I was debating where to indulge myself with an afternoon tea in Paris since I only have a few days. If you have googled the best afternoon tea places in Paris, I am sure that you have come across Dali’s Tea Time at Le meurice Hotel. This luxurious hotel is full of stories, arts, history and inspiration. Many famous artists like Dali and Warhol used to hang out here! The ambiance is glamours yet classic. As soon as you walk in the lightly dimmed Le Dali, you will be mesmerized by the magnificent mural painted on its high ceiling. Another important reason why I chose Le meurice for my indulgence is because of Cédric Grolet, the famous pastry chef here. He was voted the Meilleur Pâtissier du Monde (the world’s best pasty chef) in 2017.
We ordered Dali’s Tea Time (54 euro/ person)
Nothing is better than fresh out of the oven Madeleines
I am trying a bunch of different recipes and techniques to make perfect madeleines. It is harder than you think to have this characteristic hump in the middle. I will try to post up a video or a recipe about “how to bake a perfect madeleine” hopefully soon!
On Dali’s tea list, there was the selection of 2 different types of white tea, 2 different green teas and one red tea (black tea). We got thé de la Longevite supreme (White tea, Fujian, China ) and Rouge Ruschka (Rooibos blend, South Africa). I like white tea because it is mild and light in general but can be full-bodied at the same time. This one had subtle tannins that can be well balanced with sweet treats. Rouge Ruschka is the blended rooibos with bergamot and citrus fruit. Those who wants to drink no caffeine should get this one since Rooibos does not have any caffeine
Tea cups and Plates from Bernardaud
The classic 3 trays of the afternoon tea. Can’t wait to try this famous sculpted fruit dessert (trompe l’oeil dessert) by Chef Cédric Grolet (all the way on the right on the top tray)
Le Dali, where you can enjoy an elegant afternoon tea time, is inspired by the artist Dali and designed by Philippe Starck. When I went there, there was live music playing in the corner. The ambiance, music, tea, sweet and savory… Everything that you could wish for was there. The ceiling mural was painted by Ara Stark, the daughter of Philippe Stark
Homemade Scones
with jams and Borniambuc fresh cream
The selection of Finger Sandwiches
Moving on to sweets
First round with a chocolate and caramel cookie
Hazelnut Paris-Breast
Here we go! The famous Lemon by Cédric Grolet
A perfect balance between citrus and sweet. Love love love it. Good News for everyone! Chef Cédric Grolet just opened a boutique with a short selection of his pastries at the corner of Le Meurice Hotel for take-out! Sitting down at Le Dali and ordering an afternoon tea or pastries can be a bit intimidating or too much for everyday, right? Now you can enjoy these beautiful delicacies everyday, anytime, and anywhere. Another reason for me to go back to Paris~
Despite the limited tea selection, I enjoyed the ambiance. service, sweets and savory at Le Dali afternoon tea. Not to mention, the exquisite sweets by Chef Cédric Grole. You can enjoy Dali’s afternoon tea from Monday to Sunday 3:30 pm to 6pm.
Le Dali Afternoon Tea, Le Meurice Hotel, Paris
- Address : Le Meurice, 228 rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
- Tel : +33 (0)1 44 58 10 44
- Afternoon tea time : M0n- Sun 3:30pm - 6 pm
- Dali’s tea time : 54 € ~ + €€ with a selection of different glass of Champagne
- website: https://www.dorchestercollection.com/en/paris/le-meurice/restaurants-bars/