From a Plaza farewell to a 50th-floor José Andrés tea and a Moroccan debut in SoHo, these are the high teas worth booking this season in New York City:
The Palm Court at The Plaza
If you’ve ever meant to have tea under the Palm Court’s stained-glass dome, now is the time. The Palm Court is expected to close in January, along with the hotel’s event spaces, as part of a landmark façade restoration. The hotel will shut for a minimum of four years, which puts the earliest return around 2031.
Afternoon tea runs daily with 3 seatings from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Seasonal programming includes a Holiday Afternoon Tea from November 11- January 12th $165/pp, Thanksgiving Grand Fête on November 26 $135-385/pp, Celebrate Christmas Day with the Grand Imperial Nutcracker Tea on Christmas Day $150-$275/pp. Eloise-themed tea for younger guests is on the menu too (the Palm Court has continued to serve it ahead of the closure). Book directly with the hotel, and book early on OpenTable.
Nubeluz at The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad
At 500 feet up on the 50th floor, Nubeluz is New York’s newest cocktail destination from award-winning chef José Andrés. It was conceived as a light box in the sky, with a stylish interior, modern takes on classic cocktails and 270-degree views of the skyline.
On weekends, the room turns its attention to tea. Nubeluz’s High Tea. The experience can begin with a truffled grilled cheese, a caviar selection and Champagne bottle service, and moves from savory to sweet from there. High Tea is offered every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and is $130 per person. Guests who want to linger can book the Luxurious Stay with High Tea at Nubeluz package, which pairs the service with an overnight stay at the hotel.
Baccarat Hotel New York
The Grand Salon is one of the most stunning locations on this list, with Baccarat crystal and plush seating on the second floor at 28 West 53rd Street. Tea is served Monday through Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m., with an option of a Petit Prince tea for children ($85/pp) the Princess of Monaco, Prince of Wales or King Louis XV Caviar Tea. $140 per-person minimum spend for afternoon tea, with gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options available.
Mandarin Oriental, New York
Sit high above Columbus Circle with views of Central Park with afternoon tea at Mandarin Oriental. Served from 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., teas are sourced from TEALEAVES, and bites include freshly baked ginger and butter scones with Devonshire Cream, Strawberry Jam, and Yuzu Curd, an assortment of finger sandwiches and sweets. $130/pp or $165/pp with champagne.
Ayah (SoHo)
Ayah, the Moroccan restaurant at 77 West Houston Street, has just launched a High Tea that brings Moroccan flavors to the classic high tea. The restaurant is stunning, and transports you to the rich and vibrant culture of Morocco. The tea ritual opens with Savory Bites: Cucumber & Labneh Rolls with preserved lemon and cilantro, Cheese Briouate in phyllo, Crab Batbout with white chermoula and lemon zest, Mini Kefta Batbout with chermoula mayonnaise, and Chicken Briouate with saffron chicken, caramelized onions and cinnamon paired with Moroccan Lemon Verbena Herbal Tea.
Next comes The Ayah Signature, a Moroccan spin on the classic tiered spread. Club sandwiches come with smoked salmon and avocado with lemon-mint yogurt, lemon chicken with chermoula mayonnaise, or zaalouk eggplant, alongside seasonal fruit with mint yogurt dip. The sweet side includes Orange Blossom & Raisin Scones with labneh and fig preserves, Baghrir French Toast with honey, and Kaab el Ghazal, a traditional almond pastry infused with orange blossom. Honey, dried prunes and dried apricots finish the plate, paired with Moroccan Orange Blossom Tea. Ayah’s High Tea is offered every Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. starting at $70/pp. Reservations and details are at ayahrestaurant.com.
Also Worth a Reservation
Tiffany & Co. The café inside the Fifth Avenue store makes for a quintessential New York afternoon. It offers a curated list of 12 loose teas and a well-reviewed savory course, at $98 per person.
The Lowell An Upper East Side favorite and hidden gem. Experience timeless elegance with the Lily of the Valley Afternoon Tea presented at Majorelle in collaboration with Dior Maison. Served on Dior Maison’s Lily of the Valley tableware collection, the Garden Tea featuring s Dammann Frères loose-leaf teas and herbal infusions, traditional scones, an array of French pastries petit fours, and signature cakes crafted by Pastry Chef Matthew Lambie, along with seasonal English tea sandwiches and Moroccan mint tea, or upgrade to the indulgent Imperial Tea, with luxurious touches such as caviar. A children’s afternoon tea is available for younger guests. Available every Wednesday – Saturday from 12:00pm to 4:30pm and Sunday from 1:00pm – 6:00pm at $125 per person.
Bergdorf Goodman A luxury department-store classic with a Central Park view. Tea at Restaurant BG is daily from 12-5pm, $75 pp for BG Tea Service or $100 for BG Tea Service Royale.
