The best high teas in Melbourne

What is it? A strictly traditional afternoon tea.
How much? From Wednesdays to Fridays, it's $89 per person. On Saturdays and Sundays, it's $109 per person. A glass of sparkling is included in the package. 
Why go? Having served afternoon tea every day since 1883, the Windsor has perfected the traditional offerings of ribbon sandwiches, warm scones and an ever-changing array of pastries. Expect an eye-popping array of dishes like mini quiches, raspberry and strawberry mousses, sweet and savoury scones and more. 

What is it? A classic high tea experience in an opulent hotel setting
How much? It's around $85 to $233, depending on which day you go and which drinks package you book. Bottomless is available and kids can get a seat at the table for $48 a head on weekdays.
Why go? This might be one of the only high teas that incorporate tea sommeliers to curate your beverage experience with Wedgwood specialty teas. Aside from that, expect a three-tiered tower of sweet, savoury and warm delights as well as freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and an array of jams and curds. There's even a kids' high tea you can arrange with the little ones!

What is it? An old-world high tea and chocolate salon from a food chemist-turned chocolate entrepreneur. 
How much? Prices vary from $45 to $130 per person, depending on which high tea you choose. View the full list of offerings at the website.
Why go? Dr Hanna Frederick succumbed to the temptations of chocolate to open up a salon devoted the world's most irresistable sweet: chocolate. Hanna's portfolio of boutique artisan hand-made chocolate creations have included the likes of unique flavours like native Maori Horopito and Kawakawa, dark beer truffles and deer velvet chocolates – but don't skip out on the savouries. They're just as mouthwatering.

What is it? A highbrow tea set inside the National Gallery of Victoria's Tea Room. 
How much? $79 per person for the sparkling high tea and $89 per person for the French high tea. There's a ten per cent discount for NGV members.
Why go? The NGV has teamed up with the Yarra Valley's Yering Station winery for this sparkling high tea. Guests will get a plate of freshly cut finger sandwiches as well as a series of savoury treats like cornish beef pasties and pithiviers of chicken and mushroom. This is all paired with sparkling wine (upgrade to free-flowing for an additional $10pp) or a glass of Champagne. 

What is it? A luxe high tea experience with an Aussie native twist.
How much? $89 per adult and $44.50 per child.
Why go? At East Melbourne's Pullman on the Park hotel, the Cliveden is hosting what it reckons might just be Melbourne's finest high tea experience. But don't expect your run-of-the-mill scones and sangas here. The executive chef has infused each delightful savoury and sweet treat with native Australian ingredients like lemon myrtle, finger lime and wattleseed – the result of meticulous research into the bounty of indigenous ingredients we have on our doorstep. Find out more here.

What is it? A New York-themed high tea.
How much? It's $59 per person, with optional add-ons available at an extra cost.
Why go? The Melbourne Marriott Hotel on the corner of Exhibition and Lonsdale Street has announced an exquisite New York style high tea, designed to delight and bedazzle your taste buds all afternoon long. Perfect for two, the three-tied stand is offering a selection of cold and warm dishes, plus handmade pastries and desserts. Book a table now.

What is it? A tea house specialist completely devoted to curating bespoke and memorable high tea experiences. 
How much? Prices vary depending on which package you choose. View the full list of offerings at the website.
Why go? Mary Eats Cake is one of the only spots around Melbourne that's completely centred on high tea. Whether you opt for a signature seasonal high tea or work with the specialists instead to bring your bridal or birthday high tea dreams to life, the treats here are guaranteed to impress. Expect a fresh modern twist to the old-fashioned traditions you know and love, with vintage teaware and classic desserts in a cosy tea room. 

What is it? A contemporary twist on the traditional high tea.
How much? From $72 per person, with additional costs depending on your choice of sparkling or Champagne.
Why go? The Westin is possibly one of Melbourne's grandest hotels, and if you're keen on sipping your tea in sophisticated, old-world surrounds, then this is the one. Expect three tiers of seasonal treats including a variety of scones, savoury dishes like quiches and gazpacho and sweet delights like tea cakes, pannacotta and ice cream sandwiches.

What is it? A contemporary twist on the traditional high tea.
How much? $98 per adult and $45 per child.
Why go? From the Sofitel's No35 restaurant, you'll be able to soak up sweeping views across Melbourne's skyline and Port Phillip Bay. It's pretty impressive, and once you're done you can treat yourself to a shopping spree along the Paris end of Collins Street. For lunch, expect a three-tiered stand filled with delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and a selection of homemade desserts. It'll be paired with sparkling wine and your choice of unlimited tea from the hotel's extensive Madame Flavour selection, or espresso coffee.

What is it? A contemporary tea house boasting premium loose leaf teas and classic English-inspired high tea experiences.
How much? High tea is priced from $105 per person, with additional costs depending on how you customise your package.
Why go? Enter this dark cocoon-like space on the ground floor of Capitol Grand to sample exquisite teas and treats in an award-winning design environment. This is a modern high tea experience a cut above the rest. 

What is it? A traditional afternoon tea experience in an esteemed government building.
How much? $85 per person.
Why go? Parliament House has been serving traditional afternoon tea since 1924, and now you can be part of that esteemed history. It takes place in Strangers Corridor, an elegant wood-panelled restaurant within Parliament House, and you'll be treated to sparkling wine, freshly brewed tea and an array of freshly baked scones, sweet pastries and finger sandwiches.