Afternoon Tea Spots

Cooler days call for cozy, comforting rendezvous over steaming cups of tea and perfectly paired sandwiches and cakes. Steeped in tradition (pun intended), the ritual of afternoon tea is an essential part of the winter experience in Boston, and there is no shortage of delicious options in Back Bay and environs, each with its own unique ambience and flavor. Add some delight to a chilly afternoon and reserve a spot in these fabulous venues.

For the Connoisseur

The Courtyard Restaurant at The Boston Public Library

700 Bolyston Street

Since 2018, visitors have enjoyed elegant afternoon tea in the exquisite Courtyard Restaurant—a hidden gem nestled inside the Boston Public Library. Everything about the experience here is lovely, but the little touches—such as menus tucked between the covers of a book—make it special. Tea lovers will appreciate the carefully curated selection of black, green, white, and herbal teas, as well as tea lattes and sparkling beverages and cocktails. Scones and clotted cream are exceptionally tasty, but the entirety of the traditional three-tiered tray is a delectable indulgence.

For the Luxury Lover

Sky Lounge at Raffles Boston

40 Trinity Place

Come for the breathtaking views from The Long Bar and Terrace, on the 17th floor of Raffles, but stay for the five-star service, exquisite pastries, and truly fine tea. Everything is baked in-house by world-class pastry chefs and is equal to or superior to the finest European bakeries (if you have time, drop by Café Pastille on your way out for a sourdough loaf to take home); you will feel as if you have dropped into a rarefied world of elegance. Ever seeking the superlative leaf, Raffles has recently partnered with Metz Tea, an elite, small-batch grower whose blends can only be enjoyed here. The quintessential experience for a luxury tea.

For Some Local Flavor

The Tea Room at The Buttery

14 Shawmut Street

Beloved South End café The Buttery has just converted what was previously a Brick Street Bagel pop-up (Brick Street is in a permanent space just one block up on Tremont) into an adorable, properly English tearoom. Bone china, lace napkins, and a captivating view of quaint Shawmut Street and the local pedestrian activity make this a uniquely Boston experience. Currently only offered on Thursday and Friday from 10 to 3, this space is available for private events and is well suited for a special occasion or just a cozy gathering of good friends.

For the Book Lover

The Beacon Hill Bookstore Café

71 Charles St.

Just off Charles Street, there’s a cobblestoned path leading to the Beacon Hill Bookstore café courtyard, where gas lanterns flicker, and an antique armoire filled with exquisite antique china tempts. More delights await in the café itself, including custom-blended teas, Prosecco, and homemade Ginger Mint lemonade. A tiered tray offers fabulous nibbles: cucumber sandwiches, a memorable egg salad nestled in a filo cup, and scones, notably a plum ginger version that pairs perfectly with fruit jam. Service is warm, friendly, and absolutely in sync with the cozy ambience. Reservations required.

For the Purist

Silver Dove Afternoon Tea

24 Tremont Street

If you are interested in an authentic afternoon tea experience, Silver Dove is a must. From the meticulously selected array of teas to the scrumptious homemade sweets and savories, the personal touch of the local proprietors Patrick Brewster and Lee Morgan sets this traditional tearoom apart. Eminently welcoming, the kitchen is entirely gluten-free, and the staff is always accommodating of other dietary restrictions. Open Tuesday through Sunday, Silver Dove brings Boston flair to the beloved tradition of British teatime.

Lisa Mulman is a dog (and book, and tea)-loving former literature professor who has, for the past five years, been pursuing a passion project: re-imagining dog grooming as an opportunity for community engagement. A co-founder of Onyva Dog Spa, she resides in the South End with her husband, Merritt, and her 101-pound St. Bernadoodle, Satchel.