From Italian feasts and ocean views to masquerades and midnight toasts, check out our list of top Orange County New Year’s Eve dining destinations.
Edited by Laura Okey.
A&O Kitchen
Dance the night away with a live band, followed by a DJ, while enjoying California-inspired cocktails and comfort food at the waterfront eatery A&O Kitchen. Keep the libations flowing with the restaurant’s recently launched menu, California Distilled, featuring 100 percent California-made spirits and house-made cocktails from local producers. Balboa Bay Resort, 1221 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.645.5000. balboabayresort.com
Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails
Get ready for the new year with a limited à la carte menu featuring a selection of Chef Porfirio’s signature dishes and holiday specials. Throughout the night, Andrei’s favorite DJ will be playing tunes from all of the decades. Additional highlights include complimentary party favors and a Champagne toast at midnight. 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. 2607 Main St., Irvine, 949.387.8887. andreisrestaurant.com
The Blind Pig Kitchen + Bar
Begin the new year in style with a Studio 54-themed party at The Blind Pig Kitchen + Bar. Enjoy food and drink specials, a live DJ and complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Reservations recommended. 31431 Santa Margarita Pkwy., Rancho Santa Margarita, 949.888.0072. theblindpigoc.com
Bruno’s Italian Kitchen
Celebrate the new year with a special three-course prix fixe featuring a wide variety of options, including arancini (risotto balls with procini, smoked mozzarella, fresh herbs and marinara), PEI mussels (steamed with garlic, fresh herbs, prosecco, preserved lemons and a touch of chili flakes), and prime flat iron steak (served with yukon gold potatoes and cipollini onions), to name a few. Choose from their sharable desserts vanilla bean panna cotta or roasted pumpkin bread pudding. $65. 210 W. Birch St., Brea, 714.257.1000. brunosbrea.com
Catal Restaurant
Indulge in a four-course prix fixe menu with a view of the Disneyland fireworks in celebration of the new year. Courses for the evening include stuffed calamari, Dungeness card cannelloni, filet mignon, butterscotch pot de crème and more. At the stroke of midnight, adults can enjoy a complimentary champagne toast. 5 p.m. $85. Downtown Disney, 1580 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.774.4442. patinagroup.com/catal-restaurant
Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse
Savor a decadent four-course prix-fixe meal at Davio’s this New Year’s Eve. Menu highlights include Maine lobster bisque, A5 wagyu tartare with quail egg, truffle vin and yuca chips, center cut filet mignon with hand-rolled kale gnocchi, gorgonzola and barolo, and mini chocolate cake with chocolate cremeux, raspberries and salted caramel gelato. $85. Irvine Towers, 18420 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, 949.477.4819. davios.com
Mozambique
Say farewell to 2018 with fabulous food and two levels of entertainment at picturesque and iconic destination, Mozambique. Choose from two seatings and enjoy three live artists along with a complimentary champagne toast at midnight and party favors through the evening. The large selection of menu items includes steak and lobster, Mozambique grilled prawns and seafood bisque. Dinner seatings and price: 5-7 p.m., $79; 7:30-10:30 p.m., $109. NYE party only: $20 cover. 1740 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.7777. mozambiqueoc.com
Old Vine Cafe
Celebrate the turn of the year with a delectable four-course dinner at Old Vine Café. Choose from three separate tasting menus with wine pairings; the traditional menu includes options such as seared scallops and prime filet mignon, the vegetarian menu includes housemade fried polenta and mini pie tartlets, and the vegan menu includes hen of the woods with shiitake and beech mushrooms. $125. 2937 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.545.1411. oldvinecafe.com
The Ranch Saloon
Two-step the night away with live music by Arnie Newman’s Country Club Band and exceptional fare. The seated dinner menu at The Ranch Saloon includes items such as whole roasted black angus filet tenderloin, miniature lamb chops and maplewood smoked Jidori chicken. 21+. 9 p.m. $35+. 1025 E. Ball Road, Anaheim, 714.817.4200. theranch.com
Skyloft
Dine on fabulous smokehouse fare and end enjoy live music before the clock strikes midnight. Menu highlights include fried green tomatoes and albodingas soup as well as entrees like filet and shrimp, butter brisket, and veggie tamales. Dinner includes free passage to the New Year’s Eve party which features live entertainment from Lauren Black and DJ Audissey, party favors and a bubbly toast at midnight. Reservations required. 21+. $25. 422 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.1550. skyloftoc.com
Slater’s 50/50 Midnight Beer Toast
Ditch the champagne and ring in the new year with a complimentary glass of beer at Slater’s 50/50 Huntington Beach. Enjoy your brew with one of the signature, indulgent burgers. 17071 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach, 714.594.5730. slaters5050.com
Water Grill’s White & Gold Party
Head to Water Grill South Coast Plaza for their White & Gold Party, featuring a live DJ, passed hors d’oeuvres, fresh oysters from the Raw Bar and a complimentary midnight toast. Admission includes two drink tickets for cocktails, beer and wine. Advanced purchase required. 21+. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. $100. 3300 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 949.208.7061. Tickets
Ways & Means Oyster House
Don your greatest specialty masks, tiaras and elaborate jewelry for a masquerade bash at Ways & Means Oyster House. Enjoy the full dinner menu, along with other specialty items, and a complimentary midnight toast. A prize will be awarded for the best mask. If you’re without a costume, not to worry—masks and accessories will be for sale in the restaurant all evening long. Reservations recommended. Pacific City, 21011 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.960.4300. wmoysters.com
Photo: Old Vine Cafe courtesy Ajenda PR.
