The Best Afternoon Teas in New York City (2024)

In a city that’s perhaps better known for its classic co*cktails than afternoon tea, finding an atmospheric nook in New York City to sip on Earl Grey while savoring scones and sweets requires some research. Be that as it may, landmark spots with a tradition of afternoon tea do exist, beginning—of course—with The Palm Court at The Plaza Hotel, where it’s been enjoyed at the iconic Fifth Avenue address along Central Park for over a century. Also rooted in history is the nearby Russian Tea Room, a classic filming spot you might remember from the likes of Tootsie and Manhattan. Unapologetically lavish with its red leather banquets and 24-carat gold ceiling, it’s a tourist-friendly destination no doubt, but it’s still an NYC tea that everyone should experience.

If you’re seeking lower-key locales, you’ll find those here, too. From a tranquil second-story Japanese tea parlor in the East Village to a charming British-run restaurant serving up traditional fare that’s been a West Village staple since the ‘90s, there’s plenty to choose from. And for days when only the finest will do, take note of the city’s luxury hotels weaving afternoon teas into their offerings, such as The Baccarat Hotel’s crystal-bedecked service or The Carlyle’s design-forward parlor that’ll make you feel like a king (or queen) for the day. For an idyllic day of leisure, read on for the best afternoon teas in NYC.

The Whitby Hotel

For an experience that delights the senses, head for The Whitby Hotel’s Orangery for afternoon tea (they also serve it in the property’s colorful restaurant). You’ll find smoked salmon and crème fraîche sandwiches as well homemade scones accompanied by clotted cream and preserves—all served on Kit Kemp’s Sailor’s Farewell Wedgwood china. If you’re so inclined, opt for a glass of Joseph Perrier Brut, or even upgrade to the Royal Tea, which includes caviar with warm blinis, crème fraîche, and fine herbs.

From $75

The Palm Court at The Plaza Hotel

The Palm Court at The Plaza Hotel has been the gold standard for afternoon tea in New York City for over a century. A recent renovation by architect Thierry Despont further enriches the experience with ceiling-high palm trees and textural design details such as trellising and cane accents—all punctuated by a soaring stained glass dome. Such an exquisite afternoon tea calls for elevated attire, which is already sorted thanks to the property’s dedicated Pinterest inspiration board. Nibble on savory sandwiches and freshly-baked scones washed down by a selection of loose-leaf teas and Louis Roederer Champagne, all within this iconic setting just steps away from Central Park.

From $120

Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon

You might miss the entrance to Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon if you’re not looking closely; it’s hidden away on the parlor level of an 1834-era Georgian brownstone marked only by an inconspicuous brass plaque. Up 10 steps and moving inside, floral wallpapers, mismatched furniture, and fringe lampshades create a nostalgic atmosphere that’s thoroughly fitting for afternoon tea. The five-course prix fixe service includes classic fare such as finger sandwiches, scones, and cakes, all with a different tea pairing for each course. But save some room—the fourth course is a slice of 21-layer crepe cake and numerous small desserts follow.

From $78

Tea & Sympathy

This family business has been a West Village staple since the ’90s and is run by a mostly English staff. For those in search of an authentic, unfussy tea experience, you’ll get it here—Tea & Sympathy prides itself on a traditional British afternoon tea with all of the trimmings, served on china that almost never matches. Especially of note is the slice of Victoria sponge cake, made fresh each morning. Afterward, head next door to their British grocery shop to pick up sweets and loose-leaf teas to take home.

From $50

The Carlyle

Tuck yourself away for a lavish afternoon inside The Gallery at The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel. This regal nook is regarded as ‘the living room’ of the iconic Upper East Side hotel and takes interior cues from the sultan’s dining room at the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul with its jewel-toned textiles and wallpaper (designed under the creative direction of decorating legend, Renzo Mongiardino). Once you settle in, expect a menu of classics with a modern twist, such as Hudson Valley foie gras torchon and house-made pâtés, along with imported teas, scones with authentic Devonshire cream, finger sandwiches, and fresh pastries. If you wish, you can even purchase the china tea set, which is inspired by The Gallery’s hand-painted wallpaper.

From $90

BG Restaurant

Conclude a day of shopping at Bergdorf Goodman with an afternoon tea at the retailer’s elegant restaurant located on the seventh floor. The Kelly Wearstler interiors take inspiration from old-world salons, with pieces well-suited for this Beaux Arts building overlooking Central Park and the Pulitzer Fountain. Take the hooded bergère chairs for example, which are also known as ‘whispering chairs’ and are intended to encourage intimate conversation. Or a De Gournay custom-designed turquoise silk wall covering with a chinoiserie pattern, which creates a drawing room ambiance. While tasting the sandwiches, scones, and sweets, try the restaurant’s most popular tea—Jardin Bleu—which is a blend of teas from India and China flavored with rhubarb, wild strawberry, and cornflower petals.

From $75

Blue Box Café

Live out your Holly Golightly fantasies at Daniel Boulud’s Blue Box Café, tucked inside Tiffany’s 5th Avenue flagship store. Awash in robin’s egg blue, the Peter Marino-designed space features artwork inspired by archival drawings of jewelry, while the glassware and dinnerware are collaborations with Riedel and Bernardaud respectively. Menu offerings are equally enticing, choose from an assortment of Bellocq teas to enjoy with your sandwiches (quail egg toast and lobster roll are highlights) plus traditional scones, pastries, and cookies including madeleines and canelés.

