The 15 Best High Teas in Cape Town

For food that looks too beautiful to eat, and service that makes you feel like a VIP, high tea is one of those thrilling experiences that sparks joy and lingers long after. The pâtissier’s art and chef’s culinary skill, combined with a connoisseur’s menu of top-quality teas, create a sense of occasion akin to being spoiled on your birthday.

Known as afternoon tea in old-school tradition, and made popular by Anna, Duchess of Bedford in the Victorian era, this lavish ritual is largely the preserve of luxury hotels (with the occasional delicious exception), offering visitors a leisurely and sophisticated way to while away an afternoon over animated conversation and clinking tea cups.

Pinkies, ahoy!

Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel

Afternoon tea at this “grande dame” is a Cape Town institution. Settle into a table on the verandah or the sunny terrace overlooking the magnificent gardens. Tea sommelier Craig Cupido guides you in choosing from over 60 of the finest teas and infusions, including a blend created to celebrate the hotel’s 125th anniversary: rooibos, honeybush, mesquite and apple. The accompanying three-course feast is served on silver-tiered stands: first sumptuous savoury pastries and delicate finger sandwiches, followed by a basket of warm scones with vanilla cream, butter curls and strawberry jam. Take a breather and brew a second pot of tea to go with the sublime confections dreamed up by pastry chef Vicky Gurovich: she changes things up often but think delicious bites, such as a pumpkin and salted caramel choux bun, a blood orange and raspberry tart, and an apricot and coconut meringue Hertzoggie, in ways you’ve never tasted before. And then there’s a tempting table of cakes by the slice in the lounge (a warm space with Aubusson rugs and rose-hued upholstery). All this, while a pianist plays classics on a baby grand. Come hungry!
Good to know Vegan and gluten-free menus are available with advance notice. Champagne can also be ordered to make your après-midi that much more sparkling. And there’s a pet-friendly tea (complete with a doggie menu), taken outside on the terrace.
Cost R595 per person (includes a welcome glass of iced tea or L’Ormarins Cap Classique)
R350 (children 4 – 11 years)
Times Monday – Sunday, 11am – 3pm (seating slots each hour)
Contact 021 483 1000, restaurantreservations.mnh@belmond.com
Where to find it 76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Cape Grace Hotel

Glamorous yachts, sunshine sparkling off the water of the marina, with Table Mountain framing it all… The views from Cape Grace at the V&A Waterfront are pretty special. But once you settle into a comfortable booth at Heirloom (the signature restaurant) and embark on their elegant afternoon tea, all eyes are on the table. Sumptuous savouries include finger sandwiches on the freshest homemade breads, a pulled springbok taco, wild mushroom tartlet and a Franschhoek smoked trout brioche with caviar… followed by the lightest buttermilk scones hot from the oven (and savoury cheese ones too). And the pièce de resistance, four exquisite confections from executive pastry chef Lorraine Meaney. Think a symphony of peaches and cream; a zesty passionfruit cheesecake; a raspberry pistachio and dulcey pastry; and a decadent chocolate brownie with gianduja and coffee. Accompanied by a selection of beautiful loose-leaf Nigiro tea blends (choose one for the savouries and another for the sweets, or there’s coffee if you prefer), it’s a celebratory spoil to linger over all afternoon.
Good to know Booking is essential. There is a vegetarian option too.
Cost R550 per person
R650 per person (includes glass of cap classique)
When Thursday – Sunday, 2.30pm, 3pm, 3.30pm (seatings)
Contact 021 410 7100, capegrace.heirloom@fairmont.com
Where to find it West Quay Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

One&Only Cape Town

Lofty proportions, grand decor and a magnificent view of Table Mountain through floor-to-ceiling windows greet you as you enter the Vista Bar & Lounge at this elegant V&A Waterfront resort. Served on characterful new V for Vista stands, the glamorous afternoon tea features salmon tacos, Coronation rotis, beef roses, pickled beetroot bruschette and more. After the traditional buttermilk scones with cream and jam, move on to the sweet selection: blueberry cheesecake, berry and white-chocolate blondie, peppermint crisp macaron and several more delights. There’s a cake trolley too, and, of course, a free-flowing selection of loose-leaf luxury teas (try two or more throughout the course of your afternoon), or coffee. Or push the boat right out with the elite Champagne Afternoon Tea for two.
Good to know Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free menus are also available. Children under 10 can order from the standard Vista Lounge à la carte menu, which includes scones, cakes, pastries, muffins and cookies.
Cost R595 per person
Champagne Afternoon Tea: R2 500 per couple (includes a 375ml bottle of Moët & Chandon)
Times Monday – Sunday, 2pm – 5pm
Contact 021 431 5888, guestexperience@oneandonlycapetown.com
Where to find it One&Only Cape Town, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

