Where to Enjoy a Great High Tea in Cape Town
No matter what the occasion, there’s always a good excuse to treat yourself and friends to a high tea. Here is our list of where to get a spot of afternoon and high tea in Cape Town.
High Tea in Cape Town & Surrounds
Sip in style in the heart of the city and Gardens.
Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel – Gardens
Against the backdrop of Table Mountain, sits the pastel-pink Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel. Afternoon Tea at the ‘Nellie’ is a traditional affair with offerings of dainty finger sandwiches with toppings of roast beef and rocket, smoked salmon; egg mayonnaise, cucumber and spiced chicken salad. There are also sweets like coffee hazelnut mascarpone delice, passionfruit cheesecake and more. Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel has an extensive range of specialised teas, including loose-leaf teas and herbal and fruit infusions. Afternoon Tea at the Nellie is a Cape Town institution and should not be missed.
Location: 76 Orange St, Gardens
When: Wed-Sun: 12h00 (first seating) & 15h00 (second seating)
Contact: 021 483 1000 | Make a booking
Price: R 550 per person (adults) | R 350 per child (kids under 12)
belmond.com | Facebook | Instagram
High Tea at the V&A Waterfront
Look over the boardwalk and take in Table Mountain views.
The Table Bay – Waterfront
The Lounge at The Table Bay hotel is famous for its classic décor, timeless finishes and breathtaking grand window on the doorstep of the V&A Waterfront. It has become one of the top-rated venues for high tea in Cape Town, since the opening of The Table Bay hotel in 1997; The Lounge is loved by both tourists and locals.
The Afternoon Tea menu at the Table Bay is a celebration of textures and flavours. It includes savoury and sweet treats, burgeoning with ingredients that are inspired by the seasons. More than simply a high tea venue in Cape Town, The Lounge invites hotel guests and visitors to enjoy a light meal. In winter you can cosy up to their lovely fireplace with some freshly brewed coffee.
Location: Quay, 6 W Quay Rd, V&A Waterfront
When: Wed-Sun: 14h30–17h30
Contact: 021 406 5000
Price: R 450 per person
suninternational.com | Facebook | Instagram
The One&Only Cape Town – Waterfront
High tea at the One&Only Cape Town takes place in the heart of the resort – the Vista Bar and Lounge. Ceiling-to-floor glass windows allow you to take in the mountain views and gaze over the glittering waterside. Guests are treated to a selection of goodies with a One&Only Cape Town twist, prepared by the exceptional pastry team. Enjoy a tiered-stand with sweet and savoury treats, along with bottomless coffee and tea; those who prefer bubbly with their treats can enjoy the Moët & Chandon Afternoon Tea offering.
Location: One&Only Cape Town, Dock Rd, V&A Waterfront
When: Mon-Sun: 14h00–17h00
Contact: 021 431 5888
Price: R 495 per person (Afternoon Tea) | R 2500 per couple (Moët & Chandon Afternoon Tea)
oneandonlyresorts.com | Facebook | Instagram
The Granary Café at The Silo Hotel – Waterfront
Sit perched up on the 6th floor of the Silo District and admire Waterfront views through geometric panel glass windows. Known as the ‘Royal Tea’, this experience is certainly fit for a queen. You’ll be spoilt for choice with an elegant selection of savouries, macarons, Madeleines and other tiered treats to tickle your taste buds – enjoy with tea, coffee or a bottle of MCC (at an added fee).
Location: 6th Floor, Silo Square, V&A Waterfront
When: Thurs-Sun: 14h30–17h00 (last seating at 15h30)
Contact: 021 670 0511
Price: R 425 per person (includes welcome drink and two hot beverages of your choice) | Make a reservation
theroyalportfolio.com | Facebook | Instagram
High Tea in the Atlantic Seaboard
Sip sweetly near the sea.
