27 indulgent afternoon teas to try in Dubai

From the luxurious to the leisurely…

Afternoon tea is said to have originated in 1840 when the Duchess of Bedford would get peckish while waiting for dinner. Now it’s an institution and an all-around lovely day out. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely affair or a more decadent one, here are the most indulgent afternoon teas in Dubai.

Sahn Eddar

Award-winning executive pastry chef Tom Coll has crafted this elegant afternoon tea. Included is a selection of sandwiches, delicate pastries, and homemade scones served with clotted cream and jams. Pair it with a glass of hot beverage or a glass of bubbly awaits.

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Dubai, daily 3pm to 6pm, Dhs490 per person inclusive of soft beverages and AED 590 per person inclusive of a glass of bubbly, Tel: (0) 4 301 7777, jumeirah.com

Caesars Palace Dubai

Guests can then indulge in a curated selection of fine tea blends, enjoyed alongside savoury bites such as smoked salmon, coronation chicken and cucumber and organic egg sandwiches. Followed by a selection of plain and raisin scones, signature home-made jams, including raspberry and rose petal, orange and lemon marmalade, and Cornish clotted cream.

The Lounge, Caesars Palace Dubai, Bluewaters Island, daily, 2pm to 5pm, Dhs180 per person or AED300 per person including a glass of bubbly, Tel: (0) 4 556 6666, caesars.com

Hotel Indigo

The afternoon tea at Hotel Indigo features a selection of homemade finger sandwiches on artisan bread and pastries, with coffee, tea and soft beverages. Tuck in and then take an Art Tour of the hotel.

Hotel Indigo, Marasi Drive, Downtown Dubai, Sun to Thur, 1pm to 6pm, Dhs125 per head, Dhs195 for two people, WhatsApp: (0) 56 422 7120, ihg.com

Address Beach Resort

Address Beach Resort’s radiant summer afternoon tea includes a range of savoury and sweet treats including spiced smoked salmon, Middle Eastern shredded chicken wrap, Black Angus roast beef, Arabic coffee tiramisu, saffron tree milk cake and more. All yours for Dhs318 per set.

Address Beach Resort, The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai, daily 3pm to 8pm. Tel: (0)4 879 8888. addresshotels.com

Address Boulevard

Head to Address Boulevard in Downtown Dubai for an art-crafted afternoon tea experience. Served in a dainty chest of drawers set atop your table, indulge in four layers of sweet and savoury treats paired with a distinguished selection of teas. It’s Dhs250 for two.

Lobby Lounge, Address Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, daily 2.30pm to 6pm. Tel: (04) 561 8888. addresshotels.com

Address Grand Creek Harbour

Gourmet treats await as you take in the stunning sunset at The Patisserie at Address Grand Creek Harbour. Their afternoon tea occasion, Arabesque Delight, comes complete with a live piano show and a choice of international favourites infused with the flavour profile of the Middle East. The afternoon tea runs daily from 3pm to 7pm with prices starting at Dhs195 per person.

The Patisserie, Address Grand Creek Harbour, Ras Al Khor, Dubai Creek Harbour, daily 3pm to 7pm, from Dhs195 per person. Tel: (0)4 275 8833. thepatisserie.com

Al Bayt

Customary Arabian-inspired treats are served in this high tea at Al Bayt. Your treat will be paired with panoramic views of Burj Lake and The Dubai Fountain in a pretty Arabian atmosphere. It’s available daily from 2pm to 6pm.

Palace Downtown, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, Tel: (04) 888 3444. addresshotels.com

Aspen

Aspen Cafe by Kempinski at Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates is offering afternoon tea with nibbles ranging from sandwiches and wraps to scones and cakes. For sips, you’ll have five distinctive teas to choose from. The offer is available daily from 3pm to 6pm and costs Dhs190 per adult or Dhs350 for two. Head here on the 17th of the month and enjoy a special 17 per cent off offered by the cafe on the occasion of its 17th anniversary. Offer valid until the end of December.

Kempinski Hotel, Mall Of The Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai, daily 1pm to 7pm, Tel: (04) 409 5999. kempinski.com

Cafe Society

An elegant afternoon tea awaits at Cafe Society with a variety of canapes and sweet delights. It costs Dhs199 for two. Advance booking is required.

Cafe Society, Dubai Marina, Dubai, daily 2pm to 6pm, Dhs175 for two. Tel: (0)4 318 3755 . @cafesocietydxb

Choix Patisserie and Restaurant

For a taste of the lifestyle of the Avenue des Champs Élysées, head to Choix Patisserie and Restaurant, by renowned chef Pierre Gagnaire. It features signature scones, pastries and a fine tea selection.

