The 14 Best Places for Afternoon Tea in NYC
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Whether or not you’re a fan of Jane Austen or Bridgerton, it’s hard to resist the fun of afternoon tea. After all, what better excuse do you need to dress up with your friends, sip endless cups of Earl Grey from dainty china and motor your way through crustless sandwiches while slathering scones with clotted cream? (Right answer: There is no better excuse.) Teatime might be a British concept, but New York City has it down to pat. From The Carlyle (which hosts a legendary Met Gala afterparty) to the iconic Plaza Hotel and Tiffany’s Blue Box Cafe, here are the 14 best places for afternoon tea in NYC that are positively delightful, and that PureWow editors have deemed unique in a gastronomic mecca rife with options.
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1. The Gallery at the Carlyle
Marissa Wu
Price: from $90/person
Address: 35 East 76th St. (Upper East Side)
“The Gallery at The Carlyle an incredibly intimate space—I think there were 10 to 15 tables total in the dining room. By far, this is one of the most sumptuous, exquisitely decorated tea rooms in New York City. Think red velvet banquets, florals, intricate patterns and rich colors inspired by the Topkapi Palace in Turkey. There are two prix fixe menus: Afternoon Tea and Imperial Tea, which includes a glass of Champagne. As far as actual tea goes, the menu offers both classic stalwarts (PureWow Associate Editor Sydney Meister and I both did Earl Grey Supreme) and a variety of other flavors and tea types, from herbal French Verveine to spiced plum. In my experience, the barometer of a good afternoon tea is always the tea sandwich, which can often run dry. The Carlyle’s passed with flying colors, and Sydney and I both loved the salmon sandwich. (I did, though, polish off all the others, including the turkey and egg sandwiches, which I usually avoid.) There was also a selection of dainty desserts, but personally, the standout here was the scones with jam. The latter is made exclusively for the hotel by Maison Laurino in France. The hotel offers three flavors: strawberry lavender, blueberry blackcurrant and bitter orange marmalade. Our tea was served with the blueberry jam and I was slathering it on everything. If it weren’t unladylike to slurp it, I probably would have. Overall, I can confidently say of all the tea experiences I’ve had, The Carlyle is definitely the winner when it comes to atmosphere. It’s tucked off of Madison Avenue in the Upper East Side, with an unassuming exterior that completely dazzles you when you walk in.” - PureWow Associate Editor Marissa Wu
2. The Blue Box Cafe
Destinee Scott
Price: $98/person
Address: 727 5th Ave. (Midtown)
“You can expect nothing less than total princess treatment when you go [to Blue Box Cafe]. The tea service includes a three-tiered tray stocked with beautifully prepared cookies, pastries and sandwiches. You also get a plate full of blueberry and plain scones with jam. While you can choose from several teas on the menu, we opted for the signature Tiffany's tea, which is a black tea and floral blend that is delicious with or without sugar. Now, when I say you'll get total princess treatment here, I mean you won't have to pour the tea yourself (for the entire pot)—the staff continually refills your cute cup for you until the last drop. And let me just say none of the mini bites were disappointing, from the Sacher chocolate cake to the lobster rolls. If you really want to take your tea experience to the next level, I recommend getting a bottle of Champagne. Again, they'll serve it to you throughout the experience until it's all gone. They didn't rush us to hurry up and try everything, either, which is a huge plus because the point of afternoon tea is to really relax and enjoy. That's what you'll get at Blue Box. One special touch that illustrated polished service is that I noticed if you use the powder room (and I recommend that you do because it's beautiful, and the toilets are heated), they'll replace your napkin and charmingly fold it on the table before you come back. All in all, I think this is a great afternoon tea spot for families and friends of all ages. Because did I mention that there are pretty blue Tiffany boxes hanging from the ceiling? This place is just effortlessly fabulous!” - PureWow Associate Sales & Deals Editor Destinee Scott
