Bite-sized finger sandwiches, hot tea in delicate china, decadent desserts, and treats – what’s not to love about a good afternoon tea? The tradition dates back to 1840 when a duchess, who would often feel peckish between meals (relatable?), started to request snacks with her tea and soon invited other ladies to join her, which turned into a full-scale social event.
If you want to participate in this classy experience, there are a surprising number of places in New York that serve afternoon tea – from traditional, high-class affairs to laid-back, casual spreads. Whether you’re going out with girlfriends, celebrating a birthday, or just imagining yourself as a Bridgerton lady, these 10 places are where you should go for the best afternoon tea in NYC.
1. The Palm Court at The Plaza Hotel
The Palm Court might be the most iconic place in New York City for afternoon tea. Since The Plaza Hotel’s opening over 100 years ago, it has been recognized for its elegance and sophistication, which is evident by its grand interior and excellent service.
On The Palm Court’s afternoon tea menu, you’ll find the Manhattan Tea or Plaza Signature Tea. Although the price tag is hefty, the food certainly won’t disappoint with bites like smoked salmon sandwiches with caviar and dill crème fraîche, cranberry and spice scones with Devonshire cream, pistachio cake, and chocolate orange cake. And we have to mention the Eloise Tea option for children, named after the hotel’s most beloved resident.
2. Kings’ Carriage House
If you’re looking for an affordable afternoon tea, Kings’ Carriage House is the place for you! The afternoon tea is $29.95 per person without compromising the quality or elegance you’d find in some of the fancier places. It’s set in an original two-story carriage house, which makes it feel all the more authentic.
3. BG Restaurant
Enjoy your afternoon tea with a beautiful view over Central Park. BG Restaurant is located on the top floor of Bergdorf Goodman, which makes this the perfect place to refuel on a shopping day.
Afternoon tea is a classic three-tiered service that includes tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones, fruit preserves, Devonshire cream, and a variety of petite sweets. They have nearly a dozen tea options, with something for every taste.
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4. Alice’s Tea Cup
Alice’s Tea Cup is a favorite among New Yorkers. It’s modeled after Alice in Wonderland, giving you a magical, storybook feel as soon as you step through the door. You can visit their locations on Manhattan’s Upper East Side and Upper West Side.
It’s also a very affordable experience with options running from $39 to $79 (cleverly named The Nibble, The Mad Hatter, and The Jabberwocky). It’s a delightful spot for afternoon tea that’s family-friendly and fun for kids.
5. Brooklyn High Low
You’ll want to make reservations for this one! Located in Brooklyn’s Prospect Heights, Brooklyn High Low is the perfect mash-up of New York and British styles. The interior has an eclectic mix of vintage rugs, armchairs, and sofas in darling floral prints.
The name comes from the two traditional English tea services – high tea and low tea. Brooklyn High Low incorporates both into its menu, which includes The Classic, The Vanderbilt, and The Heights.
6. Ladureé
Don’t miss the iconic French cafe’s afternoon tea. Located in a quiet courtyard behind the SoHo cafe, Ladureé is a lovely venue for a bridal shower, birthday party, or Mother’s Day celebration.
On the tower, you’ll get full-sized tea sandwiches, desserts, and macarons served with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate and a cocktail or mocktail. And you’ll also get macarons to take home with you as well!
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7. Tea & Sympathy
Located right next door to its sister shop selling English foods, Tea & Sympathy in Greenwich Village is a must-visit spot for afternoon tea. We wouldn’t necessarily call it upscale or elegant, but it’s certainly cozy and heartwarming.
The afternoon tea still feels very authentic with the ceramic floral plates, chunky scones, and huge variety of teas served with milk. It’s fairly affordable too, at $38 for one person or $68 for two.
8. The Gallery at The Carlyle
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The Gallery at The Carlyle brings an exotic flair to their afternoon tea. Modeled after the Topkapi Palace in Turkey, the dining room is decorated with lush kilim rugs, red velvet armchairs, and intricate wallpaper.
The adventure continues with the menu offering up things like Hudson Valley Foie Gras Torchon, assorted house-made pâtés, exotic teas, finger sandwiches, scones, and fresh pastries.
9. Angelina
Head to Angelina for a French take on the English classic. At Angelina, the tea is replaced with the signature hot chocolate and served with fresh-pressed juice, macarons, classic French desserts (like Angelina’s famous Mont-Blanc), and mini sandwiches, including Croque Monsieur and avocado toast.
It’s only $39 per person and doesn’t require reservations making this a great weekday treat.
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10. Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon
Step into a Victorian novel with a visit to Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon. Located in a historic brownstone in Gramercy, the interior boasts dark wood floors and paneling, intricate wallpaper, and beautiful vintage furniture. And if you’re lucky, you might get the spot near the fireplace!
The menu is larger than most afternoon tea menus starting with soup or salad, sandwiches, and scones, and then moving to crepes, and concluding with a sweet finish of mini desserts. If you’re looking for a memorable experience, this is certainly one.
That concludes our list of 10 places for the best afternoon tea in New York. Is there anything you’d add to the list?