Afternoon tea has become one of my absolute favorite things to do in New York City. As a longtime local, I’ve spent years finding the best spots in Manhattan to enjoy green tea and fresh scones.
There’s something so luxurious about slowing down and having a warm cup of tea, little sandwiches, and sweet treats with good company. While I love brunch, afternoon tea is a whole different feeling. Think peaceful decor, calm music, and porcelain tableware.
In a city as busy as New York, I appreciate the relaxing tradition of afternoon tea even more. In this post, I’m sharing a roundup of the best restaurants to try for your next tea time rendezvous.
Whether you’re a local or just in town for a visit, these are the spots you’ll definitely want to make a reservation for!
How Did Afternoon Tea Start?
First off, let’s talk a bit about the history of afternoon tea. When I was on a Virgin Atlantic flight in London, I was served the cutest box of ‘Mile High’ afternoon tea designed by Eric Lanlard.
Inside the purple box, there was a note that mentioned how afternoon tea was started by a hungry Duchess in the early 1840s during the 19th century. It noted, “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 now there are many variations of the mid-day meal.
In my opinion, some of the best spots to enjoy it happen to be in my favorite city, NYC…
Where To Go For Afternoon Tea In New York City
Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon
Best Afternoon Tea 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 lot of teas 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. Overall, this is such a special place filled with character and charm.
Neighborhood:
Gramercy
Address:
Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon
56 Irving Place
New York, NY 10003
Baccarat Hotel Grand Salon
Best Luxury Afternoon Tea
Sparkling 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. Dex and I had an afternoon tea party with just us two to celebrate his birthday.
Since we went in December, there was a holiday afternoon tea menu which included finger sandwiches, and desserts, served on none other than art deco glassware. And of course, we each ordered a pot of tea.
The closest menu to the one 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!
Neighborhood:
Midtown West
Address:
Grand Salon at Baccarat Hotel
28 West 53rd Street, Floor 2
New York, NY 10019
Crosby Street Hotel
Best Cozy Afternoon Tea
Come to the Crosby Street Hotel for the colorful, cozy interiors, and stay for the cucumber sandwiches, delicate pastries, and Earl Grey tea.
Last June, Dex surprised me with a visit here for afternoon tea on my birthday, and I’m still dreaming about that day.
The aesthetic of the place is spot on, and the food is almost too beautiful to eat. I love the animal print teapot, matching tea cups, and the variety of teas on the menu (be sure to try the White Peony Bai Mudan).
Located in SoHo, you can easily spend the day exploring this vibrant neighborhood filled with nearby shops.
Neighborhood:
SoHo
Address:
Crosby Street Hotel Afternoon Tea
79 Crosby Street
New York, NY 10012
MarieBelle Cacao Bar
Best Afternoon Tea And Chocolate Combo
Known for their gourmet chocolates, MarieBelle is the place to go for the most delicious desserts.
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 afternoon tea.
The antique-style decor will make you feel as though you’ve been transported to a bygone era in Europe. 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. I highly recommend this spot!
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.
It’s such a fun experience that you can visit again, as the themes often change with the seasons.
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, I felt as though I had been transported to a European holiday. The sophisticated decor, with its chandeliers and dreamy oil paintings, creates a truly enchanting 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 the perfect spot to visit.
Neighborhood:
Midtown West
Address:
Angelina Paris Bryant Park
1050 6th Ave
New York, NY 10018
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