Is there anything better than an afternoon spent indulging in a high tea? Freshly baked scones, neat finger sandwiches, endless pots of tea, and delicate tarts you’ll be dreaming of for weeks to come. If you’ve been craving a long, lazy catch-up that involves tiered stands and the odd glass of bubbles, we’ve done the hard work for you. Here’s where to find the best high teas on the Central Coast, from the fancy to the fun (and a few that fall deliciously in between).
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Central Coast High Tea Venues
Kew Dining, Erina Heights
If there’s one high tea that’s the talk of the Coast, it’s the pretty-as-a-picture spread at Kew Dining. Honestly, anytime someone asks about high tea on the local Facebook groups, Kew’s name pops up first (and for good reason). Next to the world-renowned Ken Duncan Gallery in Erina Heights (perfect for a post-meal wander), Kew has an understated air of elegance. Their high teas are served on the airy terrace with lush green valley views, soft light, and food that looks almost too perfect to touch (get plenty of photos first!).
It’s $75 per person, served from 10 am on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and trust us, you’ll want to book ahead. These beauties sell out fast! You’ll be greeted with a glass of house sparkling and a tea of your choice, followed by savoury bites that are practically art, fluffy scones, and delicate sweets to finish – zingy lemon tarts, rich chocolate mousse, mini apple crumble, all served on fine bone china (the good plates finally get their moment).
Refined without being stuffy, it’s the kind of indulgence that’ll have you saying mid-bite, “we’re doing this again next month.”
Meribella, Terrigal
When it comes to ocean views, Meribella has everyone else beat. Perched inside the Crowne Plaza Terrigal, it’s one of those spots where you sit down and instantly decide you’re in no rush to leave.
Served daily from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm, Meribella’s high tea is all about the little luxuries – handcrafted loose-leaf teas, barista-made coffee, a glass of sparkling, or better yet, one of their three signature cocktails made just for the occasion.
The menu features their famous lemon-scented scones with blackberry jam and vanilla chantilly cream, alongside a changing line-up of savouries and sweets. There’s even a kids’ high tea for the little ones, with sliders, cake pops and fairy bread, because why should adults have all the fun?
It’s elegant but never stuffy. Just good food, good company and that million-dollar view of Terrigal beach that makes you want to stay put for the arvo.
Binky High Tea House, Erina
If you haven’t been to Binky High Tea House yet, you’re in for a treat. This gorgeous little spot in Erina is all floral wallpaper, fine china and pastel perfection – totally instagrammable, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to throw on something cute & dress up a little.
High tea here is as pretty as it is delicious. Towers of delicate sweets, handmade pastries, savoury bites and (of course) freshly baked scones with jam and cream. It’s the ultimate indulgence, special without trying too hard. And Binky’s don’t just have one high tea offering – we counted 8 high teas on their menu, plus upgrades, party menus and solo treats, and they’re open Thursday – Sunday every week.
Plus, they’ve absolutely nailed the little details. Every plate, petal and teacup feels thoughtfully chosen, and the staff have that warm, welcoming energy that keeps people coming back. It’s like having tea at your stylish friend’s house… if your friend also happened to be a pastry chef (if only!).
Pullman Magenta Shores, Magenta
For those who like their high tea with a side of ocean breeze, Pullman Magenta Shores does it right. Served inside Barretts Restaurant or out on the terrace overlooking the golf course, this is high tea served with a slice of resort-style indulgence just north of The Entrance.
Available Saturdays and Sundays, $60 gets you an elegant mix of savoury pastries, petit fours, and sweets, paired with tea or coffee, or make it sparkle with a cheeky glass of bubbles for $10 extra. It’s the perfect pick for a girls’ weekend, birthday celebration, or a lazy Central Coast staycation, especially if you stick around for sunset cocktails by the pool.
Local tip: Barretts also offers Coasties Card holders a complimentary bottle of house wine for groups of four when ordering four main meals – so if you’re planning to make a day of it, dinner’s sorted.
YOU MIGHT LIKE: Unlock Your Coasties Card Deals at these Central Coast Businesses
High Tea Destinations, Central Coast NSW
Cake & Plate, Niagara Park
If you’re after a high tea that feels more like a catch-up than a fancy affair, Cake & Plate nails it. This colourful café is best known for its drool-worthy cakes – so you already know the sweets are going to be next-level – but their sit-down high tea is just as delicious.
For under $50, you’ll get a generous spread of savoury and sweet scones, light macarons, cupcakes, and a few surprise treats – all beautifully presented, of course. On a sunny day, grab a table in their courtyard and make it a proper mother–daughter day out or a school holiday catch-up with friends. And when you’re done, wander next door to ABCOE and stock the freezer with a few cheeky bargains.
The Little Teapot, Davistown
Tucked away in quiet Davo, The Little Teapot is one of those hidden gems you almost don’t want to share. It’s relaxed, unpretentious and it just feels easy.
Starting at $40, their high tea is wholesome and homemade, fresh sandwiches, mini savouries, fluffy scones and slices that taste like something your nan would proudly plate up. Nothing fancy, just really good food done with love. There’s even a kids’ play area with toys, making it a winner for parents who’d love to enjoy a peaceful cuppa while the little ones keep busy.
