The best places for afternoon tea in Riyadh
High tea that’s worth the mid-day calories…
There’s nothing quite like whiling the afternoon away, sipping on a hot cup of tea whilst bingeing on scones, savouries and pastries. We’ve rounded up the best high tea places in cosy restaurants and sleek hotels for that perfect afternoon indulgence.
Time to book yourself a luxe afternoon tea sesh in Riyadh…
A.O.K. Kitchen
In our eyes, A.O.K. Kitchen can do little wrong. From the central location – perfectly placed yet tucked down a quiet area in KAFD – to the chic interiors, everything is lovely there and afternoon tea is no exception. Settle yourself into the elegant surroundings and enjoy the quintessential English treat. Served from 5pm to 7pm daily, the leisurely experience will combine A.O.K.’s inclusive food ethos with refined teas and delicious beverages that are free from refined sugar and consciously limited in gluten and dairy; for a light meal that feels as good as it tastes. So, get ready to lull into a Darjeeling-infused dream of an afternoon with decadent patisserie, warm scones, and, should you fancy it, a cool glass of premium non-alcoholic bubbly, which is also available by the bottle – definitely a perfect way to celebrate a special occasion or commemorate a moment together.
A.O.K. Kitchen, Afternoon Tea, 5pm to 7pm daily, KAFD, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13519. SAR220 per person. A minimum booking of two people is required. Tel: 9200 25304. @aokkitchensaudi
Bread Ahead
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We can’t say no to a delicious high tea to brighten up our weekdays, and Bread Ahead has just the thing. Take a bite out of signature pastries like banana and lime Breton tart, pistachio, almond and raspberry rose Battenberg, and crunchy choux – these sweet treats go perfectly with a sip of tea. Plus, they’re handmade daily so you know you’re getting the freshest nosh. For savoury delights, try dishes like smoked salmon sourdough and egg mayonnaise in a butter brioche roll to satisfy your cravings. A weekday pick-me-up that’s sweet and savoury? We’re sold.
Bread Ahead Bakery & School, Prince Mohammed bin Saad bin Abdulaziz, Hittin, Riyadh 13512. Tel: 055 952 4633. SAR169 per person for the afternoon tea. @breadaheadksa
Cafe Elle
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Over at Cafe Elle at Via Riyadh, they serve up one afternoon tea that’s unlike any other. Their afternoon tea concept ‘Elle Tea Affair’ is a nod to local flavours. This rings true with savoury bites like blinis with beetroot hummus. The sweet selection is clearly inspired by local influence too, with a dates choux pastry and the Al Hassa date scones served with Ward al-Madinah jelly, English clotted cream, organic honey and strawberry jam – which you’ll be happily tucking into.
Cafe Elle, Via Riyadh, The Elle Tea Affair is available daily froom 1pm to midnight. SAR230 per person. @cafeelle.sa
Chorisia Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh
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Afternoon tea at The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh is served in the opulent surroundings of their Chorisia Lounge, complete with a floor-to-ceiling window and centuries-old trees in the outdoor terrace. Nibble on tartlets with salmon roe and chive sour cream, crepe with labneh and honey, as well as finger sandwiches such as beef pastrami and egg on ciabatta and smoked salmon on brioche. The crumbly scones, which come with a hefty dollop of lemon curd and strawberry jam, are particularly good. At SAR250, the Royal English High Tea set for you and a dining partner also features a delectable selection of desserts – our top pick is the coffee éclair – plus your choice of tea.
Chorisia Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh, Makkah Al Mukarramah Rd, Al Hada. The afternoon tea is available daily at the Chorisia Lounge from 2pm to 6pm, and is priced at SAR250 for two. Tel: 011 802 8333. @theritzcarltonruh
Ladurée
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There’s nothing quite like enjoying high tea in an establishment exuding Parisian chic vibes. Well, we found the place where you can experience that – and more. Say hello to Ladurée, your newest hangout spot in the heart of Laysen Valley. Enjoy the Mathilde afternoon tea for two with savoury and sweet items like delicate pastries, finger sandwiches, and a selection of fragrant teas for a delightful escape this afternoon.
