New York City
Our 10 Favorite Places for High Tea in NYC
From vegan and gluten-free high teas, to traditionally luxurious, New York has it all.
The Gallery at the Carlyle Hotel
35 E. 76th between Park and Madison, on the Upper East Side, (212) 744-1600
The Gallery at the Carlyle Hotel, NYC
The Gallery at the Carlyle hotel has two rooms to choose from; both are ornate and exquisite, setting the tone for a special experience for its guests. The sofas and chairs are plush and super comfortable, and the decor is bold and colorful with lots of red, navy and gold details. From the patterned wallpaper to the matching menus, every element is deliberate. The Gallery is modeled after the sultan’s dining room at the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, and each detail pays homage.
The Gallery is unique in that there is an a la carte option, which is the best kept ‘lux-for-less’ secret in the city, in my opinion. If you want, you can order just tea ($8 per pot), just scones, just sandwiches or anything off their lunch menus, and spend as much time sipping and chatting as you’d like. The Gallery is also unique in that it offers an unusual selection of teas. I consider myself to be a tea aficionado, and even I didn’t recognize a lot of them! My favorite was the Lapsang Souchang, which is famous for its smoky flavor and aroma.
Besides a la carte, there are two different options for high tea. The Afternoon Tea ($48 per person), includes scones with Devonshire cream, tea sandwiches and pastries. The Imperial Tea ($65 per person), offers the same plus a glass of champagne. Tea service is available daily from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Kellie
Seriously thinking of this for my girl, but only one place offered gluten free? TY!
Rebecca
The only spot with a gluten-free option on the list has a note on its website saying they no longer offer gluten-free options. Any new ones you know of? I’d really love to take my girls out for tea when we visit NYC in a couple of weeks!
Gabriella Tooma
Hello!
I am trying to find a great, classy, brunch for my 21st birthday with my best friend. I love high tea, but also a boozy brunch would be awesome! I love dressing up classy and love to stare at a great view. Do you have anything you recommend?
Thanks so much love your blog!
Hilary Rowland
Absolutely! We published an article about the best places to have brunch in NYC: urbanette.com/6-best-brunch-spots-nyc/ Enjoy!
Chris Naselli
Whenever I’m uptown, I always try to have meetings at a fancy tea room because they’re just so glamorous and elegant.
Pearlsbounce
Love this! Will definitely be trying a few on my next trip!
Tami Winbush
Next time I'm in the city I will have to make sure to try Hotel Plaza Athenee. I'm quite enamored by the dark ,warm colors. Tea would be delightful and cozy there.
Zenab Bello-Osagie
I'm not really a tea person but I will definitely try one of these places just for the delicious snacks! I love macaroons!! yum.
Auriane Desombre
Great list! I definitely want to try Bosie Tea Parlor.