Where to Enjoy the Best Afternoon Teas in Abu Dhabi
Sip, savor, and unwind with our guide to the best afternoon teas across Abu Dhabi’s most elegant spots. In a bustling city like Abu Dhabi, carving out a moment to slow down can feel revolutionary. Afternoon teas in Abu Dhabi provide that rare opportunity to hit pause, even if just for an hour, allowing you to step away from emails, errands, and the constant buzz of daily life. This longstanding ritual, blending tradition and modern elegance, has evolved in the capital, showcasing exquisite towers of pastries, savory bites, and fragrant teas with local influences. Each tea offering is a reminder of the rich journey this beverage has taken, encapsulating an exquisite experience that is both theatrical and delightful.
Episodes, Emirates Palace
Few experiences encapsulate Abu Dhabi quite like afternoon teas at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. Here, grandeur is served on a tray, featuring delicate sandwiches and glossy French pastries, all accompanied by a vast selection of rare teas and herbal infusions. The opulent setting, adorned with marble and chandeliers, transforms each sip into a true celebration. A standout item is the renowned Palace Cappuccino, lavishly sprinkled with 24-karat gold, making this experience as much about spectacle as it is about taste. Priced at Dhs 245 per person, this two-hour ritual is less about refueling and more about indulging in one of the capital’s most iconic experiences.
Location: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi
Times: 8am to 11pm
Cost: Dhs 245 per person
Contact: (02) 690 7999
Crystal Lounge at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi
The afternoon tea at Crystal Lounge offers a quintessential St. Regis experience wrapped in elegance. Available from 2pm to 6pm, guests can select between the Classic Afternoon Tea and The St. Regis Afternoon Tea, each paired with exquisite Tchaba loose-leaf blends. Indulge in smoked salmon with crème fraîche, buttery scones topped with cream and jam, and pâtisseries that are almost too beautiful to eat. For younger guests, the Tiny Tea provides a miniature version of the full spread, ideal for kids. Whether it’s a midweek afternoon or a leisurely weekend, Crystal Lounge offers a celebratory ambiance, making each pause in your day feel special.
Location: The St Regis Abu Dhabi, Nation Towers, Corniche Street, Al Bateen
Times: 2pm to 6pm
Cost: Dhs 195 per person inclusive of tea or coffee; Dhs 295 per person inclusive of a glass of bubbly; Tiny Tea – Dhs 95 per child (reservation required 24 hours in advance)
Contact: (02) 694 4553
Majlis by Pierre Hermé, Rosewood
The afternoon tea experience at Rosewood Abu Dhabi is a pastry lover’s dream, guided by the iconic Pierre Hermé. At Majlis, guests indulge in a four-course journey that begins with a delicate amuse bouche and transitions through creatively styled sandwiches and the show-stopping Ispahan dessert—an exquisite blend of rose, lychee, and raspberry. Complementing the savory and sweet courses are rare teas and Geisha coffee, creating a harmonious retreat that celebrates flavor and artistry. It is a calming, intimate escape that highlights culinary excellence.
Location: Rosewood, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi
Times: Daily: 1st Sitting: 2pm to 2:30pm and 2nd Sitting: 4pm to 4:30pm
Cost: Dhs 345 per person; Dhs 595 with Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Brut 2014
Contact: (02) 813 5520
Pearl Lounge, Grand Hyatt
Living up to its name, Pearl Lounge features an afternoon tea inspired by the elegance and allure of pearls. The refined setting is perfect for a leisurely gathering with friends or a quiet catch-up. The menu includes inventive savory bites, such as truffle eggs in mini brioche rolls and smoked salmon mousse on charcoal bread, alongside striking desserts like the Mango Passion Stone and freshly prepared crêpes from a live station. Every detail has been meticulously arranged, making this tea experience both contemporary and indulgent, standing out in a city renowned for luxury.
Location: Grand Hyatt, West Corniche Road, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi
Times: 3pm to 7pm
Cost: Dhs 140 set for one (inclusive of unlimited hot beverages); Dhs 240 set for two (inclusive of unlimited hot beverages)
Contact: (02) 510 1234
Al Finjan, Le Méridien
The afternoon tea at Al Finjan is marked by subtle sophistication, where each bite is a crafted delight. Offering a selection of finger sandwiches and savory bites, the menu showcases layers of flavor and meticulous attention to detail. Sweet offerings take the spotlight with treats like the tangy Yuzu meringue tart and an impressive variety of pastries. Guests can pair these delicious selections with carefully curated teas or freshly brewed coffee, allowing for a moment of calm and elegance in the city’s heart. Al Finjan’s afternoon tea invites you to pause and relish each course.
Location: Le Méridien Abu Dhabi, Al Zahiyah, Tourist Club Area
Times: 3:30pm to 6:30pm
Cost: Dhs 99 with the choice of coffee or tea; Dhs 119 with sparkling wine
Contact: 056 688 5361
Andaz Lounge, Andaz Capital Gate
The afternoon tea at Andaz Lounge is a culinary journey inspired by Japan, presented high above the city. Chef Joevel Magpantay has crafted a six-course menu that takes guests through flavors reminiscent of Kyoto’s serene tea gardens and Hokkaido’s snowy charm. Beginning with a matcha scone paired with raspberry preserve and moving through delicate savories and playful desserts, highlights include the Kani Sando, Braised Beef Onigiri, and a visually stunning Cherry Blossom finale. Each course is thoughtfully paired with premium teas or inventive mocktails, offering an elegant escape for the senses.
Location: Andaz Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi
Times: 3pm to 6pm
Cost: Dhs 189 per person
Contact: (050) 765 6435