High tea is a relaxing and enjoyable way to catch up with friends or mark a special occasion. Whether you’re after something traditional or with a modern twist, there are plenty of places around Canberra offering a great high tea experience. In this article, we’ve rounded up some of the best spots to enjoy high tea in the capital.
Skip to the list of Canberra's best high tea
- Adore Tea
- The Tea Lounge – The Hyatt Hotel Canberra
- The Marion
- QTea High Tea x Space Kitchen
What makes a great high tea experience?
There are a few key ingredients that make a high tea outing truly memorable. Here’s what we look for when choosing Canberra’s best high tea venues:
Quality and presentation: The food and tea should be fresh, beautifully presented, and offer a balanced mix of sweet and savoury items. Think fluffy scones, delicate sandwiches, pastries and high-quality tea.
Tea selection: A variety of high-quality teas is absolutely essential, there needs to be plenty of options to cater to different tastes. And for those celebrating, a glass of bubbles never goes astray.
Service: Warm, attentive service adds to the overall enjoyment. Staff should make guests feel comfortable and welcome without rushing the experience.
Atmosphere: Whether you're after old-world charm, modern chic or garden serenity, a great high tea is enhanced by a relaxing and thoughtfully styled setting.
Dietary flexibility and value: Bonus points go to venues that offer gluten-free, vegan or dairy-free options without compromising on quality, and where the price reflects the overall value of the experience.
The best high tea spots in Canberra 2025
To be listed as one of Canberra’s best, Canberra Daily looks for consistently positive feedback via Google or Facebook reviews, with a minimum average of 4/5 stars.
If you're planning a special outing or just want to treat yourself, explore our picks for the best places to enjoy high tea in Canberra below.
Adore Tea
Situated in Mitchell, Adore Tea is a go-to destination for high tea lovers and tea enthusiasts alike.
Their refined three-course menu includes 11 beautifully crafted items – from savoury starters to indulgent sweet treats – paired with a selection of their renowned loose-leaf teas.
Each season brings a new, thoughtfully designed menu, ensuring every visit offers something fresh and exciting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, Adore Tea provides a high tea experience that balances elegance with warmth.
With over 150 varieties of tea, including classic favourites and unique blends, tea lovers are spoilt for choice. Gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options are also available for those with dietary requirements.
On Google, Alex left this five-star review: “Adore Tea gave us a magnificent high tea experience. The food was infused with tea flavours which complimented both the sweet and savoury dishes. The paired teas were delicious and the staff were incredibly friendly and attentive. They also catered excellently for some very complicated dietary requirements around pregnancy and allergies. Highly recommend Adore Tea for a high tea and then buying some of their teas to take home afterwards.”
QTea High Tea x Space Kitchen
Indulge in a luxurious high tea experience 15 floors above the city at QT Canberra. Enjoy gourmet savoury tiers, whimsical desserts and an extensive tea selection. Available every Saturday with 11:30am, 12pm and 2pm sittings.
The Marion
Located on Lake Burley Griffin, The Marion pairs stunning water views with a modern high tea experience. Expect beautifully presented tiers of sweet and savoury bites, plus tea or bubbles. For $75, enjoy a set selection of sweet and savoury pastries, finger sandwiches, scone with preserve and cream and your selection of a tea or coffee.
The Tea Lounge – The Hyatt Hotel Canberra
The Hyatt’s Tea Lounge offers a luxurious high tea in a heritage setting. Enjoy finger sandwiches, savoury items, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of house-made pastries and cakes. $65 Lounge Two-Course set menu or $85 Lounge Three-Course set menu with a glass of wine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in a traditional high tea?
A typical high tea includes a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, sweet pastries and cakes, plus a pot of tea or two. Many places also offer champagne or sparkling wine as an optional extra.
How much does high tea in Canberra cost?
Prices vary depending on the venue and what’s included. You can expect to pay anywhere from $35 to $80 per person, with some venues offering deluxe or champagne packages at a higher price point.
Do I need to book high tea in advance?
Most high tea venues in Canberra require advance bookings, especially for weekend sessions. Some offer set sittings, while others may have more flexible timing.
Are there gluten-free or vegetarian high tea options in Canberra?
Many venues now cater to dietary needs including gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian high teas — but it’s always best to mention this when booking so they can accommodate you.
