Hidden on a quiet Upper East Side block since 1994, Kings' Carriage House has spent 30+ years being the kind of only-in-New-York secret. Praised by The New York Times, on Vogue's list of "The Best Afternoon Teas in New York City," and on Zagat's list of the city's top 50 restaurants for décor, this unmarked 1870s carriage house looks very unassuming from the street. Walk in, and you'll understand exactly why people (and A-list celebs) keep this one close to the chest.
Grab your $79 pulse (a $100 value) for an Afternoon Tea for Two that includes a 3 Tiered Tray of Sweet and Savory Bites, including Seasonal Savory Sandwiches, Signature Scones and Homemade Dainty Tea Cakes, as well as their Signature Tea Selections.
The story starts with a husband-and-wife team, Elizabeth King and Paul Farrell, who opened the now iconic spot in 1994. They were fully booked immediately, and built the kind of institution that thrives on word-of-mouth. Inside, it's all gilded paintings, crystal chandeliers, and elegant antiques. The whole place feels like you've wandered into a European manor house that time (mercifully) forgot.
Here, you'll dive into an elegant, old-world spread. Expect pinwheels of Oak-Smoked Scottish Salmon, Cucumber with Chive Butter, Dilled Egg with Caviar, and Tarragon Chicken Salad, alongside a Goat Cheese Mousse Tartelette with honey & fig and warm Scones with Cream & Jam. On the sweet side, swoon over Baby Lemon Poppy Seed, Blueberry Coconut, and Dark Belgian Chocolate Pistachio Tea Cakes, all paired with your choice from their curated menu of tea selections.
Unhurried, gorgeously nostalgic, and decadent. It's an afternoon this city doesn't make time for anymore, so get it while you can...
You know if Brooke Astor celebrated her 99th birthday here, you are in the right spot. The afternoon tea at Kings' has become the stuff of local legend. We're talking about an experience that fuses superb contemporary cuisine with the old world charm of elegantly appointed interiors.
The story behind it is as charming as the place itself. Elizabeth King spotted the empty townhouse one day and spent a full year slipping notes into the landlord's mailbox, trying to convince the owner to rent it to her, a courtship of persistence that eventually paid off. In 1994 Kings' Carriage House opened with Elizabeth in the kitchen - where you will still find her.
Kings’ Carriage House was adored by a neighborhood that seemed determined to see them succeed, and it wasn't long before word spread further, first through celebrity regulars, then through a write-up in The New York Times that sent admirers from well beyond Manhattan looking for the little carriage house with no sign.
Inside, it feels less like a restaurant than a stumble into someone's impossibly romantic manor house. Gilded paintings, crystal chandeliers, and elegant antique furnishings fill every corner of the intimate two-story space, with named rooms like the Willow Room dressed in antique blue-and-white china, the memorable red Mandalay Room, and the Hunt Room with its hand-painted mural of the Irish countryside.
Thirty-plus years in, Kings' Carriage House has become legendary. In a city that reinvents itself every five minutes, it's a place that has simply, stubbornly, stayed itself, and New York is better for it...
Your $79 Afternoon Tea For Two (a $100 value) Includes:
Kings' Carriage House earns a shining 4 Stars on Google from 275+ reviews including:
"This was a truly perfect experience. From the moment we walked in, everything was fantastic. We were warmly greeted by the owner, and each part of the process was flawless. Both the food and the service exceeded all of our expectations. While this is not our first time here, this is our first time to experience the holiday version of the high tea. Each one of the items was very flavorful and fresh. The venue itself is so cozy and intimate, there are so many little details that make you feel like you are in a fancy London establishment. Make sure to come hungry, because you will leave full!!"
"Love the decor. Delicious. Loved all the food choices. The decor of the place made me feel like I was in a European country. Staff were very friendly and attentive. I would recommend. Overall experience was very good."
"King’s Carriage house has been one of our favorite afternoon tea places for years. It’s a very charming place with full British afternoon tea experience. Beautiful atmosphere. Each room has different decor and size. Great location as well. Love going there."
May purchase as many vouchers as you like for personal use or for gifting.
Multiple vouchers may be combined for larger groups.
Tax & tip not included; reservations required.
Expires Sunday October 11, 2026.