From champagne toasts to glamorous soirees, here are the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in San Diego.
Edited by Eva Scattergood.
20|Twenty
Dec. 31. Bid farewell to 2018 and ring in the New Year with a family-friendly festive spread. Guests can indulge in sparkling sips and buffet dinner, complete with holiday classics, charcuterie table, meat carving station and dessert bar. Emphasizing seasonal and locally sourced fare, menu highlights include roasted beet salad, truffle whipped potatoes, creamy brown butter orecchiette, slow-roasted Wagyu beef, house-smoked salmon and more. Top off the dinner with a celebratory toast and decadent favorites from the dessert bar such as macaroons, truffles, tarts and seasonal cakes. A special kids table offers little ones classic favorites such as chicken nuggets, waffle fries, macaroni and cheese, pizza and fruit salad. 6:30 p.m.-midnight. Westin Carlsbad, 5480 Grand Pacific Dr., Carlsbad, 760.827.2500. 20twentygrill.com
The Abbey on Fifth Avenue
Dec. 31. Inspired by the Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack, experience an evening of fascinating style, sparkling drinks, casino games and opulence. This high-end cocktail party will be complete with themed music, entertainment and classic cocktails. Get into the groove for the evening and dress up in vintage attire. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. $79 GA, $144 VIP. 2825 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill, 619.686.8715. hornblower.com
Addison
Dec. 31. Commemorate a great year with a nine-course tasting menu experience by chef William Bradley and the Addison team. Dishes include sake-cured kampachi with citrus, miso and red radish; osetra caviar with peekytoe crab and toasted brioche; Langoustine á la Robuchon (a tribute to the pioneering chef); canard rôti with caramelized cabbage, quince and sauce albufera; and pithivier d’hiver with black truffles. Following a grapefruit sorbet course, the meal concludes with and éclair de fin d’année with amaretto, prune and milk chocolate. 5:30-9 p.m. $335, $250 additional for wine pairings. Fairmont Grand Del Mar, 5200 Grand Del Mar Way, Del Mar, 858.314.1900. addisondelmar.com
Amaya
Dec. 31. Countdown the year with countless seasonal flavors in this three- or five-course dinner featuring Dungeness crab, foie gras ballotine, pan-seared halibut and Gianduja chocolate mousse. Diners will receive a reduced ticket price of $35 per person for entrance to The Grand New Year’s Eve Party. Three-course 5 p.m. $125; five-course (adults only) 8 p.m. $199. Fairmont Grand Del Mar, 5200 Grand Del Mar Way, Del Mar, 858.314.1996. fairmont.com
Amici’s Ristobar
Dec. 31. Cheers to the new year in style with a cocktail-style menu and complimentary midnight champagne and music. Amici’s will feature raffle prizes, party favors, live entertainment and more during this special evening. Tickets are available for purchase at the restaurant. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. $50. Pacific Highlands Ranch, 5980 Village Way #B106, Carmel Valley, 858.847.2740. amicisristobar.com
Backyard Kitchen & Tap
Dec. 31. Ring in the New Year with a three-course prix-fixe menu featuring Maine Lobster and Black Cod cake with arugula avocado salad, chive hollandaise and pepitas; blackened eight-ounce hangar steak served with parsnip gratin, grilled broccolini and buttermilk onions; and White Russian tres leches cake accompanied by market berries and nasturtium petals. 6 p.m. $49.95. 832 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach, 858.859.2593. backyardpb.com
The Blind Burro
Dec. 31. Specializing in Baja coastal cuisine and spirits, enjoy a three-course dinner featuring menu items from Executive Chef Todd including the new Baja Ramen with pozole chicken broth, al pastor, carnitas, cilantro, jalapeño, oven roasted tomato, soft boiled egg and house-made noodles. There will be a live DJ and karaoke from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m. and a balloon drop and champagne toast at midnight. $45. 639 J St., East Village, 619.795.7880. theblindburro.com
Cafe Sevilla
Dec. 31. Indulge in a special four-course prix-fixe menu, along with a dazzling flamenco performance this New Year’s Eve. Menu highlights include caramelized onion tartlet, saffron lobster bisque, Maine lobster paella and black forest chocolate cake. 5 p.m.-2 a.m. $79+. 353 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.233.5979. cafesevilla.com
California Bistro
Dec. 31. Bring the whole family to this New Year’s Eve buffet at Park Hyatt Aviara including party favors for all guests. Be sure to stick around for a live telecast of the Times Square ball drop. 5:30-9:30 p.m. $90 adults, $40 children. 7100 Aviara Resort Dr., Carlsbad, 760.448.1234. hyatt.com
Cohn Restaurant Group
