Where to Have Afternoon Tea in Abu Dhabi: 5 Best Tea Places to Try in Yas Island

Afternoon tea evokes visions of dainty sandwiches, scrumptious cakes, buttery scones, and decadent pastries artfully arranged on a three-tier afternoon tea stand (or a similar version thereof), served with a pot of fine, freshly brewed tea and a side of clotted cream and jam. More of a social occasion than an actual meal, it is an experience you can find in the world’s top hotels. The best Yas hotels (and restaurants) are no exception.

What is Afternoon Tea?

Afternoon tea is a British tradition that started with the nobility in the 19^th century. It is an afternoon snack served at around 4:00 p.m., and is meant to tide people over until the evening meal, traditionally served at 8:00 p.m.

However, since afternoon tea was often served in gardens and other picturesque settings, it gradually gained ritualistic appeal and started featuring in formal receptions. Afternoon tea evolved from a stop-gap meal into a social event to be spent chatting, eating, and drinking tea with friends, family, or the members of one’s social circle.

How about high tea? Is it the same as afternoon tea?

Whereas afternoon tea originated with the nobility, high tea originated with the working class. It is the working people’s stop-gap meal at the end of a workday, typically at 5:00 p.m., while sitting on high-back dining chairs gathered around a high table or counter (thus the name, high tea). High tea fare can include sandwiches and pastries but also often feature hot, savoury and other dishes that are heartier than the usual afternoon tea options.

Today, people use afternoon tea and high tea interchangeably to refer to a lavish afternoon snack. Ask around for places serving high tea in Abu Dhabi, and people will point you to restaurants that offer afternoon tea — and vice versa.

Are you looking for the best place for afternoon tea in Abu Dhabi? Visit Yas Island. Afternoon tea is an experience some of the best hotels and establishments in Yas Island Abu Dhabi offers.

Where to Have Afternoon Tea in Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island?

The following places offer the best afternoon tea in Abu Dhabi:

 

 

1. Osmo Lounge & Bar

Osmo Lounge & Bar, found at the lobby level of Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, is open from morning till evening, supplying guests with coffee, tea and other beverages during the day and cocktails and spirits at night. In the afternoon, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Osmo transforms into a luxurious tea house, with its plush lounge seating and glorious views of Yas Bay from the terrace offering the best setting for relaxing and delightful afternoon tea parties.

 

At a Hilton Yas Island afternoon tea, you can look forward to a spread of scones with their classic accompaniment of clotted cream and fruit jam. Afternoon tea also usually comes with truffle bites, mini cakes, macarons, and sweet delights, all arranged as a feast for the eyes in transparent jewel box trays. These are served with tea, coffee, juice, or a welcome drink.

 

 

2. Hickory’s

Yas Links, the first true links golf course in the Middle East, is also one of the places you can go in Yas Island for what is probably the best afternoon tea in Abu Dhabi with a view.

 

The place is Hickory’s, a sports bar and restaurant located at the Yas Links clubhouse. It is primarily known for its smoky barbecue and lively sports broadcasts. However, regulars also know Hickory’s serves lavish afternoon teas, available every 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

 

Hickory’s has a terrace that offers unencumbered views of the rolling greens, the mangroves and the Yas Links coast, and you can choose to take your afternoon tea here, on the terrace, or you can ask for it to be served on the jetty or even the tower. Whichever venue you choose, you will enjoy exceptional views.

 

There are three afternoon tea packages at Hickory’s, including the standard bronze at AED 99 per person, the elaborate VIP Silver at AED 159 per person, and the ultimate indulgence of the VVIP Gold at AED 1,450 per person.

 

 

3. Roastery

From one of the most iconic hotels in Yas Island comes one of the Island’s most recommended afternoon teas. W Hotel Abu Dhabi, a Marriott luxury property located right on the Yas Marina Circuit and the choice hotel of Formula One spectators, is a Yas Island architectural landmark due to its steel and glass lattice structure that creates a distinctive, illuminated canopy or shell over the hotel structure. The hotel also offers sweeping views of the racetrack.

 

The Roastery is the hotel coffee shop at the lobby level. It is open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and offers an afternoon tea experience. The cafe offers a selection of afternoon tea packages that vary according to theme and cake and pastry selection.

 

A Roastery afternoon tea spread typically comes with finger sandwiches, a selection of mini-cakes topped with berries or macarons, and other sweets. Guests may choose to have their afternoon tea outside for the best outdoor views.

 

 

4. Views Lobby Lounge

The Views Lobby Lounge at Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi is a business-class lounge that provides sweeping sea and golf course views. You and your company can check it out in the late afternoon and enjoy the lounge’s afternoon tea menu of cakes and pastries served with tea or coffee.






 

5. Beverly Hills Boulangerie

After a day of rides and experiences at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, you and your family can have afternoon tea at one of the theme park’s upscale coffee shops, Beverly Hills Boulangerie, which overlooks the Warner Bros. Plaza.

Afternoon tea at Beverly Hills Boulangerie consists of a selection of sandwiches, cakes, and pastries served with coffee or tea.

 

 

Indulge Yourself With Afternoon Tea in Yas Island

 

Maybe you’re missing the afternoon tea receptions back home or are searching for a unique experience to mark your Abu Dhabi vacation. You may even be simply looking for an excellent way to pass a lazy afternoon.

 

Whatever your reason or motivation, you should try afternoon tea in Abu Dhabi. You can line up all the above destinations and turn them into a worthwhile Yas Island afternoon tea bucket list. Who knows? You might find the best place for afternoon tea in Abu Dhabi is on Yas Island.

 

Yas Island Abu Dhabi is a premier lifestyle and recreation destination in Abu Dhabi, known for its four world-class theme parks, luxury hotels, and the best Abu Dhabi restaurants. Visit Yas Island. Check out our packages and offers.