The Twelve Apostles – Camps Bay
Enjoy ‘Tea by the Sea’ at the Leopard Bar or The Conservatory at the 12 Apostles Hotel. Admire spectacular views while nibbling on choux puffs, cheesecake, berry macaroons, smoked beef pretzel rolls, and more. Indulge speciality coffee or choose from the range of loose-leaf teas. Perhaps even add a glass of MCC to celebrate a memorable occasion.
Vegan High Tea at The Twelve Apostles also offers a delightful range of plant-based finger sandwiches, plus a selection of yummy sweet treats. This high tea experience is exquisite and decadent, in the best way possible.
Location: Victoria Rd, Camps Bay
When: Mon-Sun: 10h00, 12h30 & 15h00 (Tea by the Sea) | Mon-Fri: 10h00, 12h30 & 15h00 (Vegan High Tea)
Contact: 021 437 9029 | Email
Price: R 575 per person on weekdays | *reserve 48 hours in advance
12apostleshotel.com | Facebook | Instagram
High Tea in the Southern Suburbs
Channel your inner Alice in Wonderland and sip tea in the forests of the Southern Suburbs.
The Vineyard Hotel – Newlands
Sit down at the Garden Lounge for a Middle Eastern-inspired afternoon tea experience at Morii, while surrounded by the rolling green lawns and expansive gardens of the hotel.
Served on a three-tiered stand, afternoon tea consists of delightful savoury treats and Vineyard tea blends. Their sweets menu includes decadent infused treats like honey blossom and orange filled macarons, handmade jasmine bonbons, and warm mini vanilla bean scones. Sandwiches and savouries are equally delicious with options like BBQ lamb kofta with beetroot hummus, and more.
Location: Colinton Rd, Newlands
When: Fri-Sun: from 15h30 | bookings essential
Contact: 021 657 4500
Price: R 395 per person | Add a glass of Cape Bubbles for an additional R 120
vineyard.co.za | Facebook | Instagram
The Alphen Boutique Hotel & Spa – Constantia
Celebration Tea at The Alphen is ideal for large groups. On offer are delicious quiches and savoury tarts, as well as sweet delicacies like classic scones and baked cheesecake – all lavishly baked by the La Belle Bistro team. No tea experience would be complete without a cuppa; guests can enjoy Ceylon tea and filter coffee, among other delicious options.
Location: Alphen Dr, Alphen
When: Mon-Sun: 10h00–12h00 (morning tea) & 14h00–17h00 (afternoon tea)
Contact: 021 795 6300 | Make a reservation | *bookings essential
Price: R 375 per person (high tea only available for groups of 12 or more)
alphen.co.za | Facebook | Instagram
The Cellars Hohenort – Constantia
Classic High Tea at The Cellars-Hohenort is filled with opulence, delectable treats and overflowing tea cups. Served in The Greenhouse, you’ll get to sweetly sip tea whilst overlooking the beautiful gardens. Tiered treats include a selection of delicious savoury sandwiches, and sweet treats like lemon meringue choux, hibiscus and rose cheesecake and, of course, classic scones with butter, strawberry jam and Chantilly cream. A glass of bubbly is also offered. Truly one of the best places to enjoy a blissful afternoon.
Location: 93 Brommersvlei Road, Constantia
When: Saturdays & Sundays: 11h00–13h00, 14h00–16h00 | Fri-Sun: 11h00–13h00 & 14h00–16h00
Contact: 021 794 2137
Price: R 435 for adults | R 215 for children (4-11 years) | Make a booking
thecellars-hohenorthotel.com | Facebook | Instagram
High Tea in Kalk Bay & Noordhoek
High tea by the sea, anyone?
Sonnekus Boutique Hotel – Kalk Bay
Take a drive to Kalk Bay and enjoy the elegance and charm of Sonnekus Boutique Hotel. With gorgeous coastal views and stunning interiors, this is a tea experience with a seaside twist. Order from comprehensive curation of exceptional teas. Their High Tea menu includes a glass of bubbles on arrival and savoury items like salmon and cucumber roulade, arancini balls served with homemade spicy tomato sauce, and more. The sweets menu features elegant desserts like classic French madeleines and their famous scones paired with the traditional clotted cream. Be sure to book your place; their menu is made to order!
