Johannesburg, South Africa

Tea time: the top 5 spots for high tea in Johannesburg

Southern Africa • Eat & drink • Tea time: the top 5 spots for high tea in Johannesburg

Johannesburg’s high tea spots that promise a delicious escape

When the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg gets a little too much, there’s nothing quite like the ritual of afternoon tea to slow things down. It’s a moment to indulge in an elegant pause – steaming pots of fragrant brews, tiers of dainty sandwiches and indulgent pastries that are almost too pretty to eat. Johannesburg is home to some unique spots that know how to put on a high tea like no other. So, put down your coffee cup, don your best outfit and prepare to dive into a world of warm scones, clinking china and time-honoured tradition with a Johannesburg twist. These are the places where the tea is always hot and the atmosphere is endlessly inviting.

Level Four Restaurant

Housed in the boutique 54 on Bath Hotel in Rosebank, Level Four Restaurant puts on an elegant garden afternoon tea. Afternoon tea is served in their lush rooftop garden – the setting perfectly complements the experience. This setting is especially beautiful during jacaranda season when the city blooms in lilac hues. You can opt for the Traditional Tea with its lineup of finger sandwiches, scones and pastries or elevate your experience with the Royal Tea, which adds a glass of bubbly. Their tea selection is carefully curated, featuring premium TWG blends and local specialities like Jade of Africa, a rooibos infused with fruity and floral notes.

Level Four Restaurant
54 on Bath
54 Bath Ave
Rosebank
Johannesburg
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Level Four Restaurant

Olives & Plates

Olives & Plates offers a picturesque afternoon tea experience with its Cape Dutch-inspired architecture and lush surroundings. Whether you’re seated outside under the dappled shade of the trees or in the stylishly curated indoor space, the atmosphere is nothing short of enchanting. The high tea menu features classics like traditional cucumber sandwiches, smoked salmon bagels and an assortment of homemade pastries, puffs, tartlets and mini cakes. Accompanying these treats is a choice of imported German teas, freshly brewed coffee and even some cap classique is on offer if you are in the mood for a bubbly afternoon tea.

Olives & Plates
Cnr Jan Smuts Ave & Cnr Winnie Mandela Dr
Hyde Park
Johannesburg
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Olives & Plates

Just Teddy

Just Teddy is a chic patisserie that blends Parisian flavours with Middle Eastern influences. Known for its exquisite pastries and luxurious ambience, it’s a must-visit spot for a unique high tea experience. Just Teddy’s decor – gold accents, plush seating and floral arrangements – creates an intimate yet glamorous setting. We love the afternoon menu at this spot, especially the sweet treats – rose-scented macarons, pistachio baklava and saffron-infused cakes. The savoury options are just as impressive, with offerings like lamb kofta sliders and za’atar-spiced pastries. This family-run patisserie knows how to blend tradition with innovation and their menu is worth all the rave reviews.

Just Teddy
Hyde Park Corner Shopping Centre
Cnr William Nicole Drive & Jan Smuts Ave
Hyde Park
Johannesburg
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Just Teddy

Goddess Café

If you’re looking for a high tea spot with a strong sense of personality, Goddess Café is it. This Instagrammable eatery lives up to its name with its dreamy pink decor, floral installations and playful vibe. High tea at Goddess Café is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Featuring some unique bites like trout and curried chickpea sandwiches and vegetarian bites like falafels and lentil balls. The sweet side doesn’t disappoint either, with macarons, petit fours and fluffy scones served with cream and jam. Their tea selection spans standard favourites like Earl Grey and rooibos, as well as speciality blends like Moroccan mint and creme caramel rooibos.

Goddess Café
44 1st Ave
Linden
Johannesburg
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Goddess Café

Liberté

Liberté is a stylish bistro that offers a high tea experience rooted in French elegance. The space is chic and minimalistic, which is perfect since the food here takes all of the spotlight. Liberté knows how to impress when it comes to high tea treats. The savoury selection includes smoked salmon and spinach canapés, grilled halloumi and zucchini skewers and salmon and caviar crostini. If you have a sweet tooth – they serve the best dark Belgian chocolate ganache cupcakes and melt-in-the-mouth eclairs with crème pâtissière! And what would a high tea be without tea? At Liberté you have a choice of 12 interesting tea options, including refreshing mint tea.