Dec. 31. Gather your loved ones and pop the Champagne because Cohn Restaurant Group’s expert chefs have planned a selection of multi-course menus to make this New Year’s Eve memorable. Splurge on a whole roasted branzino at Coasterra, a braised lamb shank at Vintana Wine + Dine, slow roasted prime rib at BO-beau kitchen + cache, and so much more. See website for menus and details for all locations. dinecrg.com
Crown Landing
Dec. 31. Executive Chef Chris Aguirre has created a festive four-course tasting menu to celebrate the evening. Guests will enjoy a Piper Hiedsick toast upon arrival, while kids can take part in the special children’s buffet. Price includes access to the NYE Soiree on The Bay event. 5-10 p.m. $79 adults, $25 children ages 12 and under. Loews Coronado Bay, 4000 Coronado Bay Road, Coronado, 619.424.4000. loewshotels.com
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse
Dec. 31. Say hello to 2019 with style and sophistication at the new Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse on the waterfront. Executive Chef Brian Christman will feature a super-premium four-course prix-fixe menu with selections including chilled shrimp tasting, jumbo lump crab cake, 45-day dry-aged prime strip, bone-in ribeye, lobster mac & cheese, and so much more. For the full Del Frisco’s experience, guests can add on specially crafted wine pairings from Wine Director Faith Fulginiti. 5 p.m. $195, $50 additional for wine pairings. 901 Bayfront Court, downtown, 619.272.5060. delfriscos.com
El Jardín
Dec. 31. Chef Claudette Zepeda-Wilkins will serve a festive six-course prix-fixe menu with offerings including Infladita de Bacalao (crispy hollow tortilla with salted cod filling); Tijuana-style Bluefin Crudo with avocado confit, shoyu and habanero kosho; and Snake River Farms Hangar Steak with plantain mole. Showcasing Claudette’s pastry expertise, the meal concludes with two desserts: an Avocado Semifreddo and Canelé de Mexique designed to represent the flavors of Veracruz, Oaxaca and Tabasco. Seatings at 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. $80, $45 additional for wine or cocktail pairings, $25 for agua fresca/non-alcoholic beverage pairings. 2885 Perry Road, Liberty Station, 619.795.2322. eljardinrestaurantbar.com
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
Dec. 31. Kick off the new year at Estancia La Jolla with a night of delicious food including caviar, sushi, a risotto bar, oyster bar, fresh seafood and carving station, Moët & Chandon Champagne bar, bubbly-inspired cocktails and more. 21+. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. $165. 9700 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla. Tickets
Grant Grill
Dec. 31. New Year’s Eve dinner at Grant Grill includes an early seating pre-celebration four-course dinner and the later seating five-course dinner experience with a midnight toast and live music. 5:30 p.m. seating $75; 8:30 p.m. seating $129, $199 with wine pairings. THE US GRANT, 326 Broadway, downtown, 619.744.2077. grantgrill.com
Harrah’s Resort Southern California
Dec. 31. Join Harrah’s for a Vintage Circus-themed New Year’s Eve celebration. Throughout the day, strolling entertainment can be found around the casino. Food stations will be offering bites of popcorn, cotton candy and mini churros. The Promotions Center will feature a DJ during the big countdown in preparation for the midnight balloon drop throughout the casino and Harrah’s will be giving away $1,000,0000 as part of their Mayor’s Million drawing. 777 Harrah’s Rincon Way, Funner, 760.751.3100. harrahssocal.com
Herb & Wood
Dec. 31. Chef Brian Malarkey’s Little Italy hot spot will celebrate New Year’s Eve in style with a four-course pre-fixe menu with highlights including hamachi, short rib gnocchi, and main course items including sea bass and petit filet mignon. For the sweets, Executive Pastry Chef Adrian Mendoza has some amazing desserts including a chocolate pavlova and pear & rosemary sorbet. To toast the night, there will be a selection of champagnes to choose from, along with a full cocktail, beer and wine menu. 6 p.m. seating $95.43, 7 p.m. seating $115.97. 2210 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy, 619.955.8495. herbandwood.com
Hornblower Cruises
Dec. 31. Sail into the New Year aboard one of Hornblower’s finest yachts. Treat yourself to an exciting New Year’s with an unforgettable cruise on the water. Whether you’re looking for a glamorous classic Hollywood-themed dinner, a gorgeous sunset buffet or a decadent five-course seated dinner, each New Year’s cruise brings the glitz, glam and the best views in town. See website for boarding times. $112.95+. Pier 1 Hornblower Landing, 1800 N. Harbor Dr., Embarcadero, 619.686.8715. hornblower.com
Hundred Proof
