Sip and sparkle at San Diego’s festive New Years Eve parties and decadent dinners! Ring in 2019 in style at these New Years Eve happenings around town.
Decadent Dinners
AddisonMaestoso
Contemporary Italian restaurant Maestoso, opened Spring 2018 in Hillcrest, will celebrate its first New Year’s Eve in San Diego with two prix fixe dinner options: a $55 three-course dinner served to guests arriving between 5 and 8:30 p.m. with an optional $25 wine pairing, or an $85 five-course dinner served beginning at 8:30 p.m. through midnight (last seating at 9:30 p.m.) with an optional $35 wine pairing. Highly acclaimed Chef Marco Maestoso’s special menu will incorporate lentils, traditionally eaten in Italy during this holiday as a way to bring good luck in the New Year, and Pandoramisu, a modified version of tiramisu with Pandoro, as well as a Prosecco toast for guests staying through midnight. A vegetarian option and food allergies will be accommodated. Prior to 8:30 p.m. Maestoso will offer its regular dinner menu. Reservations are highly encouraged and available by calling (619) 642-0777 or emailing hello@maestoso.com.
BANKERS HILL BAR + Restaurant
BANKERS HILL BAR + Restaurant will ring in the New Year with a decadent prix fixe dinner and wine pairings on Monday, Dec. 31. The three-course New Year’s Eve menu will be priced at $65 per person with beverage pairings priced at $32 that will include a choice of sparkling wine or still wine with each course. BANKERS HILL will be open for New Year’s Eve from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m., with reservations available by calling 619.231.0222 or online at www.bankershillsd.com.
Monzu Fresh Pasta
On New Year’s Eve, Monzu Fresh Pasta in East Village will offer 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. dinner seatings to ticket holders who will feast on a four-course menu created exclusively for New Year’s Eve. The evening’s choices will include a “Menu Mare” for seafood lovers as well as a “Menu Terra”. All guests will begin with quiche Lorraine prior to a main course of either lobster saffron ravioli or ricotta and marjoram ravioli with ragù campidanese (a recipe from Sardinia that includes grounded fennel sausage, red sauce and saffron), with either entree also accompanied by a winter salad course and mandarin sorbet for dessert. Guests (21+) will receive a complimentary Prosecco during dinner, while Italian and California wines will be available for purchase by the glass and bottle. Vegetarian requests will be accommodated. Tickets are $45 to 50 per person and available through Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/
Osetra Seafood & Steaks
Osetra Seafood & Steaks promises an upscale, exclusive dining and nightlife experience like no other for your New Year’s Eve this year. Enjoy a full three-course pre-fixe menu with a selection including hand-cut fresh seafood, perfectly-seared steaks and decadent desserts including tiramisu and hazelnut chocolate mousse. Enhance your experience with caviar and a bottle of Moet Chandon, along with a complimentary champagne toast and party favors!
Route 29
Inspired by the fine fare and ambiance of Napa Valley, Route 29’s farm fresh food and iconic wine country vibes make for an exciting and elevated setting for your New Year’s celebration. Sink your fork into a full three-course special menu including an app, entrée and dessert per person with selections such as a rich burrata jar, surf & turf lobster with a petit filet, crispy halibut, pan-seared scallops, duck in transition and more, finished off with your choice of buddino, limoncello cake or chocolate mousse.
Barbusa
Barbusa will be ringing in the new year in the best way they know how — with great food, drinks, and dancing. Offering an exclusive NYE menu highlighting their favorite dishes, as well as New Year’s specials, Barbusa will be offering an a la carte dinner service, before converting the dining room into a dance floor to kick the new year off on the right foot. There will be music until 1:00am and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.
Herb & Wood
Chef Brian Malarkey’s Little Italy hot spot will celebrate New Year’s Eve in style with a four-course pre fix 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 ranging from $12-$28, along with a full cocktail, beer and wine menu. The first seating will be from 6pm-6:45pm for $95.43 and the second seating will be from 7pm-close for $115.97, bar opens at 5:30pm. Reservations can be made via OpenTable.
The Blind Burro
Specializing in Baja coastal cuisine and spirits, The Blind Burro will be ringing in the new year with a 3 course dinner ($45/person) featuring menu items from Executive Chef Todd including the new Baja Ramen. There will be a live DJ and Karaoke from 10pm until 1am and at midnight they will have a balloon drop and champagne toast to ring in the new year. Reservations can be made through the website.
Madison on Park
Serving upscale Mediterranean and Southern California inspired cuisine, this University Heights hot spot will be serving a New Year’s Eve three-course menu. The menu will highlight dishes like the Tuna Tartare, Madison’s double-cut sesame Crusted Pork Chop, Filet Mignon, and gluten-free Vegan Ravioli. The dinner will be $65 and include a complimentary champagne toast at midnight, with wine and cocktail pairings for an additional $19. Desserts include Rasberry Marscapone Cake and Chocolate Marquise Cake. Reservations can be made via their website or OpenTable, first seating from 5-7pm and second seating from 8pm-11pm.