3. The Whitby Hotel
Phil Mutz
Price: from $75/person
Address: 18 W 56th St. (Midtown)
“The Whitby offers a bright, gorgeous space for afternoon tea. I was able to enjoy my tea in the beautiful back room behind the lively main bar area. The service was friendly and casual—I had been worried that tea service might feel stuffy, but that wasn't the case at all. I sipped a delicious glass of Champagne alongside my pot of wood dragon oolong tea (featuring sweet notes of apricot) and my tower of tea sandwiches, scones and almost-too-pretty-to-eat desserts. Of note were the lemon-raspberry scones (served with preserves so good I wanted to take home) and the mouth-watering lavender eclairs. The buzzy atmosphere makes this a fun stop, particularly if you have family visiting you in the Big Apple or if you want to impress a friend with a NYC activity that isn't just another bar happy hour. A must-try!” - PureWow Vice President of News & Entertainment Phil Mutz
4. The Palm Court at The Plaza
Marissa Wu
Price: from $120/person, $95/child
Address: 768 5th Ave. (Central Park South)
“The Plaza Hotel is a New York City institution, notably immortalized in the work of F. Scott Fitzgerald. And the elegance of the Palm Court will make you want to channel your inner Gloria Gilbert and Daisy Buchanan for an afternoon tea sure to satisfy any East or West Egger. Here, you can choose from three tiers of tea service: Central Park, Plaza Signature or Grand Imperial, the latter of which includes caviar service. Of course, there’s a children’s tea that alludes to another one of the storied hotel’s most famous residents, Eloise. My friend and I opted for the Central Park Tea with Champagne. The menu rotates seasonally, with some notable mainstays like the pastrami smoked salmon sandwich and warm scones with clotted cream. There’s an excellent tea selection, including the rare jasmine pearl (my favorite), red, white and herbal teas. When you’re finished with the sumptuous spread, take a page from Eloise and go wreak some havoc. (And by that, I mean roll right into the shopping gallery or the spa.)” - PureWow Associate Editor Marissa Wu
5. Nubeluz at The Ritz Carlton
Jillian Quint
Price: $130/person, $60/child
Address: 25 W 28th St. (NoMad)
“This new offering from the (recently built) NoMad Ritz Carlton is an absolute delight. It’s situated at the rooftop level and outfitted in blues, pinks and teals with breathtaking views of the New York City skyline. I went for high tea with my 7-year-old daughter and we were both charmed beyond belief. Adult high tea comes with your choice of tea, a complimentary glass of Champagne and a tower of delightful concoctions, ranging from a pastrami rillette to a cucumber and caviar sandwich, blueberry scones and a Hokkaido citrus and cheese tart. The children's tea service comes with (to quote my daughter) "the best PB&J EVER" as well as grilled cheese, fancy potato chips and an assortment of desserts so adorable, she felt [like she had fallen straight into the world of] Alice in Wonderland. Fancy and special, while still totally kid-appropriate!” - PureWow Editor-in-Chief Jillian Quint
6. Alice’s Tea Cup
Price: from $45/person
Address: 102 W 73rd St. (Upper East Side)
“I visited the location on 73rd Street a Sunday afternoon and it was such a great experience. The ambiance is cute and colorful, with string lights and a few wall illustrations that are Alice in Wonderland-themed. It's a good spot for afternoon tea, and it's also great for tea-party-themed celebrations. I'd say my favorite part of the visit was tasting a few of their unique tea flavors. (There are more than 50 options, FYI, including green teas, rooibos teas, black teas & herbal!) My friend and I tried three flavors: Rooibos Coconut Vanilla, Chocolate Chai and Phoenix Dessert. All of them were flavorful, but the third was a clear winner—the sweet caramel-vanilla flavor made me feel like I was drinking dessert. As for the food, their scones were my absolute favorite. (The chocolate chip butterscotch flavor was out of this world. Fresh, tasty and so filling.) It's worth noting that this is a popular location for bigger gatherings and parties, so it gets a bit loud during busier hours. Still, it's a charming breakfast/brunch spot that's worth checking out, especially if you're a tea connoisseur.” - PureWow Associate Editor of News & Entertainment Nakeisha Campbell
