A friend and I planned to meet for afternoon tea at The Mark Hotel but discovered they no longer offer tea service. We walked one block over to The Carlyle Hotel and were seated promptly. I had visited The Carlyle a few years earlier and remembered enjoying tea there, so I was hopeful for a pleasant experience.
SETTING: ★★★★★
Afternoon tea is served in a two-level lounge primarily dedicated to tea service. The space is elegant and comfortable, with plush seating and refined décor that creates a luxurious atmosphere ideal for a leisurely afternoon.
SERVICE: ★★★★☆
Service was friendly and professional. Being seated on the lower level made it slightly harder to catch the attention of servers who tended to circulate on the upper level, but the staff remained attentive overall.
TEA & TEA SELECTION: ★★★☆☆
The Gallery offers a good selection of loose-leaf teas from Harney & Sons. The choices cover popular blends, though I would have liked to see a wider range of white teas and more green tea options. I chose the Japanese Sencha, which was well brewed and enjoyable.
SAVORIES: ★☆☆☆☆
SCONES: ★★★☆☆
SWEETS: ★★★☆☆
I was disappointed by the tea sandwiches. At $48 for afternoon tea, the savory selection felt unimaginative and bland—simple, plain combinations that lacked seasoning and flair. After tasting a couple, I stopped trying the sandwiches and moved on to the scones.
The scones were a stronger element: warm and served with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves, they provided the familiar comfort you expect at tea.
The sweets were acceptable but not exceptional, with several tart-style pastries among the selection.
OVERALL: ★★☆☆☆
The setting and service are inviting, and the tea selection is solid, but the uninspired savories are hard to overlook. For the price, I expected more thoughtful, flavorful sandwiches. That disappointment colors the overall experience.
LOCATION: The Gallery at The Carlyle | 35 East 76th Street | New York, NY 10021 | 212.744.1600
AFTERNOON TEA HOURS: Daily from 3:00 – 5:30
COST: $48