It’s nearly 2018 and San Diego has a variety of ways to ring in the New Year. Check out our roundup of the best San Diego New Year’s Eve dinners, parties and New Year’s Day dining.
Edited by Madelyn Harris.
NEW YEAR’S EVE DINING
Addison
Dec. 31. For New Year’s Eve, chef William Bradley’s nine-course menu features celebratory indulgences such as Kumamoto oysters with preserved lemon, Osetra caviar with a smoked salmon rillette and brown butter-poached lobster. Additional courses include canard roti with parsnip, candied quince as well as a rich pithivier d’hiver with black truffles and jus de veau. Reservations available between 5:30-9:30 p.m. $335 per person, additional $250 for wine pairings. 5200 Grand Del Mar Way, Del Mar. addisondelmar.com
Amaya
Dec. 31. Count down the year with seasonal flavors in this four or five-course dinner featuring Maine lobster bisque, aged parmesan risotto, filet of prime beef and Gianduja chocolate mousse. 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. seatings. $150-$175. 5300 Grand Del Mar Ct., 858.314.2727. fairmont.com
AVANT
Dec. 31. Get an early start to the evening and enjoy a mouthwatering New Year’s Eve dinner at AVANT. Guests and locals can find a celebratory three-course menu offering delicacies including beef tartare with quail egg and black truffle; duck consommé with duck confit raviolini, black garlic and duck crumble; seared foie gras on brioche with champagne gelee, meyer lemon curd and truffled pistachios and more. To top off the exquisite dinner, enjoy the decadent chocolate mousse dome or the restaurant’s signature Laura Chenel goat cheesecake. 5-10 p.m. $85 adults, $40 children. 17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr. ranchobernardoinn.com
Cat Eye Club
Dec. 31. Head to Cat Eye Club, a retro cocktail lounge and tiki bar in the East Village, where guests will celebrate the New Year with their ABRA CAT ABRA tiki dinner and magic show featuring Ben Silver. Guests will enjoy an all-inclusive dinner and drinks, with menu items including tuna poke tostadas, Kalua pork carnitas plate, huli huli skirt steak and coconut cream profiteroles for dessert. 8 p.m. doors open, 8:30 dinner begins. $175. 370 Seventh Ave. cateyeclubsd.com
Curadero
Dec. 31. Skip the high-ticket prices and head to Curadero for two New Year’s Eve shindigs. The downtown Mexican restaurant will be hosting a big NYE celebration on multiple levels. Chef Brad Kraten will be offering a three-course menu with a tequila and sangrita or verdita toast at midnight. At 9 p.m., you can head upstairs to their second level game lounge and play your hand at tabletop classic, grab bites from the Taco Window and dance till the ball drops. No cover. 1047 5th Ave, downtown. curadero.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 first course menu items like roasted beets and hiramasa, second course menu items like seared scallops, short rib gnocchi, and third course items including sea bass, pork secreto and petit filet mignon. For the fourth course, executive pastry chef Adrian Mendoza will be offering a chocolate whiskey cake and passion-guava sorbet. 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. seatings. $85.75-$99. 2210 Kettner Blvd. herbandwood.com
Kettner Exchange
Dec. 31. Executive chef Brian Redzikowski is offering a delicious five-course menu including citrus cured salmon and Grimaud Farms duck breast accompanied by optional wine pairings. Before the clock strikes twelve, enjoy music from Miss Erika Davies & The Men and DJ Giancarlo while sipping delicious cocktails crafted by Beverage Director Steven Tuttle. Every table with a guest wearing a tuxedo will receive a complimentary bottle of champagne. $110 and $50 for wine pairings. 2001 Kettner Blvd. kettnerexchange.com
Madison on Park
Dec. 31. Serving upscale Mediterranean and Southern California inspired cuisine, this University Heights hot spot will be offering a New Year’s Eve three-course dinner. The menu will include starters like tuna tartare, apple cranberry walnut salad, skirt steak and for entrees, Madison’s famous double-cut sesame crusted pork chop, filet mignon and gluten-free vegan ravioli. Finish the evening with a complimentary toast at midnight. 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. seatings. $65, additional $18 for cocktail pairings. 4622 Park Blvd., 619.269.6566. madisononpark.com
