Steeped in Style: Where to Sip the Most Luxurious Afternoon Teas in Dubai

From couture cafés to sky-high sips, these luxe afternoon teas prove that tea time in Dubai is anything but tepid.

Afternoon tea in Dubai is no mere cup of Earl Grey — it’s a full-blown ritual of elegance, indulgence, and Instagram-worthy moments. From couture cafés to sky-high lounges, the city’s most luxurious venues are reimagining the classic British tradition with global flair. 

Whether you’re in it for the clotted cream or the caviar, here’s where to find the crème de la crème of afternoon teas — starting with a little Italian flair in the heart of Fashion Avenue…

1. Novikov Café: Italian Chic Meets Afternoon Tea Elegance

Location: Fashion Avenue, The Dubai Mall
Timing: Monday to Friday, 3pm–6pm
Price: AED 220 for two

If your idea of teatime involves couture surroundings and Italian finesse, Novikov Café delivers with signature style. Their newly launched Afternoon Tea is as fashionable as its location — nestled in the glossy heart of Fashion Avenue — and offers a refined blend of savoury and sweet perfection.

For AED 220 (ideal for two), diners are welcomed into a world of bold Mediterranean flavours and patisserie artistry, courtesy of Pastry Chef Francesco Fiorentino. First up: golden, crumbly Classic Scones, paired with strawberry and mango jams for a fresh twist on tradition.

The sweet lineup is anything but ordinary — Sugar-Free Brownies with deep cocoa richness, Raspberry & Pistachio Profiteroles that pop with texture, and crisp Sicilian Cannoli that would impress even Nonna. Each bite is thoughtfully plated and bursting with flavour.

Savouries bring a creative flair to the tiered table: think Mini Brioche with Mashed Potato & Octopus (trust us, it works), elegant Smoked Salmon Sandwiches with crème fraîche and dill, and a sun-kissed Mediterranean option filled with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.

The tea menu is curated to complement every course, and guests can elevate their experience with a Maison Goubet Sparkling Drink — a non-alcoholic pour that still brings the fizz.

A stylish retreat from the city buzz, Novikov’s afternoon tea is ideal for weekday catch-ups, indulgent me-time, or impressing a guest who thought they’d “done it all” in Dubai.

For bookings call 04 320 0209 or visit www.novikov-cafe.com.

2. The Lounge at Burj Al Arab: Tea at the Top

Location: 27th Floor, Burj Al Arab (Sahn Eddar restaurant)
Timing: Daily, 3pm–5pm
Price: AED 490 per person

For those who like their tea with a side of skyline, The Lounge at Burj Al Arab offers an afternoon tea experience that’s just as iconic as its sail-shaped setting. High above the Arabian Gulf, this is the kind of place where the pastries come with gold leaf, the harpist plays in heels, and you half expect a crown with your cappuccino.

Expect a theatrical progression of bites, starting with elegant amuse-bouches and finger sandwiches stacked with luxe ingredients — truffle, lobster, foie gras, and the kind of caviar that inspires impulsive Instagram Stories. The scones arrive warm, flaky, and paired with house-made clotted cream and artisanal jams, while the dessert trolley is a thing of legend.

You’ll sip on premium Jing teas or opt for bubbles if you’re feeling bougie (which you should be, frankly). The views? Unmatched. The vibe? Palatial. The outfit? Definitely not casual.

For bookings call 04 301 7600 or visit www.jumeirah.com.

3. Penrose Lounge at The Four Seasons DIFC: Business Chic with a Butter Scone

Location: Four Seasons Hotel DIFC
Timing: Daily, 2pm–7pm
Price: AED 325 per set

If you’re closing deals before dessert, Penrose Lounge offers the ultimate “boardroom-to-brioche” setting. This tranquil terrace-meets-library hideaway is a best-kept secret among Dubai’s stylish insiders and offers an afternoon tea that balances classic indulgence with contemporary finesse.

The selection leans French with a Middle Eastern wink — rose and pistachio éclairs, za’atar croissants, cucumber labneh sandwiches, and a rich saffron honey cake that might just steal your soul. Their scones are smaller, crumbly, and perfectly portioned for a one-bite heaven moment. It’s less “high tea” and more “highly curated.”

Pair it with their fine tea list or go rogue with a glass of champagne — the staff won’t judge. Ideal for an elegant midday meeting, a chic solo escape, or a quiet tête-à-tête that ends with crème brûlée.

For bookings call 04 506 0000 or visit www.fourseasons.com/dubaiifc.

4. Al Fayrooz Lounge at Jumeirah Al Qasr: Arabian Nights, Earl Grey Days

Location: Jumeirah Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah
Timing: Daily, 3pm–6pm
Price: AED 240 per set

For an afternoon tea with serious Arabesque energy, Al Fayrooz Lounge is the gold-stamped answer. With views of the meandering waterways and the grand architecture of Al Qasr, it’s the ultimate blend of old-world elegance and Dubai drama.

Their signature Arabian Afternoon Tea includes treats like date scones with clotted cream, baklava bites, and za’atar sandwiches — alongside traditional offerings like smoked salmon rolls and delicate French pastries. Served in ornate silver stands with Arabic coffee and fragrant teas, it’s an East-meets-West experience that’s unapologetically opulent.

Oh, and don’t skip the rose-infused macarons. They’re what dessert dreams are made of.

For bookings call 04 432 3232 or visit www.jumeirah.com.

5. Al Mandhar Lounge, a Turtle-Themed Tribute

Location: Jumeirah Al Naseem
Timing: 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Price: AED 520 for two

In celebration of two decades of marine rehabilitation and the release of thousands of endangered Hawksbill turtles, Al Mandhar Lounge at Jumeirah Al Naseem presents a stunning limited-edition Afternoon Tea experience. This turtle-themed tribute pairs culinary finesse with conservation, offering a selection of delicate sweet and savoury creations—think Wagyu Beef Coppa and Crunchy Framboise—served on elegant turtle-shaped tea stands.

Set against panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf, this exclusive tea is as meaningful as it is memorable, making it the perfect treat for gourmands with a green heart.

For bookings call 800 323 232 or visit their website.