When choosing a venue for a high-end tea experience in Cape Town, the classic experience at The Mount Nelson is often mentioned. However, it is not the only opportunity to enjoy afternoon tea, scones, and sweet and savory snacks. If you have already visited The Nellie or are looking for something different, there are several alternatives worth considering.
Some of these venues integrate the city and Table Mountain into their experience, while others offer a closer proximity to the Atlantic Ocean or are located in the Franschhoek wine region.
The Twelve Apostles Hotel
For an experience that feels completely different from a city hotel, consider heading to the Atlantic coast and visiting the Tea by the Sea event at The Twelve Apostles Hotel. This experience, served at The Leopard Bar, combines traditional beloved high tea fare with the dramatic coastal landscape for which the hotel is known.
Guests are offered warm scones, cupcakes, macarons, and sandwiches, accompanied by a selection of teas and coffees. Vegan options are also available upon request. The main attraction here is the setting: the hotel is situated above the Atlantic Ocean along the coastal road between Cape Town and Camps Bay, making it a good choice when the scenery is part of the afternoon indulgence.
For a more modern take on this tradition, One&Only Cape Town offers afternoon tea in Vista Bar & Lounge. This experience is served on individually crafted tiered stands, and signature tea blends accompany the selection of snacks, scones, and sweets. It retains the familiar structure of afternoon tea but places it in the sophisticated ambiance of the V&A Waterfront resort. The panoramic windows in Vista Bar & Lounge also make the surroundings part of the experience, offering views of Table Mountain and the surrounding waterfront.
The Silo Hotel
The Silo Hotel offers a slightly more original version of traditional afternoon tea with its Royal Tea at The Granary cafe. Served on the sixth floor, Royal Tea combines elements of a traditional tea ceremony with a selection of sweet and savory treats prepared by the pastry team. The menu changes, but the focus remains on beautifully presented tea party delights alongside tea or coffee.
The location is also a reason to consider this option. The placement of The Granary cafe inside The Silo allows guests to be high above the V&A Waterfront, giving the experience a strong sense of place, while maintaining a focus on food and tea.
La Residence
If you are willing to leave Cape Town for a day, La Residence in Franschhoek offers a completely different high tea experience amidst the vineyards and mountains of the Winelands region. Their Afternoon Tea focuses on fresh, local, and seasonal produce, offering both sweet and savory bites with tea, coffee, or juice.
The menu includes items such as quiche, sandwiches, savory madeleines, macarons, profiteroles, petit fours, and classic buttermilk scones. The setting is also part of the appeal, as La Residence is located in the Franschhoek valley. Afternoon tea is served daily, and non-resident guests can book this experience subject to availability.
Cape Grace
If the setting is almost as important as the contents of the tea stand, then Cape Grace is a natural alternative. Afternoon tea is served in the Heirloom restaurant at the V&A Waterfront overlooking the yacht marina, with Table Mountain serving as a backdrop. The experience includes a selection of premium loose-leaf teas, delicate savories, sandwiches, freshly baked cream and jam scones, and handcrafted confectionery. The atmosphere is elegant but not overly formal, and live piano music complements the event. Currently, afternoon tea is served from Thursday to Sunday, with daytime seating available.