English-style tea service is well represented in Dallas, with restaurants of all types infusing their creativity and finesse into the time-honored tradition. There are two variations when it comes to English-style tea service, “afternoon tea” and “high tea”, with terms often used interchangeably despite having subtle differences.
Afternoon tea is considered a light mid-day meal, made up of a pot of tea paired with scones, pastries, and finger sandwiches, while high tea includes more substantial eats served in the early evening as a light supper. Over time, the lines have blurred. Regardless, tea time in Dallas has come to be known as an extravagant afternoon affair with hearty offerings and ever-flowing bubbles.
Here are 10 Dallas restaurants, known for their opulent tea services.
Lavendou Bistro Provencal
For nearly three decades, Pascal Cayet has transported Dallas diners to the sun-soaked countryside of southern France at Lavendou Bistro Provencal. The cozy French bistro is adorned with rustic brick archways, wine-lined walls, and countryside decor. Recognized by Wine Spectator for its expansive French wine list, Lavendou also offers one of Dallas’ most affordable high tea services. The French high tea, or “Le Goûter” as it is known in France, is a food-focused affair. A tiered tower arrives with carefully crafted finger sandwiches, miniature pastries, and petit desserts served with jam and clotted cream, alongside a pot of English breakfast tea. Seats for tea can be reserved by phone with 24-hour advance notice. 19009 Preston Rd., Ste. 200, Dallas, lavendou.com
The French Room at The Adolphus
The Adolphus is home to Dallas’ most renowned afternoon tea service, held in the hotel’s ornate French Room restaurant. The daily gilded tea service is presented on dressed tables set under the Venetian plaster, lavish gold trim, and dazzling chandeliers. The seasonal three-course tea menu begins with a choice of bubbles, and features Dallas’ Zakti loose leaf teas. In the fall, tea sandwiches in varieties like cobb salad on challah bread and tzatziki chicken on pita bread are paired with green tea from Chinese oolong tea, and followed by a trio of scones. Dainty red velvet cookies, sweet potato pound cake, and pumpkin latte mousse tartelette round out the experience. Tea at the French Room feels special year-round, but seasonal experiences like the cherry blossom tea, Easter tea in the spring, and the famed holiday tea are extra festive. 1321 Commerce St., Dallas, adolphus.com
DeGolyer Tea Room
Built in 1939, the Restaurant DeGolyer has long held Dallas’ favorite tradition of hosting tea. The Dallas landmark is registered on the National Register of Historic Places and is housed in the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, giving guests views of the lush DeGolyer Garden while they sip. The three-course garden harvest tea menu, offered daily through November 7, includes champagne brie soup; tea sandwiches and tea cakes with apple spice, earl grey, and peach ginger teas; and an assortment of scones served with clotted cream and jam. Linger around after and stroll through more than 60 acres of vibrant blooms and finely-manicured gardens. Starting November 10, Holiday tea will commence. Reservations are required, and the cost includes parking, gratuity, and admission into the Dallas Arboretum main garden. 8525 Garland Rd., Dallas, dallasarboretum.org
Mirador
This sun-drenched restaurant, perched atop the Forty Five Ten luxury boutique in Downtown, offers an opulent champagne-soaked afternoon tea service. Executive chef Travis Wyatt crafted the tea menu to pair with Farmers Branch’s the Cultured Cup teas, and the cost includes bubbly. Expect decadences like the apple cider-glazed caramel apple scone, falafel and date chutney labneh, a wagyu sando, and opera cake. Children are welcome to partake in Mirador’s kid-friendly tea service, which includes strawberry kiwi sammich, endless chicken bites, and sweet cream gelato. 1608 Elm St., Dallas, mirador-dallas.com
Bangkok at Beltline
Bangkok at Beltline puts a Thai spin on the afternoon tea ritual. Expect a menu with lots of Thai flair, like pad thai croissants, a buttery spin on the stir-fried noodle dish; pumpkin sandwiches; and curry puffs, paired with green tea. Sticky rice Thai custard is paired with citrus tea, and glossy red velvet mousse cakes and macarons paired with vanilla Thai tea serve as a sweet ending. The tea service is offered exclusively on Saturdays, with three seatings at 1, 2, and 3 p.m., and can be booked with 48-hour advance notice. 100 S. Central Expressway, Ste. 108, Richardson, bangkokbeltline.com
Trick Rider
The Omni PGA Frisco Resort and Spa is a luxe retreat for golfers and leisure seekers alike. Its signature restaurant, Trick Rider, hosts a chic Saturday afternoon tea worthy of a cattle baroness. The Western-inspired service features Zakti teas, delicate pastries, and ham and cheese puff pastries, accompanied by live acoustic guitar. Guests can elevate the experience with champagne and signature cocktails beneath the glow of a hand-cut crystal horse chandelier. 4341 PGA Pkwy., Frisco, omnihotels.com
Leela’s Wine Bar
This wine and cocktail bar, known for espresso martinis, thin-crust pizza, and lush bloom-filled decor, launched a tea service in the spring. Every Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m., all Leela’s locations offer afternoon tea by reservation. The indulgent tea menu includes bubbles, teas, savory bites like mini prosciutto pizza and prosciutto sandwiches, and desserts; and guests can choose add-ons like charcuterie or a smoked salmon board and burrata. A selection of “refined refreshments” includes Leela’s iconic espresso martini, a seasonal bramble, spritz, and London fog Mar(tea)ni. Multiple locations, leelas.com
Potpourri Boulangerie
Tucked just beyond the bustle of Bishop Arts, this cheerful yellow teahouse once served as chef Andres Barreiro’s family wedding cake and flower shop, Potpourri of Silk. Today, Barreiro honors that legacy with Potpourri Boulangerie. Tea curator Daryl Pippins crafts mocktails and custom blends to complement Barreiro’s Montreal-rooted seasonal menu. Step into the flora-adorned home for fragrant tableside tea service, sage and coconut curry butternut squash soup, baba ghanoush apple slaw on corn cakes, and chocolate craquelin filled with chai cream and ganache. 317 N. Zang Blvd., Dallas, potpourrioakcliff.com
Café Dior by Dominique Crenn
One of Dallas’ most resplendent afternoon teas bears the signature of French fashion house Dior and acclaimed chef Dominique Crenn of California’s three-Michelin-starred Atelier Crenn. A newcomer in Highland Park Village, Café Dior by Dominique Crenn is perched above the Dior boutique. The café’s afternoon tea is a regal, feminine affair, from the Miss Dior Cannage tableware to a tower of floral-crowned chicken salad sandwiches, caviar and watercress choux, tuna tartlets, banana and sesame canelés, hazelnut chocolate cookies, and piña colada baba au rhum. Teas, Veuve Clicquot, Charles Heidsieck, Dom Pérignon and Ruinart are available for purchase separately. 58 Highland Park Village, Dallas, cafediordallas.com
Chocolate Angel Café and Bakery
Now with two locations, this sister-founded café has hosted high tea for 25 years. At just a fraction of the price of most Dallas teas, Chocolate Angel remains nothing short of charming. Guests sip from English floral teapots and enjoy plates of quiche, finger sandwiches, tartlets, and fresh fruit Monday through Saturday afternoons. The café also serves heartwarming soups, salads, and sandwiches, including the “Bless Your Heart” salad and Southern Living magazine favorite Some Like It Hot pimento cheese sandwich. Multiple locations, chocolateangel.com