Pacifica Del Mar
Dec. 31. A special prix-fixe menu by chef David Burke includes show-stopping selections. Start off with a chef’s amuse of kampachi tiradito tostada for the table before moving onto starters like duck confit salad and burrata toast. Entree selections include New Zealand Thai pink snapper, lobster risotto and aged New York strip. Finish with a selection of desserts. 4:30 p.m. first seating, 6:30 p.m. second seating. $65-$89. 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar. pacificadelmar.com
Red O Taste of Mexico
Dec. 31. Kick off 2018 with an exclusive dining experience and late-night champagne celebration at Red O Taste of Mexico. Beginning at 4 p.m., guests can anticipate a specialty menu with selections masterfully prepared by executive chef Seth Vider, with the final dinner seating at 7 p.m. Beginning at 9 p.m., Red O Taste of Mexico will transform into a luxe lounge, complete with live music, dancing, a midnight champagne toast and more. 4-9 p.m. 4340 La Jolla Villa Drive. redorestaurant.com
Stake Chophouse + Bar
Dec. 31. Coronado’s tried-and-true steakhouse spotlights the ultimate in coastal dining with a choice of two different New Year’s Eve prix-fixe menus. Indulge in a multi-course menu by executive chef Tim Kolanko, showcasing chophouse classics and delicious decadent sides including lobster thermidor, seared foie gras, steak tartare, aged duck breast, Colorado lamb chop and more. Wine pairings are also available. 6 p.m.-close. $125 per person, $50 for wine pairings. 1309 Orange Ave., Coronado. stakechophouse.com
NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTIES
Bahia Resort Hotel
Dec. 31. Ring in 2018 while cruising Mission Bay aboard the legendary Bahia Belle. The Bahia’s New Year’s Eve Package includes overnight accommodations for two at the beautiful hotel and a cruise featuring an appetizer buffet, a live DJ, party favors, a complimentary midnight Champagne toast and a cash bar. 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. $249 for two people. 998 W. Mission Bay Dr. bahiahotel.com
Black and Gold New Year’s Eve Party on the Bay
Dec. 31. Guests at the Maritime Museum of San Diego will ring in the New Year on the transformed event center deck of the historic steam ferryboat Berkeley overlooking San Diego Bay. The affair includes music from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, full bar, appetizers, photo booth, enormous dessert buffet, dancing, balloon drop at midnight and a champagne toast. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. $50+. 1492 N. Harbor Dr. sdmaritime.org
Bond Ball 2018
Dec. 31. Kick off 2018 in style at this black tie affair featuring over 10 DJs and 5 rooms of music including Open Format, Hip-Hop, House, EDM and the favorites of the ’80s and ’90s. Showcasing an all-inclusive open bar experience, each guest will welcome the New Year with an exhilarating, stylish experience. Elegant, refined and sophisticated just like the icon himself, Bond Ball 2018 at Hotel Republic features VIP areas, a premium alcohol selection as well as ticket and hotel stay packages. 9 p.m. $105-$570. Tickets
Corvette Diner
Dec. 31. Corvette Diner is throwing a NYE bash fit for the whole family. The party will start with the Big Apple New Year’s Eve Toast at 9 p.m. The diner’s DJ will be spinning tunes, while balloon artists whip up creations in the Gamers Garage Arcade. 9 p.m. 2965 Historic Decatur Rd. cohnrestaurants.com
Decoy Dockside
Dec. 31. Cheers to the New Year! Reel in 2018 with dinner, drinks and dancing on Lake San Marcos within the Lakehouse Hotel & Resort. Enjoy a three-course dinner with optional wine and champagne pairing. At 8 p.m., guests can enjoy music from DJ Noel, a water and light show on Lake San Marcos. Lodging options available. 8 p.m. $85 for dinner. Decoy Dockside, 1035 La Bonita Drive, San Marcos. lakehousehotelandresort.com/
The Duck Dive
Dec. 31. Get the party started on New Year’s Eve at Pacific Beach’s beach lounge, where guests will partake in their Glitter and Gold Party. Bottle service and booth seating will be available with a reservation. Duck Dive will have a photo booth to help you remember the night for years to come. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. No cover. 4650 Mission Blvd. theduckdive.com
Heroes vs. Villains New Year’s Eve Party