Hatters Tea House, Ettalong
Step through the door at Hatters Tea House and it’s like tumbling straight into Wonderland. Think mismatched teapots, floral china, quirky décor and an atmosphere that feels part tearoom, part time capsule.
Their traditional high tea is as whimsical as the setting – neat finger sandwiches, fluffy scones and dainty cakes served with your choice of freshly brewed tea (there’s a whole shelf to choose from). At around $50 per person, it’s the perfect spot for a magical afternoon – find a little nook inside, or grab a table in their sunny courtyard. Browse the shelves of antiques and collectibles, challenge your mates to one of the board games, and soak up the old-school charm.
The BOX, Ettalong
High tea by the beach? Don’t mind if we do! The BOX in Ettalong has given the classic high tea a coastal glow-up with their Tea by the Sea experience. For $65 per person (or $99 for bottomless), you’ll graze your way through bites like capsicum and goat cheese mini quiche, salmon gravlax on house-baked rye, prosciutto with fresh fig and balsamic glaze, and all the sweet essentials: lemon curd tartlets, sticky date pudding, scones with blackberry jam and clotted cream, and more.
It’s modern, breezy and unapologetically indulgent. And if you’re feeling extra cheeky, there are upgrades for sparkling wine or cocktails that make the view even better.
READ MORE: Ultimate Ettalong Beach Neighbourhood Guide
Mercure Kooindah Waters, Wyong
Set among leafy golf greens and boasting calm resort vibes, high tea at Mercure Kooindah Waters is the perfect excuse to slow down for an afternoon.
Their three-tier high tea at Karinyas Restaurant & Wine Bar is $60 per person, including a glass of bubbly on arrival. Tier one is your freshly baked scones, warm & fluffy. Tier two is stacked with cakes, tarts and slices. And tier three is all about the warm canapes and fancy sandwiches. All best enjoyed with a long chat and nowhere else to be. Just remember to book ahead with 48 hours’ notice so the team can prepare your spread.
The Pantry, Forresters Beach
High tea at The Pantry is a proper feast. We’re talking cucumber and sweet pea sandwiches, mini sliders, fried prawn skewers, zucchini and mint frittata, and enough sweets to make you glad you skipped breakfast. For $65 per person (Monday to Friday, 8 am–2 pm, minimum two people), you’ll get a pot of tea or espresso coffee and a mix of savoury and sweet treats that change with the seasons. Bookings are essential, and totally worth it!
High Tea Near Sydney
Daley’s Kitchen, Daley’s Point
Overlooking the water at Daley’s Point, Daley’s Kitchen keeps things classic with a high tea that’s all about homemade goodness. For $40 per person, you’ll get unlimited tea and coffee alongside a spread of cakes, tarts, quiches, sandwiches and their signature scones with jam and cream. Want to make it sparkle? Upgrade to the Mimosa package and enjoy all the same treats with a bubbly twist. Available seven days a week for groups of four or more, it’s the perfect excuse to round up your favourites for an easy, laid-back catch-up.
Little Lunch Café, Wyong
Little Lunch Café has nailed the cosy, old-school charm with a high tea that feels like sitting down at Grandma’s, only better (shh, don’t tell Nan!). For $70 for two (or $30 for the solo indulgence, because why not?), you’ll get mini scones, jam jars, and bottomless tea, plus all the sweet and savoury bits that make a long chat over a cuppa feel like a warm hug. It’s homely, heartfelt and perfectly paired with a browse next door at Grumpy Ginger Yarn Co., where you can continue the tactile vibes – yarn, texture and all. Bring your WIP, sip your tea, and settle in for an afternoon that’s equal parts comfort and cake.
The Chocolate Factory, Gosford
If your idea of high tea leans more chocoholic’s dream than delicate china, The Chocolate Factory in Gosford has you covered. They’ve got a decadent High Tea on a Friday, piled high with chocolate-dipped strawberries, petit fours, chocolate bonbons, fresh scones and more, all handmade on-site. It’s pure indulgence for $65 per person, served inside their café surrounded by the sweet smell of melted chocolate – with a 20 minute factory tour included. Or you can book a Kids High Tea on Saturday, a playful tea party for just $35 per child. And yes, you’ll absolutely want to take a few treats home for “later.”
Betty’s Backyard Bunker, Wyoming
Step back in time at Betty’s Backyard Bunker, a retro 1950s-style American diner now serving up indulgent high tea. The team were still finalising options at the time of publishing – but expect a smorgasbord of sweet and savoury treats with tea, bubbles or cocktails. Get in touch with the team to make a booking.
High T-Quila @ Mexicoast Cantina, Toukley
If traditional high tea isn’t quite your vibe, Mexicoast Cantina has you sorted with their High T-Quila, a colourful twist on the classic that swaps teapots for margarita glasses. Book us in! Think tacos, tostadas and churros instead of cucumber sandwiches, and a whole lot more fiesta than formality. It’s fun, it’s fresh, and it’s proof that high tea on the Coast doesn’t have to come with jam and cream.
Time for Tea?
So there you have it. The Coast’s finest excuses to drink tea and eat dessert before lunch. Bookmark this one for your next girls’ day out, birthday brunch, or when you just need a little midweek indulgence.
And if you stumble across another local doing a killer high tea, tag us @coastiesmag… we’re always up for more “research.”
CONTINUE READING: Cowork Spaces That Feels Like Home on the Central Coast
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