Book a fab Gold Coast restaurant this New Year’s Eve

Herald the New Year in style at one of Surfers Paradise’s hippest hangout spots: Hyde Paradiso.

Decked out with neon lights and tropical foliage, the summer-themed bar is hosting a NYE party with ocean and fireworks views, roaming tapas and a four-hour premium beverage package.

Hear the waves lapping at Surfers Paradise Beach down below as you sip on a Chandon garden spritz and plan your New Year’s resolutions with friends.

Highlights on the tapas menu include tuna tacos with truffle, coriander, wasabi and avocado mousse, Moreton Bay bug rolls with jalapeno salsa, maple pork belly bites and lamb skewers with chermoula yogurt.

Dish Cult’s top pick: The ultimate New Year’s Eve party ($260 pp)

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San, ni, ichi…Happy New Year!

Japanese food enthusiasts will find no better place to celebrate New Year’s Eve on the Gold Coast than at The Star favourite Kiyomi.

With fresh ingredients carefully prepared by innovative Executive Chef Chase Kojima, guests can embark on a journey of sashimi, tempura, Wagyu beef, izakaya-style snacks and other modern Japanese dishes before toasting to yet another year at the stroke of midnight.

While there’s no special NYE menu on the night at this sleek restaurant, consider opting for the set menu to get a taste of the full range of Kiyomi’s culinary prowess.

A-grade seafood is reinvented with unique pairings in dishes like Hiramasa kingfish with miso ceviche and crispy potato, or Moreton Bay bug tempura with grapefruit salad and sambal aioli.

With lamb shanks and full blood Wagyu for mains, there’ll be no shortage of umami on the table. Wash it all down with a clever wine or sake suggestion from the service and you’ll soon wonder why you don’t celebrate every festive occasion at Kiyomi.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Set menu ($165 pp)

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Craving something a bit different to eat after all that traditional Christmas fare?

Join Uncle Su at The Star on the 31st for a celebratory feast with a Chinese twist.

Cantonese-style cuisine glows here, with a range of signature Beijing and Szechuan dishes to share. Gather a group of friends to order all your favourites or explore the menu and try something new.

You can get stuck into live seafood cooked fresh, Hong Kong barbecue, classic dim sum snacks, Shanghai-style noodles and more.

With the full a la carte menu available on the night, you won’t need to stick to a limited set of options – great for large, fussy groups and those with dietary preferences.

Uncle Su wants to wish you great happiness and prosperity over the New Year and, with his delicious feast on the table, you’ll be off to a rollicking start.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Braised spare rib in mok sek sauce ($38)

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Is there anything more glamorous than a white-themed New Year’s party at a private pool club? That’s what’s on offer here at The Star’s most exciting new rooftop venue: Isoletto.

Held in the bar’s luxurious poolside space, the “Ultimate White Party” is presented by Belvedere and promises a cocktail on arrival, live food stations, premium canapes, a four-hour deluxe bevvy package featuring Moët & Chandon Impérial, live entertainment and more.

Look out for the midnight fireworks! Your spot in the sky is the perfect look-out for kaleidoscopic views over a sparkling toast.

On the food front, there’s plenty to get excited about. Start with freshly shucked oysters with your fave dressings, charcuteries and cheese, before moving onto a heartier feed.

A carving station will keep carnivores happy, while mountains of diverse canapes make the rounds. We’ve got our eye on the mini crab sliders and penne alla vodka.

Dish Cult’s top pick: The Night of White NYE party ($249 pp)

Big appetites will jump at the chance to gorge on the festive New Year’s Eve buffet at the InterContinental Resort’s Sanctuary Cove Cafe this year.

The five-star venue is widely recognised first and foremost for being a stunning place to stay, but the elevated dining experience here is well worth a visit on its own merit.

You’ll find out why, when Executive Chef Hamish Watt and his team present a modern Australian twist on traditional festive fare in their much anticipated NYE buffet dinner.

Luxuriate in the best of Australian seafood and local seasonal ingredients in a smorgasbord of meze platters, summer salads, hot dishes with condiments and more.

From Port Arlington mussels with chili and garlic to slow-cooked Milly Hill lamb with saltbush, you’ll get to indulge in some of Australia’s most esteemed produce – and as much as you like of it, too.

Make sure you leave some room for the in-house pastry chef’s signature dessert creations… we’ve heard the amaretto cheesecake isn’t to be missed.

Dish Cult’s top pick: New Year’s Eve buffet dinner ($199 pp)