Gluten-Free High Tea at Altus Rooftop, Hotel Chadstone
If you’re looking for a high tea that ticks all the boxes — beautiful setting, thoughtful service, and excellent food (even gluten-free!) — I can highly recommend the Altus Rooftop High Tea at Hotel Chadstone.
We visit during the Mad Hatter’s High Tea event for the school holidays, and while the whimsical theme was a treat for the grandkids, it’s the ongoing weekend high tea that truly shines. Available every Friday to Sunday, this refined experience combines fine food, sparkling views and warm hospitality — all perched up on Level 12 of the Hotel Chadstone Melbourne MGallery.
High Tea Gluten-Free and Glorious
I’m always a little cautious when booking high tea for someone who needs gluten-free options — in this case, my mother-in-law Diane, who has Coeliac disease.
She is thrilled to receive her very own gluten-free high tea selection. And it’s a carefully considered arrangement of savoury and sweet items presented with just as much flair as the standard offering.
From delicate finger sandwiches to bite-sized cakes and pastries, every bite is a joy.
The only small hiccup is the gluten-free scones, which are a little firm… But with lemon curd, raspberry jam, and a generous dollop of cream, even they go down a treat.
Diane’s review
High tea at the Chadstone Hotel was exactly that on the 12th floor. It was a beautiful day and we could see for miles. The views were amazing.
We were greeted by name, and taken to our table. The staff were really lovely. The High Tea menu on the table was extensive and something to really look forward to. We also had the choice of several unusual teas of which were bottomless cups of goodness. My choice was White Sky. So nice I had two pots.
The three-tiered stands arrived, with one especially for my granddaughter, beautifully presented and very inviting. Being a Celiac I received my own delightful High Tea treats and it was the most delightful experience. We finished with scones with lemon curd, raspberry jam and cream.
It was an experience I highly recommend.
– Diane
A Menu with Flair — and a Local Twist
We love the menu itself — refined and creative, with touches of native Australian ingredients throughout. We start with delicate finger sandwiches and savoury bites like smoked salmon mousse on charcoal bread and chicken remoulade with bush apple gel.
Even the classic mac and cheese croquettes come with a gourmet twist, and the warm chicken and saltbush empanadas are a standout.
On the sweet side, the patisserie selection is as beautiful as it is delicious — think raspberry and white chocolate tarts, blood orange parfaits with bee pollen crumble, and single origin chocolate cake with a hint of aniseed myrtle.
The gluten-free versions stay true to the original vision, simply swapping in coeliac-safe ingredients without compromising on flavour or finesse.
More Than Just Tea
Our high tea includes bottomless TWG tea, and there’s an impressive variety to choose from.
For those looking to make a special occasion of it, there’s also champagne, cocktails, wine, and mocktails available for an extra charge.
The staff are lovely, topping up teapots and checking in without ever hovering.
Location, Location… and Shopping!
One of the best parts of the outing? Altus is located right next door to the Chadstone Shopping Centre.
We make a day of it — strolling through the new Food Precinct, browsing the boutiques, and finishing with a peaceful (and photo-worthy!) high tea above it all.
High Tea Details at a Glance
When: Fridays 1:00pm–4:00pm; Saturdays & Sundays at 11:30am, 1:00pm & 2:30pm
Cost: $85 per adult | $55 per child (ages 4–12) | Under 4s dine free
Where: Level 12, Hotel Chadstone Melbourne MGallery
Booking tips: Book online. Let them know if you have any dietary needs — they catered beautifully for gluten-free in our experience.
Chadstone Hotel Accessibility Notes
Accessibility is another big plus during our visit. Hotel Chadstone has step-free entry, and there are lifts straight up to Level 12, where Altus is located. The restaurant space itself is spacious and easy to navigate, with comfortable seating and plenty of natural light. It’s also carpeted throughout, which helps soften background noise — a real benefit for those who are hard of hearing or sensitive to loud spaces.
Chadstone Shopping Centre is also well set up for accessibility, with accessible parking, wide walkways, and plenty of seating throughout. There are accessible toilets throughout the centre and the precinct is pram- and wheelchair-friendly, which makes combining your high tea with a bit of retail therapy or window shopping very manageable.
If you have specific requirements, we’d recommend mentioning them when booking — in our experience, the team is very accommodating and thoughtful.
Getting There: Public Transport & Parking Tips
Altus Rooftop is perched on Level 12 of Hotel Chadstone Melbourne, right next to the Chadstone Shopping Centre. Whether you’re arriving by public transport or car, it’s easier than you might think.
By Public Transport:
Chadstone is well-served by buses, including the 624, 625, 742 and the 900 SmartBus, which run from Caulfield and Oakleigh Stations. If you’re coming from the city, the Chadstone Shuttle Bus offers a free service from Federation Square and selected suburbs — just make sure to check the timetable online before you go.
By Car:
The most convenient parking for the Hotel and Altus Rooftop is Valet Parking or Car Park C, which is near David Jones and the Hotel entrance. From there, head into the hotel lobby and take the lift to Level 12 for your high tea.
Chadstone also offers plenty of free parking across multiple levels, with accessible parking bays near all entrances. If it’s your first visit, don’t hesitate to ask concierge staff for directions — or use Chadstone’s interactive centre map online or via the app.
Tip: If you’re pairing your visit with a shopping spree or a wander through the new Food Central precinct, give yourself plenty of time — Chadstone is massive, and it’s easy to lose track of time (and place) while exploring!
Altus Rooftop, Hotel Chadstone
1341 Dandenong Road, 3148, Chadstone
Phone 03 9108 3333 Email info@altusrooftop.com.au
The Seniors in Melbourne team was hosted as guests of Chadstone Hotel MGallery. All writer’s opinions are their own.
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