Ladurée, Laysen Valley, Umm Al Hamam Al Gharbi, Riyadh 12329. @ladureesaudiarabia
L’Ami Dave
There’s something whimsical and romantic about being inside L’Ami Dave. The afternoon tea menu here features three distinct tea sets: Rive Gauche (SAR120), L’Opera (SAR200), and Versailles (SAR330) for a truly indulgent experience. All include baskets of sundried cherry and flaky plain scones, honey and lemon madeleines, and a variety of cold savoury bites. Oh, and did we mention the unlimited servings of TWG tea? That’s your caffeine for the day, sorted. Read our review here.
L’Ami Dave Afternoon Tea, Mon to Sat 3pm to 7pm, Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel, 4248 Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Road, Riyadh 13315. Tel: 011 829 0949 / 011 829 0950. @lamidaveriyadh
Mamo Michelangelo
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From the elegant backdrop and pretty place settings to the fine crockery presenting a delicate array of sweet and savoury delights, Mamo Michelangelo is now offering afternoon tea in their lounge and terrace sections. Indulge in finger sandwiches, delicious desserts, and scones served with jam and clotted cream. And to drink? There’s a whole range of PMD teas and speciality coffees to choose from.
Mamo Michelangelo, King Fahd Rd, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12212. The afternoon tea is available daily 4pm to 6pm and is priced at SAR240 per person. Tel: 9200 00874. @mamomichelangeloksa
Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel
Delight in the Mansard RC x Fozaza Afternoon Tea, a curated menu of sweet and savoury delights inspired by fashion icon Alanoud Badr, served daily from 5pm to 8pm in the elegant lobby lounge of Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel. The menu, priced at SAR130 per person, features meticulously crafted items, such as Prawn and Avocado Crumble Tarts, Smoked Salmon with Lemon Verbena on Rye Bread, Organic Egg Salad with Rosemary, Wagyu Roasted Beef with Truffle, Tuna Sandwich, and Open Cucumber Sandwich, ensuring a stylish and artistic gastronomic journey.
Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel, 4248 Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Road, Ar Rabi, Riyadh 13315. @radissoncollectionmansard
Ôplaisir
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Set in a sophisticated yet cosy ambience, let Ôplaisir give you a true taste of its decadent afternoon tea. Its afternoon tea sets, which serves two, come in both Ôplaisir Tea Time (SAR155) and Afternoon Tea Time (SAR95), simply depending on how hungry you are. The latter dishes out yummy bites that include freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream, an assortment of sandwiches, and mini profiteroles with chocolate sauce.
The three-tier Ôplaisir Tea Time set features the same treats, except it includes pastries and a choice of twice-baked croissant or roasted chicken and mushrooms crêpe with bechamel sauce. To complete the experience, simply pick from 12 unique tea blends, including 1001 Nights (black tea, green tea and orange flowers) and Happy Forest (hibiscus, rosehip, pineapple, papaya and cherries), to sip away as you devour the scrumptious food. Ôplaisir is also offering its afternoon tea for takeaway in a pretty (not-so-little) box.
Ôplaisir, Al Mohammadiyah, daily 7am to midnight. The afternoon tea is available from 4pm to 7pm. SAR155 for Ôplaisir Tea Time for two, SAR95 for Afternoon Tea Time for two. Tel: 011 812 2420. @oplaisir_ksa
The Globe
Picture this: you’re sipping on a cup of soothing tea and enjoying delicious canapes, all whilst being accompanied by a panoramic view of the capital city. That’s what you’ll get when you indulge in The Globe’s International Afternoon Tea at Al Faisaliah Tower, which has perhaps the most extensive and substantial selection of any high tea we’ve had in Riyadh. The afternoon tea comes with a free-flowing selection of savouries and sweets.
