At the end of the year, partygoers flock to Melbourne’s CBD and surrounds, hoping for the best view of the fireworks. With crowds filling the streets, it’s nice to be somewhere a little more private, like one of the city’s many rooftop bars and restaurants. From the heart of the CBD to the neighbouring suburbs, the best places to see the NYE fireworks in Melbourne go hand in hand with the city’s best food and drink. Get ready for a NYE party to remember at the best restaurants with a view in Melbourne.
There are rooftops all over the city serving good food, great drinks and even fine cigars, alongside sweeping views of the CBD skyline. You can find private dining rooms for intimate gatherings and lively pubs where it’s easy to make new friends. Plus, with live DJs, special menus and specialty hangover cures, expect this New Year’s will be your best one yet.
New Year’s bookings run out fast – secure your spot at the best restaurants with a view in Melbourne on OpenTable today.
The best restaurants with a view in Melbourne offer the best spots to see the NYE fireworks – so read on for a guide
For one of the best NYE party in Melbourne – check out The Stolen Gem in Melbourne CBD
Situated above Bourke Street Mall with 270-degree views of the city skyline, The Stolen Gem is easily one of the best spots in Melbourne to take in the fireworks. The fully retractable roof offers a flexible dining experience so you can enjoy the view no matter the New Year’s weather forecast. Tickets to The Stolen Gem’s New Year’s party include all-inclusive drinks, live DJ performances and one of the best seats in town when the celebrations begin. Start the night by checking out some of the bar’s adventurous drinks like the Paloma spritz with tequila and ruby red grapefruit or the strawberry pina colada shooter. The curated menu features Southeast Asian bites like the banging Bangkok chips with curry sauce and roasted peanuts and juicy Thai fried chicken with sriracha mayonnaise. Groups of eight or more can book the large table on OpenTable to make sure there’s room for everyone.
For one of the best rooftop restaurants in Melbourne – book at Fleet Rooftop Bar Melbourne in Melbourne CBD
Fleet Rooftop Bar Melbourne is one of the city’s best rooftops, especially on New Year’s. Head up 22 levels above Vibe Hotel Melbourne and look out across the Yarra River, towards Southbank. The plant-filled terrace with cushioned seating and large windows feels like a relaxed summer patio. Book NYE on OpenTable and let the local DJs and signature cocktails get you in a party mood. Waitstaff will be passing canapes around all night and there’ll be plenty of beer, wine and champagne to toast with. Whatever you’re celebrating this festive season, Fleet Rooftop Bar is hosting a very merry long lunch on December 22nd. Gather friends, family or coworkers and celebrate the end of the year with a family-style shared menu (and an optional two-hour bottomless drinks package). For a more laid-back get-together, book the sundown social, Fleet’s happy hour with cocktails, wine and stunning sunset views.
For killer cocktails with dazzling views – head to The Q Rooftop Bar in Melbourne CBD
Perched high above Flinders Lane, The Q Rooftop Bar welcomes you into an exclusive, chic atmosphere. Moody lighting and lush furnishings give it a secret, speakeasy vibe. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer dynamic, up-close views of the city skyscrapers, perfect for NYE firework viewings. On New Year’s expect live DJs, quality canapes and, of course, Q’s frozen margaritas. Be sure to grab one of the complimentary Korean ‘Bae Juices’ when you arrive; it has handy anti-hangover properties. Whether it’s for New Year’s, your birthday, or just the end of a long week, The Q is always a great party spot. Enjoy mid-week bottomless wine, beer and classic cocktails with its unlimited drinks for two hours package. Or, for a fun tasting experience, book the all the margaritas of the rainbow bottomless package with eight flavours to try. It’s also one of the best date night spots in Melbourne, with a date night special featuring great wine and tasty Asian bites like fluffy bao and char siu pork fries, perfect for sharing.
