WINNER
Observation Deck at 300
This sky-high afternoon tea is our winner for the second year in a row, and there are so many reasons why this was a no-brainer. As the name suggests, you get a 360-degree view of the city, but it’s not just the amazing vistas that draw so many people here. The lovely spread features plenty of savoury bites (we hate it when they neglect the not-so-sweet options), and fun cakes such as doughnuts and cute cupcakes. It’s perfect for impressing visitors, too.
Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Corniche West (02 811 5666).
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Lobby Lounge (Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri)
If you grab the corner table in this decadent lobby lounge you’ll have a perfect view of the private beach, the Grand Canal and the impressive outline of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The staff are super-friendly, too, and both the sweet and savoury bites look like little miniature works of art. Highlights include the roast duck and avocado sandwich, while the freshly ground coffee and loose-leaf tea options are excellent as well.
Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, Bain Al Jessrain (02 304 8036).
The Library
The London-themed afternoon tea at The Library isn’t just for keen readers. The modern lounge is a lovely place to relax for the afternoon, and there are plenty of tempting treats in both the sweet and savoury options. Feast on sophisticated sandwiches filled with truffled egg mayonnaise, cheddar cheese and chutney and more, and finish off proceedings with a spread of super English classics such as bakewell tart, trifle and homemade scones.
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas, Saadiyat Island (02 407 1138).
NOMINEES
Alba Lobby Lounge
Tea at The Ritz is world-renowned for offering the utmost in quality service, the daintiest of delights and a setting you’d expect only the most important of VIPs to indulge in. With chandeliers, a vaulted ceiling and dove-grey walls, this hotel lounge is classic and elegant and the bite-sized food and beverages are a delight.
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, Khor Al Maqta (02 818 8282).
Café 302
Unwind at the cool and stylish Café 302 by booking on for afternoon tea and you can enjoy all the spoils with a sweet selection of cakes and savoury bites. Plus there’s even a vegan option if you’re following a plant-based diet so whatever your requirements the bases are covered and you can enjoy unlimited tea and delightful bites while watching the world go by.
Café 302, Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana (02 610 6666).
Crystal Lounge
Sitting at the top of this beautiful hotel’s grand staircase, you can often find entrepreneurs sealing their latest deal in this luxurious lounge. The bounty on offer in the afternoon tea is excellent: the perfect pastries, handcrafted sweets and excellent Newby Teas making this an afternoon to remember.
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Nation Towers (02 304 8316).
Le Café
This exclusive café is found in the grand Emirates Palace hotel, and it certainly lives up to its billing with some extravagant, and expensive, menu items. The upmarket café is the ideal place to visit when you have guests in town that you need to impress with a delightful, elegant and extravagant spread of bites and sweet treats.
Emirates Palace, Corniche West (02 690 9000).
Majlis Lobby Lounge
Tucking into some amazing afternoon treats is rarely more enjoyable than when it’s accompanied by the soothing sounds of a live pianist. At Majlis Lobby Lounge they offer you all the foodie fineries you’d hope for, while providing a silver service more than happy to top you up when your caffeine levels have dropped.
Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island (02 813 5550).
Majlis Saadiyat, Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island
With one of the best views in the city as the backdrop this elegant afternoon tea all the right boxes when it comes to an impressive atmosphere. As you would expect from a great afternoon tea you can tuck into to a selection of bite-sized morsels with hot beverages here and soak in the incredible views of the ocean while doing so.
Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island (02 811 4444).
The Drawing Room
Certain venues will always send you into a state of wonderment, and this Saadiyat Island setting will give you both the joy of gazing out into the Arabian Gulf while being cosy in an armchair. The afternoon tea selection is as super as its setting.
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island (02 498 8443).
