10+ Best High Teas in Cape Town You Need to Try ASAP
With over 20 places serving high tea in Cape Town, you could literally block out a weekend every month for an entire year to nibble on cucumber finger sandwiches and macaroons.
While that’s great for us locals, there are a bazillion other things to do in Cape Town (raise your hand if your social calendar is also full to the brim).
And what about visitors?
When you only have one week to spend in Cape Town, which afternoon tea deserves a spot on your itinerary?
As the city’s hungriest blogger and serial tourist, I’ve done the homework for you.
After many, many cups of tea later, here’s a master list of the best high tea in Cape Town (according to me and Google reviews) that’ll have you feeling like a cast member of Downtown Abbey.
Ready? Bottoms up!
Psst…Want more Cape Town travel tips? Check out these other posts:
- 50+ Things to Do in Cape Town: The Ultimate List
- The Most Delicious Vegan Restaurants In Cape Town
- 15+ Amazing Airbnbs in Cape Town for Your Next Getaway
- 12 Secluded Cabins Near Cape Town That Are Perfect for Escaping Reality
- The Coolest & Best Coffee Shops in Cape Town
- 10+ Affordable Restaurants in Cape Town with a View
Table of Contents
- The Best High Tea in Cape Town (A Local’s Guide)
- Russian Tea Ceremony at Hazendal Wine Estate
- Historic Afternoon Tea at Mount Nelson, A Balmond Hotel
- High Tea at 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa
- Royal High Tea at The Silo Hotel
- Greenhouse Classic High Tea at Cellars Hohenort
- High Tea by The Sea at Casa Labia
- Timeless Afternoon Tea at Lanzerac Wine Estate
- La Residence Afternoon Tea
- Honourable Mentions
The Best High Tea in Cape Town (A Local’s Guide)
Russian Tea Ceremony at Hazendal Wine Estate
Want a totally unique high tea experience in Cape Town?
Book a table at Hazendal Wine Estate in Stellenbosch.
The Russian Tea Ceremony is unlike anything else on this list. It gives you a glimpse into traditional Russian culture while you sit in an opulent dining room full of authentic Dulevo porcelain and traditional Russian Samovars.
Curiously, you won’t find any sugar on the table while you sip on the specially sourced black tea blend.
Why? Sugar wasn’t easily accessible in Russia, and Varenya (a jam) was used instead.
The afternoon tea is served alongside traditional Russian sweet and savoury treats like Baranki, Blini, Spinach Piroshok, and Pavlova.
But what I love is that Hazendal’s traditional tea ceremony menu pretty much caters to everyone. When I booked my table here, I was able to get ceremonies for vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free people without having to miss out on any of the traditional dishes.
Radovat’sya!
When: Tuesday to Sunday between 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Hazendal Wine Estate in Stellenbosch
Menu Options: Meat, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and kids
Price: R395.00 per person
NB: Bookings must be made 24 hours in advance
Read More: The Ultimate Cape Town Travel Guide
Historic Afternoon Tea at Mount Nelson, A Balmond Hotel
Photo by: Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel
For something more along the lines of a traditional English high tea with no shortage of grandeur, the Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel offers an indulgent feast.
Craig Cupido, one of South Africa’s first expert-trained tea sommeliers, will take you on a journey with more than 60 carefully selected fine, loose-leaf teas from around the world.
Your afternoon tea starts with a glass of complimentary bubbles (you can order a bottle at an additional cost) and is served with savoury sandwiches, freshly baked buttermilk scones, and delightful sweets like a raspberry, litchi, and rose eclair.
When you’re done, I highly recommend walking down to The Labia and catching a film at the oldest independent art-repertory movie cinema in South Africa.
When: First seating at 12pm and second at 3pm. Wednesday – Sunday
Where: The Lounge at the Mount Nelson Hotel
Menu Options: Classic and vegan options
Price: R550.00 per adult and R350 per child under 12
High Tea at 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa
The 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa knows a thing or two about creating extraordinary dining experiences.
From private sunset picnics overlooking the Atlantic Ocean to private helicopter lunches, “dull” is not in their vocabulary.
The jewel of their offerings? High tea by the sea.
Available at either the Leopard Bar or The Conservatory, it sets the scene for one of the most expensive high teas in Cape Town (but worth every cent).
Choose the classic menu and indulge your taste buds with macaroons, dainty finger sandwiches, gold leaf eclairs, and cream puffs or opt for the vegan high tea menu and enjoy decadent plant-based treats.
Both menus come with a bottomless selection of loose-leaf teas, speciality coffee and Moët & Chandon High Tea, served with a glass of Brut Imperial champagne.
When: Every day at 10 am, 12.30 pm, and 3 pm
Where: The Leopard Bar or The Conservatory at the 12 Apostles Hotel in Camps Bay
Menu Options: Classic and vegan menus are available
Price: R495.00 (Monday to Friday) and R525.00 (Saturday and Sunday)
NB: 24-hour notice is required.
Top Places to Stay in Cape Town
Royal High Tea at The Silo Hotel
Located on the sixth floor of the iconic Silo Hotel, The Granary Cafe boasts striking views over the V&A Waterfront, Lion’s Head, and Signal Hill.
Open to guests and the public, it’s a picture-perfect setting for enjoying a regal afternoon tea.
Nibble on a selection of petit gateaux and savoury delights such as:
- Vegetarian quiche
- Petit fours
- Creme brulee
- Cucumber sandwiches
- Macaroons
- Tartine
The afternoon tea menu comes with a glass of Silo iced tea and a hot beverage of your choice.
