These are the most indulgent spots around the capital.
Afternoon tea in Abu Dhabi has evolved far beyond finger sandwiches and warm scones. Across the capital, hotel lounges are introducing Emirati ingredients, Mediterranean influences, seasonal menus and theatrical presentations, often accompanied by rare teas, creative mocktails or Champagne. Whether you are celebrating an occasion, catching up with friends or simply searching for an indulgent afternoon, these elegant experiences offer plenty of reasons to pause, pour and enjoy.
Alba – The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal
Beneath vaulted ceilings and glittering chandeliers, Alba brings a sense of occasion to the traditional afternoon tea ritual. The Venetian-inspired lounge serves a tiered selection of savoury hors d’oeuvres, freshly baked scones and chocolate creations influenced by delicate floral aromas. Guests can choose a preferred tea blend to accompany the spread, while the intimate seating areas make the experience particularly suited to celebrations and leisurely catch-ups. The grand setting is a significant part of the appeal, with ornate interiors reflecting the resort’s palatial character.
Where: Alba, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Al Rawdah, Abu Dhabi
When: Daily from 2pm to 5pm
Price: Prices from AED 180 per stand
Contact: www.ritzcarlton.com
Al Meylas – Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island
Known as the “Living Room of Abu Dhabi”, Al Meylas pairs contemporary majlis-inspired interiors with one of the capital’s most inventive afternoon teas. Executive Chef Christian Buenrostro and Executive Pastry Chef Rasika Weerasinghe have created a menu featuring a caviar doughnut with zesty labneh, local crab tartlet with Madras curry and a mushroom éclair finished with date molasses and preserved truffle. Traditional sandwiches include smoked salmon with teriyaki and Wafu truffle chicken. Sweet highlights span citrus tart, chocolate and hazelnut mousse, coconut lime cake and mango passion sorbet. Plain and chocolate-chip scones complete the experience. Available daily from 3pm to 7pm. AED 270 per person.
Where: Al Meylas, Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Daily from 3pm to 7pm
Price: Prices from AED 270 per person
Contact: www.fourseasons.com
Cafe Ginori – The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
Italian design takes centre stage at Café Ginori, where afternoon tea is presented on colourful porcelain from Ginori 1735. The experience draws inspiration from Mediterranean café culture while retaining the sense of ceremony associated with The St. Regis. Savouries include Caprese sandwiches, beef cecina with melon, tuna with red onion and olives, and focaccia layered with roasted pepper and goat’s cheese. Desserts celebrate Italian classics through Sicilian cannoli, tiramisu, zuppa inglese, ricotta and blueberry tart, and chocolate Caprese cake. Chocolate, almond and plain scones arrive with mascarpone cream and homemade preserves. Cafe Ginori was named ‘Favourite Afternoon Tea’ at the FACT Dining Awards Abu Dhabi 2025
Where: Cafe Ginori, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Daily from 2pm to 6pm
Price: Prices from AED 295 per person
Contact: www.cafeginorisaadiyatisland.com
Crystal Lounge – The St. Regis Abu Dhabi
Two distinct menus allow guests to choose between British tradition and regional flavours at this elegant mezzanine lounge. The Classic Afternoon Tea features smoked salmon with crème fraîche, traditional sandwiches and lemon meringue tarts. The St. Regis Abu Dhabi Afternoon Tea takes a more locally inspired approach, introducing sumac-scented chicken, harissa mayonnaise and saffron and cardamom scones. Both are accompanied by premium Tchaba loose-leaf teas, selected with guidance from the resident tea sommelier. Children can join the ritual with the dedicated Tiny Tea, while adults may add a glass of Champagne. Served beneath an impressive blown-glass chandelier, the experience is available daily from 2pm to 6pm. Prices start from AED 195 per person.
Where: Crystal Lounge, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Nation Towers, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi
When: Daily from 2pm to 6pm
Price: Prices from AED 195 per person
Contact: www.marriott.com
Episodes – Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Set within the grand lobby of Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Episodes turns afternoon tea into a suitably regal occasion. The experience brings together artisanal sandwiches, freshly baked scones and delicate French pastries, paired with an extensive selection of teas sourced from around the world. Guests can explore rare blends through the Tea Apothecary, while seasonal ingredients keep the savoury and sweet selection feeling considered rather than conventional. The setting is part of the appeal, with soaring interiors, gilded details and the unmistakable theatre of one of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic hotels. Episodes was named Best Afternoon Tea at the FACT Dining Awards Abu Dhabi 2025, recognising the quality of its presentation, menu and service.
Where: Episodes, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi
When: Daily from 2pm to 6pm
Price: Prices from AED 245 per person
Contact: www.mandarinoriental.com
Lobby Lounge – Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi
Chocolate takes the lead at Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, where the Lobby Lounge offers a dedicated Chocolate Lovers Afternoon Tea. The spread combines finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones with a collection of chocolate-focused pastries, all accompanied by unlimited tea and coffee. Guests can settle into the comfortable lounge or head outside to the terrace, which overlooks the resort’s landscaped gardens and dancing water features. The relaxed surroundings make this one of the more accessible options for couples, friends and families seeking a leisurely afternoon away from the city centre. The experience is available daily, with prices from AED 120 per person or AED 230 for two. Confirm the serving window when making a reservation.
