I would love to celebrate NYE at a nice restaurant this year and dineLA has made it easy with this list of nice places all over town. They offer a variety of cuisines to appeal to many palates that have the money to spend on a great meal!
A.O.C.
Saturday, December 31: First Seating 6:30pm; Second Seating 9pm
Guests will enjoy a Brazilian Carnivale New Year’s Eve with a four-course menu of Chef Suzanne Goin’s Brazilian inspired dishes, prepared by Chef de Cuisine Lauren Herman. Bocaditos include Salt Cod Fritter, Chicken Empanadas, and Mozzarella Arepas. Carnes de Casa include Mixed Grill of Hangar Steak and Skewered Quail; and Feijoada with Linguica, Smoked Beaf, and Black Beans. The Second Seating includes a samba floor show, dancing, and a champagne toast.
First Seating $90; Second Seating $125; both exclusive of beverages, tax and gratuity. A.O.C. or 323.653.6359.
The Bazaar
Saturday, December 31
SLS Hotel guests and locals alike are invited to an unforgettable Spanish Masquerade event at The Bazaar by José Andrés. The Bazaar will be transformed into a full Dinner Reception with its iconic roaming carts, varying food stations and passed items from 8-11pm, accompanied by live entertainment, including a Spanish guitarist. For guests coming solely for cocktails and dancing, the doors to the Albert Room will open at 10pm to DJ Rick Rude, who will be spinning throughout the night. At 11pm the foyer doors connecting the Bazaar to the Albert will open for all guests to roam freely throughout the Spanish Masquerade. Beginning at 2am, Tres will offer a ‘midnight breakfast’ available until 4am, then they will close and reopen at 7am per usual.
Dinner reception is $250 per person. Albert Room tickets beginning at 10pm are $100. Bottle service will also be available throughout the evening, call for pricing. All reservations will be taken at a dedicated NYE number: 310-246-5548.
The Blvd
Saturday, December 31 from 9pm-1am
Located within the Beverly Wilshire Hotel at the crossroads of Wilshire Blvd. and Rodeo Drive, The Blvd offers a seven-course New Year‘s Eve menu, a welcome prosecco, live music by the David Sparkman Band from 9pm-1am, and a take-away amenity.
$295 per person. The Blvd or 310.385.3901.
Border Grill – Santa Monica or Downtown LA
Saturday, December 31
Before you hit the town, stop by Border Grill for a fantastic four-course dinner, including exciting wine and margarita pairings at fabulous prices. Menu highlights include Smoked Mussel Ceviche Tostadita, Grilled Lobster Tamale, Grilled Oaxacan Strip Steak, and Coriander Roasted Leg of Lamb. Sign up for the VIP Club and get a free glass of sparkling wine with purchase of a four-course dinner or an à la carte entrée at the bar.
$55 per person, $5 wine pairings, $7 margarita pairings. Border Grill or 310.451.1655 (Santa Monica) or 213.486.5171 (Downtown LA).
Cafe del Rey
Saturday, December 31 at 5:30 or 8:30pm
Cafe del Rey ushers in the New Year with a celebratory three-course, Mediterranean-inspired prix fixe menu, served seaside. Crafted by Executive Chef Daniel Roberts, dishes highlight Cafe del Rey’s signature array of fresh seafood, alongside luxe holiday favorites such as Lobster Thermidor with brandy and hollandaise sauce, and Wagyu Beef Tartare with black currants and olives. Additional menu selections include Duck Confit Crostini, Truffle Risotto, Barramundi, and Trifection Dessert.
$65 per person (5:30pm) or $95 per person (8:30pm), not including tax and gratuity. Cafe del Rey or 310.823.6395.
Campanile
Saturday, December 31 & Sunday, January 1 for Brunch or Dinner
Don’t forget your auld acquaintances. Whether you are ringing in on New Year’s Eve, or recovering in style on New Year’s Day, Campanile promises to deliver merriment and cheer and then do it much more quietly on New Year’s Day. Visit us online to see market selections.
Campanile or 323.938.1447.
CHAYA Brasserie Beverly Hills
Saturday, December 31: First Seating 6-7pm; Second Seating 9-9:30pm
Angelenos can ring in 2012 at CHAYA Brasserie while enjoying the unparalleled tastes of a “Midnight in Paris” from Executive Chef Harutaka Kishi who draws from his Parisian and Japanese roots for an inspiring menu. Menu highlights include Wasabi Guacamole and Ponzu Lobster Tortellini; Truffle Butter and Maitake Mushroom; and Foie Gras Terrine. The First Seating will be a four-course prix fixe menu ($75), while the Second Seating will be a five-course prix fixe menu with canape upon arrival ($135). There will be live music and a performance from Sora Nova, playing contemporary tunes with a Parisian flair. Guests will enjoy a welcome glass of champagne for a New Year’s Eve toast at midnight.
