In Cape Town, high tea is the perfect way to celebrate special occasions or indulge in luxury. Whether you’re just looking to enjoy a peaceful afternoon, catch up with friends, or a way to celebrate a birthday in sophistication, a high tea is the answer. Explore this selection of high tea locations that suits all budgets and takes you to different parts of the Peninsula, from hidden suburban treasures to views of the Cape’s beautiful ocean.
The best places to enjoy a high tea in Cape Town:
1. High tea at the Mount Nelson
A visit to the pastel-pink Mount Nelson, located in the center of the Mother City, is a quintessential Cape Town outing. The ‘Nellie’ serves a classic high tea experience with sumptuous cakes, pastries, and sandwiches made in-house. The Mount Nelson offers a wide variety of specialty teas, such as fruit and herbal infusions and loose-leaf teas. Tea at the Mount Nelson is a Cape Town experience not to be missed.
Address: 76 Orange St, Gardens
Price: R 450 per adult | R 300 per child (under 12)
When: Booking is essential – Wed-Sun: 12h00 & 15h00
2. The Table Bay, Waterfront
The Table Bay serves its high tea in four courses, which is a little more organised than other high teas. The first course honours tea-time sandwiches, featuring traditional fare like butter croissants, beef pastrami, cucumber, and salmon, along with tandoori tartlets served with tzatziki. This is followed by an assortment of scones and then desserts such as fruit platters and opera with pistachios. A final meal of regional cheeses served with traditional jams completes their high tea experience. Savour this elegantly presented high tea at one of the most picturesque locations in Cape Town.
Address: Quay, 6 W Quay Rd, V&A Waterfront
Price: R 395 per person
When: Fri-Sun: 14h00–15h30 | 16h00–17h30
3. 12 Apostles Luxury High Tea
The 12 Apostles Hotel’s Leopard Bar allows you to savour tea by the sea. Snack on chocolate brownies, cream scones, finger sandwiches, and more as you take in the breathtaking views of the ocean in Camps Bay. Savour creamy cappuccinos or select from an assortment of loose-leaf Nigiro teas. For a special occasion, you may even add a glass of MCC.
The 12 Apostles’ Vegan High Tea also serves a delicious assortment of plant-based finger sandwiches and delicious sweets.
Address: Victoria Rd, Camps Bay
Price: R 495 per person on weekdays | R 525 on weekends *reserve 24 hours in advance
When: Mon-Sun: 10h00, 12h30 & 15h00
4. The One&Only, Waterfront
Open daily from 14h00 to 15h00, this private high tea is available by reservation only. You can enjoy the afternoon in opulent seclusion while sitting directly on the water’s edge at the Vista Bar & Lounge. Take a seat inside and unwind with Table Mountain as your backdrop, or lounge amid palm trees. The pastry crew treats guests to a variety of sweet and savoury treats that are all made in the traditional French style with a One&Only Cape Town flair. Savour eleven sweet and savoury goodies on a tiered stand with unlimited coffee and tea.
Address: One&Only Cape Town, Dock Rd, V&A Waterfront
Price: R 425 per person | Children 4–12 years: R 200 | Children 0–4 years: Free
When: Mon-Sun: 14h00–17h00
5. The Cellars-Hohenort’s Classic High Tea
The Cellars-Hohenort’s Classic High Tea is a lavish affair with mouthwatering pastries and bottomless tea. Tea is served in The Greenhouse, where you may have a delightful cup while taking in the lovely surroundings. A variety of delectable savoury sandwiches and sweet delicacies including tiramisu, citrus cheesecake, and freshly baked scones with butter, strawberry jam, and cream are included in the tiered goodies. Guests are welcomed with a glass of L’Ormarins Brut Rosé upon arrival. Definitely among the greatest spots to spend a tranquil afternoon.
Address: 93 Brommersvlei Road, Constantia
Price: R 395 for adults | R 195 for children (4-11 years) *bookings essential.
When: Wed & Thurs: 14h00–16h00 | Fri-Sun: 11h00–13h00 & 14h00–16h00
ALSO SEE: Dessert restaurants to visit in the Waterfront
Feature image: Pexels
