There’s something timelessly indulgent about morning or afternoon tea—the clink of fine china, the dainty desserts, the slow pace that encourages conversation. But forget the doilies and dated decor. Today’s best venues are breathing new life into the tradition, blending countryside charm with contemporary style and menus that are anything but ordinary.
From high teas with a tapas twist to lakeside indulgence, these four venues offer a refreshing take on a beloved ritual. Whether it’s a catch-up with friends or a special celebration, these are the spots to sip, savour and linger.
Flaxton Gardens – Flaxton, QLD
Perched in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, Flaxton Gardens blends colonial charm with modern-day elegance. Housed in an iconic Queenslander with wrap-around verandahs, crystal chandeliers and sweeping coastal views stretching from Noosa to Moreton Island, it’s the kind of place that immediately slows your pulse. Sit alfresco on the terrace or take refuge inside the air-conditioned dining room for a refined experience surrounded by quality furnishings and tranquil vibes.
Flaxton’s High Tea offering is far from traditional. Opt for the Tapas High Tea for a fun twist on the classic, or go all out with the Luxury Tapas Bollinger High Tea, perfect for celebrations like baby showers and birthdays. Pair a flute of bubbles with delicate bites and sweet treats, or explore the main menu with dishes like tempura Mooloolaba prawns with mango salsa and macadamia crumb, or a decadent chocolate orange lava cake to finish. It’s elegance without excess—and the views are just as delicious.
Dining on the Deck at Secrets on the Lake – Montville, QLD
Tucked within lush rainforest and overlooking the serene waters of Lake Baroon, Dining on the Deck at Secrets on the Lake offers a high tea experience like no other. Built from polished logs and perched above nature’s calm, this charming venue is the definition of a hidden gem—ideal for everything from intimate get-togethers to bridal showers and milestone birthdays.
High Tea here is a celebrated affair. Choose from an array of seasonal options designed for sharing in good company, all served with panoramic views and a cool forest breeze. If you're arriving early, opt for Moroccan baked eggs—rich with chorizo, beans and chilli—or arrive later and enjoy dishes like crispy pork belly with green papaya salad, or slow-cooked lamb shank with red wine reduction. It's where rainforest serenity meets hinterland hospitality, and you'll be planning your return visit before you leave the table.
Crossroads Diner – Coburg, VIC
For a more casual and family-friendly take on morning or afternoon tea, Crossroads Diner in Coburg hits the mark. With its graffiti-style murals, blue picnic tables and laid-back inner-north energy, this café balances nostalgia with modern flair. It’s the kind of place where regulars know your name and your coffee order, and newcomers feel at home from their first sip.
While there’s no traditional tiered tray in sight, Crossroads brings big flavour to brunch and lunch favourites. Wrap your hands around a salmon butty layered with a soft-fried egg, cheese and tomato sauce—simple, satisfying and soul-warming. There’s also a stellar lineup of comfort classics from chicken parmas to meatball subs and slow-roasted lamb rolls with gravy. It’s a refreshing take on day-time dining that’s all about good vibes and honest fare.
Melrose Restaurant and Rooftop Bar – Bulimba, QLD
If your idea of afternoon tea leans more toward bao and bubbles than scones and jam, Melrose in Bulimba delivers a deliciously modern alternative. Set on a rooftop at the river end of Oxford Street, this Pan-Asian restaurant offers a breezy escape from the everyday—where sunshine, cocktails and Asian street food-inspired bites take centre stage.
Skip the traditional teapot and order a Flamin’ Galah cocktail—a punchy pink gin mix—before diving into dishes designed for sharing. Bao buns with char siu pork belly, cucumber and spring onion are a must, alongside indulgent bites like slipper lobster rolls with spicy tamarind mayo or beef short ribs with tom yum dressing. With more than 80 wines on offer and a view that invites you to stay a little longer, Melrose reimagines the afternoon gathering in all the best ways.
Whether you prefer your tea time with rainforest views, rooftop cocktails or a hearty brunch roll in hand, these venues prove that morning and afternoon tea has evolved—more inclusive, more creative and just as satisfying. So slow down, take a seat and treat yourself to an experience that’s as memorable as it is delicious.