For one of the best restaurants with a view in Melbourne for fine dining – visit Vue de monde in Melbourne CBD
If fine dining and one of the most spectacular views of the Melbourne fireworks sounds like a good way to ring in the New Year, head to Vue de monde. This sleek, modern restaurant towers above the city with large windows offering unparalleled views of the CBD and beyond. On New Year’s Eve, Vue de monde will serve a tasting menu masterminded by executive chef Hugh Allen, with wines selected by master sommelier Dorian Guillon. The menu itself will remain a secret until each dish arrives at your table, taking you on an exciting culinary adventure. Whether you dine on New Year’s or not, expect unique fine dining dishes featuring Australian produce. Think Tasmanian oysters with wasabi, heritage wheat damper and tender Blackmore wagyu.
For a Mexican fiesta to remember at one of the best places to see Melbourne’s fireworks – book Hacienda Mexicana Cocina in Southbank
Hacienda Mexicana Cocina serves classic Mexian favourites with modern flair. For the best fireworks views, head through the lively restaurant and onto the covered terrace overlooking the Yarra with a great view of the city beyond. Book the mega banquet or the pequeno banquet and share flavour-packed Mexican dishes like tacos with Western Plains pork and peanut mole and creamy Mexican rice pudding with horchata ice cream. For a feast with bottomless cocktail jugs, book the Day of Debauchery (Domingos de Desmadre). You’ll get a traditional four-course feast including oysters and ceviche and lamb barbacoa. For a unique, tasting adventure, check out the omakase tacos experience featuring fine tacos paired with Mexican cocktails and agave distillates. With a seat at the counter, it’s an exclusive, interactive dining experience where you can watch the chefs and bar team at work.
For some of the best views of the Melbourne CBD skyline – visit The Albion Rooftop and Club in South Melbourne
Across the road from South Melbourne Market, The Albion Rooftop and Club is one of the best restaurants with a view in Melbourne. Spread across three floors including a leafy rooftop, it offers some of the best, most expansive views of the CBD skyline. The Albion always has great deals and events happening like $25 cocktail jugs on Saturdays between 3 pm and 6 pm and $8 house drinks from 5 pm to 8 pm every Friday. For late-night drinks, enjoy $13 on-tap espresso martinis from 9 pm to 10 pm every Friday and Saturday. The rooftop menu includes bar snacks like crispy cheese and potato croquettes and spicy Szechuan chicken bites. Try the house-made espresso martini with Vok butterscotch or share a jug of Barbie for President with vodka, orange liqueur, fresh raspberries and lemonade.
For private dining with a view of the city – visit Pullman Melbourne City Centre in Melbourne CBD
Pullman Melbourne City Centre encompasses four different dining areas, including Blossom Rooftop Melbourne and Private Dining Room 1954. Blossom is the CBD’s highest rooftop bar, making it one of the best spots in the city to catch the NYE fireworks. Private Dining Room 1954 offers a spacious private room in soothing shades of blue with large windows offering great views over the city. If you like your New Year’s parties a little more quiet and intimate, this is one of the best spots in Melbourne. The rooftop serves smokey wood-fired pizzas with all your favourite toppings. Alternatively, snack on oysters with champagne vinegar and charcuterie and cheeses, while sipping seasonal cocktails like the watermelon crush or classic favourites like a martini made with vodka or gin.
For one of the best restaurants with a view in Melbourne for a Greek feast – visit YASSAS The Greek Way – Southbank in Southbank
YASSAS The Greek Way – Southbank serves traditional street food made with fresh, locally sourced produce. The wrap-around balcony offers stunning views across the river and will host YASSAS’s New Year’s Eve party featuring live music, performers and a hearty Greek feast. Whether it’s for New Year’s or any old weekend get-together, YASSAS offers plenty of excuses to indulge. Book the bottomless brunch featuring endless servings of chargrilled pita bread served with traditional Greek spreads. The YASSAS experience is a great way to try the restaurant’s most popular dishes. The three-course sharing feast includes crispy calamari, juicy lamb gyros and a chef’s choice of dessert. Alternatively, book the feed me menu with dips and pita, grilled chicken, pork and lamb and fluffy loukoumades. Near Hamer Hall and the Arts Centre, book the pre-theatre menu for a relaxed two-course meal. You may reserve sections of the restaurant – both indoors and outdoors – for private dining during special celebrations. YASSAS also has venues out in Ringwood, Craigieburn and Docklands.
