Last Updated on July 5, 2026
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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 personal hobby to find the best spots in Manhattan and Brooklyn to enjoy delicious tea and food.
There’s something so luxurious about slowing down and savoring tea with little sandwiches and sweet treats — no matter what time of the year it is.
While I love brunch, afternoon tea is a whole different feeling. When done right with pretty decor, calming music, and elegant porcelain tableware, it’s a memorable experience worth sharing.
In a city as busy as New York, I appreciate the relaxing tradition of afternoon tea even more.
Read on for my favorite restaurants to try for your next tea time rendezvous.
Here, you’ll find options for every occasion and price point. 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 NYC Edition (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 was a note with a story about how afternoon tea began in the early 1840s, thanks to a hungry Duchess.
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 are in my favorite city, NYC…
Where To Go For The Best Afternoon Tea In NYC
In This Post:
- Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon
Vintage Townhouse Charm - Grand Salon at Baccarat Hotel
Pure Opulent Glamour - The Crosby Bar at Crosby Street Hotel
Colorful & Cozy - Yoshoku at Waldorf Astoria
Japanese-Inspired Elegance - MarieBelle Cacao Bar
Chocolate Oasis - Duo Cafe
Serene Chinese Teahouse - Brooklyn High Low
Cottagecore Charm - Tea Around Town
Stylish Sightseeing - Angelina Paris
French Decadence - Alice’s Tea Cup
Dreamy Wonderland
Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon
Vintage Townhouse Charm
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 decorated with floral wallpaper, vintage lamps, and a mix of colorful couches and chairs.
While nothing matches perfectly, everything comes together for 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 5-course tea service is that we had a chance to try small portions of a large tea selection. There are plenty of 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.
This tea salon is a tribute celebrating the legendary actress, interior designer, and author Elsie de Wolfe (who was later known as Lady Mendl).
This is such a special place filled with so much character and charm. It was one of the absolute best afternoon tea in NYC experiences I’ve had so far.
Ambience:
Cozy and eclectic Georgian brownstone.
Afternoon Tea Price:
From $117 per person
Neighborhood:
Gramercy
Address:
Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon
56 Irving Place
New York, NY 10003
Reservations:
Book on OpenTable
Good to Know:
- They’re closed on Mondays
- This restaurant only serves guests aged 12 and up
- The $117 price is for the 5-course prix fixe menu; they don’t offer à la carte options
- The outside of the brownstone looks like a home (find it by spotting the gold plaque with a teacup on the building’s facade)
Grand Salon at Baccarat Hotel
Pure Opulent Glamour
Sparkling crystal chandeliers and red rose bouquets fill the space at the Baccarat Hotel’s Grand Salon.
It truly feels like a treat dining at this glamorous 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 we tried was the Prince of Wales, which is offered year-round. 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:
Luxurious and romantic with crystal chandeliers all around.
Afternoon Tea Price:
- From $85 per person for Petit Prince Tea (a special children’s menu)
- From $129 per person for Princess of Monaco (with sweets and scones)
- From $149 per person for Prince of Wales (with savories and sweets)
- From $329 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
Reservations:
Book on SevenRooms
Good to Know:
- Reservations are needed; no walk-ins available
- Baccarat Hotel also has Spa de La Mer if you want to make a full day out of the visit
The Crosby Bar at Crosby Street Hotel
Colorful & Cozy
Come to the Crosby Bar & Restaurant for the cozy interiors and stay for the delicious smoked salmon sandwiches, scones, and English tea.
A couple of years ago, 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 Kit Kemp, founder and creative director of Firmdale Hotels. From the bold colors to the unique patterns and 1950s pendant lights, it feels so welcoming and bright.
I love the details, like the Mythical Creatures Wedgwood china, 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 room with a gorgeous view of green space outside. It’s perfect for events and get-togethers — I’ve dined there a couple of times, and it’s one of my favorite places in Manhattan.
Located in SoHo, you can easily spend the day exploring this energetic neighborhood after your meal.
Ambience:
Color, bright, and welcoming.
