For prix fixe menus or midnight toasts, check out our list of top places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Orange County.
Edited by Whitney Lauren Han.
A&O Kitchen + Bar
Dec. 31. Join Kettle One for a bayfront New Year’s Eve celebration at Balboa Bay Resort’s seafood-focused restaurant. Enjoy celebratory cocktail specials, dining until 1 a.m. and live entertainment throughout the night. 7:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Complimentary admission. 1221 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.645.5000.
Aqua Lounge
Dec. 31. It’s a party to ring in the New Year with style, pizazz and good cheer all around—New Year’s Eve at chic and sleek, nightlife destination Aqua Lounge. Music is provided by Aqua Lounge’s talented DJ, and look forward to a champagne toast at the stroke of midnight, party favors provided and more. 9 p.m. $50 cover charge, includes a champagne toast at midnight; $120 cover charge, includes unlimited access to the Moet Champagne Bar and private section. Advance purchase recommended. Bottle service and reserved seating available starting at $1,000. Fashion Island Hotel, 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.760.4920. fashionislandhotel.com
Back Bay Bistro
Dec. 31. Celebrate NYE in the picturesque, bayside venue of Back Bay Bistro presenting Illusion, a Stevie Nicks’ tribute band. The band consists of world class musicians and the vocals of Diana Grace are spot on as Stevie Nicks from the early years of the 1970s and ’80s. Enjoy a savory four-course dinner before the show included with your VIP Dinner ticket. Complimentary champagne toast at midnight. 7:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. $40-$140. 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, 949.999.3121. newportdunes.com
Bayside Restaurant
Dec. 31. Cruise into the new decade at Bayside with a special prix fixe menu. While indulging in your meal, enjoy live music throughout the night. Reservations recommended. 5 p.m.-1 a.m. $74 per person. 900 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach, 949.721.1222. baysiderestaurant.com
Bruno’s Italian Kitchen
Dec. 31. Usher in 2020 with soul-satisfying Italian cuisine at Brunos Italian Kitchen in Brea. Highlights at the popular restaurant include in a three-course menu, a midnight countdown and party favors . Three-course menu served after 8 p.m. as well as regular bar menu all night. 210 W. Birch St., Brea, 714.257.1000. brunosbrea.com
Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen
Dec. 31. Dance into the new year to live Latin music and sip on margaritas at Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen—and enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne with the midnight countdown. Also enjoy party favors, hand-shaken cocktails and $20 AsomBroso tequila flights all night long. Full menu offered until 11 p.m. 13126 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 714.408.7819; 110 W. Birch, Suite 7, Brea, 714.255.1040. chachaslatinkitchen.com
Davio’s
Dec. 31. Toast to the New Year at Davio’s Irvine. Take part in one of two dining events: a four-course prix-fixe dinner menu, and the Buon Anno Celebration featuring a multi-course prix-fixe dinner, welcome cocktail, live entertainment, and Veuve Clicquot Champagne toast. Prix fixe: first seating from 5-7:30 p.m.; Buon Anno celebration reservations available at 9:30 p.m. Prix fixe: $85, Buon Anno Celebration: $180. Irvine Towers, 18420 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, 949.477.4810. davios.com
EATS Kitchen & Bar
Dec. 31. End 2019 on a tasty note! Stop by EATS on New Year’s Eve for a la carte specials. These specials include oysters on the half shell, soft shell crab steamed buns, beef short rib and lobster duo, and hibiscus crémeux. 5-9 p.m. Hotel Irvine, 17900 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 949.225.6780. hotelirvine.com
Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens
Dec. 31. Come celebrate the new year at Farmhouse featuring seasonal specials by chef Rich Mead and festive cocktails by Anthony Laborin, chef de swigs. Capture the last, wonderful memories of 2019 with a complimentary photo booth (available from 5-9 p.m.) under twinkling lights on the terrace overlooking Roger’s Gardens. Regular restaurant hours: 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona del Mar, 949.640.1415. farmhouserg.com
Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar
Dec. 31. Add a little sparkle to your New Year’s Eve with a three-course prix-fixe menu—featuring dishes such as West Coast oysters, wagyu beef tartare, smoked celery root agnolotti, pan-roasted bass “chowder,” prime filet and yuzu lemon tart—at Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar. Reservations recommended. 5 p.m.-midnight. $75. 190 S. Glassell St., Orange, 714.221.0680. havencraftkitchen.com
Henry’s Ocean View Dining
Dec. 31. Ring in 2020 with a one-of-a-kind dinner experience at Henry’s, inside the Waterfront Beach Resort. Indulge in a seasonal six-course tasting menu with California-centric wine pairings. Reservations available starting at 5 p.m. with a maximum party size of six guests; the last party must be seated by 9 p.m. Space is limited, only 40 spots are available; ten guests seated per hour.
