Once the preserve of the British, taking Afternoon Tea to celebrate a special occasion or just to pass the time with family and friends has become a popular treat in the United Arab Emirates.
Sandwiches, delicate little cakes, and scones all feature on the elaborate Afternoon Tea menus served in some of the most sumptuous settings in the city.
From the dizzy heights of The Observation Deck at 300 to the glitz and glamour of Le Café at Emirates Palace, here’s our pick of the best afternoon tea in Abu Dhabi this year.
The Lobby Lounge at Conrad by Hilton, Etihad Towers
Undoubtedly one of the best Afternoon Teas in Abu Dhabi can be found in The Lobby Lounge at Conrad, located on the Abu Dhabi Corniche. The Lobby Lounge, with its beautiful bright lights and superb views of the city, offers a Parisian-style tea service in a relaxed atmosphere.
The menu features a great variety of classic afternoon tea treats ranging from savoury sandwiches, such as the roast beef and the Scottish smoked salmon sandwiches, to delicious chocolate torte and a particularly impressive mille-feuille fo the sweet tooth.
Where to find the Lobby Lounge: The Lobby Lounge is located at Podium Level 3, Conrad by Hilton at Etihad Towers; afternoon tea is served from 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM.
Expect to pay: AED 220 per person.
Learn more at Hilton.com
Observation Deck at 300
Also located within Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, the Observation Deck on the 74th floor offers arguably the best view in Abu Dhabi. This spot has become popular, particularly with tourists, for its 360-degree view of the city and its amazing afternoon tea menu!
The same culinary delights are offered as in the Lobby Lounge but at a slight premium – which is more than worth it for the amazing 360 views of the city.
Where to find Observation Deck at 300: Conrad by Hilton at Etihad Towers, Level 74, Tower 2, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi. Afternoon tea is served from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Expect to pay: AED 250 per person.
Learn more at Hilton.com
Le Café, Emirates Palace
Le Café at the beautiful Emirates Palace Hotel offers you a truly gourmet experience. Luxury Afternoon Tea at The Emirates Palace extends far beyond the traditional afternoon tea menu. It includes 24k gold flaked duck foie gras and Lobster brioche buns, as well as salmon and cream cheese sandwiches!
A variety of sweets, including macaroons, delicate cakes, pastries, and mousses, is also served along with warm scones, jam, and proper clotted cream. No Afternoon Tea is complete without a pot of tea, and Le Café has one of the widest selections available.
For those really wanting to capture the real Emirates palace experience, why not sip a 23k gold cappuccino to help you digest?
The opulent setting, live piano music, and distinctive and delicious food and beverages make the Emirates Palace a real winner!
Where to find Le Café: Emirates Palace, Corniche Road, Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi. Afternoon tea is served from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Expect to pay: Prices start at AED 485 for two people.
Learn more at mandarinoriental.com
The Drawing Room, The St Regis Saadiyat Island
The Drawing Room at The St. Regis on Saadiyat Island is an exquisite spot for afternoon tea. The floor-to-ceiling windows provide a calming view of the Arabian Gulf, providing the perfect backdrop to a relaxing afternoon tea experience.
Service is truly second to none at a St. Regis Abu Dhabi afternoon tea, as is the quality of the food and beverages on offer.
The Drawing Room offers two signature options to its guests; the Middle Eastern afternoon tea and the traditional afternoon tea. The Middle Eastern afternoon tea features Arabian-inspired delicacies, while the traditional afternoon tea includes finger sandwiches and European cakes and pastries; a “tiny’ afternoon tea is also on offer so younger guests can join in the elegant fun!
Where to find The Drawing Room: The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. Afternoon tea is served from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Expect to pay: AED 195 to 240 (with bubbles); Tiny Afternoon Tea AED 120.
Learn more at marriott.com
Alba Lobby Lounge, The Ritz Carlton
Alba Lobby Lounge at the Ritz-Carlton, Abu Dhabi Grand Canal offers a great traditional English afternoon tea experience. Known for its world-class quality service, the afternoon tea menu at this chic spot, with its vaulted ceilings and chandeliers, features cucumber and smoked salmon sandwiches and sweet options like red velvet cake and lemon meringue as well as chocolate dipped strawberries.
The Alba also offers an impressive variety of teas ranging from green herbal teas to a rare white tea from the Himalayas. Time your tea to finish at sunset and enjoy the sound of the call to prayer from the nearby Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Where to find Alba Lobby Lounge: The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, Khor Al Maqta’a, Al Maqtaa, Abu Dhabi. Afternoon tea is served from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Expect to pay: AED 160 per person.
Learn more at ritzcarlton.com
The Lobby Lounge, Shangri-La Hotel
Another option for Afternoon Tea close to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque is The Lobby Lounge at The Shangri-La Hotel. The Shangri-La serves up a selection of sandwiches, cakes, and scones and often runs themed afternoon teas during holiday periods, including a ‘Diamond’ Afternoon Tea, during which diners had the chance to win a genuine diamond!
Where to find The Lobby Lounge: Shangri La, Lobby Level, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi. Afternoon tea is served from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM.
Expect to pay: AED 110 per person.
Learn more at shangri-la.com
Crystal Lounge, St. Regis on the Corniche
If you are looking for the ultimate instagrammable experience, Crystal Lounge is the place to go. Cozily located above the stunning staircase of the gorgeous St. Regis Hotel on the Corniche, the lounge is known for its unique afternoon tea with its diverse range of savoury treats and decadent desserts.
Where to find Crystal Lounge: The St. Regis Hotel, Nation Towers, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi. Afternoon tea is served from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Expect to pay: AED 195 per person.
Learn more at marriott.com
Filaments Café, Southern Sun
Filaments Café, located in the lobby area of Southern Sun is a great place to have afternoon tea. The menu offers a choice between traditional English High Tea treats such as scones and fruit tarts, alongside Arabic afternoon tea and Middle Eastern delicacies such as Arabian dates and baklava. The menu also offers a wide variety of teas, from English Breakfast tea to Early Grey and Japanese Green tea.
Where to find Filaments Café: Southern Sun Abu Dhabi, Al Mina Street, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi. Afternoon tea is served from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Expect to pay: AED 120 per person.
Learn more at southernsun.com
More Budget-Friendly Afternoon Tea Offers in Abu Dhabi
Whilst most hotels in Abu Dhabi offer afternoon tea packages, some of the best beautiful, budget-friendly afternoon teas in Abu Dhabi are available at:
- The Westin Hotel and Golf Resort, where you can have a wonderful afternoon tea for two overlooking the golf course for AED 149
- The Lobby Lounge at Marriott Hotel at Al Forsan, offers are available daily two people for AED 210
- Tipling Tea at Stratos Le Royal Meridien offers a themed afternoon tea from AED 99 pp (Thursday to Sunday)
- Fifth Street, Courtyard by Marriott offers decadent treats with a boozy twist from just AED 99 for two.
Note that most venues require 24-hour notice for afternoon tea, and therefore prior reservation is necessary.
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And for those special occasions:
- Abu Dhabi’s Best Iftars For Ramadan
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- Mother’s Day Special Dining Options
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- Diwali Deals and Dining in Abu Dhabi
We share a complete Abu Dhabi Events Calendar for 2023 over here to help you plan out all your special celebrations in the Capital
Before you go… Important things to consider planning a trip to Abu Dhabi
- Pop into our essential planning information page, it includes everything you need to know about getting around Abu Dhabi, a handy guide on what to pack as well as top tips for first-timers on the dos and don’ts, laws, and customs in the UAE.
- Check the most up-to-date COVID entry rules for Abu Dhabi.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
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