Intercontinental Festival City, Festival City, Dubai, daily 12pm to 6pm, Tel: (04) 701 1136. intercontinental.com

Dukes the Palm

This British afternoon tea takes place at the classic and sophisticated Champagne and Tea Lounge in Dukes the Palm. Prices start from Dhs135 for a classic afternoon tea. Want grape? It’s Dhs150 or if you want bubbly it’s Dhs185. 

Dukes the Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, daily 1pm to 5pm. Tel: (0)4 455 1111. dukesthepalm.com

Fouquet’s Dubai

A number of French delicacies can be found inside this gorgeous red case at Fouquet’s afternoon tea. The bites have been created by two gifted pastry chefs who know what they are doing when it comes to French cuisine. The classic afternoon tea costs Dhs390 for two people, and Le Petillant – an upgraded version of classic afternoon tea which includes a glass of champagne is Dhs450 for two.

Fouquet’s Dubai, Burj Plaza, Downtown Dubai, daily 3pm to 6pm. Tel: (0)4 524 5301. @fouquets.dubai

Four Seasons Hotel DIFC

The afternoon tea at Penrose Lounge is an ode to UAE’s local honey. The desserts and the savoury bite are created using locally grown, 100 per cent pure, raw and unfiltered honey in place of sugar. This sweet and responsible treat will cost you Dhs325 per pair with coffee and tea, and Dhs490 per pair with bubbly. There are warm scones and a number of sweet and savoury bites.

Four Seasons Hotel DIFC, DIFC, Dubai, available daily from 2pm to 7pm, Tel: (0)4 506 0000  @fsdubaidifc

Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach

At Shai Salon, a classy afternoon tea experience awaits curated by Chef Nicolas Lambert. There are decadent sandwiches, dreamy scones and crafted pastries you can pair with tea recommended by the experts. It’s Dhs240 per person or, go with a friend and pay Dhs420 for two.

Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach, Dubai, daily 2pm to 8pm, Tel: (0)4 270 7805. @fsdubai

Jumeirah Emirates Towers

The aptly named The Towers Afternoon Tea at Jumeirah Emirates Towers will take you on a culinary journey through its history, present, and future. On the three-tiered stand, pick from scones with clotted cream, curated sandwiches such as smoked Scottish salmon; organic chicken etc, petite amuse bouche, red velvet truffle and more. Pair your bites with quality artisan tea or coffee or fresh juices. 

Daefi Lobby Lounge, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, daily 2.30pm to 6pm, Dhs199 per person, Dhs320 per pair, Dhs350 takeaway (book 24 hours in advance). Tel: (0)4 330 0000. jumeirah.com

KATA

A twist on traditional high tea, contemporary Japanese restaurant KATA’s Hai-Tea offers a fusion of flavours and an elegant afternoon tea experience for all to enjoy. With an assortment of sweet and savoury bites, the spread includes delights like Salmon Ceviche, Wagyu Soufflé with Truffle, Matcha Milk Cake, Mango Panna Cotta and more. Guests also have the option to delight in a hot drink of choice and a smoothie. Running daily from 3pm to 5pm, prices start at Dhs160 per head; non-alcoholic sparkling wine can be added on for Dhs40. 

KATA, Waterfront Promenade, The Dubai Mall, daily 3pm to 5pm, from Dhs160, Dhs200 with sparkling, reservations required. Tel: (0)54 582 9933. katadubai.com. 

La Farine

Treat yourself to an award-winning afternoon tea at La Farine in JW Marriott Marquis. There are freshly baked scones, pastries, classic finger sandwiches and more savoury treats which you can pair with tea or coffee. Make it even more special by adding on a glass of grape or bubbly. The afternoon tea is available daily from 1pm to 6pm.

La Farine, JW Marriott Marquis, Business Bay, Dubai, daily 1pm to 6pm, Dhs195 per couple. Tel: (0)4 414 3000. jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com

Mashrabiya Lounge 

Mashrabiya Lounge offers a daily high tea from 12pm to 5pm. Indulge in English cucumber and mint cream cheese finger sandwiches, truffle egg salad on a mini brioche bun, lemon meringue tart, raspberry macaroon, scones and much more. Prices start from Dhs155 with a choice of coffee or tea. Want bubbly? Prices start from Dhs199. Go with a friend and get one bottle of sparkling wine for Dhs399.

Fairmont The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, daily 12pm to 5pm, from Dhs155. Tel: (0)4 457 3457. fairmont.com 

Mosaico

Afternoon tea is a decadent affair at the luxury hotel, Palazzo Versace. Sample finger sandwiches and more savoury delights while those with a sweet tooth can choose from a variety of pastries, scones with jam and more. Only want tea to pair? It’s Dhs360 for two guests, but if you want a glass of Prosecco each, it’s Dhs480 and you’ll dine on the terrace. If you’re meeting mates over a quick catch-up, opt for the Cream Tea offer which will get you fruit and plain scones, served with clotted cream, homemade jam and lemon curd and tea for Dhs90 per person.

