If you’re on the lookout for a taste of luxury and a dash of delight, you’re in for a treat.
The quintessentially English tradition of afternoon tea has spread from the drawing rooms of 19th-century aristocratic society and into the lobbies of five-star hotels worldwide. Here we round up the UAE’s very best afternoon teas in Dubai.
Address Dubai Mall
The Tea Lounge at Address Dubai Mall offers a luxurious experience with its Winter Afternoon Tea. Expect a variety of savoury and sweet treats in addition to teas and coffees. Enjoy beautiful views of the Burj Khalifa while indulging in Mushroom and Asparagus Roll, Smoked Duck Breast with Tomato Bread, Molten Chocolate Fondant and Pavlova with Vanilla Whipped Ganache. Available daily, from 3pm to 7pm. AED 195 per person.
GO: Call 04 245 8888 for reservations and more information.
Atlantis The Royal
The Royal Tearoom inside Atlantis The Royal offers a bespoke afternoon tea experience from acclaimed chef Christophe Devoille. The Signature Afternoon Tea, presented on a refined stand of scones, pastries and finger sandwiches, is influenced by in-season ingredients. Savouries include lobster rolls with Oscietra caviar and black truffle with organic egg sandwiches. A selection of beautifully handcrafted pastries includes raspberry tart with coconut and local sidr honey, and coffee cake. Available daily, from 2pm to 5pm. AED 560 for two.
GO: Visit www.atlantis.com for reservations and more information.
At.mosphere Restaurant & Lounge
At.mosphere Restaurant & Lounge in Burj Khalifa offers a unique high tea experience with a breathtaking backdrop from the 122nd floor. Indulge in this luxurious three-course high tea in the sky with sweet and savoury bites. But if you want a seat near the windows, you’ll have to snag that reservation before it’s sold out. Available daily, from 12.30pm to 4.30pm. AED 599 per person and AED 810 (bubbly).
GO: Email reservations@atmosphereburjkhalifa.com for reservations and more information.
Banyan Tree Dubai
At Tocha in Banyan Tree Dubai, immerse yourself in the tranquillity of a contemporary Japanese tea house while savouring the Japanese Afternoon Tea experience. Enjoy an array of savoury and sweet delights such as Chawan-Mushi and Matcha Roll Cake to name a few — along with authentic Japanese teas. Available daily, from 2pm to 5pm. AED 180 (tea package), AED 255 (sake) and AED 290 (bubbly).
GO: Call 04 556 6466 for reservations and more information.
Blue Box Cafe
Live out your Audrey Hepburn fantasy at Tiffany & Co. Blue Box Cafe in Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue. Here you can indulge in sweet and savoury bites with a selection of classic teas that promise an experience worthy of Audrey Hepburn herself. With a stunning interior of signature Tiffany turquoise, the cafe promises a stylish and sophisticated experience. Indulge in a breakfast fit for a queen — or king — including croissants, danishes, and decadent dishes like Caviar Benedict. Available daily, price a la carte.
GO: Visit https://blueboxcafedubai.com for more information.
Burj Al Arab
Enjoy an exquisite afternoon indulging in the Sahn Eddar Afternoon Tea at Burj Al Arab. Crafted from carefully sourced ingredients, the elegant menu offers a Mise en Bouche of Alaskan King Crab, Crustacean Jelly, Royal Baeri Caviar with Blinis, and a selection of finger sandwiches. The experience ends with homemade plain and raisin scones and a selection of delicate pastries. Available daily, from 3pm to 6pm. AED 490 (soft beverages) and AED 590 (including a glass of bubbles).
GO: Call 800 323232 for reservations and more information.
Fouquet’s Dubai
Immerse yourself in a French Afternoon Tea experience where every moment unfolds into sweet bliss. Called Le Gouter du Fouquet’s, you get to indulge in a selection of tea, coffee, hot chocolate, mocktails or freshly squeezed juices, complemented by homemade mini pastries or savoury bites, promising a taste of France in every bite. Available daily, from 3pm to 5.30pm. AED 390 for two guests (sweet bites) and AED 570 for two guests (savoury bites).
GO: Email reservations-dubai@fouquets.com for reservations and more information.
Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
Indulge in the Heritage Afternoon Tea at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach. You can enjoy a delectable array of sweet and savoury delicacies such as pistachio and orange blossom financier to Stracciatella with Tomato Consomme — all served with artisanal teas. Available daily at Shai Salon, from 3pm to 7pm. AED 240 per person, AED 420 for two.
GO: Visit www.fourseasons.com for reservations and more information.
Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah
SocialBee at the newly opened Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah is home to a special afternoon tea inspired by locally sourced honey from Hatta. Shaped like a bees nest, the afternoon tea stand has hidden drawers that reveal an array of treats, including egg salad and watercress brioche bun, truffle arancini with coffee foam, and smoked salmon mousse éclair with avocado and dill. Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy the range of pastries, including carrot cake, pistachio éclair, Hatta honey cake, and freshly baked scones. The experience also includes flavoured teas or unlimited coffee. Available daily, from 2pm to 5pm. AED 349 per stand.
GO: Call 04 230 000 for reservations and more information.
InterContinental Dubai Festival City
Indulge in an authentic Parisian culinary experience with an afternoon tea curated by chef Pierre Gagnaire at Choix by Pierre Gagnaire. The offering includes signature scones, pastries and the finest tea selection. Available daily, 12pm to 6pm. from AED 125 per person.
GO: Visit www.dubaifestivalcityhotels.com for reservations and more information.
Josette
Indulge in a first-of-its-kind high tea experience for Dubai, featuring a curated selection of decadent treats amidst a charming atmosphere. Served in the elegant Le Moulin Rose room, the Sparkling Afternoon’s menu features a mix of French and Arabic flavours, including freshly baked scones, tarte caramel, lemon meringue, rose marshmallow, and cheesecake Josette. Guests can also enjoy an array of savoury petit fours served on multi-tiered platters, accompanied by custom-blended herbal teas and coffee. The memorable experience also includes a Champagne package and live piano and violin performances.. Available on Sundays from 3:30pm to 5:30pm. AED 185 (soft beverages) and AED 250 (Champagne).
GO: Visit https://josette.com or call 04 275 2522 for reservations and more information.
Jumeirah Al Qasr
Experience elevated luxury at Al Fayrooz Lounge in Jumeirah Al Qasr with views of the Arabian Gulf and Burj Al Arab. Indulge in a delectable selection of savoury bites, pastries, and freshly baked scones along with beverages. Available daily, from 2pm to 5pm. AED 190 (soft beverages), AED 245 (tea-infused cocktails) and AED 310 (bubbly).
GO: Email restaurants@jumeirah.com for reservations and more information.
Jumeirah Emirates Towers
Inspired by the skyscrapers it resides in, the new Afternoon Tea experience at Jumeirah Emirates Towers takes guests on a culinary journey through its past, present, and future. Served in the hotel’s Daefi Lobby Lounge, the tea is presented on a three-tiered stand designed to resemble the hotel building. Expect freshly baked scones paired with Devonshire clotted cream, organic strawberry jam and apricot-whipped butter. Guests can also enjoy a selection of sandwiches and canapés crafted with oakwood-smoked Scottish salmon, Alaskan king crab, beef cecina and organic chicken. End on a sweet note with passion fruit white chocolate, red velvet truffle, and salted cannels de Bordeaux, served with a choice of artisan tea, coffee or fresh juices. Available daily, from 2:30pm to 6pm. AED 199 per person or AED 320 for two guests.
GO: Email jetinfo@jumeirah.com or call 04 330 0000 for reservations and more information.
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai
Served on a unique stand mimicking the hotel’s Canopy of Light, Noor Lounge’s Sapphire Afternoon Tea features a glamourous selection of savoury and sweet bites ranging from smoked salmon and roast lamb finger sandwiches to scones with clotted cream, homemade jams and petit gateaux. Available daily, from 2pm to 6pm. AED 190 per person or AED 380 for two persons.
GO: Visit www.mandarinoriental.com for reservations and more information.
Palace Downtown
For a taste of Arabian opulence, head to Al Bayt at Palace Downtown and treat yourself to the Palace High Tea. With views of Downtown Dubai, a delightful spread of sweet and savoury options and a wide selection of traditional and international teas and coffees, this experience offers an experience fit for royalty. Available daily, from 2pm to 6pm. AED 190 per person.
GO: Visit www.addresshotels.com for reservations and more information.