7. BG Restaurant
Stephanie Maida
Price: from $75/person
Address: 754 5th Ave. (Central Park South)
“There's nothing like teatime at Bergdorf’s to truly make you feel like a million bucks. After working up an appetite window shopping the designer purses downstairs, a friend and I made our way to the seventh floor of the iconic department store, where the BG Restaurant awaits like a Bridgerton set come to life. The standard BG Tea Service costs $75 per person, but my companion and I opted for the BG Tea Service Royale at $100 per person, which comes accompanied by a glass of Henriot Champagne. Now, normally I wouldn't drop $25 on a single flute of bubbly, but when in Rome (ahem, the Upper East Side), right? I paired my bubbles with the Nuit D'été, a floral, fruity tea blend of hibiscus, dried apple, raspberry and strawberry. When our finger foods arrived on their three-tiered platter, I was relieved to find that they were less dainty than I'd expected. There were three different types of tea sandwiches, a pair of deviled eggs, and much to my bougie delight, various bites topped with dollops of cream and caviar. Although I usually favor the savory when it comes to snacking, I will admit that the hearty, crumbly, fruit-filled scones truly stole the show for me, especially after I slathered them in fluffy Devonshire cream. Up on the tippy top tier were smaller pastries and some macarons for dessert. Small as the snacks were, they were all incredibly decadent, which explains why I felt totally satiated by the time our check arrived. While the prix fixe tea may be on the pricier side, the romantic interiors and prime people-watching really help to elevate the experience and make it feel like an extra-special outing—in my opinion, that makes it worth the splurge.” - PureWow Senior Commerce Editor Stephanie Maida
8. The Crosby Street Hotel
Rachel Bowie
Price: from $75/person
Address: 79 Crosby St. (Soho)
“I went to the Crosby Hotel for afternoon tea on a Thursday and the restaurant was bumping. The décor is colorful and inviting—I especially appreciated how laid-back the atmosphere felt. It’s fancy, for sure, and the crowd is a mix of locals and tourists, but the energy was relaxed, too. We were given a window seat that was tucked away to the side, so we could easily people watch but also enjoy plenty of natural light. As for the menu, a glass of yellow or pink label Veuve Clicquot comes included with the pre fixe menu, and so does a delectable assortment of teas, pastries and tiny sandwiches. My absolute favorite was the egg salad with chives, but the scones, served with clotted cream and preserves also won me over. Seasonal ingredients are also woven into many treats, such as the pavlova, which comes garnished with strawberry and rhubarb. There are 11 specialty teas to choose from, too (I chose the peppermint, which includes organic mint from Oregon). It's an occasion to linger and graze; I went in with an empty stomach and felt stuffed after doing minimal damage to each tier on the stand. The scones were my happy place, but I also really loved the delicate mix of savory and sweet—the Crosby also was happy to make accommodations based on dietary needs where they could. I found the entire experience to feel quite reminiscent of London (it helped to have an artful ode to her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the walls), but also totally Instagram-worthy and special. Again, the vibe sealed the deal for me: It felt cozy and upscale, but also welcoming and inclusive. Pro tip: Make sure you have a reservation or you will not get a seat!” - PureWow Senior Director of Special Projects & Royals Rachel Bowie
9. The Warren Street Hotel
Price: from $75/person
Address: 86 Warren St. (FiDi)
“Walking into the Warren Street Bar and Restaurant at the Warren Street Hotel, I immediately felt transported. Though new and modern, the atmosphere feels classic and old timey, right down to the floral wallpaper. (While you're there, make sure to pop into the restrooms, which feel luxurious and comfortable.) I kicked things off with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Rose Champagne followed by a light and subtle pot of white peony tea—both were delicious. The ornate china is again classic but a fun touch for someone like me who isn't used to enjoying afternoon tea. The menu is your typical afternoon tea fare, including cucumber sandwiches and very tasty scones and preserves. While carb heavy, the bites don't feel overly indulgent and even the adorable desserts are small enough that you leave feeling guilt-free. One note, the restaurant is large and was fairly empty (which I enjoyed) meaning it's a great spot for a quiet tea where you want to catch up with a friend or colleague.” - PureWow Vice President of News & Entertainment Phil Mutz
