Best Spots to Indulge in Afternoon Tea in South Africa
High tea is an age-old British tradition where light savoury and sweet snacks are served in the afternoon, often with a brew made from raw tea leaves. It is different to afternoon tea which is more formal and often served later in the day. However, in South Africa, the terms are interchangeable.
Naturally, South Africans have jumped on the bandwagon with many hotels and restaurants offering the experience. It is the perfect scene for mothers and daughters, bachelorettes, baby showers and couples.
Afternoon Tea Spots in Joburg
54 on Bath — Level Four Restaurant
Beyond the contemporary fine dining, Level Four is famous for its refined, traditional afternoon tea – from the classic to the eclectic – in elegant surroundings. Situated in the middle of Rosebank, the boutique hotel draws on the artsy precinct for inspiration. You can also enhance your experience with a specially crafted Hendrick’s gin cocktail or a glass of champagne.
Afternoon Tea
When: Sunday – Friday (until 31 March 2025)
Time: 14:30 – 16:30
Price: R395 per person
Buffet High Tea
When: Saturday (until 29 March 2025)
Time: 13:30 – 16:00
Price: R595 per person
DaVinci Hotel
In the middle of vibrant Sandton, the DaVinci Hotel is the epitome of timeless elegance. One can experience its charm in the most iconic way with their once-a-month high tea special. Lounge around the pool on a hot summer’s day whilst indulging in this age-old tradition.
When: First Saturday of every month
Time: 14:00 – 17:00
Price: R465 per person
Saxon Hotel - The Piano Lounge
Morning and afternoon tea is an elegant ritual and one of the Saxon’s specialities. A sophisticated experience awaits in the Piano Lounge, so relax and enjoy this decadent offering.
Morning Tea
When: Wednesday – Saturday
Time: 09h30 – 11h30
Price: Wednesday – Friday is R750.00 per person | Saturday and Sunday is R800.00 per person
Afternoon Tea
When: Wednesday – Sunday
Time: 13h30 – 16h00
Price: Wednesday – Friday is R750.00 per person | Saturday and Sunday is R800.00 per person
Palazzo Hotel Montecasino - Medeo Restaurant
As the lifestyle giant of Johannesburg, Montecasino’s Palazzo Hotel of course offers a signature high tea. Step into luxury with the hotel’s adaptation of traditional high tea in all their Fourways glory.
When: Daily
Time: 14:00 – 16:00
Price: R425 per person
Liberte Restaurant
Enjoy the moment with this unique French-inspired high tea in the beautiful, leafy suburb of Craighall. Liberte Restaurant is sure to rise to any occasion.
When: Friday
Time: 11:00 – 15:00
Price: R500 for two
Afternoon Tea Spots in Cape Town
Mount Nelson Hotel
This historical Afternoon Tea experience promises an indulgent feast, complete with cakes, pastries and sandwiches. Live piano music sets the scene for your afternoon in the Mother City.
When: Daily
Time: 11:00 – 15:00 (hourly slots)
Price: R595 per person (R350 for children under 12)
One & Only Cape Town — Vista Bar & Lounge
Bespoke tiered stands with savouries and sweets will don your table at the Vista Bar & Lounge’s Afternoon tea experience. Together with signature tea blends, the perfect afternoon is crafted especially for you.
When: Daily
Time: 14:00 – 15:00
Price: R495 per person
La Residence
Nestled amongst the vineyards, La Residence’s Afternoon Tea is experienced against the backdrop of the Franschhoek Valley. Crafted using only local ingredients that are in season, your experience is topped with delicate bites and decorated tables.
When: Daily
Time: 14:00 – 17:00
Price: R495 per person (add R155 for a glass of MCC)
Silo Hotel
The Silo’s renowned Royal Tea is a decadent affair, with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or lactose-free options. You can expect a welcome drink, a tea-tasting and an array of sweet and savoury treats.
When: Thursday – Sunday
Time:14:30 – 17:00
Price: R575 per person
Vineyard Hotel — Morii
A Middle Eastern inspired Afternoon Tea is made available at Morii, the Vineyard Hotel’s signature restaurant. You can delight in savoury treats, sandwiches and sweets paired with a selection of teas, including their exclusive Vineyard Blend.
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Time: 15:30
Price: R450 per person
Afternoon Tea Spots in Durban
The Oyster Box – The Palm Court
Enjoy a leisurely High Tea in the Palm Court with the resident pianist setting the scene. This sophisticated affair is complete with a buffet table laid generously with sweet and savoury treats – a celebration of local culinary traditions. You can look forward to crisp samosas, chili bites, Chicken Mayo, apple crumble and fresh scones.
When: Daily
Time: 14:30 – 17:00
Price: R495 per person (R295 for children under 12)
The Beverley Hills - The Sugar Club
With a stunning view of the Indian Ocean, The Sugar Club’s Afternoon Tea buffet is the last piece to the puzzle, completing the perfect afternoon. Relax and listen to the sound of waves crashing and seagulls cawing whilst sipping on signature teas and snacking on delectable treats.
When: Saturday
Time: 14:30
Price: R375 per person
Suncoast Casino — Jeera Restaurant
Experience a Durban Indian themed Afternoon Tea at Jeera Restaurant. Embark on a journey with teas, spices and confectioneries that combine traditional and eastern flavours. With a welcome drink, tea selection and sugars and spices, you are set for a wonderful afternoon filled with Indian cuisine.
When: Daily
Time: 14:00 – 16:30
Price: R275 per person
Radisson Blu Umhlanga — Firelake Restaurant
High Tea in the Firelake Restaurant is an experience of a lifetime. With delectable treats and live entertainment, your afternoon will be well spent. Pair your bites with speciality coffees and teas to quench your thirst along the way.
When: Last Saturday of every month
Time: 13:00 – 16:00
Price: R395 per person
Afternoon Tea Spots in Pretoria
Anja’s Tea Garden
Organise your own High tea at Anja’s Tea Garden. The venue has two settings for your function to take place and is inspired by nature. With freshly baked treats and snacks, Anja caters to your exact needs whilst ensuring a memorable afternoon.
When: Tuesday – Saturday
Time: R275 per person
Price: On request
Castello di Monte
An elegant High Tea is served at Castello Di Monte – a destination with style and class. They serve petit fours, prepared by their artisanal chefs, paired with sparkling wine. With a spectacular 360-degree view of Pretoria, you will feel on top of the world.
When: Daily
Time: 08:00 – 20:00
Price: On request
River Meadow Manor — Quinoa Café
Set in a garden surrounded by green leaves and blue skies, you can enjoy a High Tea of note at River Meadow Manor. You can also choose to dine on the patio whilst enjoying savoury treats like cakes, doughnuts and pastries. Savouries and fruit platters are also on offer.
When: Sunday
Time: All morning
Price: On request
Rosemary Hill Farm
If you are a nature lover and avid tea drinker, Rosemary Hill’s High Tea is for you. You can try a slice of something sweet or a bite of something savoury with their cucumber sandwiches, biltong and peppadew tartlets, pastry nests, salmon crumpets and scones.
When: Saturday and Sunday
Time: 11:00 – 14:00
Price: On request
For more food and drink inspo, click here.
Follow us on Instagram to stay in the loop.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
