The best places in Dublin for New Year’s Eve

Let’s start this guide as we mean to go on — with a truly exceptional spot, designed to get everybody in the party spirit. Token is a restaurant, bar, retro arcade, pinball parlour and event space extraordinaire. Home to more than 40 games machines, 32 beer taps, and extensive food and drinks menus, there’s loads going on. Token’s NYE parties have become the stuff of legends, and this year is set to be wild ride. Expect live music, DJs, plenty of fizz, and brilliant vibes. With over four floors (and a pretty roof garden!), it’s the perfect space to celebrate with a large group. Start your night with (a couple) of Token cocktails – we love Hot Lips, made with tequila, pineapple, habanero, lime, and agave – and relax into the buzzing atmosphere.

There is no NYE party quite like a Pygmalion NYE party! So beloved is this spot amongst locals and tourists alike that there now exists several branches of this restaurant and club hybrid. Beautifully decorated with fairy lights and comfy booths, Pygmalion is the perfect destination to let your hair down and celebrate. NYE promises banging tunes, banging drinks, and of course, banging food. There’s two-for-one pizzas – so good they have been mentioned in the Michelin Guide – hearty burgers, and plenty of sharing plates, perfect for groups. The staff always have a smile on their faces and the atmosphere is incredibly welcoming, especially on big occasions like NYE which Pyg has become known for. A must-visit!

Hang Dai Chinese is a fabulous spot to celebrate the New Year. With its modern and chic atmosphere, it’s perfect for those looking to welcome 2025 in style. There’s exquisite cocktails, fantastic music, and a menu that’s brimming with contemporary takes on classic Chinese dishes. We love the cheeseburger spring rolls and Irish wagyu steak topped with ponzu! Don’t miss out on the truffle fried rice either, it’s the ideal dish to kick off a night of indulgence. For a unique and delicious way to say hello to the New Year, we can’t recommend this place enough.

Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud has been a centre of fine dining in Dublin for the last 35 years as Ireland’s only two star Michelin restaurant. The cuisine is contemporary Irish with classical roots, and its philosophy is simple — providing impeccable dining experiences. If you’re after an NYE dinner to remember, look no further. The a la carte menu is filled with seasonal treats like croquette of suckling pig, fried quail egg with foie gras and pancetta, and deer loin in pancetta with sweet onion and clove. Vegetarians fear not, there are plenty of wintery eats for you too, including a hearty aubergine tortellini with roast violet artichoke and mint emulsion. The baba flambé, complete with your choice of rum and vanilla Chantilly, brings the wow-factor, as does the restaurant’s luxurious surroundings, with each table topped with white tablecloths and beautiful candlesticks. Romantic and intimate, a New Year’s Eve at Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud won’t disappoint.

Since its grand opening in 2021 by award-winning chef Grainne O’Keefe, mae in Ballsbridge has been straight-up spoiling Dublin foodies with top notch modern and seasonal food. Mae was inspired by and named after O’Keefe’s grandmother, and carries forward the French influence (and incredible wine collection) inherited from the building’s previous restaurant, the French Paradox. So, why is mae the perfect spot to celebrate this New Years Eve? Where do we begin! Mae is all about the experience, and a great experience is what we look for in our New Year’s celebrations as we launch forward into the next chapter. This is a restaurant that was curated with the guest in mind, from the inventive food and the perfectly paired wines, the thoughtfully produced ingredients and the unique atmosphere. The attention to detail is a rarity, and makes for a special and unforgettable night out.

According to its website, the team at The Bank strives to serve a seasonally changing, farm-to-table menu whilst providing genuine, consistent and exceptional service in an up-scale yet relaxed atmosphere. We can only agree. Whether you’re looking for a romantic New Year’s Eve meal for two, a relaxed dinner with friends, or a family-friendly spot to ring in 2025, staff at The Bank will do their utmost to ensure the perfect experience. The settings are ornate – with a beautiful stained glass ceiling, mosaic tiled floors, and spectacular hand-carved plaster work – and the food and drink offerings are out of this world. Real highlights include the roasted fillet of monkfish (served with Roaring Bay mussels, new baby potatoes, and sautéed samphire), and the creamy seafood chowder. The plates are hearty but fresh, and service always comes with a smile.

Maybe you’re looking for a super low-key New Year’s Eve? If so, we’ve got you covered! The Old Spot is one of only two gastropubs in Dublin to be recommended by the Michelin Guide from 2016 right up to 2022. It’s a classic, timeless spot owned and operated by a young and passionate team. Offering up delicious food, quality wines, craft beers, bespoke cocktails and great service in a warm and friendly atmosphere, we can’t think of a more suitable place to unwind on the last evening of the year. The pub has all the touchstones of a traditional watering hole: roaring fires, fish and chips, apple and blackberry crumbles — but that’s not to say that The Old Spot is staid. The dishes are all elevated with surprise ingredients and modern cooking methods (chicken breast with buttermilk mousseline, panna cotta with blood orange, country style terrine with lovage mayonnaise), and the interiors, though classic, don’t feel old fashioned. It’s child-friendly (just ask for high chairs and colouring books), and the staff are happy to accommodate any dietary preferences. A solid all-rounder!

Why not end the year on a continental note? Head to Toscana for an Italian-themed New Year’s Party, where there will be live music, a three course menu, and plenty of fun. Starters include a range of  traditional plates like bruschetta, minestrone soup, and – our favourite – ‘Suppli’ (Italian rice balls stuffed with fresh mozzarella). For your NYE main course there are a number of crowd-pleasing pasta dishes (linguine with fish, tagliatelle with chicken, and baked cannelloni with beef and spinach – yum!), as well as homemade sourdough pizzas, steaks and salads. With gluten-free pasta available as well, and plenty of meat and dairy-free options too, no one will feel left out. Arrive hungry, portion sizes are generous, and you won’t want to deprive yourself of one of the tasty desserts.

As the clock strikes midnight and we bid farewell to 2024, where better to toast new beginnings than at Toners? This historic Dublin gem offers a classic Irish pub experience that’s perfect for welcoming in the New Year. The cosy atmosphere, friendly local feel and impressive selection of beers makes it a welcoming spot to raise your glass and party the night away. Expect plenty of dancing, singing and Irish merriment well into 2025!

For a child-friendly and unpretentious New Year’s celebration, head to Big Mike’s. This beloved Dublin restaurant is known for its generous portions of comfort food prepared with only the best ingredients. Whether you’re with family or a group of friends, Big Mike’s has something for everyone — from fillet steaks and roast lamb rump, to homemade gnocchi and fish cakes, no one will leave hungry. Don’t sleep on the signature cocktails, all of which are blended to perfection. Our advice? Order a Champagne Kiss (made with Moët, lemon, cinnamon and orange bitters) and welcome the New Year with style!

Enjoy exquisite Nepalese cuisine at Monty’s of Kathmandu this New Year! The restaurant is a sensory delight, filled with colour and delightful smells wafting from the kitchen. The team offers a range of authentic dishes that will transport you to the foothills of the Himalayas, with real highlights including the Kwati Ko Jhol (a sumptuous and warming Nepalese soup) and homemade carrot halwa, rich with cardamom and sugar. The unique setting and hearty cuisine makes it a special choice for celebrating the start of the year. Just be sure to book well in advance, this place is popular!

If you seek an upscale New Years’ experience, look no further than Trinity City Hotel. This elegant boutique hotel is a haven of luxury and sophistication! The New Year’s festivities here are unforgettable, featuring fine dining, live music, and a lavish atmosphere. It’s a place to don your finest attire and step into the New Year with a touch of glamour.