Before heading home, stop by the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCCA). It’s in the Silo District, and South Africans get in for free every Wednesday between 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
When: Thursday to Sunday from 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Where: The Granary Cafe at The Silo Hotel in Silo Square
Menu Options: Classic Halaal-friendly and vegetarian menu available on request
Price: R425.00 (additional charges for specific dietary requirements)
NB: 24-hour notice is required for the royal tea
Greenhouse Classic High Tea at Cellars Hohenort
The 5-star Cellars-Hohenort Hotel & Spa is the go-to spot for high tea in Constantia.
Situated in “Cape Town’s Vineyard”, you can find yourself sipping on fragrant teas in a short 15-minute drive from the city centre.
The high tea takes place inside the Greenhouse with a welcome glass of cap classique and four courses of savoury and sweet treats.
Dine on delights like smoked salmon mousse cornets, goat’s cheesecake, walnut-carrot cake, Madagascan chocolate cake, traditional finger sandwiches and scones with jam.
Then there’s the selection of teas.
Try a selection of 11 loose-leaf Nigiro teas, rooibos, and herbal infusions. It also includes the hotel’s exclusive green rooibos blend.
If you’re not ready to go home, explore the Constantia Valley wine route. I highly recommend Beau Constantia, Klein Constantia, and Eagle’s Nest.
When: Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Where: The Cellars-Hohenorthotel in Constantia
Menu Options: One set omnivore menu with vegetarian and Haalal available on request
Price: R395.00 per person and R195 for children (4-11 years)
NB: Need to book menu dietary variations 48 hours in advance
Read More: The Best Hotels in Cape Town: Where to Stay for Every Budget
High Tea by The Sea at Casa Labia
Want to pretend you’re royalty in Venice, Italy?
Transport yourself with high tea by the sea at Casa Labia.
The setting is a count and countess’s former home along Muizenberg’s picturesque Main Road. Inside the ballroom (where you’ll have your tea), you’ll find Venetian-style interiors with chandeliers, beautiful vintage furniture, and spectacular muralled ceilings.
Then there is the food.
Nibble on eclairs topped with raspberry dust, french custard tartlets, and decadent brownies with toasted marshmallows. On the savoury side, feast on salmon and cucumber roulade, arancini balls, and mozzarella bites with tomato jam.
Wash it all down with Casa Labia’s bottomless tea selection, which includes infusions like the Devil’s Advocate (ginger and chilli), chocolate chai (with real caco nibs), and pinotage rooibos (a unique gluhwein-like tea).
When: Monday to Friday (11:00 am to 5:00 pm) and Saturday to Sunday (11:00 am – 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm)
Where: Casa Labia Boutique Hotel in Muizenberg
Menu Options: One set omnivore menu
Price: R395.00 per person
NB: A deposit is required to secure the booking
Read More: 14 of the Best Things To Do in Kalk Bay
Timeless Afternoon Tea at Lanzerac Wine Estate
For a luxurious afternoon tea in Stellenbosch, book a table at Lanzerac Wine Estate.
Taking place inside the Manor Kitchen, you’ll enjoy a delectable selection of finger sandwiches, canapes, savoury treats, tartlets, petit fours, homemade scones, and macaroons.
…Basically, the creme-de-la-creme of high tea treats.
And the tea? Expect only the finest.
I’m talking about TWG, one of the top luxury tea brands in the world.
You’ll get to sip on:
- Rawdon’s blend (the signature Lanzerac blend)
- Indian night tea
- African ball blue tea
- Jade of Africa red tea
- Moroccan mint tea
- Silver moon tea
…to name a few!
And if you’re feeling extra boogie, you can upgrade your high tea experience to include bottomless MCC.
Don’t want your Lanzerac experience to end? Spend a weekend at the hotel and explore the rest of Stellenbosch’s wine region and delicious food scene.
When: Saturday from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Where: Lanzerac Wine Estate in Stellenbosch
Menu Options: One set high tea menu
Price: R320.00 per person or R420.00 for the bottomless MCC option
La Residence Afternoon Tea
Of course, no high tea in Cape Town round-up is complete without mentioning La Residence.
Located in Franschhoek, the 5-star hotel is part of the Royal Portfolio Collection and knows how to put on a show.
Your afternoon tea is served next to a tranquil pond or a crackling fireplace (perfect for those Cape Town winter getaways) and comes with incredible delights from the in-house pastry chef.
For the savoury options, nibble on cajun chicken wraps, smoked trout on a toasted sourdough baguette, and cucumber, chives, and cream cheese finger sandwiches.
From the sweets menu, try the granadilla macarons, cheesecake, cream scones, and petite carrot and pineapple cakes.
When: Every day from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Where: La Residence Boutique Hotel in Franschhoek
Menu Options: One set high tea menu, but dietary requirements are accommodated.
Price: R345.00 per person (minimum 2 people)
NB: Bookings are essential, and full payment, including a 12% service charge (for six or more guests), is required to confirm your reservation.
Read More: 15+ Irresistible Day Trips from Cape Town
Honourable Mentions
The above are the most popular high teas in Cape Town, but they aren’t your only options.
Here are a few more places you can add to your afternoon tea bucket list.
- Chocolate Bistro High Tea in Durbanville
- The Vineyard High Tea in Newlands
- Hout Bay Manor High Tea in Hout Bay
- Vista Bar & Lounge High Tea in Cape Town CBD
Did I miss any of your favourite spots for high tea in Cape Town? Hit ya gurl up in the comments below!
Le Lude in Franschhoek is my new fave. Elegant and completely chic. Not to mention their bubbles are probably the best from the valley (#boldclaim). 🫶🫶
Ooooh thanks for the rec! Definitely adding that to my must visit list!