From $98

Baccarat Hotel New York

It’s difficult to imagine a more opulent environment to enjoy high tea from than the Baccarat Hotel. A celebration of crystal, the Grand Salon sets a glamorous tone for your afternoon with its cascading chandeliers and plush velvet and silk seating. The property’s tea service is curated to mirror historic royal personalities, including the Prince of Wales tea, Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly tea, and the King Louis XV caviar tea. Choose from savories like Maine lobster and caviar sandwiches and decadent sweets such as a Sacher torte, all while sipping from exquisite glassware.

From $125

King’s Carriage House

The Upper East Side and afternoon tea seem to go hand in hand—especially when you’re talking about Kings’ Carriage House. This tea house celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and is situated in a two-story building that was once a—ding, ding, ding—carriage house. Mirrored after dining experiences in an English or Irish manor house, Elizabeth King (proprietor and executive chef) hosts tea lovers within four intimate rooms. You’ll have a few menu options to choose from (including gluten-free, vegan, and nut-free options) plus a classic selection of tea blends to pair with your bites. Nibble on pinwheels of oak-smoked Scottish salmon and poppy seed tea cakes while pretending you’re living in the 19th century.

From $46

The St. Regis New York

You’ll have to book a stay in order to enjoy the afternoon tea at The St. Regis New York—but then again, that sounds like a very good idea. Offered only as a bespoke in-room experience, the property’s tea at this legendary Fifth Avenue address pays homage to its history. When the hotel opened in 1904, its founding matriarch and Gilded Age socialite Caroline Astor took a liking to having afternoon tea served on-property (specifically to her closest friends in the drawing room for society gossip). Guests can continue this ritual with a private afternoon tea for two served by the hotel’s butler service, including bites like lobster salad sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and sweets such as lemon tartelettes and assorted French macarons.

From $115

Mandarin Oriental New York

Care for afternoon tea with views of Central Park? Slip into Mandarin Oriental and soar straight up to the 35th floor. The MO Lounge offers a daily tea that is currently served in collaboration with Creed fragrances, meaning guests receive a sampling of scents from the luxury perfumer to take home (available until May). The menu also reflects the notes and flavors of Creed’s most celebrated fragrances, like the snapdragon apple madeleines (inspired by Aventus For Her) and hazelnut tonka cream puff (inspired by Sublime Vanille).

From $125

Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad

Tea time happens 500 feet up in the sky at Nubeluz, the Chef José Andrés-helmed destination within The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad. High tea is available on the weekends and the flavors are as equally show-stopping as the setting, including the option to begin your experience with Champagne and caviar service (as one does). You’ll want to save room for both sweet and savory, as both offer top-notch highlights including foie gras gougère, truffle grilled cheese, Hokkaido citrus and cheese tarts, and matcha yuzu roll cakes.

From $110

Brooklyn High Low

With locations in both Prospect Heights and Park Slope, Brooklyn High Low offers the rare opportunity to enjoy afternoon tea in a borough other than Manhattan. The vibe is understated and charming, with vintage and upcycled design details peppered throughout the space (like the Park Slope location, which is nestled under a stoop). The tea house offers a few different services, beginning with a traditional cream tea available every Friday with a baked scone and vegetarian tea sandwiches. If you’re feeling more ambitious, book the Grand Heights tea—soup, crumpets, sandwiches, salads, desserts, unlimited tea, and even a parting souvenir.

From $30

Crosby Street Hotel

What better way to spend an afternoon in SoHo than sinking into a brightly patterned chair at the Crosby Street Hotel and sipping on tea? Truffled egg sandwiches and strawberry pavlova are menu highlights, as is the whimsical Kit Kemp Mythical Creatures Wedgwood china that it’s served on. If you’re keen to linger, add on a glass of bubbly from Veuve Clicquot.

From $75

Ladurée

Francophiles take note: the tea service at Ladurée is as magical as you’d think it would be. In a true celebration of art de vivre, the Parisian brand’s Soho outpost delivers on the flavors one might expect, including iconic macarons, light and fresh finger sandwiches, and fresh scones. It all goes down perfectly with their signature Kir Royale mocktail, as well as the soothing tea selection.

From $70

Cha-an Tea House

This low-key, serene tea house in the East Village offers a delicious pivot from the expected British-informed tea service. Escape the sidewalk cacophony and enter on the second floor; then, once inside, expect clean design with wooden tables, washi-paper lamps, and floral accents. The flavors are a blend of traditional Japanese with sweets of the West, like a hojicha (green tea) cookie, orange custard hojicha creme puff, or yuzu dango. Savory bites are equally standout—mini salmon don, inari with cucumber and tomato, and egg salad milk bun sandwiches are all on the menu. As for tea? Enjoy slow sipping on Cha-an’s roasted green or rose green flavors.

From $68

Russian Tea Room

Like stepping back in time, an afternoon at the Russian Tea Room is an immersive feast for the senses. It was founded by the Russian Imperial Ballet in 1926 and is recognizable by its whimsical decor that is informed by its home country (namely the red leather banquettes and 24-karat gold ceiling). These gilded hallways have played host to iconic films including Tootsie and Manhattan, and it’s been said Madonna worked as a coat check here before finding fame. As for the menu, if you’re gluten-free or vegetarian, you’ll take delight in ordering from their special menu. Otherwise, expect classic hits like savory finger sandwiches and pillowy cupcakes.

From $115

Aman New York

Located within one of the city’s most beautiful Beaux-Arts buildings featuring a Neoclassical façade and French Renaissance detailing, Aman New York sits on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street in the historic Crown Building. In the fall of 2023, the property introduced a new way to experience the property’s elegance with an East-meets-West afternoon tea. You’ll also notice a wine director is close by ready to offer a curated selection of Champagne to accompany the tea service, which is available on weekdays at The Lounge Bar or on The Garden Terrace.

From $148