SPILLING THE TEA ON AFTERNOON TEA IN ABU DHABI

In Abu Dhabi, we do afternoon tea. This isn't a case of scone being tossed into a basket with some jam and cream, it's a 5 star, high quality, wear-a-dress fest where patisserie chefs get to show off their skills.


Tea stands differ in size but they always offer both sweet and savoury options as well as scones ... because afternoon tea without scones is like William without Kate!


Because each stand is made-to-order, you need to book 24 hours in advance.

STRATOS

LE ROYAL MERIDIEN


Afternoon tea at Stratos gained fame when they made the genius decision to have a fabulous storybook theme - over the years there's been Alice In Wonderland and The Wizard Of Oz, and now, they're heading straight into Mary Poppins! Expect to see an appearance from the lady herself, Bert and all the Bankses!


It's a departure from other teas around town, not just because the staff are dressed up and completely in character, but the food is also not so traditional, but ever so lovely! There's no tea stand per se, instead you get a tray of savoury eclairs and a platter of most delectable sweets. Scones are served separately and do not disappoint!


There's also a range of the coolest non-alcoholic (and alcoholic) teas that will inspire you!


This is the perfect afternoon tea to take your daughter to: it's elevated the popularity of many a parent in Abu Dhabi to date!


Time: Thursday-Sunday 2PM - 4PM

Price: AED99 per person, upgrade to beverages for AED125

Booking: 02 695 0490

THE LOUNGE

THE WESTIN


Afternoon tea at the Westin has long been a Best Bites community favourite. We love the golf course views, the cute little picnic table-style stand and the delectable bites that come with it.


Savoury items include different sandwiches made with beautiful pumpernickel and sourdough bread and delicate croissants. The sweets are more plentiful and include the most lovely lemon meringue bite, chocolate delights with finishing perfect for an Instagrammable shot.


There are hot suggestions by way of the bottomless tea and coffee on offer and when it comes to value-for-money, the Westin afternoon tea is the best in town.


Time: 2PM - 6PM

Price: AED125 for 2

Booking: 02 616 9999

MAJLIS

JUMEIRAH AT SAADIYAT ISLAND


One of the best and most swanky afternoon teas in Abu Dhabi, the Majlis afternoon tea can be taken either in Majlis itself or the very bright and busy lobby. What sets it apart from others? The innovation and finishing elevate this from an afternoon tea to an exercise in luxury eating.


The Jumeirah patisserie team has gone for quality over quantity. We love the savoury options: the most incredible ham and cheese wrap (pictured), the egg covered sandwich, delicate savoury filled pastries and rolls, and always with a lovely no-meat bite for vegetarians.


The sweet options are always visionary, making it very hard to hold off and finish the savoury items first. There's always a chocolate option, never too sweet but always rich with unplumbed depths. We always enjoy the tarts, made with the lightest pastry and fresh, piquant fillings, and the choux is perfectly executed, giving us very strong Parisian vibes. Scones are served with clotted cream and a couple of different conserves - we've become fond of the non-traditional lemon honey.


Enjoy the superb range of tea and coffee on offer, all beautifully presented to contribute to a stellar afternoon tea experience. Take your time over this afternoon tea, immerse yourself in the food and give yourself a well-deserved indulgence.


Time: 2PM - 6PM

Price: AED195 per person

Booking: 02 811 4342

THE LOBBY AND THE OBSERVATION DECK AT 300

CONRAD ABU DHABI ETIHAD TOWERS


Which afternoon tea shall I take my guests to, for the full Abu Dhabi afternoon tea experience? Here! Either head all the way up to the 76th floor of Conrad Etihad Towers to the Observation Deck, or enjoy the light and buzz of the lobby lounge. Whichever venue you choose, the tea is on point.


Being self-confessed afternoon tea addicts, we think this afternoon tea ticks all the boxes: the sweets and savouries change regularly and are loosely based around a theme - in May the theme is strawberry, giving us all the summer vibes. We love the delicate sandwiches, mouthfuls of quiche and small pastries as well as the delightful range of sweets.


The ambiance is on point in both venues: the Observation Deck for the 360 views of the city and the sea and the lobby for the water view and on-holiday atmosphere. Enjoy your welcome drink, then sink into the fabulousness of this tea, with a good range of tea and coffee on offer, chosen to complement the theme of the tea.


With , the ambiance in both venues is superb and with 25% off with BB+, it's an amazing treat that won't break the bank.


Time: 2.30PM-6.30PM

Price: AED230 per person

Booking: 02 811 5556

THE LOBBY LOUNGE

MARRIOTT AL FORSAN


25% OFF AFTERNOON TEA


This afternoon tea has firmly established its credentials as one of Abu Dhabi's best value afternoon teas - made better with an astounding 25% off for those of you smart enough to sign up to BB+.


The range of savouries is what separates this tea out in a field where sweets reign supreme. We love the pastries, the sandwiches, the sandos and croissants, all with different flavours and textures, making this a great way to start your tea.


The finishing on the sweets is excellent and they taste pretty nice too. We love to hear that they strive to add less sugar into their sweets so that you don't come away feeling like you've blown your calories budget.


Tea and coffee is unlimited and there's a nice range to choose from, including a hot chocolate which is much loved by kids.


Time: Daily 2.30PM - 5.30PM

Price: AED110 per person, AED210 for 2, 25% off these prices with BB+

Booking: 02 201 4131

BRUNCH AND CAKE

MARSA AL BATEEN


Brunch & Cake's afternoon tea is a world of exquisite. Enjoy a little tea stand laden with the freshest croissants, pastries, choux buns and delicious bites - the perfect end to a good day. From the beautiful decor to the lovely staff, this is an experience to remember ... and repeat!


Time: 3PM -10PM

Price: AED120 per person

Booking: 02 575 4880

FIFTH STREET CAFE

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT


Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea at Fifth Street Cafe, the perfect way to treat a friend or just enjoy on your own. The 3-tiered stand comes with scones with house-made jam, open sandwiches and, perfect for the truly sweet tooth, pastries and small cakes. Tea and coffee is unlimited.


At just AED99 for 2, this is a great afternoon deal!


Time: Daily 3pm - 6pm

Price: AED 99 for 2 people

Booking: 02 698 2255


Rachael Partington

4/26/2023