Lunar New Year celebrations are upon us, with the Year of the Rabbit in full swing! Lunar New Year traditions include watching lion and dragon dances, decorating your house with special red decorations and gift-giving – often in the form of money in red envelopes. It is a time of abundance and generosity, where family and friends gather around a table for a special feast.
Throughout the Lunar New Year celebrations in Australia, you will find delicious dishes with special meanings. These vary between families, regions and countries. However, you can usually find spring rolls, long noodles (the longer the noodle, the longer your life will be), steamed fish (a symbol of wealth) and a whole chicken (a symbol of family and reunion).
Prezzee’s restaurant vouchers are the perfect Lunar New Year gift, combining the tradition of gift-giving and sharing a meal into one versatile, digital red envelope you can send to your loved ones thanks to Prezzee’s partnership with Gift A Restaurant, giving you access to over 100 restaurants.
While there are hundreds of incredible restaurants you can choose from across the country, here are our top picks.
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New South Wales
For a midweek treat, head to one of China Diner’s three locations (Bondi, Double Bay and Tramsheds) for All You Can Eat Dumpling Wednesdays. Indulge in xiao long bao, steamed barbeque pork buns, crispy chicken and more, for only $20 per person.
Lotus Barangaroo is ringing in the new year with a special Year of the Rabbit menu and traditional lion dance performances.
Sydney institution Red Lantern serves a special blend of traditional and contemporary Vietnamese cooking, inspired by owner Luke Nguyen’s heritage. Clink your glasses for the new year while you sip on cocktails infused with flavours such as Sichuan pepper, lychee and kumquat.
Victoria
Robata specialises in the Japanese charcoal grilling technique called Robatayaki, which has been practised in Japan for hundreds of years. The menu includes delicacies such as A3 Wagyu nigiri, chargrilled Mount Macedon Cornfed Duck or the Chocolate and Nikka Whisky mousse.
With a stunning beachside location, Captain Baxter in St Kilda is the ultimate spot for a new year meal. Treat yourself to one of their three banquet menus which come with a glass of Chandon Garden Spritz or Chandon Blanc De Blanc.
Celebrate the new year in style at the Transport Hotel’s Taxi Kitchen. Set in the heart of Melbourne, this is the perfect place to enjoy an Asian-inspired meal with a view of the city skyline and Yarra River.
Queensland
Brisbane’s Madame Wu will provide a scenic background to your Lunar New Year celebrations with its waterfront location. Madame Wu’s special Year of the Rabbit menu includes Yu Sheng (prosperity salad) and a steamed whole North Queensland coral trout.
Ally Chow on the Gold Coast serves delectable Southeast Asian-inspired dishes. For a real feast, bring a friend or two and try out their banquet menu.
Kin Pan-Asian Kitchen & Bar in Burleigh Heads offers a pan-Asian experience. Satisfy your cravings for sashimi, bao buns, tempura, gyoza and so much more.
South Australia
The Omakase at Ginza Miyako is a unique culinary experience perfect for a new year celebration. The menu changes with the seasons, showcasing the best produce on offer.
Celebrate the new year at Junipers on the Marina, where you will find an abundance of gin varieties from national and global distilleries.
The Donburi House in Adelaide offers delicious Japanese cuisine, with many options for vegetarians and vegans. The drinks menu is cause for celebration, featuring whisky and gin from all over Japan.
Tasmania
Launceston’s Mudbar is the ultimate spot for Lunar New Year festivities. The Southeast Asian-inspired cuisine celebrates paddock-to-plate produce from Mudbar Farm and Tasmanian growers.
No meat? No problem! Veg Bar is a Hobart plant-based restaurant, cooking exclusively vegan food. Think fun cocktails and indulgent treats like Korean fried chik’n burgers and sticky soy cauliflower wings.
Have a cosy Lunar New Year with Blue Inc’s Broken Rice Congee. The Launceston café has a wide variety of delicious dishes to choose from and caters to many different dietary requirements.
Western Australia
Watch the city from above at C Restaurant, Perth’s only revolving restaurant. Opt for an exquisite high tea or a five-course degustation for a lavish new year. While the prix fixe menus are on the more expensive side, you can always visit the restaurant for an à la carte lunch, which is a bit more affordable.
Wills Domain is one of Margaret River’s finest restaurants. Enjoy award-winning food as you mark the beginning of the Year of the Rabbit and sip on delicious wine.
For a picturesque new year’s feast, head to Coast Port Beach in North Fremantle. Enjoy a casual, modern menu looking out at the majestic Indian Ocean.
Additional restaurants to celebrate Lunar New Year
Don’t live in any of the previously mentioned regions? No stress! You can still celebrate Lunar New Year to the fullest no matter where you live.
Keep in mind that the restaurants listed in the following regions may not be compatible with Prezzee gift cards, but you can still stop by and give them a try.
ACT
Check out CBD Dumpling House in Canberra for a range of delicious Asian dishes, from dim sim to san choy bao to duck pancakes. Biang Biang is another excellent option if you’re in the mood for Asian noodles of all kinds.
Northern Territory
Known by many as the “best Chinese restaurant in Darwin”, Dragon Court is a must-visit to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The restaurant is offering a special menu to usher in the Year of the Rabbit, so grab a few friends and head on over to enjoy some tasty food.
You can also visit Lazy Susan’s for some delicious food and karaoke – the best way to ring in the new year!
However and wherever you celebrate Lunar New Year, Prezzee’s digital gift card gives you access to hundreds of restaurants around Australia. Gong xi fa cai!
