A triumphant St Kilda icon, Saint George (formerly The Saint Hotel) looms large like a snowy beacon filled with deliciousness. Karen Martini’s recent takeover ensures that the Med-inspired menu is as elegant as it is humble, with spaces spanning both the casual Lounge and the more formal Grill or whole venue bookings. 54 Fitzroy St, St Kilda; saintgeorgestkilda.com.au.

Molli’s private dining room is elegant and intimate, but comfortable with space enough for up to 12 people sat at the large, romantic wooden table. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook Nicholson Street with drapes that can be drawn for total privacy. A little bit French, very dreamy, and a menu of natural-leaning wines with plenty of non-alc options. 20 Mollison St, Abbotsford; molliabbotsford.com.au.

Pinchy’s is one of those places that underpromises and over-delivers every time. Neon pink, cutesy, unserious, and excellent. The lobster and Champagne bar is a playful option for the group dinner, and has just introduced a small selection of meat dishes for the staunch carnivores out there. Pop the bottle and settle into the private dining booths with 60 of your closest friends. Pinchy would have wanted it that way. Level 1/200 Bourke St, Melbourne; pinchys.co.

Hotel Nacional has quickly become a haven for the coeliacs who want to enjoy a night out without the worry. Drawing inspiration from the heritage of the Oaxacan and Yucatan regions in Mexico, Hotel Nacional offers a menu that celebrates the best of Mexican flavours while ensuring every dish is entirely gluten-free. With multiple spaces across the venue (including a dreamy rooftop bar) this is the place to be whether you’ve got dietaries or not. 23-25 Hardware Ln, Melbourne; hotelnacional.co.

Giddy up! Moondog Wild West in Footscray is a destination upon itself, but throw in a mechanical bull and six private event spaces catering for groups of 8 to 350, there’s bound to be a saloon to suit any party. Over 100 beers on tap, and classic Americana bites like Buffalo wings, sliders, tacos and more spell a good night no matter which way you slice it. 54 Hopkins St, Footscray; moondog.com.au/wild-west.

Party in the Palm Room, an exclusive mezzanine space for up to 13 guests that overlooks the distinctive European glitz and glamour of Gimlet. For private moments a curtain separates the space from the main dining room but most leave it open to enjoy the bustling vibe of the restaurant. Reminiscent of a European brasserie, Gimlet is theatrical. With waitstaff dressed to the nines in crisp shirts and suits and a drinks list which starts with gin gimlets and takes diners on a global tour of wine regions, the Palm Room comes with its own private sommelier. Love oysters and caviar? Wood-fired seafood? Affogato for dessert? At Gimlet these are on the menu. 33 Russell St, Melbourne; gimlet.melbourne.

The Greenhouse is Etta’s private undercover courtyard. Intimate, replete with greenery, and designed for groups of up to 14, the cosy, happy space is lush. This party season, you might find dishes like the cumin spiced lamb, celeriac, labneh and zucchini, glutinous rice with smoked and pickled mushrooms, and black bean chilli oil, or torched kingfish skewer, gordal olive and blackened blood orange. The comprehensive wine list, from a delicious local drop to a range of grower-producer champagne that’s hard to get your hands on, won’t disappoint. The flavours of Etta are very ‘Melbourne’, drawn from the melting pot of cultures and cuisines that make up our foodie city. 60 Lygon St, Brunswick East; ettadining.com.au.

The Prince Deck has everything you need for a spectacular Christmas party; views of the glittering city skyline, a bay vista and proximity to one of the best kitchens in town. Also at The Prince are the Sainthill Room, an indoor dining room with a balcony, and the lush, romantic Atrium Courtyard. The flavours of the Mediterranean are ever present in the relaxed but polished dishes on offer. Anything from smoky, chargrilled calamari, black tortellini, or a pork belly with apple and raisin salad are served for seated guests and canapes can be anything from prawn dumplings to steamed buns. The Prince is known for its wine list which offers everything from local drops to Dom Perignon. 2 Acland St, St Kilda; theprince.com.au.

The Bowery Room and the aptly named Private Dining Room, situated above the historic pub with leafy views over iconic Fitzroy streets, are perfect for seated events or cocktail parties. Andrew McConnell has been dishing up celebratory meals in Melbourne for decades and he’s renowned for his casual, contemporary Australian cuisine. The pub’s signature dish, whipped cod roe and flat bread, features on every party menu, and a centrepiece of Wagyu rump, cooked over coals on the rotisserie and served with sides such as chopped broccoli, mint and freekeh salad, roasted carrots with goats curd and buttery Kestrel potatoes is sure to make your guests smile. 211 Gertrude St, Fitzroy; buildersarmshotel.com.au.

Bottega’s private dining rooms overlook the leafy end of Bourke Street at the top end of town. Step in off the streets, climb the stairs and party with your group in an exclusive space. It’s quintessentially Melbourne; intimate, relaxed, Italian fine dining with sophisticated artwork adorning the walls. Tiramisu is always on the menu at this Melbourne institution, as is the Wagyu carpaccio and handmade pasta. But for your party, let the experts lead with the four-course tasting menu and relax. The private dining areas can accommodate groups of 6 – 60 with a range of menus to choose from. 74 Bourke St, Melbourne; bottega.com.au.

Entrecôte may have moved from South Yarra to Prahran but they’ve retained the same captivating French ambiance. Your guests will be exclaiming ‘ooh la la’ as they enter Le Salon Privé, the private dining room. The charming room for groups of up to 30 has a wall of the sommelier’s handpicked drops, marble benches and velvet chairs. Alternatively, you can host more at an end of year soirée outside in Le Conservatoire, the prettiest, most picturesque courtyard in town in which to eat steak frites and sip free flowing rosé, Chablis or Champagne. 142 Greville St, Prahran; entrecote.com.au.

Three private rooms sit above the Society Dining Room on their own dedicated event floor. From an exclusive evening centred around the private kitchen of the Green Room, to classic cocktails at Bar Privé, the dedicated bar for private dining, the East and West spaces can be partitioned or interlinked personalised dining experience for up to 60 seated or 80 standing guests. 80 Collins St, Melbourne; 80collins.com.au.

Kisumé has your end of year celebrations covered top to toe, with private dining spaces across three levels depending on your needs. Seriously. With options of the Chef’s Table, Chablis Bar, Kuro Private Dining Room upstairs, Hanza Private Dining Room and Chika Private Dining Room downstairs, each space is available to be booked for your event. Luxe golden curtains, walls of wine, and sleek interiors make for a properly sophisticated party space. 175 Flinders Ln, Melbourne; kisume.com.au.

Shane Delia’s sultry, sophisticated restaurant has a number of private dining spaces. From groups of 12 to 250, Maha ensures that guests party like royalty. Whether you choose the Glenmorangie Signet Room overlooking the whole restaurant, the premium Sultan Room, one of the semi-private spaces, or next door at Jayda, Maha is a feast for the senses. Middle Eastern cuisine is like a rainbow of fresh produce on the plate, each mouthful a medley of crunch and flavour. The enticing aromas of the subtly spiced dishes waft throughout the rooms, mesmerising diners. 21 Bond St, Melbourne; maharestaurant.com.au.

The Corner Room at Yakimino is a vibrant, neon-lit party haven where fun vibes and beautifully prepared Japanese snacks meet. The Yakimono team pride themselves on uninhibited revelry and what better time to let loose than with your boss at an end of year event? 80 Collins St, Melbourne; yakimono.com.au.