Hive & Honey
Dec. 31. Celebrate the new decade with a Gatsby-themed soiree at Marriott Irvine Spectrum’s rooftop bar. Begin your night with a prix fixe dinner in Heirloom Farmhouse Kitchen, with reservations available at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., then head up to the roof to party until 2 a.m. 7905 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, 949.759.0200. Tickets
Lido House
Dec. 31. Enjoy the final dinner of the decade with a five-course meal and live music at Mayor’s Table. First seating ($115/person) is at 6 p.m. and the second seating ($165/person) is at 8 p.m. Following dinner, head to the hotel’s rooftop bar Topside for a NYE celebration with tunes spun by a DJ from 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Party only, $50, includes one drink ticket and midnight champagne toast. 3300 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, 949.524.8500. Tickets
The Loft
Dec. 31. The Loft is serving an extra special celebratory four-course holiday tasting menu prior to New Year’s festivities at midnight. Revelers might start with Vichyssoise with Kaluga Caviar, enjoy Maine lobster carpaccio, then dine on prime bone-in New York strip and end with black forest cake. To start the New Year’s countdown with class in a glass, the dinner includes a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne for every two adult guests. 5-10 p.m. $185 adults, $50 children ages 4-12. Montage Laguna Beach, 30801 Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.6420. montagehotels.com
Monarch Beach Resort
Dec. 31. Orange County’s ocean-view AAA Five-Diamond award-winning property hosts a variety of NYE celebrations. Enjoy festive prix-fixe dinners at the Mediterranean-inspired AVEO Table + Bar and at its ocean-front restaurant Monarch Bay Beach Club; critically acclaimed Bourbon Steak offers a celebratory tasting menu. Beginning at 9 p.m., head to lobby bar 33N for a celebration featuring an a la carte specialty cocktail menu, bites, beach house DJ and balloon drop. The party at 33N is complimentary to hotel and dining guests and $50 for locals without reservations. Champagne packages are available and begin at $250. 1 Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, 800.722.1543. monarchbeachresort.com
Montage Laguna Beach’s Lobby Lounge
Dec. 31. To finish 2019 with a toast and to cheer in 2020, celebrate in the luxurious lounge and table seating featuring Krug, Dom Perignon and Veuve Clicquot bottle service for the occasion and live entertainment to make the evening a perfect celebration. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. $500 for seating and champagne for up to four guests, $750 for seating and champagne for up to six guests; $1,500 for seating and champagne up to eight guests, plus tax and gratuity. 30801 Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.6420. montagehotels.com
Newport Dunes
Dec. 31. Ring in the new year at Newport Dunes with a special NYE Countdown in Newport Beach. Dance the night away to nationally-acclaimed 1980s cover band Flashback Heart Attack under the large events tent. Food and beverage concessions from full bars and food trucks available for purchase. Special VIP packages are available featuring a four-course dinner, Champagne toast at midnight, private waitstaff, separate entrance and restrooms. Complimentary champagne toast at midnight is will also be provided. 7 p.m.-1:30 a.m. $25 GA, $75 VIP table seating, $150 concert + dinner package. Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, 949.999.3100. newportdunes.com
Oak Grill
Dec. 31. Come hungry to Oak Grill’s delectable multi-course New Year’s Eve gala dinner and plenty of cork popping for toasts to a happy and healthy 2020. Prepared by chef Brittany Valles, the first seating includes a prix fixe four-course dinner, and the second seating includes a six-course dinner with a champagne toast. 5 p.m.-midnight; first seating from 5 p.m.; second seating from 8:30 p.m. First seating: $125 adults, $45 children ages 5-12; Second seating: $175, includes live entertainment and a champagne toast. Fashion Island Hotel, 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.706.5466. fashionislandhotel.com
Ocean at Main
Dec. 31. Enter the new decade in style at Ocean at Main. Whether you’re looking for a dining destination to enjoy dinner prior to your NYE festivities or looking for the ultimate celebration, Ocean at Main has you covered. From 5-10 p.m., enjoy an a la carte dinner menu from Michelin-starred chef Craig Strong. At 10:30 p.m., the restaurant converts to an NYE lounge complete with music, dancing, a DJ and full bar. Bottle service and private lounge experiences available. For reservations, email reservations@oceanatmain.com. 222 Ocean at Main, Laguna Beach, 949.715.3870. oceanatmain.com
Old Vine Kitchen & Bar
Dec. 31. Old Vine celebrates the new year with global cuisine, stellar libations, live music and friends. Guests enjoy tray-passed hors d’oeuvres, and an endless buffet of chef Mark’s lauded dishes, including chef’s pasta and prime-rib carving stations. Dance the night away with live music from Michael Lucas (7-10 p.m.), followed by tunes from DJ Tonix (10 p.m.-1 a.m.). $85 includes food and complimentary champagne at midnight. Reservations highly recommended. The Camp, 2937 Bristol St., Suite A-103, Costa Mesa, 714.545.1411. oldvinekitchenbar.com