Afternoon Tea Price:
- $85 per person for the Afternoon Tea menu
- From $135 per person for the Royal Tea for Two menu
Neighborhood:
SoHo
Address:
Crosby Bar at Crosby Street Hotel
79 Crosby Street
New York, NY 10012
Reservations:
Book on OpenTable
Good to Know:
- There’s outdoor seating that’s available first-come, first-served (and depends on the weather)
- For the drinks in the Afternoon Tea menu, you can choose specialty tea, coffee, or hot chocolate
Yoshoku at Waldorf Astoria
Japanese-Inspired Elegance
From 2017 to 2025, the Waldorf Astoria in New York City went through a major restoration. One of the many updates to this iconic spot was the opening of Yoshoku, where I tried an elevated Japanese-inspired afternoon tea.
I was in awe of the colorful dishes that are almost too pretty to eat! Displayed with fresh flowers, the kaiseki-style menu (Japanese multi-course dining) includes tea sandwiches, warm scones, and sweet treats.
There’s also the option to add caviar and matcha. For the tea, I had the Kumamoto Blended Wakoucha with honey and citrus peel that has a crisp sweetness.
Visiting the Waldorf Astoria was an adventure in itself. Walking in, I was blown away by the grand architecture, sparkling chandeliers, and legendary clock in the lobby.
If you’re looking for the best afternoon tea in NYC, with a Japanese-inspired menu, I highly recommend this spot.
Ambience:
Fine dining rooted in Japanese traditions, surrounded by a modern take on Art Deco decor.
Afternoon Tea Price:
- From $135 Per Person
Neighborhood:
Midtown East
Address:
Yoshoku at Waldorf Astoria
301 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Reservations:
Book on Resy
Good to Know:
- Yoshoku is open Wednesdays through Sundays
- You can also order rare Japanese drinks from Bar Yoshoku
MarieBelle Cacao Bar
Chocolate Oasis
Known for its 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 back in time.
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 or coffee
- From $125 per person with champagne, Bellini, or Mimosa
Neighborhood:
SoHo
Address:
MarieBelle Cacao Bar
484 Broome Street
New York, NY 10013
Reservations:
Book on OpenTable
Good to Know:
- The MarieBelle New York store is a great spot to shop for gifts for chocolate lovers
- Every season, there’s a fresh menu at the Cacao Bar, so there’s always something new to enjoy
Duo Cafe
Serene Chinese Teahouse
I visited Duo Cafe with Dex on a cold January afternoon, and it was the perfect cozy break.
Since they don’t take reservations, we simply walked in and hoped for the best. Although the cafe was packed, we managed to get the last available table. I actually think it’s the best spot for photos, since it’s right by a pop-up window. The space fits two people sitting cross-legged at a small table — perfect for someone who’s 5’1″ like me, though it might be a bit tight if you’re tall. There are also several tables with regular chairs that become available as guests finish up.
We tried Duo Cafe’s Sweet and Tea Set, which includes a tea of your choice (with unlimited refills), snacks, treats like caramelized sweet potato, seasonal fruit, and tea cookies. You can also add a slice of cake for $6 extra — we had the matcha basque cheesecake, and it was delicious!
For $42, this was one of my favorite affordable afternoon tea NYC experiences. Just a note that it’s more of a midday snack than a full meal, since the food is mostly sweets.
Ambience:
A Chinese teahouse with handwritten menus and a cozy overall feel.
Afternoon Tea Price:
- $42 for a Sweet and Tea Set
Neighborhood:
East Village
Address:
223 East 5th Street
New York, NY 10003
Reservations:
None; walk-ins only
Good to Know:
- Their cake selection changes according to the season
- You can also order ice cream for a refreshing topping on the cakes
Brooklyn High Low
Cottagecore Charm
Try British afternoon tea with a rustic, cottagecore charm at Brooklyn High Low.
There are two locations that are just a short walk apart — The Parlour in Park Slope (this is the one I visited) and Prospect Heights.
Within each location are themed rooms, each decorated with vintage treasures. We sat in the Pink Room in the back of the Parlour, decked out in floral plates on the walls, plaid tablecloths, and perfectly mismatched teacups.