Dec. 31. Whether you fancy batman or the joker, dress up and partake in this family-friendly event at Sheraton Carlsbad. There will be buffet-style dining, live entertainment, kid’s party zone and two balloon drops at 9 p.m. and midnight. 6:30 p.m. $110 adults, $50 children. 5480 Grand Pacific Dr., Carlsbad. sheratoncarlsbad.com
Jazz Cocktail Party at Maretalia
Dec. 31. Travel back to the 1920s and ring in the New Year in Coronado. Executive chef Tim Kolanko has put together a mouthwatering prix-fixe dinner menu of modern, Italian cuisine. Dinner includes admission to the swinging Jazz Cocktail Party, ensuring a night filled with great eats and entertainment. All attendees will enjoy live music and celebrate new beginnings with hors d’oeuvres, a welcome cocktail and a Champagne toast. Maretalia’s piano lounge will be filled by the tunes of live pianist Irving Flores along with the talents of vocalist Katleen Dugas and pianist Alec Hamilton. 8:30 p.m.-midnight. $40. 1300 Orange Ave., Coronado. bluebridgehospitality.com
Manchester Grand Hyatt: Top of the Hyatt Celebration + Stay
Dec. 31. Give a proper send off to 2017 while 40 stories above San Diego Bay at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, located on the waterfront of San Diego’s iconic Gaslamp Quarter. Featuring a hosted premium bar and Champagne, hors d’oeuvres, interactive DJ and Champagne toast at midnight, the celebration has everything needed to keep the festivities going into the wee hours of the morning. After the party, retreat to your luxurious room, where you’ll relax with a premium view of the bay. Enjoy continental breakfast the next morning along with appetizer and all-day snacks. $699 for two people. 1 Market Place. manchester.grand.hyatt.com
New Year’s Eve Party at Club M
Dec. 31. Dance into the new year with a pulse-pounding night of live music. Tickets include one welcome drink and passed canapés. 9:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Table and bottle service from $250. 21+. Fairmont Grand Del Mar, 5200 Grand Del Mar Way. fairmont.com
On With the Show IV: Enchanted Carnivàle
Dec. 31. The 1920s vintage-themed carnival features a lineup of musicians and performers, such as the Euphoria Brass Band, Taken By Canadians and Stephen El Rey Sextet. Entertainment includes a dinner burlesque show, snake charmer, magician, fortune teller, acrobats, fire-breathers and more. 6 p.m.-2 a.m. $45-175. 2223 El Cajon Blvd. lafayettehotelsd.com
Purple Rain Party
Dec. 31. Celebrate the New Year at the Gaslamp’s most happening cocktail bar and restaurant—The Smoking Gun—with a Purple Rain Party, where all guests are encouraged to wear purple attire. A DJ will spin tunes while guests dance it up in their best violet outfits. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $40. 555 Market St. thesmokinggun.com
Queensborough Cocktail Lounge
Dec. 31. Celebrate the New Year in East Coast-style at Queensborough, San Diego’s very own New York City-inspired cocktail lounge. Transport to the glitz and glamour of the Big Apple as you dance to the sounds of DJ Brett Bodley and DJ Jalil. Guests opting for a sultry ambiance are invited to head Uptown for drinks and conversation. For those wanting to bust a move, make your down the stairs into Downtown’s subterranean lounge. Upgrade your night by purchasing a VIP Fast Pass for expedited entry and hosted champagne until midnight for the ultimate NYE experience. $20-$1,600. 777 Fifth Ave., downtown. Tickets
NEW YEAR’S DAY DINING
Hundred Proof
Jan. 1. In collaboration with Cutwater Spirits, Hundred Proof is serving up a recovery day brunch that will cure the aches and pains you never knew you had. Enjoy hot, new Hundred Proof dishes such as chef Brad Wise’s Mama’s Overnight Baked French Toast and Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with whipped butter. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 4130 Park Blvd. hundredproofsd.com
Café 222’s Stack of Shame
Jan. 1. There will be no shame in your breakfast game this New Year’s Day. Cafe 222 has the cure for New Year’s Eve revelers: the Stack of Shame breakfast platter. The breakfast includes turkey bacon, sausage and ham layered between three waffles, and topped with two eggs any style and country gravy. Partygoers wearing a tuxedo, suit, dress or other formal attire from the night before will receive the platter for half-price. $16.95. 7 a.m.-2 p.m. 222 Island Ave. cafe222.com
