Serving up a blend of the finer things in life, these Seattle tea rooms and afternoon tea offerings have something for every connoisseur, from traditional royal teas to unique themed events (think Jane Austen, Game of Thrones, The Lord of the Rings and more).
Queen Mary Tea Room
A quintessential high tea experience awaits at Queen Mary Tea Room, one of Seattle’s most beloved and oldest tea establishments, with its opening dating back to 1988. The traditional afternoon tea service includes shortbread cookies, preserves, and a selection of high-quality tea blends, with service times ranging from one to two hours. In addition to the high tea, a lunch, brunch, and children’s tea are also available, featuring items like smoked salmon quiche, shepherd’s pie, chicken salad, and more. Unique from other afternoon tea offerings in Seattle, Queen Mary Tea Room offers a gluten-free tasting, featuring fruit sorbet, soup, delicate gluten-free sweets, and more to accompany your cup of tea. This spot is open Wednesday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Prices vary depending on your experience but start at $42 per person. For more information, visit queenmarytea.com.
Friday Afternoon Tea
For a unique twist on the traditional tea experience, head to Friday Afternoon Tea, a family-owned tea shop known for its geeky and creative blends. Located in the charming Wallingford neighborhood, this tea room offers themed teas and tastings inspired by pop culture, books, and games. Its whimsical approach doesn’t compromise on quality, with carefully crafted teas and delightful treats that cater to all tastes, including options like Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Office, Game of Thrones, Supernatural, The Lord of the Rings, and many more. In addition to savoring these blends, guests can partake in book clubs, tabletop games, and more during these afternoon teas. Pricing varies depending on your choice of theme but starts as low as $18 per person. Friday Afternoon Tea is open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, visit fridaytea.com.
FogRose Atelier
An ultra-luxe high tea experience, FogRose Atelier is a woman- and locally-owned high tea and dessert bar in Kirkland. The elegant take on the age-old tradition features tea service and plates as visually stunning as they are delicious. These include afternoon tea for $60 per person, with a sweet and savory tier. The sweet tier includes delicacies like coconut-pineapple macarons, blueberry-cheesecake cream puffs, and mango-chocolate mousse cake. Savory options include eggs benedict with prosciutto, saffron poached prawn with lemon couscous, open smoked salmon sandwiches, and an orange scone. FogRose Atelier is popular for bridal showers, birthdays, and other luxe celebrations. Each tea experience is 90 minutes long and comes with unlimited pots. FogRose Atelier is open Friday to Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit fogrose.com.
Bainbridge Apothecary and Tea Shop
A short ferry ride from Seattle, Bainbridge Apothecary & Tea Shop offers a unique high tea experience with a focus on wellness and natural ingredients. This charming shop blends the art of tea with the science of herbal remedies, offering teas that not only taste good but are also good for you. The high tea service features organic, locally sourced treats and a selection of herbal teas designed to nourish both body and soul. It’s a perfect day trip for those looking to combine a relaxing tea experience with a bit of self-care. Each afternoon tea comes with three courses, including tea sandwiches or puffed pastry, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a final plate of sweets. This afternoon tea shop is open Thursday to Sunday, from noon to 2 p.m., and is $58 per person. For more information, visit bainbridgeapothecaryandteashop.com.
Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle
Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Downtown Seattle is synonymous with luxury, and its high tea service is no exception. Served in the stunning lobby lounge, this elegant experience includes a selection of gourmet finger sandwiches, freshly baked pastries, and an array of loose-leaf teas. Tea blends change depending on the season, with current sips reflecting the bounty of fall. These include Twisted Twilight with chamomile and sherry and Loving Cup with cinnamon and cloves. Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle takes place every Friday, from 1 to 3:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This swanky high tea room in Seattle is $75 per person or $40 for children under 12. For more information, visit fairmont.com.
The Crumpet Shop
A cozy spot in Pike Place Market since 1976, The Crumpet Shop is a beloved Seattle institution that offers a casual yet delightful twist on the high tea tradition. The freshly made crumpets, served with a variety of sweet and savory toppings, pair perfectly with the curated selection of loose-leaf teas. While it’s not a traditional high tea service, the charm and quality of The Crumpet Shop make it a must-visit for tea lovers, with offerings still resembling traditional tea-time treats like crumpets, scones, preserves, and more. The shop brews fine blends from India, China, Sri Lanka, and Taiwan. The Crumpet Shop is open Monday to Thursday, from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Friday to Sunday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit thecrumpetshop.com.
Zen Dog Studio & Tea House Gallery
Indulge in a relaxed Asian-style high tea in Seattle at Zen Dog Studio & Tea House Gallery. This tranquil tea house features red lanterns in a historic Tudor-style house, with an assortment of artwork, artifacts, scrolls, and kites to browse after you finish your tea. In addition to tours of these locations, guests can visit the zen garden and koi pond while enjoying their afternoon tea. During the tea tastings, guests will sample from 12 different teas over the course of one hour and 30 minutes, with options like the Dragon’s Breath Chai Pu’erh, Dragon Well Green Tea, English Breakfast, Erika’s Rose Tea (rose and Ceylon cinnamon), Golden Fairies (osmanthus and white jasmine), Golden Needle (a black tea), and many more. High tea at Tea House Gallery is $35 per person. Tea House Gallery is open daily by appointment only, with options ranging between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. For more information, visit teahousegallery.com.