per person

The Twelve Apostles Hotel is 11 km from Cape Town CBD. The ambience is warm and inviting, with opulent decor that gives off a feel of pure luxury. When it’s tea time, you can choose from “Tea by the Sea” or a vegan high tea.

The Vegan High Tea experience includes classic treats like dairy-free scones. The coconut panna cotta is scrumptious, and even non-vegans can enjoy these confections.

Teas and a speciality coffee are included with a selection of dainty treats. Or if you’re in the mood for something extra special, indulge in their speciality: Moët & Chandon High Tea served with a glass of Brut Imperial champagne.

To secure your high tea experience at The Twelve Apostles Hotel, ensure you make your reservations at least 24 hours in advance.

Best Halal High Tea: Royal High Tea at the Silo Hotel

• Address: Silo Square, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
• Contact: +27 21 671 5502
• Cost: R425 per person

Any dining experience at the Silo Hotel is a royal experience. From the opulent decor to the chandeliers, the ambience is completely delightful. Situated on the sixth floor of the Silo Hotel, The Granary Cafe offers you a royal high tea with teatime sweets and treats.

The high tea menu includes sweets like macarons and creme brulee, while the savoury selection includes quiche and finger sandwiches.

The Royal Tea is halal-friendly, and if requested, a vegan option is also available.

You need to book your high tea experience at least 24 hours in advance. And, if your party consists of more than 12 people, contact the Silo Hotel directly for your booking.

Best Indian High Tea: The Yard

• Address: Silo District, V&A Waterfront, South Arm Road, Cape Town
• Contact: +27 21 879 1157 or email theyardqueries@gmail.com
• Cost: High Tea – R425 per person; Vegan High Tea – R475 per person

The Yard gained its name from the dockyards of Cape Town Harbour and this Indian-Mediterranean restaurant aptly looks out on the beautiful harbour. Just 15 minutes from the CBD, situated at the V&A Waterfront, you will find high tea with a spicy twist.

You can enjoy an Indian high tea at The Yard. This is a fusion of your classic high tea with a taste of India. With sweet and spicy treats, there are a load of flavours to indulge your senses.

You need to book High Tea at least 72 hours in advance, and a 50% deposit is required to secure your booking.

Best for Dietary Restrictions: High Tea Cake Shop & Restaurant

• Address: 53 Constantia Main Road and Whitby Road, Wynberg, Cape Town
• Contact: hightearestaurant@gmail.com
• Cost: High Tea Class – R250 per person; High Tea Premium, High Tea Halaal, and Vegan High Tea -R300 per person. Extras, like juice jugs, are available on request.

Travel around 15 km from the CBD to High Tea, Cape Town. This gorgeous cake shop and restaurant caters for special celebrations like bridal showers, baby showers, and even birthdays to make these occasions memorable.

Situated in a lush garden courtyard, High Tea brings you a selection of sweet and savoury treats to tantalise your tastebuds and satisfy any sweet tooth. They offer a variety of delectable dishes that make high tea in Cape Town extra special.

There’s also no need to worry if you have gluten allergies or are diabetic because there are options for everyone! There are gluten-free chocolate slices and diabetic-friendly jams and preserves. I often find gluten free pastries disappointing but The High Tea Cake Shop make the most delicious GF options I have ever tasted.

Bookings for groups of 30 or more people need to happen at least one week in advance.

Best for Diverse Tastes: Coco Safar, St. John’s Piazza

• Address: Piazza St-John, 395 Main Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
• Contact: 021 000 5408
• Cost: R395 per person

If you’re still wondering where to find the best high teas in Cape Town, then Coco Safar is your ultimate choice. Only 5 km from the CBD, you are set for a gorgeous surprise in Sea Point. Welcome to the Coco Safar High Tea Voyage.

This high tea experience takes you on a sensory journey across the world, with treats inspired by delicious tastes. Experience gastronomical delights from countries like Mexico, Peru, France, and Morocco. Every dish is different, which adds to the overall journey effect.

This high tea journey is a fusion of a high tea and a tasting menu. You get to experience a little bit of everything and a whole lot of yummy, savoury, and sweet treats.

Best High Tea for Two: Fynkos Kirstenbosch Tea Room

• Address: Gate 2, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Rhodes Drive, Newlands, Cape Town
• Contact: 074 142 1100 or email info@fynkos.co.za
• Cost: English Tea for 2: R350

Just over 11 km from the city centre you will find the Fynkos Kirstenbosch Tea Room. Set in the beautiful botanical gardens, you have an airy view of lush greenery to set the scene for your afternoon tea in Cape Town.

Afternoon tea with a friend would not be complete without scones with strawberry jam and classic clotted cream. You will also be treated to finger sandwiches, mini quiches and cupcakes.

If you plan on having a high tea for 20+ people, Fynkos can also cater for larger groups, making this a great place to celebrate a special occasion with friends and family.

Bookings need to be finalised at least 48 hours in advance, especially when planning a larger high tea. Their English Tea for 2 special is also only available until 3:30 pm.

Best for Waterfront Views: One & Only Cape Town

• Address: One&Only Cape Town, Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
• Contact: +27 21 431 5888 or email reservations@oneandonlycapetown.com
• Cost: Starting at R425 per person

The V&A Waterfront Cape Town is abuzz with places where you can enjoy a high tea experience. One & Only is one such place.

Situated right on the edge of the harbour, you have stunning views of the harbour and Table Mountain. This sets the scene for a high tea by the sea, as the relaxed atmosphere allows you to truly enjoy your experience as something to be savoured.

You can take your time and surrender to the savoury and sweet treats. On the menu, you will find perfectly puffed pastries and delicacies to delight the soul. Savoury treats complement the sweet.

Best for Cocktail High Teas: The Lounge (The Table Bay Hotel)

• Address: The Table Bay Hotel, Quay 6, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
• Contact: +27 21 406 5988 or email tbhres@suninternational.com
• Cost: R450 per person

The Lounge brings you something a little different. Imagine high tea complemented with a glass of finely mixed alcohol and a decadent selection of sweet and savoury cakes and tarts. While high teas in Cape Town generally offer the usual treats, the afternoon tea served to you at The Lounge is truly unique.

The Waterfront’s vibey culture adds to the overall feel of the high tea. You can indulge your tastebuds around the fireplace or on the terrace. The cocktails add a new dimension to an old favourite.

Tea is served from Wednesday to Sunday in the afternoons. This is the place to gather your friends and family and come together over the finest selections of pastries and treats.

FAQs

Where can I experience a vegan high tea (Cape Town)?

The 12 Apostles Hotel offers a vegan high tea. If you’re looking for something less traditional, the Yard also prepares an Indian vegan high tea.

What is the dress code for high tea in Cape Town?

It is best to check with the restaurant when making your booking, because each place may have its own dress code. Normally, smart casual dress should be suitable for high tea in Cape Town. However, some of the places listed may be a bit less formal.

Which place offers the best high tea experiences in Cape Town?

High tea at the Belford Mount Nelson Hotel is by far the most popular choice in Cape Town. Casa Labia is also one of the best options for afternoon tea.

Final Thoughts

Many establishments in Cape Town offer a variety of high tea experiences for customers to enjoy, including both savoury and sweet delicacies. From classical high teas served with finger sandwiches to the spices of Asia for a sensory journey, it’s clear that the best high tea can be found in Cape Town.

If you’d like to host your own high tea picnic in one of Cape Town’s lovely gardens, you can buy all sorts of cakes and pastries from the markets near Cape Town.

Now all you have to do is decide which high tea experience is for you!