The Silo Hotel

Towering above the V&A Waterfront with the most incredible views, The Silo Hotel’s Royal Tea is taken in The Granary Café, a glam sixth-floor space where copper-topped tables and contemporary art complement the striking pillowed-glass windows. Come in your most comfy, loose-waisted clothing because pastry chef Bianca Schreuder puts on quite a spread. Three-tiered circular stands (or étagères, to use the correct term) are piled with petit gateaux and exquisite teatime treats: macarons, profiteroles, madeleines and petit fours. The equally delicious savoury stand features delicate finger sandwiches, cheese puffs, mini pies, wraps and quiches, with beautifully balanced flavours and miniature perfection in every bite. And there are scones too. A wide selection of fragrant teas is served in tea-tasting format so that you can try several. We particularly enjoyed the African honeybush.
Good to know Booking is 24 hours in advance (payment required on booking), or 48 hours for special-occasion, large-group and dietary requests.
Cost R575 per person
R650 (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or lactose-free)
Times Thursday – Sunday, 2.30pm – 4pm (last seating 3.30pm)
Contact 021 670 0511, dining@thesilohotel.com
Where to find it The Silo Hotel, Silo Square, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

The Cellars-Hohenort

This gracious and historic country hotel in the Constantia Valley is arguably one of the loveliest spots to enjoy high tea at any time of the year. The Classic High Tea is served in the light and airy Greenhouse, or on the Hohenort Terrace with views over the award-winning gardens, which really are rather extraordinary. Impeccably presented and served over four courses, tea meanders from traditional finger sandwiches to savouries, including a truly delicious baked chevin cheesecake with beetroot chutney, and the mind-bending savoury smoked salmon macaron. After light and fluffy scones with jam and chantilly cream, move on to nibble on an array of sweet delights: hazelnut cromboloni, strawberry and white chocolate entremet, matcha and cherry tartlets and more. To drink, there’s a fine selection of 11 loose-leaf Nigiro teas, rooibos and herbal infusions – the exclusive hotel blend of green rooibos with various fruits, flowers, herbs and Liz McGrath rose petals truly conjures a sense of place.
Good to know Book 24 hours in advance.
Cost R485 per person
R265 (children 4 – 11 years)
Times Saturday + Sunday, 11am – 1pm +  2pm – 4pm
Contact 021 794 2137, functions@cellars-hohenort.co.za
Where to find it 93 Brommersvlei Road, Constantia, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa

Tucked into a leafy garden enclave in a tranquil corner of the Helderberg (adjoining Vergelegen and Lourensford wine estates), Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa lay on a sumptuously refined afternoon tea to enjoy in either the chic Magnolia Social Dining Lounge or under the trees on the Oak Terrace. Indulge in a beautifully curated menu inspired by local flavours – from savoury favourites like smoked trout roulades, BLT oopsies and chicken liver parfait, to freshly baked mini scones served with cream, cheese and preserves. Sweet endings include rooibos and berry cheesecake, and peppermint crisp macarons – nostalgic classics, lovingly reimagined for a celebratory sense of occasion. Elevate your experience with a glass (or two) of bubbly from their curated selection.
Good to know Book 48 hours in advance.
Cost R385
Times Monday – Sunday, from 12.30pm
Where to find it Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa, 1 Erinvale Avenue, Somerset West
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Orangerie at Le Lude

Where better to go for a sparkling morning or afternoon tea than an estate that focuses solely on producing award-winning cap classique? The restaurant’s interior hints at a greenhouse of yore, with cane chairs, ceiling fans and leafy palms and ferns. Double-volume arched windows all around put the marvellous view centre stage. Tea begins with a glass of Le Lude Cap Classique (either Brut Reserve or Brut Rosé Reserve), then select two from among six TWG teas. It’s served in the most beautiful tea service, while the eats arrive on a three-tiered platter. The delightful spread starts with finger sandwiches (including Franschhoek smoked trout and caper cream cheese) and savouries such as spinach and gruyere frittata. Then scones with chantilly cream and homemade strawberry jam, followed by exquisite confectionery, from salted caramel profiterole and blueberry macarons to triple chocolate lamington and lemonade madeleines.
Good to know Book 24 hours in advance.
Cost R590 per person (minimum two, maximum eight guests)
Times Monday – Saturday, 10am, 10.30am, 11am, 3pm (seatings)
Sunday, 10am, 10.30am, 11am
Contact 021 876 2961, restaurant@lelude.co.za
Where to find it Bowling Green Avenue, off Lambrechts Road, Franschhoek
Book through DinePlan