Orange Hill
Dec. 31. To celebrate the holiday, Orange Hill will have a live DJ in the O Bar and serve a celebratory dinner menu including Kushi oysters, beef tartare, miso-marinated Chilean sea bass, truffle lobster baked mac and cheese, wagyu filet mignon, and sticky toffee pudding. 5-10:30 p.m. 6410 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, 714.997.2910. theorangehillrestaurant.com
Pacific Hideaway
Dec. 31. Located at the Kimpton Shorebreak Resort, the Pacific-fusion restaurant offers a delectable three-course NYE menu. Menu highlights including scallop crudo with black truffle, yuzu glace and caviar; Colorado lamb rack with vadouvan spice, caramelized carrots and shaved brussels sprouts, and lamb glace; and vegetable pave with seasonal squash and mushroom Bolognese. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a dark chocolate mousse with vanilla crème bonbons or a fruit tart with blood orange pastry cream and raspberry coulis. Wine pairings recommended for each course; regular brunch and dinner menus available all day. Reservations recommended. 2-11 p.m. $115. 500 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.965.4448. pacifichideawayhb.com
The Queen Mary
Dec. 31. Toast 2020 aboard the majestic Queen Mary and ring in the new year with a night of live music by the Colombian musical group La Sonora Dinamita and a DJ set by Young Bombs on the stern of the ship. Don’t miss the hidden speakeasy and VIP experiences that only the Queen Mary’s New Year’s Eve can offer. 21+. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. $120 GA, $220 VIP. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 877.342.0742. queenmary.com
The Ranch Saloon
Dec. 31. Grab your cowboy boots and celebrate the new year at the Ranch Saloon. On tap are a live music performance by the Arnie Newman Band featuring Francelle, a DJ, a balloon drop and a toast at midnight. Dinner packages include hors d’oeuvres, dinner and dessert. 21+. VIP entry 6 p.m., GA 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $35 GA; $100 dinner and drink rail seating; $125 dinner and table seating. 1025 E. Ball Road, Anaheim, 714.817.4200. theranch.com
Red Bar and Lounge
Dec. 31. New Year’s uncorked at Red Bar and Lounge means ringing in 2020 with a lavish New Year’s Eve party complete with champagne, cocktails, party favors and beats by Red Bar’s local DJ. Groups of friends will want to reserve a booth with bottle service, so they can raise toast after toast to those they love the most. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $10 cover charge; advanced ticket purchase available here; booth reservations and packages available. Hotel Irvine, 17900 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 949.225.6780. hotelirvine.com
Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Soirée
Dec. 31. Ring in 2020 in Laguna Beach at a New Year’s Eve party with the Laguna Foundation of the Arts at the award-winning Seven-Degrees. The evening features a special spread from Driftwood Kitchen, The Deck on Laguna, and Hendrix Restaurant & Bar, with an open bar for the first hour featuring beer, wine and champagne. Enjoy live entertainment from Common Sense, set to perform on the main stage, as well as Addie Hamilton in a special VIP level. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. $159 per person, additional ticket options available. Seven-Degrees, 891 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.289.6684. Tickets
Studio
Dec. 31. This New Year’s evening merrymaking dinner is highlighted by a magnificent five-course chef’s tasting menu, featuring live music, dancing and party favors, as well as a midnight Dom Perignon Champagne toast. Dinner choices include Shigoku oyster on the half shell, house-made ricotta gnudi, American wagyu strip loin, Arctic Mero seabass and other delicacies. Reception 8 p.m., dinner 9 p.m. $575 per person, includes cocktails at the reception and wine pairings with dinner or non-alcoholic beverages. Montage Laguna Beach, 30801 Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.6420. montagehotels.com
Waterline
Dec. 31. Delight in an exclusive New Year’s Eve experience at Waterline featuring Veuve Clicquot champagne, and a five-course meal. After dinner, enjoy complimentary entry to the Tijuana Dogs New Year’s Eve concert in the Resort’s Grand Ballroom. 21+. Reservations are required. 6:30-10 p.m. $245, member discounts do apply. Balboa Bay Resort, 1221 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.645.5000. Tickets
Whitestone Restaurant & Bar
Dec. 31. Ring in the new year at one of Orange County’s hottest new restaurants, Whitestone in Dana Point. Take a culinary journey into 2020 with the flavors of the Americas, France, Italy, Japan and more. Executive chef Tony Celeste’s plates use familiar locally sourced ingredients in unexpected ways. The restaurant celebrates New Year’s Eve from 5 p.m. until midnight with a DJ and complimentary champagne toast. 34212 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, 949.489.8911. whitestonerestaurant.com
Photos: Kimpton Shorebreak Resort courtesy Crowe PR. Hive & Honey courtesy J Public Relations. Montage Laguna Beach courtesy Montage Laguna Beach. The Queen Mary courtesy the Queen Mary.
