From the lightest and fluffiest buttery scones with clotted cream and preserves to dainty tea served to the sounds of a pianist, here are some of the best afternoon and High Teas this city has to offer.

Hotels and restaurants:

1. 54 on Bath

For those who love a glass of bubbles as much as a cup of tea... plus five-star luxury. 

2. Da Vinci Hotel

For those who want to sit back, relax, and not take life too seriously.

Tucked away from the buzz of Sandton Central, you'll find the Da Vinci Lounge at the Da Vinci Hotel, a relaxed space in a private courtyard with a small pool. Here, an urban High Tea is served buffet-style on the first Saturday of every month. Start with a welcome drink before exploring the buffet tables that include savoury treats such as smoked salmon mini brioche and brie, ham, and apple crostini, as well as a variety of dips, bread, and hot savoury items like cheese rissoles and butter chicken pies. For those with a sweet tooth, imagine a table piled high with coffee and almond macaroons, scones, and a chocolate fountain; and, of course, what is a High Tea without a slice of cake?

Price: R465 p.p.   
When: High Tea is served Sat 14:00 – 17:00. Booking is essential. Call +27 11 292 7160 or email davinci-banqueting@legacyhotels.com

3. Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa

For those needing a reset close to the city, or for a fabulous bridal shower treat.

Enjoy a leisurely 'Alice in the Woods' themed High Tea at the luxurious Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, tucked into quiet Morningside and five minutes from Sandton Central. The hotel's setting is the gorgeous Manor House Bistro, which overlooks the hotel gardens, where, weather permitting, you can take tea on the terrace. The style is classic English afternoon tea with a choice of inventive savoury options like their truffle, mushroom, and goat's cheese vol-au-vent and scrumptious duck and sour cherry pies, accompanied by a towering stand of cakes, fluffy scones, and generous cups of loose-leaf tea. You will also be offered a glass of sparkling wine upon arrival, accompanied by a 'shrinking potion' – in true Alice fashion.

Price: Morning Tea R385 p.p; High Tea R695 p.p.
When: Morning Tea is available daily from 09:30 – 11:30 and High Tea from 14:00 – 16:00. Bookings are essential. Call +27 11-804-2540 or email reservations@fairlawns.co.za

4. Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff

For those looking for a High Tea, and a view, to write home about. 

High Tea at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff is a cherished, timeless tradition, which is why we were overjoyed when they relaunched their Afternoon Tea in December 2024. Set against the forest backdrop of Joburg's tree-lined suburbs, the tea includes delicate sweet and savoury treats, a selection of the finest loose-leaf teas, and a glass of bubbly. The delicacies on offer range from saffron egg sandwiches, caprese brioche, and aubergine potato dhaltjie to strawberry choux and cinnamon flan pâtissierie. They also cater for vegetarians, so you have no excuse not to treat yourself.

Price: R600 p.p.
When: Available Thu – Sun at 12:00 or 15:00. Bookings are essential. Call +27 11 418 6000 or email reservations.johannesburg@fourseasons.com

5. Liberté Restaurant

For those looking for Friday afternoon indulgence.

In a world where the four-day week is always a hot topic globally, Liberté Restaurant's French-inspired High Tea offering fits in perfectly with its Friday High Tea. The tea is served in a cast-iron pot, which we love, as it keeps the brew at an optimal temperature for longer. The teatime treats are served on two elegant, silver multi-tiered stands, the first bearing the savoury selection, and the second the sweet. You can look forward to vol-au-vent puff pastry cases, roasted zucchini strips with halloumi, flatbreads, olives, and a selection of sliced cheeses. The portions are well thought through, and altogether it’s a satisfying High Tea for two. The setting is laid-back, and the whole experience suggests the start of a good weekend. A lovely option for catching up with friends in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Read our review here.
 
Price: R500 for two people.
When: Fri from 11:00 – 15:00. High Tea is available for group bookings of 10 or more any day of the week. Bookings essential. Call +27 10 824 5791 or email bookings@liberte.com

6. Olives & Plates

For those serious about the setting, and want the perfect spot for tea with your mother-in-law.

Located on the Wits campus in a historic Dutch house canopied by oak trees, Olives & Plates at Wits Club is one of Joburg’s true hidden treasures. Olives & Plates is known for its bountiful cake displays and generous servings with eye-catching presentations, but did you know they also offer a picture-perfect High Tea on the first weekend of every month? It all begins with a glass of bubbles in a crystal Marie Antoinette glass paired with a vanilla macaron and berry panna cotta. Then you’ll get stuck into a menagerie of mini-cakes and savouries that include sumptuous salmon bagels, spinach and feta roses, exquisitely presented deluxe tea sandwiches, and some of the best hazelnut berry mousse, mille feuille, and pistachio croissants we’ve ever tasted, all on gorgeous gold and silver tiered cake stands.

Price: R690 p.p. 
When: High Tea is served on the first Sat and Sun of every month from Sep – May from 11:30 – 16:30.
As the restaurant is an outdoor venue, they do not offer High Tea in the winter. Booking is essential. Call +27 11 303 9282 or email club@olivesandplates.co.za

7. The Palazzo Montecasino

For those who love a bargain as much as a good spoil.

High Tea at The Palazzo Montecasino is served at the hotel’s Medeo Restaurant terrace, overlooking a pool that would make any Hollywood starlet feel at home. The generous High Tea menu, presented with elegance, comprises a variety of extravagantly decorated little cakes, tarts and pastries, colourful macarons, petite quiches, assorted sandwiches, and sweet and savoury scones. The High Tea also includes a welcome drink and two perfectly paired imported teas. Read more here.

