Fancy a cup of tea to warm up in Rome this chilly season? Rome may not be known as a tea capital in Europe and tea time may not be as culturally important to the Romans, but sure enough you can find a good cup of tea if you know where to look. Many of the city’s high end hotels offer the ritual of tea time, especially during the winter months when visitors to Rome are looking for a good reason to stay inside and enjoy something warm.
Below is a list of our favorite spots for tea time in Rome.
Where to go for Tea Time in Rome
The winter months are the best months to enjoy the unique tea time specials offered by Rome’s most elegant hotels and tea rooms. As the sun goes down the city cools down quite a bit so mid afternoon is a perfect time to settle in somewhere warm and enjoy a warm tea and a few sweet and savory nibbles. Below are a few of our favorite spots around Rome for a pot of tea in a cozy environment.
Babington’s Tea Room
Celebrating it’s 125th anniversary in 2018, Babington’s Tea Rooms have been a staple of the Spanish Steps landscape since the end of the 19th century. Two young women – Isabel Cargill and Anna Maria Babington – came to Rome to earn a living. After noticing the number of English tourists visiting the city, they decided to set up a suitable spot to have afternoon tea. And the rest is history.
Descendants of the original owners now run the place. Tea is served in bone china tea pots and tiered plates with scrumptious savory tea sandwiches and scones. Servers are dressed in original turn-of-the-century uniforms with bonnets and lace. Visitors can take tea home with them, including a set of special Rome-inspired blends called the “7 Teas of Rome”.
Address: Piazza di Spagna 23, 00187 Roma
Hours: Open daily from 10am to 9:15pm
The St. Regis Hotel
Bar Caelum at the St. Regis in Rome
A signature of the St. Regis Hotel brand, the ritual of high tea is served in the beautiful lobby space designed after a classic Roman piazza. Choose your tea from a selection of quality Dammann Frères teas to accompany first a savory course of tea sandwiches followed by a sweet course of scones and macarons.
Address: Via Vittorio E. Orlando 3, 00185 Rome
The Hotel Eden
The Hotel Eden, a member of the Dorchester Collection underwent a multi-million euro renovation for the whole property. The spectacular 5-star hotel serves high tea during the winter months in its cozy Libreria space located in the lobby. A warm fireplace, live music, and comfortable sofas provide a backdrop to a lovely high tea experience including quality loose leaf teas and an abundance of sweet and savory delicacies. It’s easy to spend a few hours chatting the afternoon away with family and friends in this decadent space.
Address: Via Ludovisi 49, 00187 Rome
Hotel Hassler
One of Rome’s most iconic hotels perched at the top of the Spanish Steps, it was once the headquarters for President Eisenhower during the end of World War II. The 5-star hotel has hosted heads of state, royalty and film celebrities in it’s prized position overlooking the rooftops of Rome. You can enjoy an afternoon sipping tea and nibbling on sweet and savory canapés in the elegant Salone Eva located just off the main lobby.
Address: Piazza Trinità dei Monti, 6 – 00187 Rome
Rome Cavalieri – A Waldorf Astoria Hotel
Home to one of the world’s largest private art collections in a hotel, the Rome Cavalieri is the 5-star hotel located just outside the immediate historic center of Rome. It’s interiors express a distinct Dolce Vita vibe with grand spaces covered in priceless works of art. In fact, one of their special afternoon tea offers include a special seat in front of a prized work by the artist. The special tea experience includes a glass of bubbles, pots of tea and an abundant offering of savory and sweet delicacies.
Address: Via Alberto Cadlolo 101, 00136 Rome
High Tea at Home in Rome
Sip tea in the comfort of your own living room at the Villa Medici apartment by ROMAC
Perhaps you’d like to organize your own high tea experience in the comfort of your home in Rome? If you’re staying at any of the vacation rentals managed by ROMAC, you’ll find all the necessary kitchen items you’ll need to prepare your own afternoon tea – like a tea kettle, tea cups and saucers. Stop by Babington’s Tea Rooms to pick up some local, Rome-inspired teas to brew at home, or stop by any of the tea boutiques by Tè e Teiere for a wide variety of high quality loose leaf teas. For the full high tea experience, stop by a nearby pasticceria (or pastry shop) to pick up a selection of mignon, or small, mono-portion pastries to enjoy with your tea.
Looking for a place to stay in Rome? Browse ROMAC and search through over 40 quality vacation rentals in the center of Rome. Narrow your results by the number of guests, neighborhood, nightly rate, and special amenities. With over a decade of experience welcoming thousands of guests to the Eternal City, ROMAC boasts quality guest service and renovated properties that offer a characteristic home with modern conveniences.
Have you enjoyed high tea in Rome? Where was your favorite spot? Share your experience and advice in the comments below!
[…] lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to get out of the cold for a few hours or take your tea in the afternoon, Babington’s is prepared to serve you your breakfast favorites, like a full English breakfast […]