As the end of 2023 draws near, it’s time to put on party clothes and prepare to usher in the new year in style. Commemorate the occasion with luxurious feasts, glasses of sparkling wine, and celebratory cocktails at festivities around town, ranging from themed galas and DJ-led dance parties to jazz band entertainment. Read on to see what San Diego restaurants and bars have in store for New Year’s Eve.
Read MoreWhere to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in San Diego
Ring in 2024 with decadent dishes and glasses of bubbly
Valle
This Oceanside gem, helmed by executive chef Roberto Alcocer, recently gained its first Michelin star for his modern Mexican cuisine. His New Year’s Eve menu features a six-course tasting menu for $250 per person and an optional wine pairing for $150. Head to the rooftop for the NEON2024 party for a $100 add-on, normally $150.
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Jeune et Jolie
Count on Michelin-starred executive chef Eric Bost to showcase an elegant, modern French feast during New Year’s weekend via a special five-course menu for $195 per person that will be available on December 30 and 31. Opt for the beverage pairing that’ll include a fizzy drink.
Lilian's
The beautiful new restaurant at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe is offering a four-course dinner with mushroom risotto, Hokkaido scallops, and a glass of prosecco. Available from 5 to 10 p.m., the experience is priced at $155 per person.
La Valencia Hotel
The historic pink hotel in La Jolla is serving up a five-course menu with highlights like artichoke bisque, cheese with garlic honey, and beef Wellington. The La Sala lounge will host live music and champagne specials for the New Year’s Eve countdown.
Marisi
Helmed by executive chef Cameron Ingle, the Amalfi Coast-inspired Italian restaurant is offering a menu featuring housemade pasta and Italian hearth dishes while cocktail craftsman Beau du Bois has concocted drinks like mulled apple cobbler and hazelnut Manhattan.
Puesto
The taco specialists are serving up their lobster and turkey mole tacos, along with their margaritas made with fresh pressed lime juice. At 9 p.m., celebrate with free watermelon Mexican candy shots.
Quixote
Finish off the year in the spiritual candlelit dining room at the recently refurbished Lafayette Hotel. Chef Jose Cepeda is offering a six-course tasting menu, featuring his array of artisanal moles, heirloom grains, and meat dishes. The cost is $125 per person with an optional mezcal or wine pairing.
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Mabel's Gone Fishing
The North Park restaurant is throwing its doors open for New Year’s Eve for a prix-fixe dinner (including swordfish schnitzel) for $95, along with an optional drink pairing for $55. From 10 p.m. to midnight, indulge in all-you-can-eat oysters, midnight martinis, and snacks.
Cori Pastificio Trattoria
Chef Accursio Lota greets every guest at his Sicilian trattoria as if they’re long-lost relatives. The warm, open atmosphere may be just the ticket for a more relaxed celebration with a four-course tasting menu, featuring favorite dishes revisited. The chef’s menu (with vegan options) costs $89 per person with cocktails and champagne to ring in the new year. Seatings available between 4:50 p.m. to 11:55 p.m.
Mister A's
In the posh dining space with 180-degree views of the city, chef Stephane Voitwinkler will offer an early pre-selected a la carte menu or a five-course prix-fixe menu for $175 per adult ($125 vegetarian/vegan option) and $35 per child. Indulge in French and Mediterranean flavors in festive dishes like caviar, Australian wagyu ribeye, or Maine lobster Thermador. Pair with the charming Elf on the Twelfth cocktail experience.
Books & Records
Celebrate at the Gatsby Gala with a live band and a three-course menu ($75) along with an optional Speakeasy Sips pairing for $50. The Midnight Mingle add-on experience for $35 includes a DJ dance party. 1920s cocktail attire is recommended.
Pali Wine Co.
The vineyard outpost will serve up a special sparkling tasting flight of five sparkling wines, showcasing traditional champagne methods and ancestral pét nats. There’ll be caviar, oysters, and chocolate-covered strawberries served until 12:30 a.m. along with a DJ set until midnight. Reservations can be made here.
Herb & Wood
Executive chef Carlos Anthony is presenting a four-course dinner with highlights like venison tartare, prime rib, or Dungeness crab paired with DJ entertainment to help liven up the mood at the Little Italy restaurant. For the 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. seatings, adults cost $110. The grand seating at 9:30 p.m. costs $160 per adult with a champagne toast at midnight.
