QTea High Tea by QT Sydney Introduce
Welcome to the wonderfully unconventional world of QTea High Tea by QT Sydney, a premier dining destination that completely reimagines the traditional afternoon tea experience for a modern New South Wales audience. Located within the theatrical and stylish confines of the QT Sydney hotel, QTea is far more than just a tea house—it’s a full-service restaurant, a vibrant café, and a sophisticated lounge all rolled into one. It has become a celebrated spot for those in the Sydney region looking to indulge in an experience that is both decadently luxurious and delightfully quirky.
The QTea offering is a collaborative culinary masterpiece, often curated in partnership with Australia's own 'Sweet Assassin,' celebrated patissier Adriano Zumbo. This collaboration ensures a menu that is jam-packed with imaginative and indulgent creations that move far beyond the usual finger sandwiches and simple scones. Guests can expect a journey for the senses, with presentation that is as much a feast for the eyes as the food is for the palate. It is the perfect setting for a celebratory occasion, a stylish weekend treat, or simply a luxurious pause from the hustle and bustle of the Sydney CBD.
The atmosphere inside QTea is a key part of its appeal. Drawing inspiration from the hotel’s dramatic blend of Art Deco glamour and contemporary design, the setting—often within the elegant Gowings Restaurant or the chic hotel lobby—is both cozy and trendy. Think velvet tub chairs, artistic touches, and a playful yet sophisticated air. It's a place where groups, families, and solo diners feel equally welcome, with an atmosphere noted for being LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safespace, ensuring everyone feels comfortable to revel in the opulent experience.
QTea caters extensively to a wide array of preferences and needs, ensuring that no one misses out on the fun. From fully plant-based and gluten-free menus to a decadent selection of high-end beverages, the attention to detail in guest experience is paramount. This commitment to inclusivity and excellence is often highlighted in customer reviews, which frequently praise the staff for their friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable service, creating a seamless and memorable visit from start to finish. It’s an elegant rebellion against convention that has truly set a new standard for high tea in New South Wales.
QTea High Tea is perfectly positioned for access by anyone in the Greater Sydney area and beyond. It is situated within the iconic QT Sydney hotel, which is housed in the historic Gowings and State Theatre buildings. This puts it right in the central business district (CBD), making it incredibly convenient for shoppers, theatre-goers, and city dwellers alike. The hotel’s location on Market Street ensures that public transport is readily available. It is just a short walk from major transport hubs, including Town Hall and St James stations, providing easy access via Sydney Trains and Light Rail services.
For those driving, being in the heart of the CBD means numerous secure parking garages are within close proximity, though city parking rates apply. The vibrant intersection of culture and commerce on Market Street makes it a prime meeting point.
Accessibility features are a core element of the QT Sydney experience, extending to QTea.
- Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: The hotel and restaurant provide seamless entry for guests with mobility needs.
- Wheelchair Accessible Restroom: Accessible facilities are available on-site, a critical amenity for a comfortable visit.
- Wheelchair Accessible Seating: The layout ensures that patrons using wheelchairs can be seated comfortably at appropriate tables.
These provisions ensure that the luxurious QTea experience is inclusive and enjoyable for all New South Wales locals and visitors.
QTea is a specialist offering that provides a curated, high-end dining service with a playful twist, primarily operating on weekends for dedicated high tea sessions. The main services and offerings available ensure a luxurious and fully-catered experience.
- Dining Options: Available for Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert, primarily focused on the distinctive high tea structure with dedicated seating and table service.
- Reservation Services: Reservations are strongly accepted and highly recommended, particularly for high tea sessions, to guarantee a table.
- Dietary Accommodations: An outstanding commitment to catering to different needs, including a fully plant-based (vegan) menu option and a fully gluten-free/dairy-free high tea option. Halal food is also an offering.
- Beverage Selection: A full range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including an extensive wine list, beer, cocktails, hard liquor, and free-flowing premium loose-leaf tea and espresso coffee.
- Event Hosting: The sophisticated and quirky atmosphere makes it an ideal, bookable location for special events such as bachelorette parties, baby showers, or milestone celebrations, with an option to book the airy private room.
- Children's Amenities: High chairs are provided for family-friendly dining.
QTea High Tea by QT Sydney stands out amongst other Sydney dining spots due to its distinctive blend of top-tier culinary arts and avant-garde style. The highlights make it a truly unique experience.
- World-Class Desserts: The menu is often headlined by the exquisite, imaginative creations of renowned Australian patissier Adriano Zumbo, including his iconic 'ZUMBARONS' and unique items like the 'CHOCOLATE STAX' and 'BANOFFEE PIE VERRINE.'
