Shangri-La High Tea — Restaurant in Sydney

Our group of 5 were very all excited to travel to Sydney from Victoria for our weekend to celebrate two lifelong friends 50th birthdays. The high tea was our special outing to celebrate this milestone and we were all very much looking forward to it. We were very thrilled on arrival with the amazing view from our table and position. However that soon turned to concern when after 35 minutes we had to call over a waiter to ask for a drink. We had booked for a two hour sitting of high tea with free flow French champagne and after 35 minutes had nothing. Everyone else, even those who arrived after us had wine and food and we had nothing. We eventually got our first wine and food that was lovely but the service continued to be very disappointing. Once again after about another half an hour our champagne glasses were empty and no tea had been offered or ordered either. And when we looked around there was no wait staff in sight we had to ask a waiter who eventually came to clear some food plates to ask for a second drink and let him know that there had been no one in the area for over 10 minutes. After some more time our waitress come in and did give us a drink but once again it was very late and we also had not been asked about our tea. The food was beautiful and we were happy with that but the poor service left us all feeling very disappointed. Not only did we feel we had been ripped off by paying for free flow wine over 2 hours but only getting 2 wines and small top off but having to continually look around and ask for service was not good enough. Also one waiter hit my friend in the back of her head had with his elbow quite hard and said nothing to her, not even sorry.

I have been to many fine establishments like the Shanri-la Sydney and had high tea on several occasions so I looked forward to a similar experience to that of what I have had, but that was not the case. The Windsor in Melbourne have a far superior experience with a beautiful food and service to match. With some improvements to service and training to the wait staff this could be a fabulous experience. A second small plate for the sweets and a spoon to eat them with would also be advisable as it is odd to eat savoury and sweet food with the same plate and one set of knife and fork and no spoon. A review of acceptable uniforms would also be advisable as our waitresses shirt was too tight so much so the buttons were popping open and we could see her breasts in our face at eye level, nothing against breasts but I don’t want them in my face when I’m being served...

Weird from the beginning.

We called in advance to book a table. And asked for a window seat. Over the phone, they told us that isn't how it works. And if we just turn up early, we might be able to get a seat. And they will put a note on our booking. Sounded fine...

So we arrive and ask about the window again. She tells us we don't have window seats but we'll give you a really good seat. And proceeded to sit us next the the access ramp...

I asked why we couldn't have a window seat as nothing had been explained to us properly. And she told me very very rudely that these tables are booked out. They were empty at the time which is why we asked!

The service was awful. I've spent time in lovely high end establishments and this is not one.

We had to call waiters over to ask for fresh plates. No one refilled our tea, or came to check on us throughout.

The food selection was awful.

Mini burgers, bao bun and warm mince pie which has gone cold by the time we eat it - IS NOT high tea food!?

Awful communication between the staff themselves. We were told at our table that the $88 was per table. We thought that was too cheap but then the establishment suited that price frame so we accepted it. Then we went to pay and we're embarrassed again, thanks to thier lack of communication -  that we got it wrong and questioned our bill.

Just don't waste your time. The view is great but you can find that elsewhere.

Service id give a -1 if I...

From the moment you arrive, you’re welcomed into the Altitude Restaurant , perched high above the harbour. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping views of the Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay, and the Harbour Bridge—the kind of outlook that makes you pause with your teacup in hand just to soak it all in.

The high tea itself is beautifully presented. Three-tiered stands arrive at your table laden with delicate savouries—like smoked salmon blinis, gourmet finger sandwiches, and miniature quiches—followed by exquisite sweet creations that look almost too pretty to eat. Think macarons in jewel-like colours, glossy tartlets, petite cakes with edible flowers, and freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and jam. Not to mention the free flowing sparkling wine. What makes it truly memorable, though, isn’t just the food or the view—it’s the atmosphere. There’s a sense of timeless elegance: crisp white tablecloths, gleaming cutlery, attentive service, and that soft buzz of conversation as people celebrate many different things. For me, it was a friends 70th birthday.

By the time you leave, you feel as though you’ve stepped out of ordinary life for a few hours and into a refined ritual of indulgence, luxury, and charm—one that lingers in your memory long after the...