Steeped in history, Boston is famous for its incredible culture and beautiful architecture, and there’s plenty to do and see here.
And if you’re a tea lover then you’re in luck because there’s plenty of amazing afternoon tea in Boston!
Afternoon tea in Boston is a special affair, and it’s one that you’re definitely going to want to get stuck into while you’re in the city.
We’ve saved you all the hard work by rounding up the very best of the bunch, so have a read and book into your favorites!
1. Silver Dove Afternoon Tea
Address: 24 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02108
Phone number: 781-203-1223
Silver Dove Afternoon Tea is the only fully-dedicated afternoon tea spot in Boston so it firmly deserves its spot at the top of this list!
This gorgeous independent restaurant is located in downtown Boston near City Hall, just steps from the Freedom Trail, and is open from 11 am to 7 pm Wednesday through Sunday.
It opened in February 2023 by two lifelong Boston restaurant professionals who are dedicated to bringing you the best afternoon tea in Boston.
Afternoon tea costs $48 per person, or $56 with a glass of wine, cocktail, or mocktail.
Yep, that’s right, not only do they serve over 20 loose-leaf teas that they source from all over the world, but also wine, cocktails, and mocktails!
As for food, they make all of it in-house and the entire establishment is gluten-free and oat-free.
However, my favorite thing about Silver Dove is that their menu changes every 6-8 weeks so you can come back time and time again and try something new.
As expected, this place gets super popular.
And as they only have eight tables, it’s worth booking a few weeks in advance to guarantee yourself a spot.
2. Abigail’s Tea Room
Address: Tea Party Ships & Museum, 306 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210
Phone number: 866-955-0667
Abigail’s Tea Room will immerse you in the comfortable charm of eras gone by, and it’s a great place to go for a dreamy tea experience.
The tea room can be found in the iconic Tea Party Ship Museum, and it’s a fantastic place to enjoy afternoon tea in Boston.
At Abigail’s, they firmly believe that ‘Your adventure isn’t complete without a spot of tea’ and I’d have to agree!
Their afternoon tea is served by colonial tea ladies in the warm and welcoming space, transporting you back in time.
Sample a range of up to five different teas with a historic twist alongside some tasty sweet treats.
However, if you aren’t the biggest fan of tea, don’t worry because they do offer alternative drinks like refreshing lemonades, cool iced teas, and cold apple ciders.
As for those ‘sweet treats’, you’ll get to enjoy everything from scones and cookies to muffins and pies.
I’m already daydreaming about the cranberry-orange scones – yum!
Abigail’s is regularly heralded as one of the best places for afternoon tea in Boston and I couldn’t agree more.
3. The Courtyard Tea Room
Address: 700 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116
Phone number: 781-763-1360
Price: $56 per person
The Courtyard Tea Room is a hidden jewel where you can enjoy traditional tea in the most elegant of spaces.
This lovely spot can be found in the landmark Boston Public Library, and it’s a great spot to enjoy a spot of tea while overlooking the beautiful courtyard.
Their afternoon tea experience is an absolute classic, and it’s one that locals and tourists alike have fallen in love with.
With prices starting at $56 per person, this really is a high tea that you won’t want to miss.
I mean, who doesn’t love a herb chicken salad sandwich?
Ooh, or how about a classic Maine lobster sandwich?
Alternatively, if you have more of a sweet tooth, you’ll look forward to delights like the lemon poppy seed scones, the black raspberry rose macaron, and the matcha tea cookie.
You can also add some of their delicious signature tea-infused cocktails to your afternoon tea to make it a little boozy.
They have punny literary names like Tequila Mockingbird, Of Milk & Men, and All That Jazzmine, and they taste the part too!
High tea is available at The Courtyard at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm every Wednesday and Thursday so that should give you enough time to book in.
4. Trifecta
Address: 1 Dalton St, Boston, MA 02199
Phone number: 617-936-4876
Price: $99 per person
Trifecta‘s afternoon tea is a truly special and indulgent experience.
It’s a vibrant cocktail lounge that’s an incredible spot for enjoying an extravagant afternoon tea, and I just know you’re going to love it.
Their afternoon tea is $99 per person and includes a glass of GH Mumm Champagne as well as liquor pairing.
If you’re looking for a great way to celebrate a special occasion, then this is it!
From foie gras profiteroles to apple cheddar tarts, this really is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of afternoon tea in Boston.
I mean, even their scones are something special!
The zante currant and vanilla bean scones are served with caramelized pumpkin butter, Devonshire cream, and orange marmalade, and they’re just as tasty as they sound.
Of course, you’ll also be washing all this deliciousness down with eight amazing teas.
My favorites are the sweet orange cinnamon, the spiced sangria, and the strawberry rhubarb pie.
They’re so varied that you’re bound to find something to suit your taste!
High tea is available at Trifecta from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm every Friday, and from 11 am to 2:30 pm every Saturday and Sunday.
5. The Vintage Tea & Cake Company
Address: 129 Belmont St, Belmont, MA 02478
Phone number: 617-470-4321
Price: From $30 per person
The Vintage Tea & Cake Company has been on the Boston scene since 2012, and it’s a real superstar of a tea spot.