Tax and gratuity not included. CHAYA Brasserie or 310.859.8833.
CHAYA Downtown
Saturday, December 31 from 5-11pm
Soak in the city that never sleeps as the energetic vibe of New York is brought to CHAYA Downtown. “New York Nights” menu highlights as created by Executive Chef Atsushi Kenjo will include items such as a Bonsai Box with Big Eye Tuna Temari Sushi; Kumamoto Oyster and Sea Urchin Shooter; and Wagyu Beef Tartar. The four-course prix fixe menu ($85) will be available all night, as well as an Omakase Sushi Lover’s menu ($85) at the sushi bar, and the regular dinner menu. There will be live performance from jazz trio saxophonist Anthony Long Trio. Guests will enjoy a welcome glass of champagne for a New Year’s Eve toast at midnight.
Tax and gratuity not included. CHAYA Downtown or 213.236.9577.
CHAYA Venice
Saturday, December 31: First Seating 5-7pm; Second Seating 9-9:30pm
Beachcombers can enjoy a “Mardi Gras Carnival” inspired celebration at CHAYA Venice. Menu highlights will feature Seared Kobe Beef and Fried Oyster Roll; Half Maine Lobster Tails; and Bourbon Braised Short Ribs. The First Seating will be a three-course prix fixe menu ($75), while the second seating will be a four-course prix fixe menu with a champagne toast at midnight ($135). There will be live music and an appearance by The Gumbo Brothers, an eclectic brass band who have firmly rooted themselves in the artistic tradition of Venice Beach. The sushi bar will be available for non-reservation seatings as well.
Tax and gratuity not included. CHAYA Venice or 310.396.1179.
Craft
Saturday, December 31: First & Second Seatings from 5:30-8:30pm, Last Seating from 9:30-10:30pm
Enjoy a five-course holiday tasting menu including options such as Diver Sea Scallop, Liberty Farms Duck, Braised Beef Cheek, Roasted Winter Vegetables, Cider Poached Foie Gras ($18), White Truffle (Market Price), and Dessert. The Last Seating includes a champagne toast.
$85 per person First & Second Seatings; $105 per person Last Seating. Craft or 310.279.4180.
Fig & Olive
Saturday, December 31 from 6pm-2am
Revelers will be transported to the French Riviera with a festive four-course feast by Executive Chef Pascal Lorange, before making their way to St. Tropez with celebrity DJ Julien Nolan. Each guest will be greeted with a complimentary glass of Moët & Chandon champagne, alongside a set of white & gold party favors to toast to 2012 at the stroke of midnight. Diners will enjoy featured NYE dishes such as Fig Foie Gras Terrine with Pear Chutney and Pedro Ximenez Reduction, Roasted Butternut Squash Cappuccino, Truffle Risotto, and an assortment of desserts from Pastry Chef Andrew LeStourgeon. From 10pm to 2am, DJ Julien Nolan will have the dance floor grooving to his signature Downtempo, Chill Out, Soulful House, and Nu Jazz-inspired music. Bottle service will also be available ($200).
$150 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Fig & Olive or 310.360.9100.
Ford’s Filling Station
Saturday, December 31
With 3 available dinner seatings, a three-course prix fixe menu, live music and more, Ford’s Filling Station is offering a night that you, your friends and family won’t forget. The staff will pamper you with exceptional food, cocktails, wine, and beer, then let loose on the dance floor. On their quest to end the “jammin’ fammin’,” LA’s funk, groove and blues band GrooveSession will be in the house playing original songs and twists on some favorite classics.
1st seating: $55/person. 2nd seating: $65/person. 3rd seating: $75/person + midnight champagne toast. Beer Pairing: $15 per person. Wine Pairing: $20 per person. Ford’s Filling Station or 310.202.1470.
Il Covo
Saturday, December 31 from 5pm-close
Il Covo offers menus of elegance and charm for New Year’s Eve dining in the Mediterranean home and garden of this new restaurant. Milanese Chef Roberto Maggioni created a prix fixe tasting menu featuring items such as Lobster with Sea Urchin, Porchini Mushrooms and Market Vegetables; Scallop Ravioli topped with Caviar; Cotechino with Lentils; and Pistachio Semifreddo.
