Food

The 14 Best Places for Afternoon Tea in NYC

From The Carlyle and The Plaza to Tiffany’s and Bergdorf’s

Marissa Wu

By Marissa Wu

Published Apr 29, 2024

Additional reporting by
Stephanie Cain

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Whether or not you’re a fan of Jane Austen or Bridgerton, it’s hard to resist the fun of afternoon tea. After all, what better excuse do you need to dress up with your friends, sip endless cups of Earl Grey from dainty china and motor your way through crustless sandwiches while slathering scones with clotted cream? (Right answer: There is no better excuse.) Teatime might be a British concept, but New York City has it down to pat. From The Carlyle (which hosts a legendary Met Gala afterparty) to the iconic Plaza Hotel and Tiffany’s Blue Box Cafe, here are the 14 best places for afternoon tea in NYC that are positively delightful, and that PureWow editors have deemed unique in a gastronomic mecca rife with options.

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Editor, SEO and Audience Development

Marissa Wu

Editor, SEO and Audience Development

  • Writes across all verticals, including beauty, fashion, wellness, travel and entertainment, with a focus on SEO and evergreen content
  • Has previously worked at Popular Photography and Southern Living, with words in Martha Stewart and Forbes Vetted
  • Has a B.S. in journalism from Boston University

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