07 Jul 2023

Pinkies up: These are the best high teas in The Rocks

The perfect way to celebrate? Champagne or English Breakfast tea, plus a multi-tiered masterpiece of edible delights
Pinkies up: These are the best high teas in The Rocks

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, taking mum out on Mother’s Day or treating yourself, a good high tea is the height of luxury. Luckily for us there are several in The Rocks serving bubbles, with delicate crustless cucumber sandwiches, scones and tiny desserts (pinkies up, optional).

High Tea at Blu Bar on Level 36

Sydney’s highest high tea, and many would argue it’s best, is on the 36th floor of The Shangri-La at Blu Bar. You’ll be treated to a sweeping view of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House, as well as a tower of immaculate pastries and sweet treats. That includes gorgeous muscat grape shortcakes and caramelised apple tarts, and savoury bites like smoked tuna with desert lime mayo. 

Our advice? The nibbles and views pair best with a glass of Australian sparkling wine. 

 

Scone Grandstand at The Tea Cosy

Let’s be real here. The best part of any high tea is the bubbles and the second best is the scones. Why not skip to the good part and order the Grandstand at The Tea Cosy, home of Sydney’s best scones?

In a quaint little historic building you’ll get a tower of freshly baked scones, with an assortment of jam, double cream, and three different flavours of finger sandwiches.

 

Chocolate High Tea at Mode Kitchen & Bar

On the ground floor of the Park Hyatt is Mode Kitchen & Bar, a relaxed but sophisticated eatery serving memorable Australian meals and premium cocktails. We’d recommend a meal here any day, but especially if you’re doing their famous Chocolate High Tea. 

Available for a limited time this decadent experience is a chocoholics dream (and comes with a glass of Champagne for an extra $20). 

 

Make your own pastry high tea at La Ren

High teas are all about treating yourself to a little luxury (and eating mini pastries) and that’s why La Renaissance is the perfect destination for your next fancy outing. This award-winning bakery is the only one in the Southern Hemisphere admitted into Relais Desserts, an organisation which recognises the best in the profession of French patisserie. 


And while they don’t officially offer high tea, you can always create your own. Choose from immaculately flaky croissants and a huge selection of mini sweets, from crème brûlée, to raspberry pistachio tarts and layered opera cakes.

Indulge yourself at Guylian Belgian Chocolate Cafe

Guylian Belgian Chocolate Cafe is another place that doesn't officially offer high tea, but is still well worth a visit. They serve the most decadent handmade pastries, delicate cakes and indulgent waffle stacks (plus a Belgian chocolate-infused ice cream by the scoop). 

We recommend building your own high tea by ordering way too much off their menu and transporting yourself to chocolate heaven.