Dec. 31. Hundred Proof will be throwing a “Low Life NYE Party” sponsored by Brown Forman with a cornhole tournament, Low Life photo booth, specialty cocktails featuring Old Forester in Red Solo Cups, Old Forester Old Fashioned Jello Shots and a High Life “Champagne of Beers” toast at midnight. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. 4130 Park Blvd., University Heights, 619.501.6404. hundredproofsd.com
InterContinental San Diego
Dec. 31. America’s largest balloon parade, the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade, brings a whole new level of excitement to the bayside streets of downtown San Diego with over 100,000 street-side spectators and a nationwide television audience. Located in the middle of the parade route, InterContinental San Diego is offering locals and guests the opportunity to view VIP style. Tickets include unobstructed viewing on the Bayview Terrace with lounge seating, heaters, blankets, complimentary coffee and tea, cash bar and dining. 9-11:30 a.m. $45 adults, $20 kids, free children 3 or under. 901 Bayfront Court, Embarcadero. Tickets
Kettner Exchange
Dec. 31. Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski will offer a five-course menu with wine pairings to ring in 2019. Dishes include the bluefin toro tartare with avocado, bonito and hoisin; the crescenza zeppole served with Benton’s ham and Osetra caviar; ricotta agnolotti with wild mushroom and black truffle; prime tenderloin accompanied by Hudson Valley foie gras and kong tao sweet potato; and a chocolate ball served with liquid vanilla ice cream and chocolate cake. 5 p.m. $125, $75 additional for wine pairings. 2001 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy, 619.255.2001. kettnerexchange.com
KITCHEN 1540
Dec. 31. This fun, reversed dinner begins with course five and counts down to one. Five starts with oysters with prosecco mignonette, followed by four which offers choices including beef tartare, salmon crudo, bruschetta or farm truck salad. The selections for three are cauliflower soup with seared scallops and American caviar; squid ink fettuccine with crab and uni; or risotto with butter poached lobster tail. For course two, guests choose from beef tenderloin, King salmon, Liberty duck breast or butternut squash gnocchi. This dinner ends with course one, which is either a giant chocolate macaron; chai crème brûlée; or strawberry and Champagne trio of Champagne sponge cake, strawberry buttercream, strawberry and pink Champagne sorbet. Seatings at 6 and 9 p.m. $125, $40 additional for three wine pairings, $65 additional for five wine pairings. L’Auberge Del Mar, 1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, 858.793.6460. destinationhotels.com
L’Auberge Del Mar
Dec. 31. Guests can don their finest to celebrate all the glitz and glamour of the Jazz Age while ringing in 2019. The Living Room will be transformed back to an exciting era when new styles of music and dance emerged. There will be dancing, a live jazz band, craft cocktails and small bites including blinis with caviar, beef wellington, lobster bisque and a Vol au Vent station, followed by an opulent dessert bar to satisfy any sweet tooth. 21+. 6 p.m.-1 a.m. $129 GA, $229 VIP. 1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, 858.259.1515. destinationhotels.com
Loews Coronado Bay
Dec. 31. Spend NYE at this Soiree on the Bay with celebrations all around the resort. In the Commodore Ballroom, enjoy live music, cash bars, small nibbles and a sugar bar, along with a balloon drop and champagne toast at midnight or stop by the Constellation Ballroom for DJ Heather Hardcore. For those with little ones, head to the Kid Zone with video games, movies, activities, soft drinks and snacks. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. $50 adults, $35 children ages 12 and under. 4000 Coronado Bay Road, Coronado, 619.424.4000. loewshotels.com
Madison on Park
Dec. 31. Serving upscale Mediterranean and Southern California inspired cuisine, this University Heights hotspot will be serving a New Year’s Eve three-course menu. Featured dishes include tuna tartare, Madison’s famous double-cut sesame crusted pork chop, filet mignon and gluten-free vegan ravioli with raspberry mascarpone cake or chocolate marquise cake for dessert, plus a complimentary Champagne toast at midnight. First seating 5-7 p.m., second seating 8-11 p.m. $65, $19 additional for wine and cocktail pairings. 4622 Park Blvd., University Heights, 619.269.6566. madisononpark.com
The Marine Room
Dec. 31. Ring in the New Year with a culinary celebration to remember. Choose from a three- or five-course menu that features Rutiz Farms celery root apple bisque, dill pollen butter basted Maine lobster tail, a Mayan chocolate croquant pyramid and more. Three-course seatings begin at 5:30 p.m. $115; five-course seatings begin at 8:30 p.m. $185. 2000 Spindrift Dr., La Jolla, 858.459.7222. marineroom.com
Provisional Kitchen Cafe & Mercantile