$65 per person, wine pairing additional $40. Il Covo or 310.858.0020.
ink.
Saturday, December 31
Make your reservation for a special 5-Course Tasting Menu on New Year’s Eve. Limited seating available, call now to reserve. Also, ink. will accommodate walk-ins at the bar, offering the tasting menu only, on a first come, first served basis.
$125 per person + optional $75 beverage pairings. MVink. or 323.651-5866.
Jar
Saturday, December 31 – Reservations from 5:30pm
Suzanne Tracht offers her signature dishes as well as elegant specials to ring in the New Year at JAR. The restaurant will celebrate the holiday with a limited â la carte menu of Suzanne’s favorites as well as specially created decadent dishes. Party favors for all throughout the evening. Specials include Oxtail Consommé with Oxtail Pumpkin Dumplings, Warm Shanghai Noodles with Fresh Cream and Caviar, and Jar Surf ‘n Turf.
Jar or 323.655.6566.
Joe’s Restaurant
Saturday, December 31 – Early Seating 5-8:30pm, Late Seating 9pm-on
Ring in the New Year at Joe’s. Guests will enjoy a four-course menu at the Early Seating, and a six-course menu at the Late Seating. Joe’s Disco Balls & Glitter Party will begin at 9pm, including live music on the patio featuring the tunes of Corey Gemme’s Dixiebop Quartet, a champagne toast at midnight, and party favors. Menu highlightsinclude Gently Poached Kumomoto Oysters and Soy Meyer Lemon Cloud, Roe of a Salmon Trout, Yuzu from the Tree Gelee; Perfectly Trimmed, New Hampshire Raised Beef Rib Eye and Short Ribs, Mung Bean Sprouts with Roma Tomato Compote and House Made Hosin; and Midnight Chocolate Ganache Tart, Caramel Ice Cream, Cocoa Streusel, Port Wine Reduction and Shimmering Baked Meringues.
$65 Early Seating, $125 Late Seating. Joe’s Restaurant or 310.399.5811.
LA Market
Saturday, December 31 from 5-10pm
LA Market Restaurant by Kerry Simon chefs have created a special New Year’s Eve three-course menu, showcasing LA Market’s spin on classic holiday dishes influenced by the restaurant’s signature contemporary comfort cuisine. Highlights from the prix fixe menus include Marinated Alaskan King Crab with ruby red grapefruit, shaved fennel, and oroblanco vinaigrette as well as Pumpkin Ravioli with sage, buerre noisette, and parmesan.
$52 per person, $21 for children under 12, exclusive of tax and gratuity. LA Market or 213.765.8600.
Locanda del Lago
Saturday, December 31, 2011 from 9-11pm & Sunday, January 1 from 11:30am-10pm
To ring in 2012, Locanda del Lago will host a “Bursting with Bubbles” party and five-course dinner on New Year’s Eve. The fête will feature a complimentary glass of Prosecco, $25 bottles of Pommery, a live DJ, dancing, midnight toast, and optional $15 overnight parking (with next-day pickup). On New Year’s Day, guests may enjoy the same celebratory menu specials.
$89 per person. Locanda del Lago or 310.451.3525.
Lucques
Saturday, December 31: First Seating 5:30-6:30pm; Second Seating 8:30-9:30pm
Chef Suzanne Goin and Sommelier Caroline Styne ring in the new year at Lucques with a five-course menu styled after Harry’s Bar in Venice prepared by Chef de Cuisine Javier Espinoza. Diners will enjoy dishes such as Warm Scallop and Squid Salad with Chanterelles and Arugula; Tagliono with Lobster Amoricaine, Spinach, and Roasted Tomato; and Herb-Roasted Rack of Lamb with Radicchio Risotto, Black Olives, and Radicchio Chips. Party favors and a midnight toast are included in the Second Seating.
First Seating $110; Second Seating $150; both exclusive of beverages, tax and gratuity. Lucques or 323.655.6277.
Matteo’s
Saturday, December 31 from 9pm-1am
If you’re looking for a unique New Year’s Eve restaurant experience, Matteo’s is hosting a Murder Mystery Dinner, featuring a 3-course dinner, DJ and dancing, with extra helpings of murder and intrigue.
$119 per person, all-inclusive. Book online at Murder Mystery Dinner.