- Innovative Savoury Selection: Moving beyond traditional high tea fare, the savoury options are equally inventive, featuring delectable bites such as the 'CHICKEN KATSU SANDO,' 'PRAWN TOAST,' and a 'SEASONED SAVOURY CHOX BUN.'
- Exceptional Tea Selection: Boasting a 'Great tea selection,' QTea offers unique loose-leaf blends like the signature 'BURNT BLUEBERRY,' 'BOHEMIAN BLUE,' and the rich 'ROOIBOS CHOCOLATE BOMB,' served beautifully in fun, stylish teapots.
- Signature Cocktail Menu: Guests can go 'rogue' and pair their high tea with a crafted cocktail like the 'EARL'S ROYAL GIN FIZZ' or a 'SPICY PEACH MARGARITIA,' or enjoy refreshing mocktails such as the 'APERITIF FIZZ' or 'Q_LOMA.'
- Unique Presentation: The food is often served on a super-modern, spinning jet-black tower of cubes, replacing the traditional tiered platter for a more theatrical and Instagram-worthy display.
- Vibrant Atmosphere with Live Music: The venue is known for its trendy, theatrical ambiance and often features live music or a DJ on the decks on Saturday afternoons, adding a laid-back, groovy backdrop to the dining experience.
- Excellent Coffee and Cocktails: Beyond tea, QTea is highlighted for both its 'Great coffee' and 'Great cocktails,' ensuring all beverage preferences are met.
Planning your visit to this spectacular Sydney CBD spot is straightforward. Here is the essential contact information:
- Address: QT Sydney - Gowings Restaurant, 49 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
- Phone: (02) 8262 0000
- Mobile Phone: +61 2 8262 0000
- Planning: Dinner reservations are recommended, and the venue accepts reservations.
- Payments: Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments are accepted for convenience.
For those in New South Wales looking for an extraordinary high tea experience, QTea High Tea by QT Sydney is undeniably worth choosing for several compelling reasons.
Firstly, its fusion of classic refinement with an innovative, modern approach makes it stand out from any run-of-the-mill high tea. The partnership with Adriano Zumbo ensures that the desserts are not just sweet treats but masterpieces of patisserie, perfect in flavour and presentation. The careful balance between the sweet selections—like the 'MAN GOES COCO'—and the sophisticated savouries—such as the 'FARRO SALAD'—guarantees a diverse and flavourful journey. Customers consistently rave about the food being not only tasty but truly unique.
Secondly, the venue's dedication to accessibility and dietary requirements is a major drawcard. Offering a specific, high-quality Plant-Based and Gluten-Free High Tea menu means that all guests, regardless of dietary constraints, can share in the decadent experience without compromise. This attention to detail is often cited by customers who require these options, highlighting that the alternative menus are just as delicious and satisfying as the standard fare.
Finally, the overall ambiance and service elevate a meal to a memorable event. The cozy yet theatrical setting, coupled with the energetic and knowledgeable staff—often praised for their bubbly and effervescent hospitality—creates an environment where special moments, like a bachelorette celebration or a birthday, truly shine. It's a highly recommended spot for lunch, a celebratory dessert, or a luxurious solo dining experience in the heart of Sydney's CBD. The blend of luxury, quirk, and outstanding food makes QTea an essential destination for a lavish and unique day out in New South Wales.
QTea High Tea by QT Sydney Food & drink
Sweet
- CHOCOLATE STAX
A Chocolate Celebration Featuring 6 textures of Chocolate
- BANOFFEE PIE VERRINE
Layer dessert with Flavours of Banana, Caramel, Lemon, Chocolate & Pecans
- MAN GOES COCO
Summer Feels of Mango, Passionfruit & Coconut on Shortbread
- ZUMBARONS
A Selection of flavours
- SCONEZ
Adriano's Twist On a Scone with Cherry Jam & Clotted Cream
Savoury
- CHICKEN KATSU SANDO
White Bread, Katsu Chicken, Cabbage, Cucumber, Jap Mayo, Green Tea Tonkatsu
- FARRO SALAD
Farro, Cucumber, Sun Dried Tomato, Olives, Capers, Peppers, Feta, Walnuts, Mint, Parsley, Caramelised Onion, Tossed in a Preservred Lemon Dressing
- PRAWN TOAST
Sesame Prawn Toast with Bacon, Corinaderm Shallot Harissa Mayo & Pomegranate Sumac Reduction
- SEASONED SAVOURY CHOX BUN
Mushroom Center, Bresola, Fontina Cheese, Mustard & Pickle Jam, Mushroom Cream
Cocktails
- SUMMER BLUSH SPRITZ A$23.00
Bush Honey Forty Spotted Gin, Saint Germain, Lime, Cucumber & Bail Treacle
