So we all know I’m a self-proclaimed high tea expert. I’m from the UK, where afternoon tea is a big deal, and it’s always been one of my favourite things to do. These days I live in Brisbane, but I definitely haven’t lost my love of afternoon tea – or high tea as it’s usually called here.

And in case you’re not familiar with a high tea (where have you been?): it consists of sandwiches and savouries, scones with jam and cream and a selection of sweet treats. Washed down with a pot of tea. And hopefully served on a tiered platter. In a nice setting.

From upmarket hotels to local cafes – there are plenty of high teas to sample in Brisbane.

My high tea buddy is my 10 year-old daughter, Rose, so I’m always on the lookout for child-friendly high teas. That said, we can usually make it work even if there isn’t a dedicated children’s menu.

So here it is: the ultimate list of the best high teas in Brisbane, refreshed for 2026. I’ll keep adding to this list as I discover more. Let me know if I’ve missed anywhere!

And if you’re looking for more family-friendly dining in Brisbane, have you seen my list of Brisbane Pubs with Playgrounds?

Stamford Plaza

The Stamford Plaza has to go straight to the top of this list thanks to the sheer number of times we’ve been (I think we’re up to five high teas now!).

Normally I’m a high tea purist, but I really love the themed buffet high teas at the Stamford Plaza.

They offer a standard Queensland-inspired high tea, and a Argentinian chocolate high tea, but our favourites are the themed school holiday high teas aimed squarely at the kids. We’ve been to Harry Potter, Wonka and most recently the Mad Hatter’s high tea. They put a lot of effort into the theming, and there’s always plenty of food. The Mad Hatter’s high tea in particular was whimsical, fantastical and huge amounts of fun.

This is my personal plea to the Stamford Plaza: please keep doing these themed high teas – you’ll always have a customer in me!

Read my full review of the Mad Hatter’s High Tea here.

Room with Roses

For something a bit more traditional, head to Room with Roses in the Brisbane Arcade. It’s a very English-style high tea, and everything is pretty, dainty and beautifully presented.

There’s no children’s menu here, but Rose had no trouble working her way through an adult’s high tea. To be fair, it was a lighter offering thanks to the miniature delicacies!

Read my full review of Room with Roses high tea here.

W Hotel

This one’s more of a modern, trendy high tea, served on a W-shaped tiered stand – nice touch. They change their menus seasonally. We visited in the summer and tried the Golden Glow high tea, where everything was gold, yellow, or white – think passionfruit, mango and lots of cream.

It was delicious, and we left absolutely stuffed. Bonus: they also have a separate children’s menu.

Read my full review of the W Hotel high tea here.

Hyatt Regency

Held in Lennons Restaurant, the Hyatt Regency’s “Season of Sunshine” high tea features Queensland flavours and elevated dining amid the bustle of the Brisbane CBD.

Spoiler alert: the desserts are sensational.

Read my full review of the Hyatt Regency high tea here.

Belle Epoque

Downstairs in the Emporium Hotel is Belle Epoque, a Parisian-style bakery. This is more of a casual, cafe-style high tea, but it’s tasty, relaxed and very child-friendly. They also have seasonal menus – we sampled the festive high tea at Christmas, which came with gingerbread men, mince pies and plenty of chocolate.

Read my full review of the Belle Epoque high tea here.

French & Mor

In a local café in Albany Creek you’ll find French & Mor, serving up a French-inspired high tea with patisserie-style cakes and excellent T2 tea.

This one is the best-value high tea on the list, and perfect for a more casual, low-key outing.

Read my full review of the French & Mor high tea here.

Bacchus

In an upscale restaurant inside Rydges South Bank Hotel, Bacchus offers a traditional high tea with some very modern twists.

This sophisticated high tea is surprisingly family-friendly.

Read my full review of the Bacchus high tea here.

Imperial Hotel, Gold Coast

Alright, technically this one’s on the Gold Coast, not Brisbane. But it’s one of the best high teas I’ve had in Australia, so it’s worth the drive.

Held in the elegant lobby of the swanky Imperial Hotel, this high tea matches its luxurious setting perfectly.

And yes, amazingly they even have a children’s high tea.

Read my full review of the Imperial Hotel high tea here.

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