Start by selecting a drink (we’d recommend the Moroccan Mint tea from its TWG Tea range), and indulge in hot appetisers such as kibbeh, falafel, mini samosa and mini chicken hotdog Millefeuille, as well as its sushi selection from the buffet. Classic afternoon tea favourites, consisting of scones, sandwiches and pastries, are served on a three-tiered stand, presented on your table. You’ll also enjoy a wide variety of desserts like cheesecake, chocolate fondue and more.
The Globe, Al Faisaliah Tower, King Fahd Branch Rd. The afternoon tea is only available every Fri & Sat from 3pm to 6pm. SAR225for adult and SAR100 for children aged 4 to 12 years. Tel: 011 273 2222. @mo_alfaisaliah
The Mandarin Lounge, Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh
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Boasting an elegant and comfortable setting with lush interiors and natural daylight, The Mandarin Lounge is a peaceful oasis – an oasis of tea and cake. Soft, warm scones are served with lashings of cream, butter and the most delicious jam that left us scraping the bottom of the ramekin. The assortment of cakes and artisanal chocolate pralines are a feast for the eyes, while finger sandwiches make a welcome savoury intervention from the sweet treats.
The Mandarin Lounge, Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh. @mo_alfaisaliah
The Savoy Lounge, Fairmont Hotel Riyadh
There’s a lovely Jo Malone Afternoon Tea Experience taking place within the elegant confines of The Savoy Lounge. This limited-edition spread, created in collaboration with our favourite fragrance brand, Jo Malone, rruns until Wednesday July 31. The delicacies, infused with the luxurious scents for which Jo Malone London is famed and presented on a three-tiered stand, are made with such finesse. After enjoying the indulgent tea, each guest will receive a selection of Jo Malone London’s most-loved scents in a gift set. The set showcases an assortment of sample-size fragrances, beautifully packaged in the brand’s iconic style. That’s not all, though. Guests will also receive a Jo Malone London gift voucher, redeemable at any of their stores, extending their sensory adventure beyond their visit. Plus, as an added delight, you will receive a special treat from Fairmont Hotel Riyadh to enjoy at home. Think of this as an afternoon tea with benefits.
Jo Malone Afternoon Tea Experience at The Savoy, May 1 to July 31, daily 1pm to 7pm, Fairmont Riyadh, Business Gate, Qurtubah, Riyadh 11552. SAR250 per person. Tel: 011 826 2629. @fairmontriyadh
The St. Regis Riyadh
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Lifting your pinky at The St. Regis Riyadh’s sparkling lobby area over dainty treats and charming cups of tea is quite possibly one of life’s little pleasures. Delight in a medley of delectable treats, with a wide selection of teas to choose from. The afternoon tea offerings also include a bottle of non-alcoholic champagne.
The St. Regis Riyadh, Via Riyadh, District 2941, Makkah Al Mukarramah Road, Al Hada, Riyadh 12912. The afternoon tea is available daily from 2pm to 6pm, SAR295 for 2 persons. @stregisriyadh
Yauatcha Riyadh
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When it comes to afternoon tea, you’ll immediately think of scones and sandwiches, but what if we tell you that you can get two platters of dim sum, plus a dessert stand? Well, you can find this afternoon tea with a twist exclusively at Yauatcha. Pull up a seat at the terrace and feast on steamed and baked dim sum platters, with favourites like seafood black truffle dumplings, har gao and venison puff. Then end on a sweet note with dainty treats like coconut dome, pecan coffee truffle, raspberry profiterole and white chocolate cake with mango.
Sip on Asian-inspired teas such as the aromatic Golden Swan or the robust Harmutty black tea. Alternatively, if you prefer a black tea base with fruity notes, go for the French Earl Grey tea instead. The SAR250 price tag also entitles you to Red Cha, a refreshing berry-based concoction that’s perfect for spring. There is a minimum requirement of two diners for Yauatcha’s afternoon tea.
Yauatcha Riyadh, Mode Al Faisaliah, Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Rd, Al Olaya. The afternoon tea is available from noon to 6pm. SAR250 per person. Tel: 920 006 555. @yauatchariyadh
Images: Supplied / Instagram