Our favourite dining spots for a truly opulent Dubai experience
Looking to truly tantalise the taste buds in a sophisticated setting? Brunch in Dubai may conjure up images of copious plates of food and bottomless drinks, whereas afternoon tea brings a delicate and decadent touch to the Dubai dining scene.
This traditional English meal for the upper-class, introduced in the 19th Century was seen as a fashionable social event – not just a light snack but an excuse to get dressed up and enjoy the finest teas and pastries.
Afternoon teas with elaborate themes remain popular as ever in Blighty, but what can you expect to experience in the heart of Dubai’s sophisticated and luxurious hotels?
We bring you a selection of our 8 favourite Dubai afternoon teas to try – from those with spectacular views to unique Arabian twists on traditional high tea and truly unique (and instagrammable!) experiences.
Mashrabiya Lounge
Overlooking the Arabian Gulf, set amongst a backdrop of contemporary arabesque design you’ll find Mashrabiya Lounge.
The extensive afternoon tea menu features a range of elegant finger sandwiches, delectable pastries and traditional scones. An upgrade to a sparkling package is also available, provided you are seated in the extensive alfresco terraces.
Where to find the Mashrabiya Lounge: Lobby Level, Fairmont The Palm. Open daily from 7:00 am to midnight, afternoon tea is served 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm – booking is required a minimum of 24 hours in advance,
Expect to pay: from 155 AED for afternoon tea to 399 AED for a sparkling afternoon tea for two.
Learn more at www.fairmont.com
At.Mosphere
High tea in Dubai doesn’t get much higher than At.Mosphere (in fact, it is the tallest high tea in the world!). Sitting on the 122nd floor of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, At.Mosphere High Tea provides two separate menus and views that you have to see to believe.
Their basic menu offers plenty to choose from in terms of patisseries and mini-sandwiches. Alternatively, dine on champagne and roast chicken from the luxury menu.
This is one of those truly special moments to save up for if you are visiting Dubai.
Where to find At.Mosphere: Burj Khalifa, 122nd floor, 1 Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard. Open every day from 7:00 am to 2:00 am. Afternoon tea is served between 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm. Children over 10 years old welcome; note they recommend booking a week in advance for the limited window seating.
Expect to pay: 430 AED per person or 503 AED for window tables (set menu or al la carte must meet these values).
Learn more at www.atmosphereburjkhalifa.com
Tania’s Teahouse
Not only does Tania’s Teahouse offer some of the best afternoon tea in Dubai, but it also holds the distinction of being the seventh most instagrammable cafe in the world! This charming little cafe is filled with pink foliage decor and is the perfect spot for young, social media-savvy millennials.
On top of that, Tania’s Teahouse has a selection of 25 different tea flavours. These can be prepared ice, regular, or into a latte. And if you’re hungry, make sure you try the Jumeirah Jane/James tea platter.
Where to find Tania’s Teahouse: Villa 779A, Jumeirah Beach Road. Open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Expect to pay: Jumeirah Jane/James three-tier platters for two start from 220AED.
Learn more at www.taniasteahouse.com
Al Fayrooz Lounge
This is a great place to try some Dubai afternoon tea with a stunning arabesque setting, exquisite views and listening to some live piano music. Al Fayrooz Lounge has a wide selection of teas to choose from as well as classic treats such as Victoria sponge and English fruit cake.
During the summer, you can cool down with their selection of iced teas. Some of the flavours they offer include lemon, peach, and green tea.
For a truly unique twist in the cooler months, inquire about their Abra Afternoon Tea, taking to the serene and picturesque waterways around Madinat Jumeirah.
Where to find Al Fayrooz Lounge: Lobby Lounge, Jumeirah Al Qasr, Jumeirah Road. Open from 8:30 am to 11:30 pm a day seven days a week, Afternoon tea served from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Expect to pay: 215 AED per person for an iced or traditional afternoon tea.
Learn more at www.jumeirah.com
The Lobby Lounge
The Lobby Lounge has some of the best afternoon tea Dubai has to offer in a truly glamorous Arabic setting. This lounge features a terrace that provides gorgeous views of the Arabian Gulf and the Palm Jumeirah while piano music plays in the background.
They also have six different afternoon tea options. You’ll get completely different treats to go with your tea depending on which you choose.
With the kids? They also offer a Kid’s Treat Afternoon Tea, making it an excellent choice if you are visiting with family but would still like to enjoy some of Dubai’s finer experiences.
Where to find the Lobby Lounge: The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai. Afternoon tea is served daily from 12.30 pm to 5 pm.
Expect to pay: Anywhere from 195 AED to 305 AED depending on your meal choice.
Learn more at www.ritzcarlton.com
Choix Patisserie and Restaurant
Embrace the culinary lifestyle of the Avenue des Champs Élysées in the heart of Dubai. Offering a premium collection of Parisian delicacies from three Michelin star chef Pierre Gagnaire.
Indulge in the finest serving with their renowned afternoon tea accompanied with delectable pastries.
With signature scones, pastries and the finest tea selection on offer, this afternoon tea is a fantastic budget offering while not scrimping on luxury.
Where to find Choix Patisserie: Lobby Level, Intercontinental, Dubai Festival City open daily from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm afternoon tea is served 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Expect to pay: 100 AED for one, 150 AED for two.
Learn more at www.dubaifestivalcityhotels.com
Al Bayt
Along with having some of the best high tea in Dubai, Al Bayt also provides the best of both worlds when it comes to snacks. You can have traditional Western treats like sandwiches and pastries to go with your tea. Alternatively, you can try some Arabian-inspired treats if you’re feeling adventurous.
Al Bayt also offers a delightfully charming atmosphere. They have live music and a terrace overlooking the lakes around Burj Khalifa and The Fountain.
Where to find Al Bayt: Palace Downtown Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai.
Open every day from 8:00 am to 12:30 am. traditional afternoon tea daily 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Expect to pay: 195 AED per person
Learn more at www.addresshotels.com
Sahn Eddar
Once again, you’ll find one of the most exclusive high teas Dubai has to offer at the Burj al Arab.
Unlike the Skyview Bar, Sahn Eddar is located on the first floor of this architecturally stunning hotel. You have plenty of delicious treats to choose from such as sandwiches, scones, and pastries, as well as some of the most beautiful and intricate gold leaf coffee. On top of that, your afternoon tea experience is also accompanied by an Arabic band.
Where to find Sahn Eddar: 1st floor, Burj al Arab Jumeirah, Jumeirah Road. Open every day from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm, afternoon tea 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, pre-booking essential. Children are permitted at 50% discount.
Expect to pay: Afternoon tea package is 550 AED per person. 635 AED to include a glass of champagne.
Learn more at www.jumeirah.com
Do you have a favourite afternoon tea in Dubai you think we are missing? Let us know in the comments below.
This guide was first written in early 2020. We have updated information and pricing to the best of our knowledge as of February 2022 but things are constantly changing. Please contact venues ahead to confirm opening hours and to book.
You can find more of our suggested fabulous and unique dining options in Dubai here
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