Palazzo Versace, Culture Village, Al Jadaf, Dubai, daily 10.30am to 7pm. Tel: (0)4 556 8888. palazzoversace.ae

Raffles Salon

Raffles is serving up an award-winning floral afternoon tea in partnership with Forever Rose London. The treats incorporate the essence of flowers so expect to tuck into cured salmon with hibiscus extract, rose-shaped brie mousse with edible flowers, scones with strawberry jam and rose water and more. This treat is all yours for Dhs175 including tea, or Dhs225 with a glass of bubbly. Indulge even further and add on a 60-minute massage treatment at Raffles Spa for Dhs450.

Raffles Dubai, Sheikh Rashid Road, Wafi, Dubai, daily, 2pm to 7pm, starting from Dhs175. Tel: (04) 324 8888. raffles.com/dubai

Ritz-Carlton Lobby Lounge (JBR)

Your afternoon tea at The Ritz-Carlton will include traditional scones, elegant sandwiches, and sweet treats such as truffles, macaroons and cakes. There are two options to pick from: traditional for Dhs215 which comes with tea or hot beverages, and Royal Treat for Dhs305 with premium sparkling. It’s available daily, and if you choose to indulge on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, you will also be treated to a live pianist from 2pm to 6pm.

The Ritz-Carlton, The Walk, JBR, Dubai, daily 12.30pm to 5pm. Tel: (04) 318 6150. ritzcarlton.com

Sidra Lobby Lounge

Sidra’s traditional afternoon tea features a selection of pure blended teas which you can pair with scrumptious sweet and savoury bites. It will cost you just Dhs190 per person.

Habtoor Palace, Al Habtoor City, Dubai, daily 3pm to 6pm, Dhs190 per person. Tel: (04) 435 5577. alhabtoorcity.com 

Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk

Voted What’s On Dubai‘s best Afternoon Tea 2021, Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk afternoon tea serves up its afternoon tea in a sophisticated jewellery box. Inside you will find signature patisseries and delicious savoury bites. It will cost you Dhs175 per person to enjoy this treat with artisanal tea and coffee and Dhs320 if you want a glass of bubbly.

Bijou Patisserie, Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, lobby lounge, Wafi, Dubai, daily 2pm to 6pm, Tel: (0)4 281 4111. sofitel-dubai-theobelisk.com

St Regis Afternoon Tea at The View

Want to soak in some of Dubai’s spectacular views? Head to The View at the Palm at St Regis for its afternoon tea. Treats include a range of scones with clotted cream and a jam selection, savoury sandwiches and desserts. It is served with coffee, tea and juices. It runs daily from 1pm to 5pm and costs Dhs275 per person. 

The View at the Palm, Palm Jumeirah, The Palm Tower, 52nd floor, daily 1pm to 5pm. Tel: (0)56 688 9885. marriott.com 

The Royal Tearoom (Atlantis The Royal)

There are two different afternoon tea offerings at Atlantis The Royal. One is The Signature Afternoon Tea for Dhs560 which features a classic selection of savouries and pastries. The second is Emirati Afternoon Tea which focuses on Arabic homemade sweets. Both can be enjoyed with a plus one. It takes place daily from 2pm to 5pm.

The Royal Tearoom, Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, daily 2pm to 5pm, from Dhs190. Tel: (04) 426 2000 atlantis.com

Tandoor Tina

Tandoor Tina has a new afternoon tea bringing together contemporary Indian food with exotic teas and delicious cocktails. There is a vegetarian and non-vegetarian menu but both feature bites created by Chef Trish Singh Henault. Favourites include pine-nut potato samosa, pickled shrimp khandavi, chicken tart, chocolate mango bites, truffle parmesan macaron and more. The afternoon tea takes place on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 4pm and 7pm.

Tandoor Tina, 25hours Hotel One Central, Trade Center Street, Wed to Fri 4pm to 7pm, Dhs150 soft package, Dhs250 for two cocktails, Tel: (0)4 210 2500. tandoortina.com

Waldorf Astoria Palm Jumeirah

Head down to Palm Jumeirah to enjoy Waldorf Astoria’s brand new afternoon affair called The Legendary Afternoon Tea within Peacock Alley. From classics like Eggs Benedict to a red velvet stone which is a velvet sponge layered with cream cheese, the dishes pay homage to the heritage of Waldorf Astoria worldwide. The tea also offers a range of signature cocktails for guests to choose from. The afternoon tea runs daily from 1pm to 4pm and starts at Dhs170 per person. 

Peacock Alley, Waldorf Astoria, Palm Jumeirah, daily 3pm to 6pm, from Dhs175. Tel:(0)4 818 2222. waldorfastoria.com