Labotessa X Diptyque

This multi-sensory extravaganza takes you on a journey of scent as well as flavour. Starting with a glass of bubbly in the Diptyque boutique inside Labotessa Boutique Hotel, you embark on a guided tour of the fragrances of this exclusive Parisian parfumerie. Then stroll out on to the café terrace (a leafy haven on Church Square) where a feast of finger sandwiches, scones with rose and strawberry jam, dark chocolate brownies, artisanal macarons and more (each bite inspired by individual fragrance profiles) is paired with floral, woody, citrussy or spicy scents, and with TWG teas. And you get a luxurious Diptyque gift bag to take home with you at the end.
Good to know Booking is essential, only six guests per seating.
Cost R850
Time Daily, 11am or 2pm
Where to find it Labotessa Boutique Hotel, 5 Church Square, Cape Town
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Taj Cape Town

The grandeur of Taj Cape Town’s Lobby Lounge, with its marble columns and opulent armchairs, is the setting for their Indian-Cape afternoon tea (or sit outside on the terrace at Mint Restaurant overlooking St George’s Mall if tree-dappled sunshine beckons). A generous selection of Indian-infused savouries, ranging from samosas and chicken quiche to potato pakoda and spring dosas fills one tier of the birdcage stand. Plus there are salmon swiss roll sandwiches, open sandwiches and Indian sweet dumplings with jam and cream to feast on. You’ll need to save space for the whole tier of sweet spoils which awaits, including delightful gulab jamun, macarons, triple chocolate tart, carrot cake and more, with a pot of tea chosen from an extensive selection of loose-leaf teas from around the world.
Cost R345 per person
R395 (includes glass of cap classique)
Times Daily, 2pm – 5pm
Contact 021 819 2000, restaurants.capetown@tajhotels.com
Where to find it 1 Wale Street, corner Wale Street and St Georges Mall, Cape Town
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Manor Kitchen at Lanzerac

Adorned with a dazzling chandelier and large skylights, Lanzerac’s elegant Manor Kitchen restaurant is the splendid setting for the Timeless Afternoon Tea. It’s a decidedly decadent and sophisticated affair every Saturday, running from canapés to hot bites to scones, sweet treats and a macaron to finish. After being welcomed with a glass of cap classique, choose from a selection of TWG teas: one tea to pair with your savoury, and a second with the sweet courses. Think reimagined bites prepared with the finest seasonal ingredients, tasty croquettes, a selection of finger sandwiches, as well as Lanzerac’s famous scones served with clotted cream, strawberry jam, lavender cream, cheddar and rich butter. Did we mention the sweets? Cupcakes, petit fours, tartlets, éclairs… You’ll want for nothing except perhaps a loose-fitting frock!
Good to know There’s also a Gentleman’s Tea fireside in the cosy Craven Lounge on Saturdays that includes a whisky-tasting paired with savoury and sweet bites.
Cost Timeless Afternoon Tea: R420 per person; R520 with unlimited cap classique
Gentleman’s Tea: R490 per person
Times Saturday, 2pm – 5pm
Contact 021 887 1132, restaurants@lanzerac.co.za
Where to find it Lanzerac, Lanzerac Road, Stellenbosch
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La Residence

“Versailles in Franschhoek”, La Residence is an elegant hideaway dramatically staged among sweeping vineyards, orchards and olive groves on a secluded 12-hectare estate. Afternoon Tea is served in beautiful tea sets on The Loggia overlooking a tranquil pond and mountain views, or fireside in The Great Hall on cooler days​. Tiered stands display a variety of savouries, such as mini basil pesto quiches, finger sandwiches, roast beef buns and savoury cheese madeleines, complemented by sweet delights, ranging from classic buttermilk scones (with clotted cream, jam and cheese) to macarons, profiteroles, fynbos honey Swiss roll, passion fruit verrine and chocolate petits fours, and served with Nigiro loose-leaf tea or artisan coffee.
Good to know Afternoon Tea is for a minimum of two guests.
Cost R495 per person
R650 (with glass of cap classique)
Times Monday – Sunday, 2pm – 5pm
Contact 021 876 4100, info@laresidence.co.za
Where to find it Elandskloof Private Road, Elandskloof Farm, Franschhoek
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The Vineyard Hotel