Location: 88 Main Road, St James
When: Mon-Fri: 11h00–17h00 | Sat & Sun: 11h00–13h00 (morning session) & 14h00–16h00 (afternoon session)
Contact: 021 140 7854 | Email
Price: R 475 per person
Note: a deposit and direct booking is required to secure your booking.
Curiosity Cat Café – Noordhoek
Surrounded by majestic oceanviews and green sprawling lawns, Curiosity Cat Café offers the perfect morning tea experience for cat lovers. The 70-year-old Cape-style Dutch manor is home to this special breed of cats, that roam the estate freely.
Guests can enjoy a unique morning tea experience, featuring an assortment of savoury and sweet snacks on a tiered stand. Delicious beverages are offered, as well as dainty sandwiches, sausage rolls and scrumptious scones – all while sitting under the garden terrace decorated with Bougainvillea blossoms and captivating views.
Location: Noordhoek *address available upon booking
When: Thurs, Fri & Sat: 10h00–11h30
Contact: 082 569 5737 | Email
Price: R 350 per person
artekatz.com | Facebook | Instagram
High Tea in Stellenbosch & Franschhoek
Tea with a side of mountain views.
Manor Kitchen Restaurant, Lanzerac Estate – Stellenbosch
No establishment takes afternoon tea more seriously than Lanzerac Estate’s Manor Kitchen. They have a highly detailed menu (down to the temperature of your tea) curated for a ‘Timeless Afternoon Tea’ experience. If you’re a connoisseur, their TWG Tea range is comprehensive. Savour canapés include croquettes and delicious finger sandwiches. Indulge in their scones, macrons, petit fours, cupcakes and eclairs. The experience ends on a special sweet note with their pastry chef’s pick of the day.
Location: 1 Lanzerac Rd, Karindal, Stellenbosch
When: Every Saturday: 14h00–17h00 | bookings essential
Contact: 021 887 1132
Price: R 320 per person (standard option) | R 420 per person (includes bottomless MCC)
lanzerac.co.za | Facebook | Instagram
La Paris Deli – Franschhoek
Located on La Paris Estate, this deli offers a tasteful high tea experience and lovely scenery to match. La Paris’ High Tea menu features items like savoury macarons (there’s a new flavour every week), mini lamb bobotie quiche, and mushroom vol au vent. Their sweet menu has equally delicious desserts, like mini lemon meringue, gluten-free dark chocolate brownies, and mini pavlovas with seasonal fruit.
Location: La Paris Estate, Wemmershoek Rd, R301, Franschhoek
When: Wed-Sun: 09h00–17h00
Contact: 021 867 0171
Price: R 290 per person | R 580 per stand (serves 2 people)
Note: 24-hour booking period required
laparis.co.za | Facebook | Instagram
Le Lude Estate & Orangerie Restaurant – Franschhoek
Le Lude’s Orangerie Restaurant offers one of the finest high tea experiences, complete with fresh table flowers and tiered treats. They have both morning and afternoon tea sessions; enjoy a selection of their TWG teas, award-winning Le Lude Brut or Brut Rosé Cap Classique. Savour gourmet sandwiches like smoked Franschhoek salmon trout & caper cream cheese, and rare roast beef and whipped goats cheese baguettes. Sweet treats on the menu include buttermilk scones with crème Chantilly and salted caramel profiteroles.
Location: Bowling Green Avenue, Lambrechts Rd, Franschhoek
When: Mon-Sun: 10h00, 10h30 & 11h00 (Morning Tea) | Mon-Sun: from 15h00 (Afternoon Tea)
Contact: 021 876 3099 | *book 48 hours in advance; deposit required | Make a reservation
Price: R 425 per person *includes 1 glass of Le Lude Cap Classique
lelude.co.za | Facebook | Instagram
*Please note that all prices and details are subject to change.
Now that you know where to get your fix of tea, why not brush up on your high and afternoon tea etiquette?
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