Dec. 31. Enjoy a sophisticated soiree and prix-fixe dinner at Pendry San Diego featuring a celebratory toast and live music. The 6 p.m. seating offers a four-course prix-fixe dinner and glass of champagne while the 9 p.m. seating will treat guests to a five-course dinner and bottle of champagne along with a dance floor, balloon drop and celebratory toast. Reservations required. 6 p.m. seating $75, $25 additional for wine pairings; 9 p.m. seating $125, $35 additional for wine pairings. 425 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.738.7300. pendryhotels.com
Rancho Bernardo Inn
Dec. 31. Ring in the New Year in the Bernardo Ballroom as you watch the ball drop and dance the night away with music by DJ Mike Hogan. Guests will receive party favors and one complimentary drink ticket while enjoying the chocolate fondue dessert bar. 21+. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. $60 in advance, $88 day of. 17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr., Rancho Bernardo. ranchobernardoinn.com
Rendezvous
Dec. 31. Experience the essence of France while counting down the last few hours of 2018 at Gaslamp Quarter’s newest bar. The New Year’s Eve Soiree will be a year-end blowout complete with live music, specialty beverages and guaranteed good times. To make a full evening out of it, the Grant Grill will be offering a discounted pre-celebration dinner for all Rendezvous partygoers. 7:30 p.m. $45+. THE US GRANT, 326 Broadway, downtown. Tickets
Rustic Root
Dec. 31. Executive Chef Marcel Childress will ring in the new year with a decadent three-course prix-fixe menu in the main dining room. The meal will begin with a chef’s choice amuse bouche followed by menu highlights including lobster bisque, squid ink pesto pasta, herb-crusted lamb chops, pavlova and housemade ice cream. 5-10 p.m. $80+. 535 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quater, 619.232.1747. rusticroot.com
Seaview
Dec. 31. Indulge in live music and an exquisite New Year’s Eve dinner buffet that includes prime rib, seabass, pork loin, delicious sides, dessert and so much more. Kids and the young at heart are invited to partake in a 9 p.m. East Coast toast with sparkling apple cider. Adults 21+ will receive a complimentary glass of champagne. 6-10 p.m. $56 adults, $24 children ages 5-12, free children four and under. Manchester Grand Hyatt, 1 Market Place, downtown, 619.358.6735. hyatt.com
Side Bar
Dec. 31. The recently re-imagined Side Bar will host one of the city’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebrations. Guests can expect an evening filled with delicious cocktails, a DJ spinning top hits, glitter bombs and many more celebratory surprises to ring in the new year. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. $40+. 536 Market St., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.696.0946. Tickets
Stake Chophouse & Bar
Dec. 31. Break out the bubbly and indulge in a night of USDA prime cuts at Coronado’s prized gem. Guests can enjoy a three-course prix-fixe dinner from Executive Chef Andrew Kedziora alongside a champagne toast with menu highlights including seared scallops served with foie gras dumpling and spaghetti squash, as well as steamed Maine lobster with black truffle risotto. Upgrade your night to Stake’s Sky High, New Year’s Eve experience and celebrate under the stars alongside the fire pit with a three-course dinner for two and a bottle of Dom Perignon. Early dinner seating 4-5 p.m. $95; dinner seating with Champagne toast 5 p.m.-close $125; Sky High, New Year’s Eve $500 for two guests, $800 for four guests. 1309 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.522.0077. stakechophouse.com
Tahona
Dec. 31. Newly opened mezcal cocktail bar and kitchen Tahona invites partygoers to celebrate New Year’s Eve with a prix-fixe meal and cocktails beginning with guest’s choice of welcome cocktail from Tahona’s mezcal-centric menu. Then, move on to four courses of modern Mexican fare crafted by Executive Chef Adrian Villareal featuring family-style appetizers, several choices of main entrees and chef-crafted desserts. Guests will also enjoy artisanal mezcal sampling throughout the evening and at midnight, a champagne toast to cheers to the New Year. 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. $75. 2414 San Diego Ave., Old Town. Tickets
Vistal
Dec. 31. Begin 2019 from a fresh perspective with skyline and bay views at the brand new InterContinental San Diego. Expect welcome champagne, dinner by famed chefs Amy DiBiase and Paul McCabe, live music and dancing, party favors, along with a sparkler countdown. 21+. 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. seatings. Five-course dinner $89, seven-course $125. 901 Bayfront Court, downtown, 619.535.0584. Tickets
Header photo courtesy J Public Relations. El Jardin photo by James Tran. Hundred Proof photo courtesy Chemistry PR. Rendezvous and Side Bar photos courtesy J Public Relations.