This historic hotel on the banks of the Liesbeek River is an eight-hectare oasis of verdant gardens, old-world charm and tranquillity. Take afternoon tea – as former owner Lady Anne Barnard might have – on the terrace of Morii restaurant, looking out over the natural splendour and the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. Brought out as a series of four courses, the menu kicks off with finger sandwiches, mini pitas and choux buns, followed by a delicious selection of Middle Eastern-inspired savouries (butter chicken puff pies, beef kibbeh with tzatziki, potato borek with lemon mayo). After lingering over a plate of scones (which arrive in a smoke-filled cloche) with milk tart chantilly cream and strawberry jam, the sweets arrive (including a particularly memorable strawberry crémeux with rose jam on black pepper sablé). A choice of two teas and/or coffees from the extensive beverage menu completes the experience.
Cost R450 per person; R570 with a glass of cap classique
Times Friday – Sunday, 3.30pm
Contact 021 657 4500, eat@vineyard.co.za
Where to find it Colinton Road, Newlands, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

Grande Roche

The beautiful thatched Cape Dutch manor at Grande Roche, with its wide shady verandah giving panoramic views over the Paarl mountains, is the perfect setting for an old-world morning or afternoon tea. Arrive to a sparkling glass of cap classique, then settle down to an abundant feast of savouries (from beef croquettes to smoked salmon blini) and generous sweet treats (think lemon meringue, Basque cheesecake, mascarpone cannoli, and millionaire’s shortbread) accompanied by an enticing menu of whole-leaf and single-estate teas (or coffee if that’s your preferred cuppa).
Good to know Book 48 hours in advance.
Cost R545 per person
Times Monday – Sunday, 10am – 3.30pm
Contact 021 863 5100, events@granderoche.co.za
Where to find it 1 Plantasie Street, Paarl
Book through DinePlan

Radisson Collection Hotel

High tea to the soundtrack of ocean waves… the new Sunday-only Tea Tides at Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront Cape Town puts a coastal spin on the stylish and timeless ritual that invites you to slow down and indulge. The patisserie mastermind behind the experience is chef Craig Hibbert, who conjures an assembly of delicate finger sandwiches, savoury tarts, blinis and sliders, piping hot scones with cream and jam, light-as-air pastries, miniature cakes and fabulous confections. To accompany the spread, choose from a thoughtfully curated selection of speciality teas, from fragrant masala chai to the delicate balance of Dung Ti oolong. Go for coffee instead, or for the full experience, treat yourself to the bubbly option – it is Sunday after all!
Good to know Booking is essential
Cost R550
R950 (with free-flowing bubbly)
When Sundays until end-March 2026
Time 2.30pm – 5pm
Where to find it Radisson Collection Hotel, 100 Beach Road, Granger Bay, Cape Town
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Chocolat Bistro

You had us at “chocolat”… This French Baroque-inspired eatery in the heart of Durbanville – adorned with vintage pieces, gilt-framed paintings, chandeliers and velvet chairs – is known for its decadent selection of cakes and pastries. With its high tea offering you get the full works… savoury bites include spring rolls with Thai sauce; salami flowers with caper berries; mini quiches; Caprese skewers; salmon blinis; ribeye with truffle mayo on crostini; and mini hamburgers. Then explore the dazzling array of sweet treats: lemon meringue tartlets, canelés, macarons, cheesecakes, pavlovas, chocolate eclairs and chocolate brownies. Outside there’s a gorgeous garden (with children’s play area) and a sun-kissed patio under shady trees.
Good to know Book three days in advance (50% deposit required). If you’re booking tea for a larger group enquire about The Birdcage, their private venue
Cost R365
R395 (with glass of Pongracz MCC)
Times Monday – Saturday, 9am – 5pm
Sunday, 9am – 2pm
Contact 021 975 2426, bookings@chocolatbistro.co.za
Where to find it 46 Oxford Street, Durbanville, Cape Town
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