10. Figure Eight
Price: $88/person
Address: 18 Cornelia St. (West Village)
“I recently walked past this Chinese-American restaurant in West Village and have been dying to go ever since. On the weekends, they do a tea service with unlimited sandwiches. (There’s a vegetarian option, too.) They serve a signature seasonal tea, alongside sweets and savories with Asian flair. That includes Shanghainese smoked fish, ginger-scallion soy poached chicken, milk tea choux and golden duck yolk croissants. And if you could even possibly find more room in your stomach, roll over to the bar, where you can find the rest of the menu, plus a robust cocktail, wine and beer program.” - PureWow Associate Editor Marissa Wu
11. Ladurée Soho
Ladurée
Price: $70/person, $35/child
Address: 398 W Broadway (Soho)
“If you crave a Parisian enclave in the middle of bustling Soho, pop into Ladurée on West Broadway. The pastry counter’s up front, but as I walked towards the back of the shop, I found a Rococo tearoom reminiscent of Rimbaud and Flaubert’s Paris. The real gem, however, is the private garden in the back. It’s divine in all seasons, but particularly in the spring, when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. Gusts of wind will send showers of petals raining down, making you believe that despite all, life is still just a little bit magical. The afternoon tea features an array of classic French pastries with updated twists, from the beloved macaron to éclairs. However, do note that most pastries contain nuts. If you have allergies, substitutions are available—just ask!” - PureWow Associate Editor Marissa Wu
12. MO Lounge at Mandarin Oriental
Mandarin Oriental
Price: from $125/person, $85/child
Address: 80 Columbus Cir. (Central Park South)
For the connoisseurs of scent, afternoon tea at the Mandarin Oriental is an experience for the nose. The hotel’s afternoon tea experience is done in partnership with The House of Creed, a luxury perfume house based in Paris. The menu pays homage to the perfumer’s most beloved fragrances, with flavors inspired by top notes. That includes pineapple cake with coconut mousse, pistachio cherry cake, mango passion fruit cake and snapdragon apple madeleines. And should you have dietary restrictions, there are gluten-free and vegan menus available, too.
13. Baccarat Hotel
Baccarat Hotel
Price: from $125/person, $85/child
Address: 28 West 53rd St. (Midtown)
ICYMI, Baccarat creates a line of bespoke crystal---including for the Duke of Windsor. The hotel’s afternoon tea reflects the refined designs that are now found far-flung in palaces around the world. The menu is headed by the legendary, James Beard award winning and Michelin starred Gabriel Kreuther. Choose from the Prince of Wales (sweet and savory), Princess of Monaco (sweets) or King Louis XV Caviar Tea. If you’re bringing a young companion, they can enjoy Le Petit Prince Tea, which is truly fit for, well, a prince! They’ll get to nibble on a lobster roll, choux à la crème and scones while sipping on hot chocolate, so it’s a menu worthy of only the most serious junior foodie.
14. The Russian Tea Room
Price: from $145/person, $75/child
Address: 150 W 57th St. (Central Park South)
OK, did you really come to New York if you didn’t stop by The Russian Tea Room? To quote Wes Anderson in The Grand Budapest Hotel, it’s an institution. But institution doesn’t mean stuffy—you can even find vegetarian and gluten-free menus here. While technically you’re here for the tea, it’s not the star. Rather, the emphasis here is on the food. The classic afternoon tea is robust, consisting of sandwiches and blinis (including caviar, sturgeon and steak), dessert (like scones and crème brulée) and a coupe of Champagne. Caviar enthusiasts will want to upgrade to the Royal Afternoon Tea for a sampling of Siberian Osetra, Russian Osetra, Hackleback and Paddlefish caviars.
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