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 Blightly, 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.
Skyview Bar
If you’re looking for the best Dubai afternoon tea, Burj al Arab has you covered. Sitting at the very top floor of one of the world’s most dramatic and famous hotels, Skyview is worth checking out for the views alone. Window seats reward you with truly breathtaking views of Palm Jumeirah and the World Islands.
But of course, that’s not all. You also get a vast selection of teas, coffees, cakes, and sandwiches.
Where to find the Skyview Bar: Burj al Arab, 27th floor, Jumeirah Beach Road. Open on Saturday to Thursday from 1:00 pm to 1:00 am. Afternoon tea served in two seatings, 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm daily. Children must be over 8 years of age.
Expect to pay: 635 AED per person with an additional 100 AED for window tables.
Learn more at www.jumeirah.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 4:30 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 carter 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 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.
For a totally spoil yourself treat, upgrade your afternoon tea to include halal 24 karat rose gold bubbly!
Where to find Tania’s Teahouse: Villa 779A, Jumeirah Beach Road. Open Sunday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm and Friday and Saturday from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Expect to pay: Jumeirah Jane/James three-tier platters for two start from 160AED, add 105 AED for the Rose Gold Bubbles.
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 24 hours a day seven days a week, Afternoon tea served from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Expect to pay: 225 AED per person for an iced or traditional afternoon tea. Royal Afternoon Tea comes with either champagne, martini, or gin and tonic for 325 AED.
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 170 AED to 330 AED depending on your meal choice.
Learn more at www.ritzcarlton.com
Reform Social & Grill
Reform Social & Grill is THE place to go if you want your high tea with a unique British atmosphere. This restaurant has a terrace and a beautiful garden where children can play and has long been one of our favourite go-to places in Dubai for all the family to enjoy a luxurious and relaxing day out.
Their Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea comes with a number of delicious snacks such as finger sandwiches, mini smoked salmon bagels, and clotted cream and scones. Alternatively, their Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea offers playful, Alice in Wonderland-inspired treats. These include the Cheshire Cat and Lobster and Mock Turtle bridge rolls.
Where to find Reform Social & Grill: The Lakes, Emirates Hills, Dubai. Open every day from 8:00 am to 12:00 am. Both afternoon teas available Sunday to Thursday 3pm to 5pm – pre-booking 48 hours in advance essential.
Expect to pay: 100 AED with an extra 65 AED for a cocktail or 140 AED for a whiskey & cigar. Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea Experience 100 AED or 153 AED with Prosecco.
Learn more at www.reformsocialgrill.ae
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 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm, Arabian Afternoon Tea Experience Sunday to Tuesday + Thursday’s 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Expect to pay: 170 AED per person, price increases to 240 AED if you add bubbles or a cake for special occasions.
Learn more at www.addresshotels.com
Sahn Eddar
Once again, you’ll find one of the most exclusive high tea’s 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 at limited sittings 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, and 5:00 pm, pre-booking essential. Children 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.
(Pricing correct as at time of writing early 2020, please confirm when booking)
You can find more of our suggested fabulous and unique dining options in Dubai here
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