NYC is known for its extravagance and sophistication. We know that. From the finest of restaurants to the most luxurious of shops, the city exudes elegance like none other! That’s why it’s no shock that we have some of the best places to grab some afternoon tea. This time-honored tradition that originated in Europe is perfect for a casual afternoon or a lazy Sunday…something luxurious to take the mind off the bustling city.
If you want to experience afternoon tea in NYC the right way, you need to find an authentic tearoom that will treat you right. To make your search a bit easier, here is a list of the best places for some drinks and bites:
1. The Russian Tea Room, Midtown
First on our list is The Russian Tea Room, an NYC staple offering Eastern delicacies and afternoon tea at a posh location on West 57th Street. They provide a daily afternoon tea menu with luxuries like smoked sturgeon and caviar, along with a selection of teas and champagne!
Where: 150 West 57th St
Tea Time: 11:30 am – 4:30 pm
2. The Palm Court at the Plaza Hotel, Midtown East
Many hotels in NYC offer high tea, and The Plaza Hotel’s in-house café, the Palm Court is one of the best. The posh interior of the restaurant features high ceilings with ornate detailing and Roman statues, lending extravagance you’ll only find somewhere like New York City.
Their afternoon tea menu features delectable bites like a hardwood smoked pastrami salmon sandwich on pumpernickel bread and freshly baked scones with homemade strawberry & rhubarb preserves. Plus, they offer a wide assortment of teas that include green, black, herbal, infusions, and more.
Where: 768 5th Ave
Tea Time: 10:30 am – 5 pm
3. BG Restaurant, Midtown
BG Restaurant, on the 7th Floor of the famous Bergdorf Goodman’s Department store offers afternoon tea with gorgeous views of Central Park. After you’re done shopping at one of NYC’s most renowned stores, enjoy their tea menus, which features over ten options, including exotic varieties like Jardin Bleu and Gout Russe. They also offer light snacks such as tea sandwiches, fruit preserves, and petite sweets.
Where: 754 5th Ave, 7th Floor
Tea Time: 3 pm – 5 pm
4. The Whitby Hotel, Midtown
The Whitby Hotel’s afternoon tea at its in-house bar is perfectly placed within walking distance of many of New York’s most famous attractions, including Central Park, the Museum of Modern Art, and the shops on 5th Avenue. Here, your beverage comes served on classic Sailor’s Farewell Wedgewood china, and visitors can choose from 10 different specialty teas and finger foods.
Where: 18 W 56th St
Tea Time: 7 am – 11 pm
5. Baccarat Hotel, Midtown
The Baccarat Hotel in Midtown offers a lavish interior with high ceilings, glass chandeliers, modern furniture, and a large mahogany bar. Plus, the restaurant staff works with the world’s foremost tea masters to offer a one-of-a-kind tea service unlike anything else in New York.
Their afternoon tea menu features continental favorites like Croque Monsieur and eggs with truffle.
Where: 28 W 53rd St
Tea Time: 12 pm – 4 pm
6. Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon, Union Square
This quaint café inside a classic NYC brownstone is a festive tea salon that looks like a Victorian parlor, with floral patterned wallpaper, upholstered chairs, and a roaring fireplace. Afternoon tea at Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon is like being transported back to 19th Century England, where the tradition began. They serve a pre-fixe menu that includes a soup or a salad, tea sandwiches, scores, crepes, and petit fours. Plus, they offer a wide selection of tea, wine, and champagne!
Where: 56 Irving Place
Tea Time: Wed-Friday (1 – 4 pm), Sat-Sun (12 – 5 pm)
7. Tea & Sympathy, Greenwich Village
Tea & Sympathy in Greenwich Village feels like you’re stepping foot in Britain. Between their restaurant and adjacent grocery store selling popular exports from the UK, you get a full European experience.
The no-frills eatery offers daily tea services, with an assortment of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, a selection of sweets, and pots of tea. Visitors can also order off the regular food menu, which includes classic British dishes like bangers and mash, and Cornish pasty. This spot exudes homey ambiance that feels like you’re sitting in the parlor of your British grandmother.
Where: 108 Greenwich Ave
Tea Time: Mon-Fri (11 am – 9 pm), Sat-Sun (9:30 am – 9 pm)
8. Alice’s Tea Cup, Multiple Locations
Alice’s Tea Cup actually has three locations in New York City. Their original site is on the Upper West Side, but they also have a spot in the Upper East Side and a to-go location in Brooklyn Heights, serving take-out options.
They offer an afternoon tea menu with options for one person, a couple, or the entire family, depending on your group size! The single-person tea menu includes unlimited tea, one scone, one sandwich, and an assortment of cookies.
Where: 102 W 73rd St (Alice’s Tea Cup Chapter 1)
Tea Time: Mon-Fri (11 am – 6 pm), Sat-Sun (10 am – 6 pm)
9. Kings’ Carriage House, Upper East Side
Kings’ Carriage House is a duplex restaurant on the Upper East Side serving New American cuisine and afternoon tea. Styled like an English Country House, King’s Carriage has a charming atmosphere that is perfect for afternoon tea in NYC.
Their afternoon tea menu features savory sandwiches, scones, sweets, and more in their outdoor café or indoor dining room. Guests can schedule an entire tea party with packages for either 8 – 10 or 16 – 20 guests. This is our recommendation for high tea if you’re going with a large group!
Where: 251 E 82nd St
Tea Time: Tues-Sun (12 pm – 4 pm)
10. Prince Tea House, East Village
Prince Tea House’s East Village location is one our favorite spots in Lower Manhattan for tea. For a very affordable price (one person tea costs only $30), you’ll find all sorts of items like pastrami and melted Swiss sandwiches, fluffy scones, wasabi deviled eggs, and unlimited refills of tea. Their stunning interior as well (complete with chandeliers) gives that fancy vibe you’re looking for as you sip your drink with a pinky held high.
Where: 204 E 10th St
Tea Time: Sun-Thu (12 pm – 11 pm), Fri-Sat (12 pm – 12 am)
11. Figure Eight, West Village
This brand new New-American-Chinese restaurant in the West Village just launched their traditional afternoon tea service, which features unlimited sandwiches, pastries and tea! For $88 per person, guests can choose from a selection 12+ imported teas, and request unlimited refills of both tea and dishes. There are both seasonal signature tea and vegetarian tea options available. You can reserve a spot here!
Where: 18 Cornelia St
Tea Time: Saturday & Sunday, 11:30 am – 3:30 pm
12. Nubeluz, Flatiron
One of our favorite rooftop bars in NYC, Nubeluz, is home to a sky-high tea service that’s pristine and tasty. Their $130 per person afternoon tea program includes a complimentary glass of champagne, as well as all kinds of snacks to choose from like Cucumber & Caviar Sandwiches, Lemon & Blueberry Scones, and Strawberry Rose Cream Puffs. Tea options range from Indian black teas to Chinese green teas, all equally delicious. Plan your visit and see the full menu here!
Where: 25 W 28th St
Tea Time: Saturday & Sunday, 11 am – 3:30 pm