They offer a delightful English tea service as well as a $25 takeout scone offering that’s great if you want to tuck in at home.
Their afternoon tea is $30 per person, for which you get a range of pastries, traditional scones served with jam and butter, and finger sandwiches.
Their raspberry and lemon curd cream profiteroles aren’t to be missed, so be sure to get a taste of those!
I also love the classic cucumber sandwiches with watercress and radish.
It wouldn’t be an afternoon tea without a cucumber sandwich, right?!
With the offer, you also get a choice of tea from their selection (or a coffee if you prefer!) so ensure you make the right choice.
My favorite is the orange cinnamon spice tea so I’d recommend ordering that!
Adel, the founder of The Vintage Tea & Cake Company, lived in England for ten years so you can rest assured that she knows a thing or two about nailing a good afternoon tea.
6. The Tea Leaf
Address: 487 Moody St, Waltham, MA 02453
Phone number: 781-891-1900
Price: From $45 per person
The Tea Leaf is a gorgeous little tea parlor and art gallery that will be sure to totally delight your senses.
They specialize in the traditional three-tier tea service, with tasty finger sandwiches alongside incredible sweet treats.
Their afternoon tea starts at $45 per person for a Low Tea, going up to $55 each if you want to go the full hog with the High Tea.
Expect classic sandwiches and sweets including their delicious whoopie pie, which will be sure to blow your mind!
However, if you have more of a savory tooth, I know you’ll devour the imported prosciutto with soft mozzarella and a light sweet fig jam.
Another menu highlight is the brownie topped with a light frosting drizzle.
It’s all just so delicious!
The Tea Leaf even kindly caters to a variety of dietary requirements, offering vegetarian, kosher, and gluten-free alternatives, among others.
Wash all this deliciousness with a large pot of tea, and you’re onto a winner with this one.
7. Fancy That
Address: 272 Main St, Walpole, MA 02081
Phone number: 888-323-2832
Price: From $34 per person
Fancy That is a unique spot for afternoon tea in Boston.
Their space is decorated with charming antique furniture and china, which captures the traditional spirit of the tea service.
Their afternoon tea is $36 per person if you order it in-store, or $34 each if you order online in advance.
There’s no need to choose anything except your pot of tea here, as the food comes from a set menu that will be sure to put a smile on your face.
For your food, you each get two scones, four sandwiches, and three mini desserts, which is amazing value for money.
My favorite part of the tea is either the apricot jam and white raisin chicken salad sandwich or the cinnamon bun cupcake – yum!
You can also add on some tasty extras such as raspberry rose unicorn macarons, should you so wish.
For the tea, I’d recommend apple cinnamon coffee cake, it takes two to mango, and lady marshmallow.
They sure do like it sweet here at Fancy That!
8. Jolie Tea Company
Address: 316 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970
Phone number: 978-745-5654
Price: $32 per person
Jolie Tea Company is a chic tea café in the heart of Salem, and these guys are specialists in fine loose-leaf teas.
Their high tea is one of the best in Boston, and it’s one that you don’t want to miss out on.
The afternoon tea is $32 per person, and it’s a real three-tier banquet.
From macarons and madeleines to dainty finger sandwiches, this is the perfect choice for afternoon tea in Boston.
They even have a vegan option which costs an additional $5 for those with that dietary requirement.
However, you’ll be pleased to hear that they cater to other dietary requirements free of charge!
If you want to make your high tea experience even more special, you can also book a private high tea in their Salon Room with a room booking fee of $50.
Now that’s an experience you can’t miss!
9. Heath’s Tea Room
Address: 43 South Street, Rockport, MA 01966
Phone number: 978-309-3388
Price: From $23.50 per person
Heath’s Tea Room is the home of wonderful tea and delicious scones, and I just know you’re going to love it here.
It’s a traditional spot with incredible afternoon teas, and they’re super good value too, which is always a plus!
The Queen Catherine’s Delight is $27.50 per person for three tiers of treats, while The Dartmouth is just $23.50 each for two tiers of joy.
If you opt for the former, you’ll be getting six tea sandwiches, a freshly baked scone with preserves, a sampling of three tea treats, and a two-cup pot of tea.
Or alternatively, if you want to do your tea on a budget, you’ll get the same delicious food but without the three tea treats if you go for the cheaper option.
You can also add clotted cream to either tea for an additional $3, which is probably worth it, no?!
Regardless of which option you go for, you’ll sleep easy knowing it’s cheap and cheerful.
This is sure to become your favorite spot for afternoon tea in Boston in no time!
There you have it, then, the ultimate round-up of the very best afternoon tea in Boston.
Whether you fancy a traditional tea or a real Bostonian experience, you’ll be sure to find your perfect match here.
It’s a city that favors quality over quantity but with options this good, who needs hundreds to choose from?
If you’re a fan of afternoon tea, then Boston is bound to captivate you.
Take a stroll through its gorgeous streets, and make sure to stop off at one of these outlets for an excellent afternoon tea in Boston.