Afternoon tea is an age-old institution that is exquisitely executed in cafés, restaurants and lounges in all corners of the city. These best afternoon tea in Riyadh dining experiences highlight this is in fact an event and it should have a sense of occasion, and that is what the Time Out Riyadh Restaurants Awards 2022, in association with PepsiCo, celebrate – as well as sublime scones, savouries and sweets. And let’s not forget about the tea… and sometimes coffee.
Time Out Riyadh reviews anonymously and pays for all its meals. For more on the review process click here.
Sit down, and pass the teapot and scones at the best afternoon tea in Riyadh 2022:
WINNER
Chorisia Lounge
Afternoon tea is as much about the experience and ritual as it is the food and hot drinks. Chorisia Lounge certainly gets this, just like it also gets that those bites might be small but they can still provide big taste.
Make a delightful afternoon of sipping teas and working your way through the sweets and savouries on the cake stand in one of the grandest venues in the city. Whether you do it once, a few times or make it a monthly habit (lucky you), the high tea at The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh is likely one experience that will never go stale, especially when these homemade cakes and pastries are involved. That is why it’s the winner of the Best Afternoon Tea in Riyadh at the Time Out Riyadh Restaurant Awards 2022.
The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, Al Hada, ritzcarlton.com ( 011 802 8020).
HIGHLY COMMENDED
The Mansion
The words “The Mansion” spark as much interest as “afternoon tea”. This restaurant and lounge clearly has both, and doesn’t disappoint. The elegant Al Olaya eatery has a “High Tea with a twist”. Traditionalists still get their cake stand and essential components (sandwiches, scones) all freshly made to order, plus, there are customisations. What are you going to choose? Head over to one of the best afternoon tea in Riyadh spots and mull over the desserts while you sip your tea.
Al Olaya, instagram.com/themansion_sa, themansion.com.sa (011 293 0337).
Oplaisir
There are many top Riyadh afternoon tea spots. Oplaisir is an outstanding option. The versatile space is billed as a café, patisserie and boutique that focuses on French flavours. That winning combination translates to an afternoon tea experience that brings a certain je ne sais quoi to the traditionally British meal. It’s popular with locals and is also a must-try for visitors.
Al Mohammadiyyah, oplaisir.sa, instagram.com/oplaisir_ksa (054 006 0166).
SHORTLISTED
Acoustic Restaurant & Art Gallery
Not content with treating us to some of Riyadh’s greatest artwork, Al Olaya’s Acoustic also happens to serve up one of the best afternoon teas in the Saudi capital. An indulgent feast of finger sandwiches with a number of different fillings, warm scones with lashings of homemade jam and clotted cream, sweets and so much more, wash it all down with an assortment of teas and coffees from all over the world. It’s designed for four people or more, so round up your mates and head on down. If you want all of the best afternoon tea in Riyadh to yourself, we won’t begrudge you.
Al Olaya, acoustic-ksa.com (011 416 4363).
Joud Lounge
Wondering where to go for the best afternoon tea in Riyadh? A recent addition to Riyadh’s afternoon tea scene, Joud Lounge is a luxurious spot to treat family and friends. Taking place between 2pm to 6pm, sample small savoury and sweet bites including éclairs and scones, accompanied by coffee and custom-blended Jing Tea concoctions. Set among the sumptuous surroundings of the swanky Al Faisaliah Hotel, it’s a prime spot for a special occasion, so be sure to take plenty of pictures as you enjoy the best afternoon tea in Riyadh.
Al Faisaliah Hotel, King Fahd Rd, instagram.com/alfaisaliahhotel.
Lobby Lounge, Four Seasons Riyadh
Afternoon tea is available across an array of packages at the Four Seasons Riyadh’s elegant Lobby Lounge, including its unique Arabic high tea which puts a local spin on the British pastime with hummus, stuffed vine leaves, fried kibbeh and mini chicken shawarma. Complete with smoked salmon on pumpernickel bread and soft cucumber carpaccio and cream cheese in creamy brioche, its traditional high tea is ideal for those after something more authentic to the original concept – be sure to dig into the huge assortment of scones. We say try them all then decide which is the best afternoon tea in Riyadh in your opinion. You can choose them all.
Four Seasons Riyadh, Kingdom Centre, fourseasons.com (011 211 5000).
The Coffee Table
Much more than just your average coffee house, The Coffee Table serves up everything from silky-smooth hipster brews to artisanal Italian espressos in a minimalist, sophisticated setting. Head there for its afternoon tea and you’ll be treated to tasty sandwiches, cakes, desserts and, of course, countless teas and coffees that are brewed to perfection for your sipping pleasure. It also happens to be one of the prettiest teas in town, served on gold and marble slabs that will take pride of place on your Instagram feed.
Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter, instagram.com/thecoffeetable.dq (053 247 4799).
The Globe
If you like your high tea, well, high, the afternoon tea up at The Globe comes backed with beautiful panoramic views of the Riyadh cityscape. Offering up one of the most substantial selection of goodies in the city, this afternoon tea comes with an endless supply of savouries and sweets, both modern and traditional, including kibbeh, falafel, buttered scones and cream-filled pastries that will most definitely hit the spot. Be sure to dress up for this one.
Al Faisaliah Hotel, King Fahd Rd, instagram.com/theglobeksa (011 273 2005).
The Plaza
It doesn’t get more glamorous than The Plaza, so it is here you’ll want to head for a high tea to impress. Served in the opulent Savoy Room, indulge in everything from light snacks and homemade gourmet sweet treats to sandwiches, coffees and elegant teas. As to be expected this luxe lounge is a sophisticated spot, so don’t be surprised if your pinky finger starts pointing up. We’d be disappointed if it didn’t.
Fairmont Riyadh, Business Gate Qurtubah Area, fairmont.com (011 826 2626).
Yauatcha
A Chinese dim sum spot that serves afternoon tea? No, we haven’t lost our marbles, Yauatcha puts a fun twist on the experience with tea served in a Connect Four-style grid serving up the likes of seafood black truffle dumplings, scallop shui mai and venison puff alongside little cakes shaped as cute handbags. Then there’s the surroundings. Think cherry blossom trees and a gorgeous rooftop view of the city, it’s incredibly kitsch, and that’s why we love it. The best afternoon tea in Riyadh isn’t easily forgotten and this is a unique one that separates itself from the pack in every way.
Al Olaya, yauatcha.com/Riyadh (9200 06555).
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