10 Best Places for Afternoon Tea in NYC

With warm scones, beautiful pastries, and a glass or two of Champagne, afternoon tea is a welcome luxury. Thankfully for New York City residents and visitors, there are plenty of restaurants serving up afternoon tea. You’ll find everything from ultra-luxurious high tea with caviar and pastries in some of the city’s best hotels to simple (but still delicious) cream teas with tea and scones served alongside clotted cream and jam.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, seeking unique things to do in New York City, or simply craving dainty finger sandwiches and a great cuppa, this guide showcases 10 of the best places to enjoy afternoon tea in NYC, along with highlights of each spot. Prices are also listed, but they may fluctuate.

The Palm Court at The Plaza Hotel

Arguably the most iconic spot for an NYC afternoon tea, The Plaza Hotel’s tea service includes all the favorite fixings in a grand setting. Three menus, the Manhattan Tea ($118 per person), Plaza Signature Tea ($128 per person), and the adorably themed children’s Eloise Tea ($85 per child, ages 12 and under), present a diverse range of finger sandwiches and savory bites, freshly baked scones with house-made preserves, and delightful pastries.

BG Restaurant at Bergdorf Goodman

After a day of shopping at Bergdorf Goodman, there’s no better way to unwind than with afternoon tea at the department store’s BG Restaurant. For $56 per person, the daily service includes an assortment of tea sandwiches, scones with Devonshire cream and preserves, along with a variety of petite sweet treats.

Brooklyn High Low

From Friday through Sunday, you can find NYC afternoon tea at Brooklyn High Low in Brooklyn’s Prospect Heights and Park Slope neighborhoods. The three tea experiences include The Classic ($48 per person, available only at the Prospect Heights location), The Grand Vanderbilt ($60 per person), and The Grand Heights ($70 per person). They all feature scones and sandwiches, as well as other dessert options.

The Russian Tea Room

Founded by members of the Russian Imperial Ballet in 1927, The Russian Tea Room offers an exquisite afternoon tea experience. Available daily, the tea menus range from the standard selection, with various sandwiches, blinis, scones, and sweets, to a Royal Afternoon Tea, which includes an international caviar tasting. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and kids’ options are also available. The standard tea starts at $95 per person (add $30 more for a glass of Champagne), while the Royal selection starts at $130 per person, and the children’s menu is $75 per child ages 12 and under.

The Gallery at The Carlyle

Inspired by Topkapi Palace in Turkey, The Gallery, located inside The Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel, provides a remarkable afternoon tea experience. The beautifully appointed Upper East Side hotel serves a classic afternoon tea daily, beginning at $90 per person, including your choice of teas, finger sandwiches, apple-cinnamon scones, and an assortment of pastries. You may also opt for a package that includes Champagne for $115 per person.

Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon

Located in a brownstone in Gramercy, Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon offers an intimate setting for afternoon tea. Guests select from a variety of teas, including classics like Earl Grey and English Breakfast, accompanied by a seasonal soup or salad, traditional tea sandwiches, scones, sweets, and a vanilla cream gâteau de crêpes for a prix fixe of $78 per person. Note that alcoholic beverages are offered at an additional cost, and children under 12 years old are not permitted.

Tea & Sympathy

This British restaurant is known for dishes like bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, and a Sunday roast, in addition to offering afternoon tea all day. Afternoon tea starts at $50 (or $58 with Prosecco) and features finger sandwiches, freshly baked cakes, and scones served with jam and clotted cream, along with a pot of tea. After your tea, don’t forget to visit the adjacent shop for British snacks and imported goods—Tea & Sympathy has everything an English expat or Anglophile could desire.

Alice’s Tea Cup

Another classic NYC afternoon tea venue, Alice’s Tea Cup has locations on the Upper East Side and Upper West Side in Manhattan, plus a to-go shop in Brooklyn. Tea for one at the Manhattan locations starts at $39 and goes up to $72 for an option featuring unlimited scones and sandwiches. Guests can also order à la carte and select a scone or two with a pot of tea.

Baccarat Hotel New York

Afternoon tea is luxurious in itself, but this daily service at the Baccarat Hotel is inspired by royalty. The Prince of Wales option consists of a selection of savories, sweets, and warm homemade scones, while the Le Petit Prince children’s tea offers kid-friendly snacks. The former starts at $140 per person, while the latter begins at $80 per child.

The Whitby Bar at The Whitby Hotel

Located inside The Whitby Hotel just off Fifth Avenue, The Whitby Bar hosts a classic afternoon tea experience. For $65 per person (or $85 per person if you opt for a glass of something sparkling), guests can choose from a range of specialty teas while indulging in finger sandwiches, delicious desserts, and, of course, freshly baked scones with jam and cream.