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Image from Waldorf Astoria

Best spots for high tea in Amsterdam

The elevated afternoon tea has got to be one of England’s best gifts to the world, right up there with Shakespeare and Wellington boots. The tradition, complete with towering cake stands piled high with delicate sandwiches and elegant cakes, has made its way to Amsterdam with no extravagance spared. These are our favourite locations to indulge in high tea fit for royalty. 

De Bakkerswinkel

De Bakkerswinkel terrace in Westerpark
Image from Koen Smilde

With several locations in Amsterdam, De Bakkerswinkel is a favourite among locals. The high tea includes sandwiches, scones, cakes, tarts and sweets baked on site by bakers and pâtissiers who truly know their craft. A variety of menu options are available, depending on how regal (and hungry) you’re feeling. 

De Drie Graefjes

De Drie Graefjes lemon cake
Image from De Drie Graefjes

This popular café and cake shop made its name bringing American-style cakes to Amsterdam. Alongside the classics, De Drie Graefjes puts on a tempting spread of red velvet cake, brownies, cupcakes and quiches, served with a variety of teas and an optional glass of prosecco. 

Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam

Peacock Alley, Waldorf Astoria afternoon tea
Image from Waldorf Astoria

The lavishly decorated Peacock Alley in the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam is a room dedicated to the hotel’s first location in New York. Treat yourself (and your mum) to tea in the blue-hued room and prepare to be mind-blown by Executive Chef Sidney Schutte’s creations: lemon soufflé, choux pastry with burned white chocolate and blueberry, Dutch shrimp dumpling sandwiches and champagne on request.

Conservatorium

Conservatorium Hotel brasserie interiors
Image from Amit Geron

The Conservatorium hotel’s 'royal afternoon tea' is every bit as majestic as it sounds. After selecting a tea infusion to suit your mood, the experience continues with gourmet sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, layered cakes, handmade macarons and a refreshing glass of Verve Clicquot.

Koffie ende Koeck

Koffie ende Koeck café interior
Image from Koffie ende Koeck

Koffie ende Koeck near Amsterdam’s Westerpark were among the first to introduce vegan and organic high tea to the city. Enjoy a towering cake stand of signature cakes baked onsite, pastries and sandwiches—all vegan and all delicious—along with unlimited cups of tea.

Sofitel Legend The Grand

Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam Bridges Private Dining
Image from Michael Graste

Afternoon tea is worth getting dressed up for at five-star hotel, Sofitel Legend The Grand. In winter, high tea is served in award-winning restaurant, Bridges, and when it’s warmer, you have the option to bask in the tranquil courtyard garden. Feast on crostini, miniature quiches, scones and cakes that are almost too pretty to eat.

The Duchess

For an afternoon tea that would have impressed Marie Antoinette, look no further than The Duchess Tea Room at the plush W Amsterdam hotel. This high tea experience sets the standard with an inventive selection of bite-sized delights. Think lavender and lemon scones, smoked salmon and caviar sandwiches, éclairs, tarts and a fluffy balls of candy floss for the table.

Anne&Max

Everyone loves a cheeseboard, and coffee hotspot Anne&Max have applied similar thinking to their high tea platters. A decadent assortment of cakes, slices, sandwiches, scones and savoury snacks arrive artfully displayed on a wooden board ready to be devoured.

Barista Café

Turn afternoon tea into a great day out by taking a short trip to Haarlem. Barista Café is one of a growing number of foodie hotspots embarking on the high tea tradition. Indulge in a pot of your favourite brew, along with homemade sandwiches, sweets and pastries.