High tea in Cape Town is the ideal way to indulge in luxury or celebrate the moments that deserve the best. Whether looking for a birthday party or a meetup with long-lost friends, there’s a high tea experience for everyone.
This collection of high tea spots caters to every budget and visits various spots across the Peninsula, from seaside views to tucked-away suburban gems.
Celebrating at the One&Only
The One&Only afternoon tea is one of Cape Town’s most exclusive high tea experiences. Its tranquil setting at the V&A Waterfront offers all the location’s seaside beauty without the hustle and bustle. High tea at the One&Only is typified by stunning views and a delectable stand of sweet and savoury delights, all handmade by the chef of the day.
This exclusive high tea experience happens daily from 2pm to 5pm, and booking is essential. Hosted in the Vista Bar & Lounge, guests sit right on the water’s edge as they enjoy the afternoon in luxurious privacy.
Cost: R550 per person. Bookings can be made on the website.
When: Afternoon Tea is served daily from 2pm to 5pm
Where: Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Website: oneandonlyresorts.com | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 021 431 5888
Royal tea at The Silo Hotel
With options for vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free, The Silo Hotel’s Royal Tea is accessible and inclusive. For four days a week, this award-winning venue serves a selection of petit gateaux and exquisite teatime treats, as well as several savoury delights. Their head pastry chef, Devin Jones, works with his team of chefs to serve freshly baked goods and handcrafted delicacies.
Each booking includes a welcome drink, a tea-tasting experience, and an array of our pastry chef’s exquisite sweet and savoury treats.
Cost: R250 per person | R50 extra (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free). Bookings can be made on the website.
When: Thursday to Sunday, 2.30pm to 5pm | Last seating at 3.30pm
Where: Silo Square, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Website: theroyalportfolio.com | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 021 670 0500
Afternoon Tea at the Cape Grace
Afternoon Tea at the Cape Grace invites locals and visitors alike to unwind in timeless luxury and savour a distinctly Cape Town experience. At the heart of this experience is a thoughtfully curated menu by Executive Pastry Chef, Lorraine Meaney, who has brought her passion for detail and local flavour to each creation.
Guests can decide between the regular menu and a newly crafted vegetarian offering. Tea lovers will revel in the carefully selected range of teas, including Nigiro’s fine loose-leaf varieties and Cape Grace’s own exclusive blend.
Served at the Heirloom Restaurant, the elegant ambience sets the stage for both leisurely relaxation and intimate celebrations, making it an ideal choice for anniversaries, birthdays, or simply a refined escape from the day-to-day.
Cost: R550pp to R650pp | R395 for kids | Bookings via DinePlan or 021 410 7000
When: Thursday to Sunday | Starting from 2.30pm, 3pm, or 3.30pm
Where: W Quay Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
Website: capegrace.com | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 021 410 7100
Classic Cake and Tea at the Mount Nelson
High tea at Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, is an iconic Cape Town outing. Right in the middle of the city between Orange and Kloof Street, their high tea celebrates a wide range of teas, curated by their tea sommelier, Craig Cupido.
Guests can choose from dozens of teas, enjoy a large walk-in garden with rows of flowers, and taste a tower of baked goods as live piano sets the scene. Booking is essential for high tea.
Cost: R650 per adult | R350 per child (under 12). Book via the website.
When: Monday to Sunday | 11am – 3pm (seating slots on the hour)
Where: 76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Website: belmond.com | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 021 483 1000
Twelve Apostles’ Luxury High Tea
High tea at Twelve Apostles’ is a modern take on an age-old tradition. High tea is available at three seating times and is served seven days a week, hosted in two of the resort’s iconic venues, The Leopard and The Conservatory, making it a slice of accessible luxury at one of Africa’s most exclusive hotel resorts.
To further celebrate accessibility, Twelve Apostles also offers a vegan high tea, speaking to the growing importance of plant-based diets and cuisine. Guests enjoying the vegan high tea can expect Chef Gina’s plant-based delicacies, such as dairy-free scones, coconut panna cotta, banana and oat cookies, and more. The Twelve Apostles’ standard high tea offering includes tea-time treats like cream puffs, chocolate brownies, macarons, and more.
Cost: R575 per person. Book using the website.
When: Monday to Sunday | 10am, 12.30pm & 3pm
Where: Victoria Road, Oudekraal Nature Reserve, Cape Town
Website: 12apostleshotel.com | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 021 437 9000
High tea in the Constantia Winelands
Located in the rolling hills of the Constantia Winelands, this high tea delivers an out-of-town experience featuring savoury highlights like pulled chicken and cucumber sandwiches, lamb croquettes and smoked salmon macarons. Those with a sweet tooth can indulge in hazelnut croissants and their signature traditional baked scones.
Complementing the food is an extensive list of fine teas, artisanal coffees, and a celebratory glass of bubbly.
Cost: R485 per person | R265 per child (12 and under). Booking essential on the website.
When: Saturday & Sunday | 11am – 1pm & 2pm – 4pm
Where: 93 Brommersvlei Road, Constantia Heights, Cape Town
Website: thecellars-hohenorthotel.com | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 021 794 2137
Vineyard’s afternoon tea near Table Mountain
The Vineyard’s high tea is served in the shadows of Table Mountain’s eastern slopes. Surrounded by evergreen trees and green lawns, this suburban luxury spot delivers high tea in a picturesque setting.
High tea at The Vineyard includes savoury snacks like crustless quiches, smoked salmon Portuguese rolls and butter chicken mini pies. Indulgent chocolate-crusted whipped ganache tarts with hazelnut crème, classic Florentines, and Bakewell tarts set the tone for the rich, sweet treats guests can expect.
Cost: R450 per person. Book now on Dineplan.
When: Friday to Sunday | 3.30pm – 6pm
Where: Colinton Road, Newlands, Cape Town
Website: vineyard.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 021 657 4500
Find more high teas and lunch buffets this Mother’s Day