For one of the best restaurants in Melbourne for waterfront dining – book at Waterfront Southgate in Southbank
Waterfront dining doesn’t get much better than Waterfront Southgate. One of the city’s most popular seafood bar and grill restaurants, dine on the banks of the Yarra and watch the action on the Southgate Promenade go by. Committed to a sea-to-plate philosophy, your shellfish, seafood and oysters come fresh from the market every day, and any meat comes from local Victorian farms. Start with a classic prawn cocktail or Boston-style clam chowder before trying a char-grilled rock flathead or a tender porterhouse from the wood grill. Pair your meal with fun cocktails like the banana old fashioned with cardamom syrup and De Kuyper Bananes liqueur or a bottle of Victorian wine.
For one of the best pubs with a view in Melbourne to watch the fireworks – book a table at Mt View Hotel in Richmond
Less than 20 minutes on foot from the MCG, Mt View Hotel is a popular game-day pub in the heart of Richmond. The rooftop area, A Bar Above, with 360-degree views of Melbourne’s skyline, more than lives up to its name. A little way outside of the CBD, it’s one of the best spots in the city to take in the full picture of the NYE fireworks. Share grazing platters of house-made croquettes or vegetarian samosas before trying the spicy fried chicken burger with Frank’s hot sauce and crispy beer-battered chips. Outside of New Year’s, Mt View Hotel always has something going on, whether it’s trivia Tuesdays or a traditional Sunday roast.
For one of the best restaurants with a view in Melbourne for pub grub – check out Union House in Richmond
A local pub with a stylish design, Union House boasts a lovely rooftop terrace that’s ideal for New Year’s Eve. Relax under strung-up lights or head indoors and take a seat on one of the blue stools surrounding high-top tables. Start with some house-marinated olives or a serving of crispy potato cakes with whipped cod roe for your main, try the plant-based burger or a glazed lamb scotch with sweet potato. Visit on Wednesdays for steak night and get a 250-gram porterhouse or book on Sundays for a Sunday roast with wagyu beef and Yorkshire puddings. Happy hour is 4 pm to 6 pm Monday to Thursday with draughts, glasses of house red and espresso martinis.
For one of the best rooftop bars in Melbourne for hot dates – book a table for two at Santana in Melbourne CBD
Neon red lights create an intimate, moody atmosphere at Santana, a relaxed bar serving wine, cocktails and cigars. One of the best restaurants with a view in Melbourne for date night, its sleek outdoor terrace in Melbourne Place offers great views right in the heart of the CBD. Cocktail offerings include the el presidente with dark rum, dry vermouth and grenadine, and the dominicana with dark rum, mocha coffee liqueur and cream. The curated wine list boasts prosecco from Veneto, Italy, and malbec from Mendoza, Argentina. Alternatively, go for one of the Australian beers on tap or sip on a smooth Highlands whisky.
Whether you’re after a big party or a more laid-back evening, the best spots to catch the NYE fireworks in Melbourne have what you need. Sip cocktails, savour canapes and soak up the view from rooftops and glass-walled restaurants across the city. When the clock strikes midnight, the best restaurants with a view in Melbourne promise a memorable time.
It’s never too early to plan – book your seat to the NYE fireworks at the best restaurants with a view in Melbourne on OpenTable today
Looking for more great places to celebrate in Melbourne? Or maybe that perfect New Year’s Day lunch? Read on to find out:
- The 10 best restaurants in Melbourne CBD to try right now
- The best pubs in Melbourne loved by locals
- The best family restaurants in Melbourne to book for the whole gang
- The best winery restaurants in Victoria for a culinary getaway
- The best brunch in Melbourne can be found at these standout restaurants
