The Lunar New Year is fast approaching, and as we prepare to welcome the Year of the Fire Horse on Tuesday, 17 February, Sydney is lighting up with incredible festivities. The Horse symbolises strength, vitality, and success, heralding a year of innovation and prosperity. Across the city, restaurants, precincts, and cultural hubs are rolling out special events, stunning decorations, and delicious banquets to help you celebrate in style.
Whether you’re looking for a fine dining experience, a lively community festival, or a delicious meal with a festive twist, there’s something for everyone. We’ve gathered some of the best places in Sydney to eat, play, and celebrate the Lunar New Year.
Lavish Feasts and Fine Dining
Aria
For an intimate and refined celebration, Aria offers a special Lunar New Year menu available exclusively in the bar. From 16 February to 3 March, you can enjoy a selection of exquisite snacks designed by Executive Chef Tom Gorringe and Group Executive Chef Hamish Ingham. Highlights include a red braised Maremma duck pie, Brohlos Western Australian rock lobster toast, and a scallop and shiitake egg roll. Finish with a vanilla bean rice pudding with raspberry and star anise croustillant and mandarin sorbet. Don’t miss the signature ‘Juzi honeybee’ cocktail to toast the occasion.
- Where: 1 Macquarie St, Sydney, NSW 2000
- When: 16 February – 3 March
- What: Limited-edition bar menu and signature cocktail
Crown Sydney
Crown Sydney is embracing the Year of the Horse with curated banquets, Zodiac-themed cocktails, and live performances in partnership with Hennessy. Golden Century will offer a festive banquet from 3-28 February with auspicious dishes like a Prosperity Salad. Woodcut will feature bold menu additions from 17-22 February, including ash-grilled abalone skewers. Epicurean is hosting special Lunar New Year dinners from 16-21 February with a rotating menu of traditional favourites, while Teahouse will serve unique zodiac-inspired cocktails.
- Where: 1 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000
- When: 3 – 28 February (dates vary by venue)
- What: Banquets, special menus, themed cocktails, and roaming lion dancers
Rasa House
Head to Rose Bay to experience Rasa House’s special set menu for the Year of the Horse. For $89 per person, you’ll receive a cocktail on arrival and a selection of dishes featuring lucky ingredients. The menu includes braised pork belly bao, Skull Island prawn toast, a wild salmon prosperity salad, and steamed Blue Eye cod. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy traditional flavours with a modern twist.
- Where: 639B New South Head Rd, Rose Bay NSW 2029
- When: Monday-Saturday from 5pm
- What: $89 set menu with a cocktail
Lotus Barangaroo
Celebrate with the only traditional Lion Dance on Wulugul Walk at Lotus Barangaroo on Friday, 20 February. The restaurant is offering a $189 per person Prosperity Banquet filled with festive specials. You can also order a Seafood Prosperity Salad (Yee Sang) or Char Siu Pork Ribs. As a bonus, guests who spend $200 or more will receive a Lucky Red Pocket with a surprise voucher.
- Where: 8/9 Wulugul Walk, Barangaroo NSW 2000
- When: Lion dance on Friday, 20 February from 6:30pm
- What: $189pp Prosperity Banquet and Lucky Red Pockets
Toki Bistro & Bar
For a stylish celebration in North Sydney, Toki Bistro & Bar presents a five-course set menu created by Michelin-starred chef Jacob Lee. Available from 17-28 February for $155, the menu reimagines auspicious ingredients. Courses include Abrolhos scallop with tapioca salsa, chicken roulade with morel mushroom, and a choice of mains like Red snapper or flat iron steak. It’s a sophisticated way to mark the new year.
- Where: T23-24/100 Miller Street, North Sydney NSW 2060
- When: 17 – 28 February
- What: $155 five-course set menu
Community Events and Casual Bites
South Eveleigh
Join the South Eveleigh community for a vibrant celebration of Lunar New Year. From 16-22 February, discover your BaZi (Chinese astrology) in an augmented reality mirror. On Wednesday, 18 February, watch the ‘Plucking of the Greens’ lion dance ritual for good fortune. Don’t miss the spectacular High Pole Lion Dance on Saturday, 21 February. You can also learn to play Mahjong at free workshops.
- Where: Locomotive Street, Eveleigh NSW 2015
- When: 16 – 22 February
- What: Augmented reality, lion dances, and Mahjong workshops
Darling Square
From 14 February to 1 March, Darling Square will transform into a festive hub of lights, culture, and entertainment. Experience an illuminated lantern installation, LED lion dancing, and live Chinese calligraphy. There will be free family-friendly activities, including a Toy Pony Ride with any purchase. It’s a perfect spot for an evening stroll and to soak in the festive atmosphere.
- Where: 35 Tumbalong Bvd, Haymarket NSW 2000
- When: 14 February – 1 March
- What: Lanterns, LED lion dancing, calligraphy, and family activities
DOPA (Victoria Cross & Darling Square)
Celebrate with a fiery kick at DOPA. From 2 February to 8 March, they are offering a limited-edition Flamin’ Karaage and Flamin’ Karaage Don. With every purchase of a Lunar New Year dish, you’ll receive a red pocket containing a ‘DOPA dollar’ for your next visit. Two lucky winners will find a Golden Ticket hidden in their red pockets, winning a PlayStation 5 or a Dyson Airwrap.
- Where: Victoria Cross (North Sydney) & Darling Square (Haymarket)
- When: 2 February – 8 March
- What: Limited-edition spicy chicken and a chance to win big prizes
Gyuniku & Butchers Buffet
If you were born in a Year of the Horse (2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966), this is your lucky year! Gyuniku and all Butchers Buffet locations are offering a 50% discount off the full adult price for their buffet. Just bring a valid photo ID to redeem the offer. It’s a fantastic deal for those looking to feast with friends and family.
- Where: Gyuniku (Haymarket) and Butchers Buffet locations across Sydney
- When: Throughout the Lunar New Year period
- What: 50% off for those born in the Year of the Horse
Vic’s – The Chef’s Butcher
For those planning a celebration at home, Vic’s has you covered. From 9-28 February, they are running special promotions online and in-store. Spend a certain amount on their Lunar New Year Collection and receive a lucky red envelope with a voucher for your next purchase. They also have an exclusive dry-aged duck available from 13 February, perfect for a spectacular centrepiece for your feast.
- Where: Online and in-store
- When: 9 – 28 February
- What: Spend-and-save promotions and exclusive dry-aged duck
Sydney is buzzing with energy for the 2026 Lunar New Year. With so many fantastic options, from elegant dinners to vibrant community events, there’s no shortage of ways to welcome the Year of the Fire Horse. Gather your loved ones, book a table, and get ready to toss a prosperity salad for good fortune.