At Brooklyn High Low, the little things (like rose petals in the sugar) show the thought that goes into every detail.
We ordered the Grand Vanderbilt menu for $65 per person, which includes a bottomless pot of tea served with milk, sugar, lemon, or honey. For food, it comes with eight finger sandwiches, a large baked English scone with strawberry jam, clotted cream, and lemon curd. There’s also a plate of four desserts.
The teas we tried were Champagne & Raspberries and Italian Biscotti, which I loved!
Ambience:
Traditional British tea with a rustic cottagecore charm.
Afternoon Tea Price:
- $30 per person for Traditional Cream Tea (on Fridays)
- $35 per person for Littles Tea (for guests ages 3 to 5)
- $55 per person for The Classic (on Fridays and Saturdays at Prospect Heights)
- $56 per person for The Grand Vanderbilt
- $78 per person for The Grand Heights
Neighborhood:
Park Slope & Prospect Heights
Address:
The Parlour – Park Slope
69 7th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11217
Prospect Heights
611 Vanderbilt Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11238
Reservations:
Book on OpenTable
Good to Know:
- On Fridays, the Parlour location hosts a game night where you can dine while playing board games. More details and reservations on OpenTable
- You can customize your tea service to be gluten-free for an additional $12 or vegan for an additional $15 (must book 48 hours in advance)
Tea Around Town
Sip While Sightseeing
If you 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 like lobster puffs and truffled deviled eggs, while the 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 before and would love to go again, as the themes regularly change with the seasons.
Last summer, I tried the Tea Around Town experience, which 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)
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
Reservations:
Book on Tea Around Town
Good to Know:
- Get there at least 15 minutes early so you have plenty of time before departure
- Tea Around Town is also in other cities (Los Angeles, Miami, Phoenix, Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Washington DC, and Philadelphia)
Angelina Paris
French Decadence
Paris meets New York at Angelina Paris. When I visited their Bryant Park location, it was like being transported to a European holiday.
The sophisticated decor, with its chandeliers and oil paintings, creates such a dreamy atmosphere.
For a French take on 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 Belle Époque tearoom.
Afternoon Tea Price:
From $49 Per Person
Neighborhood:
Midtown West
Address:
Angelina Paris Bryant Park
1050 6th Ave
New York, NY 10018
Reservations:
None; walk-ins only
Good to Know:
- This is one of the best affordable afternoon teas I’ve tried; it’s $49 per person
- There are no scones in this French afternoon tea, but there are pastries, including macarons and lemon tarts
- This area is usually filled with tourists and gets pretty busy
Alice’s Tea Cup
Dreamy Wonderland
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 feel your mood rise immediately. 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.
This kid-friendly afternoon spot even has fairy wings for little ones 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 $55 Tea for one (The Nibble)
- From $96 Tea for two (The Madhatter)
Neighborhood:
Upper West Side
Address:
102 West 73rd Street
New York, NY 10023
Reservations:
Book at Alice’s Tea Cup
Good to Know:
- Alice’s Tea Cup is known for its scones and often switches up its seasonal flavors
- This is also a popular spot for birthday parties and celebratory gatherings
Best Afternoon Tea In NYC: At A Glance
| NYC Tea Spot | Neighborhood | Price Range | Aesthetic |
| Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon | Gramercy | $$$ | Vintage Townhouse Charm |
| Grand Salon at Baccarat Hotel | Midtown West | $$$$ | Pure Opulent Glamour |
| Crosby Bar at Crosby Street Hotel | SoHo | $$$ | Colorful & Cozy |
| Yoshoku at Waldorf Astoria | Midtown East | $$$$ | Japanese-Inspired Elegance |
| MarieBelle Cacao Bar | SoHo | $$ | Chocolate Oasis |
| Duo Cafe | East Village | $$ | Serene Chinese Teahouse |
| Brooklyn High Low | Park Slope | $$$ | Cottagecore Charm |
| Tea Around Town | Meet at Midtown West | $$$ | Stylish Sightseeing |
| Angelina Paris | Midtown West | $$ | French Decadence |
| Alice’s Tea Cup | Upper West Side | $$ | Dreamy Wonderland |
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