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 in Dallas. Tea time in the city has come to be known as a sometimes extravagant afternoon affair with hearty offerings and ever-flowing bubbles.
Here are six 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 ($28), or “Le Goûter” as it is known in France, is a food-focused affair. A tiered tower arrives with carefully crafted finger sandwiches, freshly made 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 ($75) is presented on dressed tables set under the Venetian plaster, lavish gold trim, and dazzling chandeliers.
A three-course tea menu begins with a choice of bubbles, and features Dallas’ Zakti loose leaf teas. Tea sandwiches in varieties like truffle egg salad on croissant and teriyaki smoked chicken on challah are paired with green tea from Kukicha, Japan, and followed by a trio of scones. Dainty sakura cherry blossom cheesecake tarts, white chocolate matcha cookies, and chocolate miso éclairs with a genmaicha “popcorn tea” round out the experience. While tea at the French Room feels special year-round, seasonal experiences like the cherry blossom tea and 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 tea ($64) menu, offered daily through September 19, includes chilled avocado soup; tea sandwiches and tea cakes with citrus chamomile, English breakfast, and mango-hibiscus 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. 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 ($89). 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 lemon turbinado raspberry scone, caviar tartlets, a wagyu sando, and foie gras macaron. Children are welcome to partake in Mirador’s kid-friendly tea service ($35), which includes fried peanut butter and jelly “uncrustables”, s’mores tarts, and sparkling juice. 1608 Elm St., Dallas, mirador-dallas.com
Bangkok at Beltline
Bangkok at Beltline’s “That Twist Afternoon Tea” service ($45) puts a Thai spin on the afternoon tea ritual. Expect a menu with lots of Thai flair, like tom kha croissants, a buttery spin on the spicy, coconut milk-based tom kha soup; chicken satay sandwiches; and curry puffs, paired with green tea. Sticky rice Thai custard is paired with citrus tea, and a rose bud-topped lychee-raspberry mousse cake 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
Leela’s Wine Bar
The wine and cocktail bar, known for their espresso martinis and thin-crust pizza, is celebrating spring with a tea service set against its lush, bloom-filled decor. Every Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., all Leela’s locations offer afternoon tea ($60) 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 ($14) or a caviar spread with a choice of rainbow trout ($24), paddlefish ($49) or kaluga sturgeon ($74). Leela’s also hosts seasonal tea services for East and Mother’s Day. Multiple locations, leelas.com