Palazzo Versace Dubai
Within moments of stepping into Palazzo Versace Dubai, you will be greeted by the opulent Mosaico lounge situated at the heart of the lobby. Here that you can experience the quintessential High Tea featuring an extensive selection of the finest teas and tempting treats, including turkey ham and cheese mille-feuille, chicken salad with mango cream cheese, marinated prawn with avocado mango pearl, choux au Craquelin Dulcey and Trocadero pistachio strawberry. Available daily, from 10:30am to 7pm. AED 378 per stand.
GO: Email reservations@palazzoversace.ae or call 04 556 8805 for reservations and more information.
Raffles Dubai
Blossom with Raffles Salon’s Floral Afternoon Tea, a delicate themed menu that incorporates the essence of flowers with savoury treats and sweet temptations and is elegantly presented in Victorian-styled gold stands. Available daily, from 2pm to 7pm. AED 175 per person or AED 225 per person (including one glass of bubbly).
GO: Email dining.dubai@raffles.com or call 04 324 8888 for reservations and more information.
Raffles The Palm Dubai
Experience the Royal Afternoon Tea experience at Blüthner Hall, which features sandwiches, tarts, pastries and scones paired perfectly with a selection of Jing teas, coffee and hot chocolate. Available daily, from 2pm to 7pm. AED 175 per person or AED 225 per person (including one glass of bubbly).
GO: Email dining.dubai@raffles.com for reservations and more information.
SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences
In the heart of the bustling Downtown district, SLS Dubai Hotel and Residences invites guests to a sophisticated afternoon affair in the grand Art Deco interior of S Bar to enjoy an artistic afternoon tea. Featuring delectable sweet and savoury treats served alongside artisanal tea and spectacular sky-high views of the city. Available daily, from 3pm to 7pm. AED 195 per person (including tea, water and a mocktail on arrival) or add AED 50 for a glass of bubbly.
GO: Email slsdining.dubai@slshotels.com or WhatsApp 056 508 0655 for reservations and more information.
Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk
Unlock sumptuous wonders of signature pastries and delicious savoury bites amidst the charming surroundings of Bijou Patisserie, lobby lounge at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk. Le Goûter is a French twist on Afternoon Tea served in a sophisticated vault. Available daily, from 2pm to 6pm. AED 195 per person or AED 325 (with a glass of bubbly).
GO: Call 04 281 4111 for reservations and more information.
Sofitel Dubai The Palm
Those who appreciate fine dining are invited to savour a memorable afternoon tea at Olivier’s Lounge in Sofitel Dubai The Palm this February. Created by Executive Pastry Chef Akshay Batra, the menu blends French flavours with Middle Eastern delicacies in delights such as the truffle profiteroles and Strawberry Baklava, paired with a perfectly brewed cup of single-origin tea. Available daily, from 2pm to 5pm. AED 165 per person.
GO: Call 04 455 6677 for reservations and more information.
The Lana – Dorchester Collection
Head to The Gallery at The Lana Dorchester Collection for an exquisite afternoon tea experience that brings the magic of world-renowned pastry chef Angelo Musa to Dubai. Set against the views of Marasi Bay Marina, you can indulge in a selection of traditional finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and an assortment of pastries. AED 600 per person.
GO: Visit www.dorchestercollection.com for more information.
The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai
Relax in luxurious surroundings and indulge in a quintessential afternoon tea experience at The Lobby Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton Dubai JBR. Whether you prefer classic finger sandwiches or indulgent pastries and sweets, this afternoon tea promises to transport you to an era of grandeur and sophistication. Available daily from 12.30pm to 5pm. AED 215 per person and AED 305 (bubbly).
GO: Visit www.ritzcarlton.com for reservations and more information.
Waldorf Astoria DIFC
The term ‘Peacock Alley’ was coined to portray the daily promenade of people passing through the original colonnade connecting The Waldorf and The Astoria hotels in New York City and this historical part of New York heritage is now in DIFC. This elegant bar and lounge is ideal for a sophisticated afternoon tea featuring a selection of sweet and savoury bites while being enchanted by the melodic harmonies of the piano and cello. Available daily, from 3pm to 6pm. AED 175 (Signature Afternoon Tea) and AED 325 (Astoria Afternoon Tea).
GO: Call 04 515 9818 for reservations and more information.