Where: Lobby Lounge – Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi
When: Daily from 1pm to 6pm
Price: Prices from AED 120 per person
Contact: www.morecravings.com
Lobby Lounge – Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
A sense of grandeur runs through the Lobby Lounge, where soaring ceilings, sculptural features and spectacular chandeliers provide the backdrop for The Royal Affair Afternoon Tea. Inspired by traditional British flavours, the menu begins with savouries such as Truffle Brie Roulade, Herb-Infused Chicken with Caramelised Pears and open tarts topped with passion-grilled salmon. The sweet selection revisits familiar favourites, including Battenberg cake, Bakewell tart, banoffee pie, English trifle and sticky toffee pudding, all prepared with seasonal ingredients. Served with a selection of premium teas, the experience suits celebrations and leisurely afternoon catch-ups. Available daily from 2pm to 6pm, with 24 hours’ advance booking required. Prices start from AED 250 per person.
Where: Lobby Lounge, Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi
When: Daily from 2pm to 6pm
Price: Prices from AED 250 per person
Contact: www.hilton.com
Lobby Lounge – Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri
Summer has arrived at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri through the seasonal Whispers of Summer Afternoon Tea. Served within a grand lobby shaped by Arabic architecture, waterways and live regional melodies, the experience presents delicate savouries, warm scones and colourful pastries with fresh, fruit-led flavours. The lounge’s tranquil atmosphere and views across the hotel’s waterways add to the appeal, making it a welcome escape during the warmer months. Guests can pair the selection with tea, coffee or refreshing mocktails, while an upgraded package includes house beverages or Champagne.
Where: Lobby Lounge – Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Khor Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi
When: Daily from 2pm to 6pm
Price: Prices from AED 175 per person
Contact: www.shangri-la.com
Majlis by Pierre Hermé – Rosewood Abu Dhabi
Parisian pastry artistry anchors the afternoon tea at Rosewood Abu Dhabi’s Majlis by Pierre Hermé. The four-part experience begins with an amuse-bouche before moving into refined savouries and delicately prepared sandwiches. The centrepiece is Pierre Hermé’s celebrated Ispahan, which combines rose, lychee and raspberry in a crisp macaron shell. A tiered presentation of signature pastries follows, accompanied by warm scones, premium teas and speciality Geisha coffee. The lounge also offers several of the pastry chef’s renowned macarons and chocolate creations, making this an essential stop for serious dessert enthusiasts. Advance booking is required, with sittings between 2pm and 4.30pm. AED 345 per person or AED 595 with Champagne.
Where: Majlis by Pierre Hermé, Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Daily from 2pm to 4:30pm
Price: Prices from AED 345 per person
Contact: www.rosewoodhotels.com
Majlis Saadiyat – Jumeirah Saadiyat Island Resort
Three menus bring variety to the afternoon tea ritual at Majlis Saadiyat, where guests can sit beneath an aquatic-inspired glass installation or enjoy the terrace overlooking the resort. The classic menu includes smoked salmon with yuzu crème fraîche, turkey ham with Comté, apricot scones and pistachio macarons layered with raspberry jelly and crispy kunafa. The playful Turtle Tea is designed for two, while the Arabic Savoury and Sweet High Tea celebrates regional favourites such as lamb sambusek, cheese rekakat, luqaimat, kunafa, asida and coconut saffron sago.
Where: Majlis Saadiyat, Jumeirah Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Daily from 2pm to 6pm
Price: Prices from AED 225 per person
Contact: www.jumeirah.com
Osmo Lounge & Bar – Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island
Regional heritage shapes The Pearl Afternoon Tea Experience at Osmo Lounge and Bar. The menu arrives inside a pearl-shaped case, referencing the UAE’s maritime history while presenting a creative collection of sweet and savoury bites. Highlights include curried chicken and coconut sandwiches, mini lobster quiche, tuna rillette on a squid ink cracker and goat’s cheese with mango and lime. Desserts range from yuzu gianduja chocolate entremets and passion fruit savarin to pistachio and strawberry choux. Plain and fruit scones are served with clotted cream, lemon curd and strawberry jam. The package also includes a seasonal welcome drink, unlimited tea and coffee, plus Prosecco or mocktails. Available daily from noon to 11pm. AED 250 for two.
Where: Osmo Lounge & Bar, Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Daily from 12pm to 11pm
Price: Prices from AED 250 for two
Contact: www.hilton.com
Pearl Lounge – Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl
A live crêpe station distinguishes afternoon tea at Pearl Lounge, where the menu is served against panoramic marina views. The tiered selection balances familiar favourites with playful contemporary creations, including truffle eggs tucked inside a mini brioche roll and smoked salmon mousse presented on charcoal bread. Sweet highlights include the tropical Mango Passion Stone, alongside pastries, cakes and freshly prepared crêpes. Guests can explore a selection of fine loose-leaf teas and coffees while seated inside the light-filled lounge or on the outdoor terrace. The relaxed format and accessible price also make it a strong choice for an unhurried weekday catch-up. Available daily from 3pm to 7pm. AED 140 for one or AED 240 for two.
Where: Pearl Lounge, Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi
When: Daily from 3pm to 7pm
Price: Prices from AED 140 per person
Contact: www.hyattrestaurants.com
The Lounge – VOGO Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa
Fairway views and a peaceful resort setting provide the backdrop for afternoon tea at The Lounge. Designed as a contemporary interpretation of the traditional coffeehouse, the venue serves an assortment of savoury sandwiches, warm scones, pastries and cakes alongside Jing teas and freshly brewed coffee. The experience includes two welcome refreshments and two hot beverages per guest, offering good value for couples seeking an afternoon away from the busier parts of the capital. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the surrounding greenery into view, while the terrace is particularly appealing during the cooler months. Available daily from 2pm to 6pm. AED 199 for two people.
Where: The Lounge, VOGO Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi
When: Daily from 2pm to 6pm
Price: Prices from AED 199 for two
