Afternoon tea isn’t just an excuse for an afternoon snack – it’s an elegant way to make a regular day a little more fanciful (and tasty!). Complete with mini sandwiches, dessert, fine china and an assortment of teas, it’s an exceptional way to spend an afternoon or a special occasion. To help you pick the perfect spot, we’ve rounded up five Valley favorites to try.
English Rose Tea Room
The award-winning English Rose Tea Room has been a staple in the Valley for more than 20 years, offering afternoon tea in its decadent tearoom complete with chandeliers, ornate floral arrangements and fancy china sets. Despite the opulent setting, it offers several affordable options for tea including formal afternoon tea complete with tea sandwiches, scones, petit fours and a small pot of tea, as well as a cream tea with tea and desserts, or even a “just dessert” option.
201 Easy St., Carefree, 480-488-4812, carefreetea.com
The Phoenician
This luxe afternoon tea experience is a modern take on the beloved tradition. Its tea service includes finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and preserves, pastries and a variety of tea blends. The atmosphere is amplified with a live piano performance. The Phoenician is also able to accommodate gluten free and vegan guests with 48 hours’ notice.
6000 E. Camelback Rd., Scottsdale, 480-941-8200, thephoenician.com
Onyx Bar & Lounge at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale
Afternoon tea is a feast at the Four Seasons, where guests are treated with three tiered trays crowded with Southwest-inspired takes on traditional treats. In addition to the dessert-heavy lineup of snacks, the tea menu is extensive enough to delight even the most seasoned tea lovers with a variety of unique flavor combinations.
10600 E. Crescent Moon Dr., Scottsdale, 480-513-5085, fourseasons.com/scottsdale
The Pink Door Tea House
This vibrantly decorated tea house makes tea fun and unpretentious – perfect for those that want a little extra whimsy. It offers several options, including an elegant high tea, classic high tea, garden high tea and kids’ high tea as well as a lunch option. Its traditional menu includes a variety of tea sandwiches, chocolate covered strawberries, scones, pastries and more as well as a large assortment of caffeinated and decaf teas.
7153 N. 59th Ave., Glendale, 480-223-0872, thepinkdoorteahouse.com
Drink Me! Tea Room
This tea option is perfect for anyone in your group – all its treats are both gluten-free and vegan. Plus, it offers a variety of options to create your perfect experience – whether you want a bit of everything, only the sweets or even a tea cocktail! Drink Me! also provides photo backdrops for capturing your picture-perfect tea.
1730 E. Warner Rd., Tempe, 602-206-5469, drinkmetearoom.com
