For a fine dining New Year’s Eve in Bali, the dress code often begins with one word: smart. The evening of 31 December 2026 at Apéritif adds more character to that expectation. The night is called Midnight Masquerade, and alongside the usual smart-to-formal standard, there is a mask and a colour palette to consider.
That is more specific than most guests are used to, and it naturally raises practical questions. A mask worn during a long dinner is not only a decorative detail; it should also work comfortably throughout the evening.
What Is Requested and What Is Required
The distinction matters, because it changes how much anyone needs to plan.
Masks, sophisticated attire, and touches of black, white, or silver are encouraged. The distinction is important: the mask and colour palette are additions to the evening rather than strict requirements. Guests arriving without a mask are still appropriately dressed for a fine-dining evening, and masks are not provided on arrival.
The underlying dining standard remains unchanged. Smart-to-formal attire applies on 31 December, just as it does on any other evening. Sportswear and beachwear, including singlets and flip-flops, are not appropriate for the dining room. Guests seeking a more detailed explanation of the year-round standard can refer to the fine-dining dress code guide.
The simplest way to approach the evening is this: dress for dinner first, then add the masquerade element.
Which Mask Works Best for a Seated Dinner
This is the detail worth considering, because the mask that photographs well at nine and the mask that feels comfortable at seven are not always the same.
For a fine-dining table, a half-mask covering the eyes and upper face is usually the most practical choice. It leaves the mouth clear, so a guest can eat, drink, and hold a conversation without removing anything. Across an evening that runs from 6 pm, that matters more than it sounds.
A full face mask does not work at a dinner table. It may need to be removed between courses, meaning it spends much of the evening beside the cutlery rather than being worn.
Stick masks held to the face by a handle create a similar challenge. They require one hand throughout the evening, while both hands are naturally needed during dinner.
For fastening, a ribbon tie often feels more comfortable over several hours than an elastic one, which may become tighter over time. Guests wearing glasses may wish to test their mask beforehand, as some designs do not accommodate frames easily.
Weight is another consideration. A lightweight mask made from fabric, leather, or paper can become almost unnoticeable after a short time. Heavier designs with resin, feathers, or extensive embellishment may become more noticeable during a three-hour dinner.
Reading the Colour Request
Black, white, and silver are described as accents rather than a uniform, and that distinction is useful. The request is for touches of colour rather than a head-to-toe theme.
In practice, that can be as light as a black dress with silver at the ear, a white shirt under a dark jacket, a silver clutch, or a mask that carries the palette while the rest of the outfit does not. Guests who want to commit fully to the three colours are welcome to do so, and guests who would rather wear one of them and stop there are dressed correctly, too.
The palette also suits the room. Apéritif is a fine-dining restaurant with an Art Deco interior, and the evening leans into the 1920s. Black, white, and silver read naturally against that, which is presumably why those three were chosen.
The Air Conditioning Still Applies
The dining room is fully air-conditioned, and this is an important consideration when choosing a New Year’s Eve outfit in Bali. An outfit selected for a warm December evening outdoors may feel very different during several hours in a cooled dining room.
A light layer is worth including in the plan, whether a wrap, shawl, fine knit, or structured jacket. A slightly heavier fabric tends to maintain its shape better throughout a long evening and provides more comfort at the table.
Sourcing a Mask in Ubud
The most reliable approach is to travel with a mask already prepared. Ubud has craft markets and artisan shops where guests may find masks, and Balinese mask carving is a long-established artistic tradition in its own right. However, finding a particular style and colour combination at short notice may not always be possible.
Guests staying at Viceroy Bali can ask the team for guidance before their arrival rather than waiting until the day of the event.
A simple black half-mask is also worth packing as a backup. It takes up almost no space and ensures the masquerade element is ready whenever needed.
The Hour Before
Pinstripe Bar is adjacent to the restaurant and opens daily from 4 pm. Inspired by the Prohibition Era, the speakeasy-style bar features an Art Deco interior, a cigar humidor, and live jazz.
On this particular evening, the bar becomes part of the overall experience rather than simply a place to wait before dinner. Beginning the night with a drink in a 1920s-inspired setting creates a natural transition into the Midnight Masquerade celebration.
It is also the ideal moment to settle into the evening and ensure the mask feels comfortable before the first course arrives.
Booking
The fine dining New Year’s Eve dinner on 31 December begins at 6 pm. Seats are limited, and reservations are required in advance. Evening bookings can be arranged by email at res@aperitif.com or via WhatsApp.
The full details for the evening, including the menu, are published on the New Year’s Eve event page, which remains the best place to check as the date approaches.
A thoughtful New Year’s Eve outfit is only one part of the experience. At Apéritif, the Midnight Masquerade brings the setting, atmosphere, and dining experience together into one evening designed to welcome the year ahead.
