Last Updated on January 2, 2026 by Wendy Sy
Afternoon tea has become one of my absolute favorite things to do in New York City. As a longtime local, I’ve made it a hobby to find and share the best spots in Manhattan to enjoy tea and delicious food.
There’s something so luxurious about slowing down and savoring the finest teas, little sandwiches, and sweet treats with good company — no matter what time of the year it is.
While I love brunch, afternoon tea is a whole different feeling. Think peaceful decor, calming music, and elegant porcelain tableware.
In a city as busy as New York, it makes me appreciate the relaxing tradition of afternoon tea even more.
Read on for my favorite restaurants to try for your next tea time rendezvous.
Whether you’re a local or tourist, going for a special celebration or just because, these are the coziest and most aesthetic spots you’ll want to make a reservation for!
The Best Afternoon Tea In NYC (Updated For 2026)
First, How Did Afternoon Tea Start?
Here’s what I know about the history of afternoon tea, according to a happy surprise.
During a flight with Virgin Atlantic in London, I was served a box of ‘Mile High’ afternoon tea designed by Eric Lanlard, and it was the cutest meal I didn’t know I needed.
Inside the purple box, there was a note explaining that afternoon tea originated in the early 1840s, thanks to a hungry Dutchess.
It mentioned, “Anna Russell, seventh Duchess of Bedford, couldn’t bear the long wait between luncheon and dinner. So she ordered some tea and bread, then made it a daily routine and invited friends to make it a social occasion.”
Over time, the British tradition expanded around the world, and today there are many variations of this mid-day meal.
In my opinion, some of the best spots to enjoy afternoon tea happen to be in my favorite city, NYC…
Where To Go For The Best Afternoon Tea In NYC
In This Post:
- Best With A Vintage Vibe:
Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon - Best Luxury:
Baccarat Hotel Grand Salon - Best Interior Design:
Crosby Street Hotel - Best With Chocolate:
MarieBelle Cacao Bar - Best For A Girls’ Day:
Tea Around Town - Best French:
Angelina Paris - Best Cozy:
Alice’s Tea Cup
Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon
Best With A Vintage Vibe
Stepping inside Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon feels like visiting an eclectic, well-traveled grandma’s townhouse.
Located in the heart of Gramercy Park, this elegant setting is adorned with floral wallpaper, vintage lamps, and a mix of colorful couches and chairs.
While nothing matches perfectly, everything comes together to create a cohesive and unique atmosphere.
My boyfriend Dex and I went on a weekend afternoon and it was definitely a busy time of day, even with reservations. But the wait was worth it.
What I love about this tea service is that we had a chance to try small portions of a large tea selection with unique flavors like Moroccan Mint Green Tea and an Oolong Creamy Toasted Coconut Tea.
We also had soup, tea sandwiches, fresh scones, macarons, and more sweet treats. It was one of the absolute best tea experiences I’ve had and I still think about it all the time!
Overall, this is such a special place filled with so much character and charm.
Ambience:
Cozy, colorful space filled with vintage art and decor in a Georgian brownstone.
Afternoon Tea Price:
From $89 Per Person
Neighborhood:
Gramercy
Address:
Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon
56 Irving Place
New York, NY 10003
Baccarat Hotel Grand Salon
Best Luxury Afternoon Tea
Sparkling crystal chandeliers and red rose bouquets fill the space at Baccarat Hotel’s Grand Salon.
It truly feels like a treat dining at this grand hotel. For Dex’s birthday, we had an afternoon tea party here and it was such a special moment.
It’s a beautiful spot for a date or to celebrate holidays and special occasions.
Since we went in December, there was a holiday afternoon tea menu which included savory selections like finger sandwiches and desserts. It was all served on their signature art deco glassware. And of course, we each ordered a pot of tea.
The closest menu to the afternoon tea service that we tried was the Prince of Wales that’s offered throughout the year. You can also order a glass of champagne if you’re in the mood for a toast.
There’s no better way that I would want to spend a weekend afternoon!
Ambience:
Glamorous and luxurious.
Afternoon Tea Price:
- From $140 Per Person for Prince of Wales (with savories and sweets)
- From $125 Per Person for Princess of Monaco (with sweets and scones)
- From $325 Per Person for King Louis XV Caviar Tea (with caviar)
Additional for champagne, cocktails, and wine
Neighborhood:
Midtown West
Address:
Grand Salon at Baccarat Hotel
28 West 53rd Street, Floor 2
New York, NY 10019
Crosby Street Hotel
Best Interior Decor For Afternoon Tea
Come to the Crosby Bar & Restaurant for the cozy interiors and stay for the delicious cucumber sandwiches, pastries, and tea.
Last June, Dex surprised me with a visit here for afternoon tea on my birthday and I’m still reliving the memories.
The space was designed by Firmdale Hotels founder and creative director Kit Kemp. From the bold colors to unique patterns and 1950s pendant lights, it feels so welcoming and bright.
I love the intricate details like the animal print teapots, matching tea cups, and the variety of teas on the menu (be sure to try the White Peony Bai Mudan).
During fall 2024, the hotel expanded the space with the Orangery, a light-filled space with a gorgeous view of lush greenery. It’s perfect for events and get-togethers — I’ve dined there a couple of times and it’s honestly of my favorite places.
Located in SoHo, you can easily spend the day exploring this vibrant neighborhood after your meal.
Ambience:
Color, bright, and welcoming.