- EARL'S ROYAL GIN FIZZ A$24.00
Bulldog Gin, Infused Earl Grey Syrup, Cirtus, Foamer, Sparkling Wine
- WHITE TEA BASIL & MINT MOJITO A$24.00
Pampero Blanco, Mint, Honey, Basil, White tea
- SPICY PEACH MARGARITIA A$24.00
Peaches, Jalapeno, Lime, Espolon Blanco
- BOHEMIAN LEMON TEA DROP A$22.00
Skyy Vodka, Cointreau, Pineapple, Lemon, Bohemian Blue Tea Infusion
Mocktails
- APERITIF FIZZ A$18.00
Lyre's Dry London, Italian Orange, Cirtius, Foamer, Topped with Classico Grande Sparkling
- Q_LOMA A$17.00
Grapefruit, Lime, Maple, Agave Spirt, Zest and Honey Rim
- CRODINO A$9.00
Aperitivo, Infusion of Spices, Roots & Herbs
Champagne
- NV Marlborough Mumm Prestige Brut Marlborough A$98.00
- NV Marlborough Mumm Rosé Marlborough A$105.00
- NV Perrier-Jouët 'Grand Brut' Épernay A$182.00
- NV Perrier-Jouët 'Blanc de Blancs' Épernay A$262.00
- NV G.H Mumm 'Grand Cordon' Reims A$133.00
- NV Ruinart Blanc de Blanc Reims A$293.00
- NV Krug Grande Cuvee 'Edition 170' Reims A$657.00
- 2013 Dom Pérignon Reims A$555.00
Loose Leaf Tea
- BURNT BLUEBERRY
QTea's signature brew. House-blended and sold nowhere else
- EAST FRISIAN (TGBOP)
Single origin assam loose leaf that boasts a warm and slightly spicy twist
- ENGLISH BREAKFAST
English Breakfast is a strong, full-bodied blend that's malty, yet bright, and boasts a history as a long as tea production itself
- BOHEMIAN BLUE
A colourful version of lemon and ginger tea
- GENMAICHA
Green tea with an extra pop of interest
- MISS GREY
Flouts tradition and truly blossoms due to its infusion of jasmine and other flowers
- MUMBAI CHAI
Spiced and fruity Idian Tea blend that boasts a hint of sweet vanilla
- ROOIBOS CHOCOLATE BOMB
A decadent dessert tea with a surprisingly healthy base
QTea High Tea by QT Sydney Details
Service options
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Live music
Popular for
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Halal food
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- High chairs
QTea High Tea by QT Sydney Photos










QTea High Tea by QT Sydney Location
QTea High Tea by QT Sydney
QT Sydney - Gowings Restaurant, 49 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
QTea High Tea by QT Sydney Reviews
savouryhoteladriano zumbosconesthe menuatmosphereblueberry teamacaronsbirthdaypresentation
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1We went to QT High Tea as part of my bachelorette celebration activities and we absolutely adored it! The atmosphere was incredible and the food was so tasty as well as unique. The rest of my group kept saying "we have to do high tea here all the time now!". They also catered to multiple dietary options and the staff were really friendly and helpful. Safe to say we'll be back again!
September 15 · Sarah VeitchCelebrated my birthday with a GFDF high tea with four friends. Everything was delicious!! Mouthwatering, with flavours perfectly balanced!! I think my favourite was the GF scone-inspired slice with DF cream and berry reduction. Even better than scones with jam and cream!! All the menu items were incredible, and Shani’s order selection was pretty spot on. A decadent array of teas to choose from, beautifully served in fun teapots. Perfect amount of food.The only improvement would be softer music, perhaps instrumental? We felt like we had to talk over it at times. Otherwise everything was excellent.Shani was a lovely host. So knowledgeable about the menu and enthusiastic about her role- she was bubbly and effervescent, it was wonderful to see!
April 14 · Melissa HendersonLoved every bit! A thoughtfully curated high tea experience from the presentation to the atmosphere to the service. Although the savoury pieces were delicious, the sweets were the highlight for me. So many flavours, textures and layers.
August 17 · ShelleyMy fiancé and I had the most beautiful experience at QT. We had the vegan high tea menu, which was sublime. So nice to be so well catered for as vegans, with a stunningly curated menu. Additionally, the staff were warm and friendly, which helped to celebrate our engagement. I would dine here again in a heartbeat!
November 01 · Jen GroszFood and tea were delicious and plentiful.The high tea takes place in the hotel reception area, which is a bit of a thoroughfare. Great for people watching but not a fancy or quiet ambience most suited for high tea. Chairs are comfy and stylish but too low - so had to lean forward to eat and speak with my friends.
June 29 · Cordelia
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