Melbourne, here’s where to ring in the New Year

What’s the next best thing to travelling across Asia?

Eating your way through the continent from afar, of course.

Enter Miss Mi. The contemporary Asian restaurant is known for taking its guests on a culinary journey across some of Asia’s most celebrated cuisines and dishes, from grilled Balinese fish and complex curry pastes to Hanainese style chicken and tom yum tuna with shiso.

This New Year’s Eve, Miss Mi is hosting an exquisite multi-course set menu to delight city revellers.

Highlights we’ve spotted on the menu include chili caramel lamb ribs, Hiramasa kingfish with sambal matah and Davidson plum, and an Asian-style trifle.

Fans of Singaporean cuisine will be stoked to also see a lip-smacking chili crab on offer.

Roll up your sleeves and get stuck in… a glass of Taittinger awaits you on arrival.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Miss Mi New Year’s Eve set menu ($180 pp)

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When scouting for picturesque spots to host a festive dinner party, it’s hard to top Sofitel’s stunning sky-high No35 restaurant.

With sweeping views over the CBD from the iconic Arts Centre spire to the gold-crowned Eureka, this NYE the restaurant will be lit up by Melbourne’s fireworks from 150 metres up – with live entertainment and an extra flute of champagne at midnight.

The main drawcard of the evening, however, is No35’s special NYE package, which includes a multi-course degustation menu designed by the restaurant’s internationally trained chefs and a free-flowing luxury beverage package.

Indulge in seared scallop with caviar and buerre blanc among your initial courses, followed by an MB9 Wagyu eye fillet chargrilled to perfection.

Dessert is a sumptuously rich macadamia nut parfait with plum, sesame tuile and butterscotch. Yum!

Dish Cult’s top pick: New Year’s Eve package ($395 pp)

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Tucked within the Pullman Melbourne on the Park across from Fitzroy Gardens, The Cliveden is a glittering social hub for all manner of celebratory occasions.

Recently voted Hotel Bar of the Year 2022, the restaurant is now planning an exclusive NYE four-course dinner event.

After a champagne cocktail on arrival, you’ll start with a shared seafood platter of freshly shucked Miyagi oysters with finger lime and mignonette dressing, King prawns, poached lobster tail, Avruga caviar and a selection of sashimi with condiments.

A refreshing sorbet follows, before a succulent confit duck ravioli entree and marbled Wagyu beef main grace your table next. Local Victorian produce meets A-grade European cooking techniques in a sequence of inspired dishes.

Look forward to the famous Pullman magnum for dessert: an impressive creation incorporating dark and white chocolate mousse, raspberry gel, honeycomb, popping candy crumble and rich macadamia ice cream.

Dish Cult’s top pick: New Year’s Eve dinner ($149 pp)

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Why not avoid the city crowds this NYE and escape to the serene surrounds at Terindah Estate instead?

The acclaimed winery’s restaurant The Shed is curating an elevated New Year’s Eve dinner this year, led by Executive Chef Russell Hall.

Sip on a glass of the house blanc de blanc on arrival, before sitting down to savour four delicious courses. Avoiding your stock standard, predictable European-style menu, the creative kitchen here isn’t afraid to flirt with more globally inspired ingredients.

Think an ocean trout ceviche with fermented chilli, toasted coconut and lime, or a grilled swordfish bathed in sesame miso butter. Vegetarian alternatives are available for each course, so any plant eaters at the table will feel warmly welcome.

With gorgeous vistas across the vineyard and the chance to taste seasonal produce from the Terindah property and herb garden, dinner at Terindah will see you enter the new year fully immersed in the beauty and awe of Australian nature.

Dish Cult’s top pick: New Year’s Eve dinner ($99 pp)

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Could there be a more relaxing way to limbo into the new year than a vacation-style fiesta? Party in tropical style this NYE at celebrated Argentinian bar and grill Asado.

The Southbank restaurant is hosting a “para​​íso” themed dinner event with reggae and Calypso beats from the funky three-piece band Jaspora.

Expect to see everyone’s loudest tropical shirts and taste the best of Asado’s creative kitchen over your choice of two dinner sittings – early or late.

There’s a drink on arrival and the little gourmands in your life won’t be left out with a separate kids’ set menu.

Head Chef Camilo Guzman has designed a modern Argentinian culinary journey with a tropical twist, showcasing authentic empanadas, croquetas, ceviche, ojo de bife scotch fillet, fresh octopus and other South American delicacies to drool over.

Dessert is a summery torta de queso: coconut and ricotta cheesecake, grilled pineapple, peaches and shortbread crumb.

Feliz año nuevo!

Dish Cult’s top pick: NYE premium set menu ($160 pp)