Rovino
Choose from two set menus at this cozy Italian restaurant in the heart of Little Italy. The $40 Terra (land) option features braised beef while the Mare (sea) option showcases branzino with cauliflower puree.
Kettner Exchange
This Little Italy hotspot will feature a five-course prix fixe menu with dishes like potato cronut, lobster tart, and beef tenderloin. The cost is $175 per person with $50 optional wine pairings. Ring in the New Year with DJs and live jazz.
The Desmond
Led by celebrated Los Angeles chef Jason Neroni (The Rose, Venice), this restaurant at the Kimpton Alma San Diego is hosting a scrumptious five-course dinner. Seatings run from 8 p.m. to midnight, including a complimentary midnight champagne toast.
The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
The historic downtown hotel is celebrating its centennial with a 1920s-themed celebration with DJs, live jazz and burlesque dancers. The general admission package includes welcome champagne, passed bites, and a midnight champagne toast for $75. The Gatsby dinner package includes a four-course dinner from chef Janina Garay, welcome champagne, passed bites, and a midnight champagne toast for $200. Dress code is sparkles and Gatsby-inspired. Tickets can be purchased here.
Kingfisher
The acclaimed Golden Hill restaurant, led by chef David Sim, will be celebrating with a family-style dinner for $125 per person. There will be seven dishes including Hokkaido scallop tempura and lemongrass tomahawk steak with optional wine pairings ranging between $50 and $80. The bar will have a limited a la carte menu with a few spots for walk-ins. A large TV screen will broadcast the Times Square countdown at 9 p.m. PST but the party continues on the West Coast with a champagne toast.
LAVO Italian Restaurant
This spacious and stylish Italian restaurant is offering two dinner seatings, plus the option of a bar and lounge experience with tray-passed brick oven pizzas and complimentary midnight toast for $99. The early seating from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. features the dinner menu. After 9 p.m., guests can order curated dishes from Lavo’s greatest hits menu for $150. An add-on all-inclusive bar package costs $75 or drinks can be ordered separately.
Provisional Kitchen
Provisional’s turning into a party hub with a five-course menu, champagne, and live music for $150. Decadent choices include caviar and Dungeness crab, Hokkaido scallops, and Maine lobster tail with add-on wine and spirit pairings for an additional $50. Reservations run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. with the option to move the party onto Fifth & Rose for craft cocktails, a complimentary token to the Moet Champagne vending machine, and a confetti countdown celebration for a $50 cover charge.
Kona Kai Dining Room
The New Year’s Eve Bond Gala includes a dining experience and James Bond-themed cocktails, along with live music. Dress in secret-agent glam attire for the 007-themed festivities beginning at 7 p.m.
Huntress
The steak and whiskey house will be offering its full menu, along with chef’s specials like caviar souffle, roasted duck, and gnocchi. Try their Kavalan whiskey cart and their iconic Magic Mushroom dessert.
Lumi
Located in the Gaslamp Quarter, diners can revel in the open-air rooftop bar with a regular sushi-forward menu, along with celebratory dishes like the caviar roll and A5 wagyu with black truffles. Stay for the DJ party on the heated rooftop with firepit tables.
Meze Greek Fusion
The downtown Greek restaurant (GBOD Hospitality) is hosting a four-course prix fixe menu, beginning at 5 p.m.. Diners begin with a trio of meze with house-made pita, followed by chicken souvlaki or New York steak, and baklava cheesecake. The DJ dance party starts at 9:30 p.m. with a midnight balloon drop.
Nobu San Diego
The legendary Japanese restaurant is offering a holiday omakase from December 22nd to January 1st. The six courses, plus clam miso soup and dessert, also feature nigiri, wagyu, and Chilean seabass for $190 per person.
Jolie
In Crown City, ring in the New Year with a family-style dinner, including Wagyu filet tartare, lump crab, and braised short ribs. There are two seatings at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. with a cost of $100 per person.
Stake Chophouse & Bar
The Moet & Chandon champagne dinner is priced at $250 per person along with a $115 optional wine pairing. The prix fixe menu includes highlights of prawns, filet mignon, Japanese A5 Wagyu, and Stake carrot cake with the last seating at 10 p.m. The normal happy hour service is available as well.
Serea Coastal Cuisine
Helmed by executive chef JoJo Ruiz, the seafood-forward restaurant at the Del will be hosting a multi-course dinner beginning at 5 p.m. The menu costs $195 per person with highlights like oysters, scallops, and pork chops. You might even catch sight of the fireworks at the hotel.