The Best Tea Rooms in New York City to Sip While You Spill
Here are some of the finest tearooms to escape to in New York City.
Originally an English tradition, afternoon tea has become one of the most popular social events all over the world. It was originally introduced by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford in 1840 when she realized the wait between lunch and dinner was too lengthy for her liking. Around four o'clock, the Duchess would get peckish and ask for some tea and pastries to be delivered to her chamber. Over time, she began inviting her friends to come around in the afternoons, and it soon became a daily occurrence. The ladies would dress up in their most elegant gowns and gather in the drawing room to gossip and discuss their lives. Cucumber sandwiches and scones with cream and jam were and still are typically served alongside a selection of teas, ranging from English Breakfast to Jasmine Green.
L'OFFICIEL has compiled all of the best NYC tea rooms to teleport you back to high-society England in the 1800s.
The Carlyle
The Carlyle, one of New York's most iconic hotels, invites you to join for a beautiful rendition of classic English afternoon tea. Held in The Gallery, a dining area inspired by the sultan's dining room at the Topkapi Palace in Turkey, the experience consists of sublime service, a delicious selection of sweet and savory treats, and a unique ambiance.
The Whitby Hotel
Whether you are staying at the hotel or a walk-in visitor, The Whitby offers its diners an array of cakes, finger sandwiches, and scones in the afternoons. All of the delicacies, prepared by Head Chef Anthony Paris are designed to reflect the overall atmosphere: refined elegance rooted in American cuisine, but inspired by dishes around the world. A posh experience, to say the least.
Angelina Paris
If you're looking to stray from the traditional English afternoon tea, why not turn to Paris? Angelina Paris was originally founded in 1903 by Antoine Rumpelmayer, an Austrian confectioner, and since then, the French patisserie has been critically acclaimed for its grandeur and elegance. Famous faces like Proust and Coco Chanel have dined in Angelina, and now you can too at its first American location, located right by Bryant Park.
Prince Tea House
Who knew French and Asian cuisine could mesh so perfectly together? Prince Tea House is focused on this unique blend of cultures to entice and light up your senses. From freshly baked waffles to Japanese takoyaki, the tearoom offers a baffling selection of traditional tea time snacks and other, more obscure finger foods. There is no doubt that Prince Tea House is one of the best locations to sit back and relax your afternoon away.
Gotham Lounge
Gotham Lounge, located in The Peninsula Hotel, hosts a Peter Rabbit-themed afternoon tea on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays — a different experience than all the rest. Although most afternoon tea experiences are for more mature parties, families are welcome to enjoy the simple pleasures Gotham Lounge has to offer. Battenburg cake with blackberries and crab-and-radish sandwiches are featured on the menu, as well as a carefully selected list of teas and beverages. This is the perfect experience for everyone in the family, young or old.
The Baccarat Hotel
The importance of tea goes back for centuries in cultures all around the world, and the Baccarat Hotel has created a celebration around those international traditions. It's not just an experience. It's a science. The tearoom offers a traditional tea time daily from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and will even host a special Mother's Day afternoon tea as well where you can enjoy chocolates from Michelin Star Culinary Director Gabriel Kreuther and drink champagne with your mom.
The Palm Court at The Plaza
As a landmark hotel, The Plaza has hosted some of the greatest celebrities of all time, like John Lennon, Elizabeth Taylor, Liza Minelli, and so many others. It has also been the set of countless, iconic films throughout the years. If you're looking to experience a piece of classic New York, The Plaza is where to be. The Palm Court is decorated with a wide variety of plants, custom furnishings, and has a stain-glass dome in the center, illuminating the space. Diners will enjoy an assortment of classic afternoon treats, as well as teas and champagnes.
Lady Mendl's Tea Salon
Smaller, more intimate tearooms have also been placed here and there around the city. Lady Mendl's Tea Salon is ideal if you're looking for a more vintage-inspired ambiance and a classic take on afternoon tea. Some of the most loved items on the menu are the creamy, toasted coconut oolong tea and the gâteau de crêpes. Bring your girlfriends and enjoy an afternoon filled with homemade delicacies and deep chats.
Chapel Bar at Fotografiska New York
Chapel Bar, located at the scenic Fotografiska New York, is launching a new Sunday High Tea series where diners can enjoy a variety of teas or alcoholic beverages as they sit and chat with their favorite people. Tickets begin at $110 per person and visitors can anticipate a selection of delicious treats, House of Waris Botanicals Elephants Friendly Teas, and entry to the Fotografiska museum.
