Choosing the right NYE restaurant in Melbourne comes down to cuisine and atmosphere. The city’s premium dining scene offers distinct experiences for NYE celebrations, from regional Chinese banquets to contemporary Japanese precision and internationally recognised steakhouses. Each venue creates a different celebration style for your final evening of 2025.
Spice Temple
Spice Temple brings authentic regional Chinese cooking to the Crown Complex. Executive Chef Andy Evans showcases traditional provincial techniques through handmade dumplings, spicy kung pao, and stir-fried Wagyu brisket with baby eggplant and chilli paste. The menu celebrates China’s diverse culinary regions, from the numbing spice of Sichuan to the aromatic complexity of Hunan dishes.
The moody interior creates an intimate setting, with dim lighting enhancing the focus on bold flavours. Private rooms suit groups of up to 50 guests seeking exclusive spaces, while the Southbank promenade location sits steps from Yarra River fireworks viewing areas. Zodiac cocktails and extensive wine selection complement the menu’s layered heat, with vegetarian and gluten-free banquets available for dietary needs.
Rockpool Bar & Grill
International recognition places Rockpool among the world’s best steakhouses. The Crown Melbourne Art Deco room features David Blackmore beef prepared over traditional wood fire, with fresh oysters and premium seafood on the luxury menu. Two dinner seatings run on December 31st for New Year’s Eve restaurant celebrations in Melbourne, at 5:30 pm or 8 pm, with private mezzanine dining accommodating groups of up to 60 guests.
Saké Restaurant & Bar
Contemporary Japanese technique drives Saké’s Hamer Hall venue by the Yarra. Prawn shumai with spicy ponzu, wagyu striploin over robata flames, and delicate sashimi showcase kitchen precision. The riverside location includes interior and terrace dining, with sake collections enhancing seasonal dishes. Exclusive dining rooms accommodate groups of up to 40 guests.
7 Alfred
7 Alfred takes the European brasserie approach on Collins Street. The CBD venue focuses on one dish: a 220g Gippsland grass-fed scotch fillet with beef-tallow fries. The two-level space includes laneway seating for outdoor dining and accommodates groups of up to 80 guests. Quick service suits guests heading out afterwards, and regular pricing applies without holiday surcharges. The venue opens on both December 31st and January 1st.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is best for dinner on New Year’s Eve? Early seatings from 5:30 pm work well if you’re joining celebrations afterwards. Later bookings from 8 pm let you dine through midnight at your table.
Do restaurants require a minimum spend? Premium venues require a $149-169 minimum spend per person for later seatings to ensure full dining experiences. Early sessions maintain standard menu options.
Which venues offer fireworks access? Southbank locations at Crown Melbourne, including Rockpool and Spice Temple, sit steps from the Yarra River displays. Saké at Hamer Hall offers riverside terrace access. CBD venues like 7 Alfred position you a few blocks from riverside viewing areas.
Are private dining rooms available? Rockpool, Saké, and Spice Temple offer private dining spaces for group celebrations. Book these well ahead as they fill quickly for December 31st.
Book your table at Spice Temple for bold regional Chinese flavours, or explore these premium venues for exceptional New Year’s Eve dining in Melbourne.
