Throw your pinkies in the air for dainty delicacies at the best places to experience high tea in Brisbane.

Fluffy finger sandwiches, itsy bitsy cakes, flowing bubbles, and fragrant brew – the art of high tea is totally irresistible. Dating as far back as the 1840s, the afternoon dining experience is still ridiculously popular, and Brisbane plays home to an abundance of sittings. From the confines of luxurious hotels to standalone destinations nailing new takes on the traditional, high tea in Brisbane is worthy of your bucket list.

1. Strangers’ High Tea, Brisbane City

Dine where the very highest of society frequented at Strangers’ High Tea, staged inside Queensland Parliament’s acclaimed Strangers’ Restaurant. Live classical music and ornate nineteenth-century design fill the historical space, which was once exclusive to male members of parliament. Delight in the high tea menu of scrumptious treats, rolled out of the kitchen on various dates throughout the month (best to check the website well in advance as tables fill quickly). Think buttermilk scones, raspberry Opera slice, pumpkin and feta tarts, chicken and cucumber sandwiches, and more. 

Address: Parliamentary Annexe, 69 Alice Street, Brisbane City 

2. Stamford Plaza Brisbane Hotel High Tea, Brisbane City

Beloved for its elegant high tea in the heart of town, Stamford Plaza Brisbane Hotel puts on three unique versions. Staged on Saturday and Sunday weekly, The Spirit of Queensland High Tea pays tribute to the flavours of the Sunshine State, spanning tropical fruit, Daintree barramundi, Stanthorpe cider-apple and raisin scones. Saturday, weekly, also plays home to a Chocolate Afternoon Tea where more than 17 takes on everyone’s favourite sweet stuff is delivered with baked scones. And if it’s the school holidays, don’t miss Wizardry High Tea which blends a theme of which craft and, well, wizardry (just go with it, your kids love it), with the sweetest of treats.  

Address: Corner Edward and Margaret Streets, Brisbane City 

3. Sofitel High Tea, Brisbane City

Bringing the hotel’s signature French flair to its high tea, the Sofitel group deliver an enchanting experience. Sofitel High Tea at Sofitel Brisbane Central is set within Cuvee, the hotel’s sophisticated lobby bar, and its weekly Friday, Saturday, and Sunday sittings are stacked, literally, with patisseries crafted by their in-house team plus mouth-watering sandwiches and your choice of a glass of Veuve or a mocktail. A high tea in Brisbane with a side of lovely city streetscape views, too.      

Address: 249 Turbot Street, Brisbane City 

4. W Brisbane High Tea, Brisbane City

A high tea in Brisbane dripping with the hotel chain’s distinct rock and roll flavour, W Brisbane High Teas (there’s a series of them) are set within the eclectic Living Room Bar. Amid a sea of metallics, pop prints and soft seating, the themed high teas nod to whatever they’re vibing at the moment. Be it the ‘Pretty In Pink’ menu that’s available until the end of June 2024 or any one of the special occasion high teas that tap into the likes of Easter and Mother’s Day, there’s always something delicious going on. Check the website for menus and dates.    

Address: 81 North Quay, Brisbane City 

5. Dandelion & Driftwood, Hendra

You might know Dandelion & Driftwood for its epic breakfasts but the cosy north Brisbane cafe also nails high tea sittings and takeaway high tea box sets. Available at any time of the day, you need to pre-book your sitting but get organised because the spoils are abundant. Ribbon sandwiches, thick, fluffy scones, mini tarts, cupcakes, and tiny pastries provide all the stomach lining your boozy (or non-boozy) beverage selection needs. 

Address: 20 Doncaster Street, Hendra 

6. Treasury Brisbane’s High Tea at The Lab, Brisbane City

Embrace old-world character and decadent spoils at Treasury Brisbane’s High Tea at The Lab, the hotel’s fine dining restaurant. Soft carpeting and rich timber furniture create a plush, homely space to dig into your tower of temptation, served to guests every Saturday and Sunday. You can go with the standard menu or upgrade with Chandon and premium Moet, but regardless, your tower will arrive with ribbon sandwiches, in-house pastries, quiche, frittata, and scones.  

Address: 130 William Street, Brisbane City 

7. Fancy Tea at The Matriarch, Newstead

Love the eloquent boozing element of high tea? Fancy Tea at The Matriarch is just the ticket. Focused on injecting even more fun into Brisbane’s high tea offering, the team fill their lush, greenery-splashed space with a traditional menu paired with three boozy concoctions from Wednesday to Sunday. Think tea-infused cocktails like Hendricks Gin & Tea, and vodka and lemon peach tea. If you’d prefer mocktails, they can always cater for you too.   

Address: 1/22 Masters Road, Newstead  

8. Zen Garden High Tea at Bar 1603, Brisbane City

Serving spectacular afternoon spreads from Friday to Saturday, Bar 1603 offers a magical Zen Garden High Tea. A homage to the flavours of Japanese cuisine, the meal caters to both savoury and sweet palettes however that’s where everything you think you know about high tea ends. Forget finger sandwiches forever as you dive into a stream of sashimi, gyoza, Karaage chicken, Matcha mouse, a chocolate cherry blossom tree and more. 

Address: 27-35 Turbot Street, Brisbane City 

9. High Tea at Bacchus, Rydges South Bank Brisbane, South Bank

Fine china porcelain and velvet chairs set a high-luxe, high tea scene at Bacchus inside Rydges South Bank Brisbane. Catering to both adults and children on Saturday and Sunday, this high tea is still worthy of your finest frocks as a roll call of classic indulgences light up your table. Two hours of bottomless Mumm bubbles (for the grown-ups, obviously) and the likes of Reuben sandwiches, croquettes, truffle egg pillows, seafood wraps, and all your obligatory scones and sweets will floor you. 

Address: 9 Glenelg Street, South Bank 

10. High Tea at The Kitchen, Old Government House, Brisbane City

Held on just one Friday every month, High Tea at The Kitchen in the beautiful Old Government House, plays home to an atmospheric dining experience you can’t miss. Located at the bustling Queensland University of Technology campus right near the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, the venue pops together a beautiful selection of delicacies spanning finger sandwiches, handmade sweets and pastries. You’ll need to check the website for upcoming dates and make sure you book your table in advance. 

Address: 2 George Street, Brisbane City  

11. High Tea at The Balfour Kitchen & Bar, New Farm

Be swept away in frangipani trees and ultra-lush greenery at High Tea at The Balfour Kitchen & Bar. It’s a stunning setting, embraced entirely if you can wrangle a spot on the converted Queenslander’s wraparound balcony. Staged once a month on a Saturday and Sunday (check the website for upcoming dates), this high tea in Brisbane features mouth-watering sweets including the likes of mini tarts, macarons, and specialty cakes, plus savoury brioche, smoked trout bruschetta, pork terrine, and scones with Chantilly cream and jam. 

Address: 37 Balfour Street, New Farm

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