Mélisse
Saturday, December 31: First Seating 5:30-6:30pm; Second Seating 8:30-9:30pm
Enjoy a 4-course dinner early in the evening, or a 6-course dinner later in the evening to ring in the New Year! The First Seating menu includes choices such as Maine Lobster and Foie Gras; Lemon Crusted Dover Sole Fillet; and Olive Crusted Lamb Loin. The Second Seating menu includes choices such as Egg Caviar; Seared Foie Gras; Truffle Risotto ($60 supplement); and Prime Rib Eye of Beef and Braised Beef Cheek. There will also be music and dancing at the Second Seating. Wine service is $50 per bottle with a two bottle maximum.
First Seating $140 / Second Seating $250. Mélisse or 310.395.0881.
Mozza’s Scuola Di Pizza
Saturday, December 31 at 8pm
Bring in the New Year with a multi-course truffle and wine multi-course menu at Mozza Scuola chef’s table. A mutli-course menu celebrating truffle season pair
$250 per person. Mozza Scuola or 323.297.1133.
Naya Sunset
Saturday, December 31 – Reservations begin at 7pm
On New Year’s Eve, guests can indulge in a five-course dinner with open bar, followed by belly dancing entertainment, live DJ, and toasting the night away in the lounge, outdoor patio, and restaurant. The menu includes options such as Cone Pappadum with Pickeled Carrot, Vegetarian Curried Sunset Soup, Tandoori Blackened Chicken, Cognac-Mustard Prawns, and a Rose Donut.
$75 per person. Naya Sunset or 323.663.8268.
One Pico
Saturday, December 31 at 8pm
Choose One Pico for New Year’s Eve for one seating with a prix fixe menu. The menu features options such as Hamachi Tartar, Foie Gras Terrine, Hand-made Garganelli, Sonoma Rack of Lamb, Maine Lobster, and Gianduaja – Milk Chocolate Hazelnut Cake.
$185 per person. One Pico or 310.587.1717.
Patina
Saturday, December 31: 4:30, 7, and 10pm seatings
To ring in 2012, Executive Chef Tony Esnault will celebrate New Year’s Eve with delightful menus for an Early, Gala, and Late Seating. Guests joining Patina for the Early Seating can choose between three- or four-course tasting menus ($105 and $130), while guests at the Gala Seating will enjoy a more extensive seven-course tasting menu ($180). For the Late Seating, guests can order from an à la carte menu and indulge with dishes like Oyster, Santa Barbara Uni, Caviar with Apple, Radish, and Cucumber Vinaigrette; Cervena Venison with Brussels Sprouts, Red Currants, and Pepper Cress; and Roasted Liberty Farm Duck with Polenta and Huckleberry Jus.
Patina or 213.972.3331.
Petrossian
Saturday, December 31 from 5-12pm
Spend the holidays at Petrossian Restaurant & Boutique where Executive Chef Giselle Wellman is offering an incredible prix fixe menu featuring caviar, champagne, and a host of other indulgent delights. The New Year’s Eve menu includes such decadent courses as Escargot, Langoustines, and Sonoma Valley Veal.
$105 per person, not including tax or tip. Petrossian or 310.271.0576.
Picca
Saturday, December 31: First Seating 6-7pm; Second Seating 9:30-10:30pm
Join Picca as they welcome 2012 with a special six-course menu. Dinner will be served family style, featuring dishes such as Causa Escabeche, Octopus Tiradito, a Pisco Shooter, Camarones ala Parrilla, and Estofado de Carne. The First Seating includes the prix fixe menu plus wine pairings and a cava toast. The Second Seating includes the aforementioned plus a cocktail. The night will also include entertainment, party favors, raffle prizes, a live salsa band from 10pm to close, and more.
First Seating $95; Second Seating $145; both not including tax and gratuity. Picca or 310.277.0133.
Providence
Saturday, December 31: Early Seating 5:30-5pm; Late Seating 8:30-9pm
Usher in the New Year with Providence! Chef Michael Cimarusti’ssumptuous Market Menu will be a delicious way to ring in 2012 with style. Diners will enjoy items such as wild japanese buri, wild new zealand john dory, and american wagyu style beef.
$195 per person / $260 with wine pairing, exclusive of tax, other beverages and gratuity. Providence or 323.460.4170.
