Updated on 23 September 2021

Is there anything more lavish than an afternoon tea? Whether you’re after the five-star hotel experience or something a little more informal, these Durban spots offer scrumptious teatime treats.

Jeera (Suncoast Casino)

Experience a stunning high tea with an Indian twist at this popular restaurant. For R275 per person, guests can indulge in a sensory tea service with a wide selection of unique speciality teas, including aromatic masala chai tea or blood orange rooibos tea with a hint of cinnamon, served alongside delectable sweet and savoury offerings. These include the likes of mini burfi cheesecakes, apricot macaroon nests, mini lamb curry pies, brinjal pakoras and seasoned fried rotis. The Jeera high tea takes place from Mondays to Sundays, 2pm to 4.30pm, with a minimum table requirement of four people. Bookings are essential.

The Durban-inspired high tea at Jeera. Photo supplied.

The Palm Court at The Oyster Box Hotel (Umhlanga Rocks)

With a piano softly playing in the background, tea-lovers can nestle into comfortable armchairs as a bevy of discreet waiters springs into action. This impressive colonial Palm Court space makes for a fitting backdrop for the sumptuous buffet of pastries such as the delicate buttermilk apple crumble, elegant finger sandwiches, gleaming jars of jewel-like Turkish delight and an abundance of savouries such as Be a Tollman’s much-loved “chicken mayo” sandwich coated with flaked almonds. The afternoon tea runs daily from 2.30pm to 5pm and the cost is R290 per person (Monday – Thursday) and R390 per person (Friday – Sunday).

High Tea at Palm Court at The Oyster Box Hotel. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The Sugar Club (Umhlanga Rocks)

The afternoon at the lavish Sugar Club restaurant is hosted every Saturday afternoon. The high tea comes served on a three-tiered tray with six savoury and six sweet items, which are replenished when finished. A monthly themed menu adds to the five-star experience and you can expect to indulge in treats such as smoked salmon and horseradish cream choux puffs and hazelnut and dark chocolate cake pops.  The high tea runs from 1:30pm to 3:30pm and costs R325 per person.

 

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Country Bake (Musgrave Road)

This halaal bakery is located in a heritage building on Musgrave Road and has made an effort to bring a sense of old-world charm by maintaining all the original fixtures. Every second Saturday from 2:30pm to 4:00pm they host a high tea for only R180 per person, which includes a delectable selection of dainty pastries and desserts, cakes and savoury snacks as well as bottomless tea, coffee and mocktails. There is also a vegetarian option available. Be sure to book well in advance to ensure you get to enjoy this fabulous high tea experience!

 

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Old Town Italy (Umhlanga Rocks)

Old Town Italy host a fabulous high tea experience on the second Sunday of every month, partnered with Malfy Gin. The cost is R245 per person, which includes your Malfy G&T welcome drink as well as an array of delectable high tea treats. It’s the perfect way to spend your Sunday, indulging in sweet and savoury delights while listening to live music from local artists. 

 

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Springside Café (Hillcrest)

This quaint little café set in Hillcrest offers the perfect setting to enjoy a high tea. Sit on their outside patio, surrounded by lush gardens, and sip on their selection of teas, coffee or juice while tucking into an array of sweet and savoury offerings served on fine bone china. Indulge in mini carrot cakes, mini cheesecakes, spring rolls, sliders and more. The cost is R350 per person for less than 10 people or, if you book for more than 10, it costs only R320 per person. The high tea usually runs between 2pm and 4pm, but they can accommodate tables outside of this timeframe depending on the numbers and date of booking.

Did we miss your favourite spot for high tea in Durban? Let us know in the comments below.