Afternoon Tea Price:
- $75 Per Person
- From $90 Per Person with a glass of Louis Roederer
- From $125 Per Person for Royal Tea For Two (afternoon tea with 1oz of Petrossian Royal Daurenki caviar, warm blinis, and house accoutrements)
Neighborhood:
SoHo
Address:
Crosby Street Hotel Afternoon Tea
79 Crosby Street
New York, NY 10012
MarieBelle Cacao Bar
Best Tea & Chocolate Combo
Known for their gourmet chocolates, MarieBelle is the place to go for the most delicious chocolate.
If you visit the back of their SoHo store, which is worth exploring on its own, you’ll discover the Cacao Bar, a restaurant where you can enjoy the best afternoon tea in NYC — and hot chocolate!
The antique-style decor will make you feel as though you’ve been transported to a bygone era.
What excited me the most was spotting Tarte Tropézienne on the menu—a fluffy, cream-filled brioche dessert topped with pearl sugar that I first tried at La Belugue in the South of France.
In addition to their sweets, the gourmet bites are just as delicious. Think savory smoked salmon with herb cream and mini croque monsieur. There’s also an option to add champagne, Bellini, or mimosas to your afternoon tea for an additional fee (details below).
Ambience:
Feels like a fancy speakeasy with a European flair.
Afternoon Tea Price:
- From $85 Per Person with tea and coffee
- From $125 Per Person with champagne, Bellini, or mimosa
Neighborhood:
SoHo
Address:
MarieBelle Cacao Bar
484 Broome Street
New York, NY 10013
Tea Around Town
Best Afternoon Tea For A Girls’ Day
If you and your girls love all things pink, flowers, and tea, then you need to try Tea Around Town.
You’ll meet near the New York Public Library (address below), then board a pink bus for a 90-minute ride through Manhattan while enjoying high tea treats.
The savory assortment includes delights such as lobster puffs and truffled deviled eggs, while sweet options feature raspberry tarts and strawberry cheesecakes.
There are also plenty of scones, various teas, and mocktails to enjoy while listening to live music. Plus, you can keep the tea tumbler you use during afternoon tea as a souvenir.
It’s such a fun experience that you can visit over and over. I went three times already and would love to go again as the themes often change with the seasons.
Over the summer, I tried the Tea Around Town experience that included a trip to the New York Botanical Garden which made getting there so much easier and more fun!
Ambience:
Pink, gold, flowers all around.
Afternoon Tea Price:
- From $79 Per Person For Luxe Experience (petite menu)
- From $115 Per Person For Petite Experience (enhanced menu, mocktail, priority boarding)
P.S. Save 5% on any Tea Around Town experience with my code SYWENDY5
Neighborhood:
Meet in Midtown West
Address:
Tea Around Town
Departure Point: 42nd Street between 5th & 6th Avenues
Across the street from 11 West 42nd Street
Angelina Paris
Best French Afternoon Tea
Paris meets New York at Angelina Paris. When I visited their Bryant Park location, it felt like a transporting experience to a European holiday.
The sophisticated decor, with its chandeliers and oil paintings, creates such a dreamy atmosphere.
With a French version of afternoon tea, their menu includes a signature pastry called the Mont-Blanc, as well as a delicious selection of savory and sweet treats.
Whether you’re looking for a venue to host private tea parties for special occasions or simply want to indulge in a peaceful afternoon, this is a lovely spot to visit for the best afternoon tea in NYC.
Ambience:
Aesthetic Parisian tearoom.
Afternoon Tea Price:
From $49 Per Person
Neighborhood:
Midtown West
Address:
Angelina Paris Bryant Park
1050 6th Ave
New York, NY 10018
Alice’s Tea Cup
Best Afternoon Tea In NYC: The Coziest Spot
For the most whimsical and cozy spot for afternoon tea, look no further than Alice’s Tea Cup.
With its colorful teapots, floral plates, and delicious food, you’ll immediately feel your mood levels rise. They also have special festive treats during the holiday season.
I’ve visited the Chapter 1 location on West 73rd Street a couple of times for tea and pastries after taking a stroll in Central Park.
If you’re going with little ones, they even have fairy wings for children to wear while dining.
I definitely need to go back to experience the full afternoon tea! I’ve seen others enjoying The Madhatter Tea For Two, which looks amazing. This option includes two 3-cup teapots, a choice of three scones with creams and preserves, two sandwiches, and either mocha cake or chocolate mousse, along with an assortment of mini cookies.
Definitely make a reservation before going since the line tends to get long, especially on the weekends!
Ambience:
Cute and quirky, inspired by Alice In Wonderland.
Afternoon Tea Price:
- From $50 Tea For One
- From $92 Tea For Two
Neighborhood:
Upper West Side
Address:
102 West 73rd Street
New York, NY 10023
Best Afternoon Tea In NYC: At A Glance
| NYC Tea Spot | Neighborhood | Price Range | Ambience | Best For |
| Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon | Gramercy | $$$ | Cozy spot in a Georgian brownstone. | Best For a Vintage Vibe |
| Grand Salon at Baccarat Hotel | Midtown West | $$$$ | Crystal chandeliers all around. | Best Luxury Spot |
| Crosby Street Hotel | SoHo | $$$ | Bold, bright, and welcoming. | Best Interior Design |
| MarieBelle Cacao Bar | SoHo | $$ | A hidden gem with a speakeasy vibe. | Best Tea & Chocolate Combo |
| Tea Around Town | Meet at Midtown West | $$$ | Doubles as a day trip around NYC. | Best For A Girls’ Day |
| Angelina Paris | Midtown West | $$ | Aesthetic Parisian tearoom. | Best French Spot |
| Alice’s Tea Cup | Upper West Side | $$ | Inspired by Alice In Wonderland. | Best Cozy Restaurant |
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