Playa
Saturday, December 31
Esquire’s Chef of the Year, John Rivera Sedlar, invites you to Eat Like a Man this New Year’s Eve at Playa. Enjoy the a la carte menu without pretense or prix fixe pressure alongside tequila and spirits flights including a Luxury Tequila Flight ($100) and a Mezcal Flight ($25). Reservations after 9pm will receive a complimentary glass of cava.
Playa or 323.933.5300.
Rivera
Early Seating 6-8pm; Late Seating 8pm-close
Celebrate an Uptown New Year’s Eve Downtown at Rivera. In Rivera’s inimitable style, diners will find traditional holiday dishes reinvented with a modern Latin twist, such as a chestnut mole sauce with a classic ballotine of chicken and a Buche de Noel transformed with passionfruit sponge and coconut “snow”. Rivera’s master mixologists have festive cocktails planned and the champagne will sparkle. The evening’s menu will be five-course Early Seating, seven-course Late Seating.
Early Seating $100; Late Seating $125. Rivera or 213.749.1460.
Scarpetta
Saturday, December 31 – First Seating 5-7pm; Second Seating 9-11pm
The First Seating will feature a three-course prix fixe dinner menu, including a champagne toast and a la carte selections. The Second Seating will feature a five-course dinner menu, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight.
First Seating $85, Second Seating $150, all-inclusive. Scarpetta or 310.860.7940.
The Tasting Kitchen
Saturday, December 31 from 6pm-close
To usher in 2012, Chef Casey Lane offers three five-course menu options with French, Italian, Moroccan, and Spanish inspired flavors for meat lovers, seafood fans, and vegetarians alike. Lane continues to build on his reputation as a talented chef committed to the heritage of his craft and a belief in the beauty—and necessity—of creating as much on the menu as possible by hand including whole-animal butchery and curing, to pickling and an assortment of freshly-milled pastas. The “All” Menu features Apicius Duck Confit with kumquat preserve, and puntarella; the Pescatarian Menu features Tagliarini Nero with squid and serrano chile; and the Vegetarian Menu features Truffled Egg with polenta & fall vegetable salad. Wine pairings for each menu are also available.
$90 per person excluding tax and gratuity, $45 wine pairings. The Tasting Kitchen or 310.392.6644.
Tavern
Saturday, December 31: First Seating 6-6:30pm; Second Seating 8:30-10:30pm
Tavern will host a Mad Men themed evening of dishes designed by Chef Suzanne Goin, complete with martini cart. Chef de Cuisine Dennis Kelley will prepare a raw bar plus three-course menu of 50’s and 60’s restaurant classic dishes. Guests will enjoy Wild King Salmon with scallion soubise, melted leeks, crème fraîche and American caviar, or New York Steak with creamed spinach, red wine and sweet potato fries. The Second Seating includes party favors, live entertainment by swing-master Mike Hudson & The Invitations, and a midnight toast.
First Seating $85; Second Seating $100; both exclusive of beverages, tax and gratuity. Tavern or 310.806.6464.
Wood & Vine
Saturday, December 31: First Seating 6-7pm; Second Seating 9-10pm
Wood & Vine has announced their 2012 New Year’s Eve menu, featuring a five-course or seven-course prix fixe and two seating options. The First Seating ($55) will include a Celery Root SHooter, Dungeness Crab Salad, House-Made Spaghetti, Seared Branzino, Paso Prime Rib Eye, and Butterscotch Pot de Crème. The Second Seating ($75) will include the aforementioned plus Roasted Scallop, Roasted Venison Saddle, and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.
Wood & Vine or 323.334.3360.
WP24 by Wolfgang Puck
Saturday, December 31 at 6 or 9:30pm
Celebrate the new year with several tastes of good fortune from Chef de Cuisine Sara C. Johannes. Diners will enjoy Winter Squash & King Crab “Hot & Sour” Soup, a Dim Sum Sampling, Live Maine “Angry Lobster,” Roasted Duckling “Peking Style” with Traditional Garnishes, a Duo of Kobe Beef, and Pastry Chef Cassie Ballard’s New Year’s Dessert.
$250 per person. WP24 or 213.743.8824.
Yamashiro
Saturday, December 31: Early Seating 5-8pm; Late Seating 8:30-10:30pm
Enjoy a lavish four-course preset menu featuring options such as Two Oysters on the Half Shell; Korean Style Braised Beef Short Rib; Shoyu Glazed Black Cod; and White Chocolate and Berry Profiterole. The Late Seating will include dancing, champagne toast and party favors at midnight
Early Seating $79; Late Seating $99. Yamashiro or 323.466.5125.
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