Price: R425 p.p. 
When: High Tea is served daily from 14:00 – 16:00. Booking is essential. Call +27 11 510 3000 or email Palazzo.dining@tsogosun.com

7. The Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa

For those looking for the ultimate indulgence, in absolute privacy.

One of South Africa's most luxurious hotels, The Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa hosts indulgent Morning and Afternoon High Teas in truly opulent surroundings. The Saxon High Tea is an elegant and traditionally styled High Tea served in the Piano Lounge where the hotel's resident pianist will be tinkling the ivories to set the mood. Expect savoury delights like tomato tart with herb shortcrust, marinated tomatoes, basil pesto, whipped goats’ cheese, black pepper and parmesan madeleine with prosciutto and preserved fig, brioche bun with poached crayfish, garlic aioli, and caviar, and a loch duart salmon gravlax, lemon cream cheese, and pickled onion croissant. They also offer sweets that will simply take your breath away (their raspberry cremeux with pistachio shortcrust, raspberry gel, orange, and honey whip is hard to beat). There are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free menus for those with additional dietary requirements. Paired with exceptional Ronnedfeldt teas (or some bubbly, if you prefer) and the very best service, this is an experience you won't forget. 

Price: R750 p.p on weekdays, R800 p.p. on weekends.   
When: Morning Tea is served 09:30 – 11:30, Wed – Sat, and Afternoon Tea 13:30 –16:00, Wed – Sun. Morning Tea is not available on Sun. Bookings are essential. Call +27 11 292 6000, email reservations@saxon.co.za, or book online.

Bakeries and pâtisseries:

8. Just Teddy

For those with limited time or looking for decadence with convenience.

From competing in the Great South African Bake Off to running a market stall, in 2020 Ted Zaki of Just Teddy Pâtisserie moved to one of Joburg's most upmarket malls, Hyde Park Corner, and its incredible popularity has only continued to grow. During lockdown, Just Teddy pioneered the High Tea In A Box, which you can enjoy at home (still available via their website) or you can enjoy High Tea at their pâtisseries in Hyde Park and Sandton. The menu is a delightful array of the day's selection of French pâtisserie, fresh scones with cream and jam, and a selection of other eats and treats. Vegan and gluten-free options are available on request.

Price: R450 p.p.  
When: High Tea is available daily from 14.00 – 16.00 at their Hyde Park and Sandton branches. Bookings are essential 48 hours in advance, and a 50% deposit is required. Call +27 10 203 9038 (Hyde Park), +27 64 971 2210 (Sandton), or email info@justteddy.co.za

9. Shazmin's Pâtisserie

For office parties, kiddies' parties, and selfie snaps galore.

First, they brought the cupcake and ice-cream macaron ATMs to Sandton City, and soon after, they opened their wonderfully floral, pink sanctuary of sweet treats and baked delights on the first floor of Nelson Mandela Square. Started by husband and wife team, Ziyaad and Shazmin Mahomed, Shazmin’s Pâtisserie is bold, bright, funky, and feminine, and it’s also child-friendly and certified halal. Enjoy a selection of fun and unique High Teas, including a ‘High Chai’ which includes a modern twist on traditional Indian sweets, a Barbie-themed tea, and Morning and Afternoon Teas. Expect an unapologetic explosion of glitter and colour, with fanciful macarons and fabulous petit fours, along with their signature baby pancake stacks. All are served with a selection of delicious teas, pinkacinos, and hot cocoas. They also offer a 'Luxe Grazing Table' option with a selection of delectable items from their curated menu.

Price: Morning teas R350 p.p.; Afternoon Teas R350 p.p.; Luxe Grazing Table R250 p.p. (drinks charged separately). High Teas have a time limit of 90 minutes per sitting. Visit the website for more High Tea options.
When: Available daily. Booking in advance is essential. Call +27 64 511 2658 or email info@shazmins.co.za

10. La Tarte Pâtisserie

For those who want to enjoy a luxury French High Tea in the comfort of their own home.

Treading the line between food and art, the pastries at La Tarte Pâtisserie are delicate, flavourful, and absolutely gorgeous. Crafted by renowned pastry chef Jared Melamed, these pastries are inspired by the refined, sophisticated, and exquisite delicacies of the high-end French pastry scene. Enjoy luxurious flan Parisien, scrumptious pain au chocolat, a decadent hazelnut basque cheesecake, creamy le galet, and so much more – all in the comfort of your own home! All you have to do is hop on the internet, scroll through their wonderfully varied menu, and order your favourite pastries... then sit back and make a cup of tea while you wait for your delicious delivery.

Price: Varies depending on your order.
When: Anytime you want! Check out their website for the menu, or contact them at info@latarte.co.za for special orders.

Out of town:

11. De Hoek Country Hotel

For a weekend away, or those looking for an escape.

The hour's drive from Joburg to this luxury boutique hotel is worth it for tea served in a lush country garden. De Hoek Country Hotel's seasonal menu has a generous and tasty selection of finger sandwiches and sweet and savoury pastries, and their scones are top-notch. The tea includes a glass of bubbles, which makes this a nice option if you are spending the day in the Magaliesberg countryside.

Price: R530 p.p. 
When: High Tea is served Mon – Sun from 12:30 – 15:00. Booking is essential. Call +27 14 577 9600 or email info@dehoek.com; prior payment is essential to secure your booking.