Backyard Kitchen & Tap
Backyard Kitchen & Tap in Pacific Beach is ringing in the New Year with a three-course prix-fixe menu on New Year’s Eve, featuring Maine Lobster and Black Cod Cake plated with arugula avocado salad, chive hollandaise and pepitas, Blackened 8-oz. Hangar Steak served with parsnip gratin, grilled broccolini and buttermilk onions, and White Russian Tres Leches Cake, accompanied by market berries and nasturtium petals, among other specialties honed for the occasion. The menu will be available starting at 6 p.m., and pricing is $49.95 per person.
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse
Say hello to 2019 with style and sophistication at the new Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse on the waterfront in downtown. Executive Chef Brian Christman will feature a super-premium four-course prix fixe menu ($195 per person) with selections including Del Frisco’s favorites: 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 ($50 additional per person). New Year’s Eve dinner service will begin at 5:00 p.m. and runs all evening. To reserve, visit www.delfriscos.com or call (619) 272-5060.
Vistal
Begin 2019 from a fresh perspective with skyline and bay views at downtown San Diego’s newest waterfront restaurant, Vistal, located at the brand new InterContinental San Diego. Toast with a champagne welcome, savor a 5- or 7-course dinner by chefs Amy DiBiase and Paul McCabe, revel with the electric violinist and Gregory Page Quartet, and start the new year in brilliant style with a sparkler countdown. Pricing is $89 per person for 5-course dinner and $125 per person for 7-course dinner. This event is limited for guests 21 years and older and cocktail attire suggested. Tickets for 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. seatings can be purchased here https://bit.ly/2zZ48Jt.
InterContinental San Diego is also offering “A Sparkling Start” hotel and New Year’s Even package with savings of over $230. This package includes one night in a water view guestroom, two 7-course dinner tickets, bottle of champagne, breakfast for two at Vistal, discounted amenity fee. Reservations can be made here.
Stake Chophouse & Bar
Break out the bubbly and indulge in a night of USDA prime cuts at Coronado’s prized gem Stake Chophouse & Bar. Enjoy a 3-course prix fixe dinner from Executive Chef Andrew Kedziora alongside a champagne toast for $125 per person. Menu highlights include 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 3-course dinner for two and a bottle of Dom Perignon for $500. For those craving a night out with friends, make it a dinner for four guests for $800.
Monello
Two cheese wheel pastas are better than one! Monello’s signature menu item just got more irresistible. The Little Italy staple released a special New Year’s Eve menu with a Cheese Wheel Spaghetti Allo Zafferano, Asparagi e Gamberi with homemade spaghetti in a saffron cream sauce with asparagus and shrimp and a Cheese Wheel Truffle Tagliolini with hand cut thin fettuccine in a cream truffle sauce, topped with freshly shaved black truffle. The menu also includes other favorites including pasta specials, seafood and meat entrees, pizza da Monello, and classic Italian desserts. Reservations are recommended and can be made online at www.lovemonello.com.
TRUST Restaurant
TRUST Restaurant will serve its mainstay a la carte menu of urban, rustic shareable plates and celebratory craft cocktails on New Year’s Eve. Enjoy seasonal selections including Wood Grilled Cauliflower with golden raisins, mint, serrano aioli and curry vinaigrette; East Coast Scallops with local broccolis, cous cous, apple chutney, mustard frills and braised radish; and Maple Pecan Crème Brulee with poached pear and mascarpone crème. Sip on the El Diablo with El Jimador Reposado Tequila, Cassis, ginger, lime, and soda water. TRUST Restaurant will be open New Year’s Eve from 5pm to 10pm; closed on New Year’s Day. Reservations are strongly suggested.
Pacifica Del Mar
Pacifica will have 2 seatings on New Year’s Eve. Chef Chris Idso has prepared a special 4-course menu full of fresh dishes that speak to the season, like Crab Three Ways, Salmon ala Plancha and Hoisin BBQ Rack of Lamb. The first seating will start at 4:30 p.m. and is $65 per person. The second seating will start at 7:30 p.m., which includes a toast, favors and DJ for $89.
THE MED
The gorgeous dining room at La Valencia will be offering a special 4-course menu from Executive Chef Alex Emery and team. Upon arrival, guests will be greeted with Champagne and Citrus Halibut Crudo. Once seated, the show-stopping meal will start with Wagyu Beef Carpaccio, followed by Bouillabaisse, then Surf & Turf as the star, and a Dark Chocolate Mousse for the finale. There will be two seatings; 5:00pm and 8:30pm. $150/pp. Reservations required.
Tahona
Newly opened mezcal cocktail bar and kitchen Tahona invites partygoers to celebrate New Year’s Eve with a prix fixe meal and crafty cocktails in Tahona’s refined yet rustic setting in the heart of Old Town. Tahona will serve its final dinner of the year beginning at 8:30PM, complete with guest’s choice of welcome cocktail from Tahona’s mezcal-centric menu. Then, move to four-courses of modern Mexican fare crafted by Executive Chef Adrian Villareal and 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 special champagne toast to cheers to the New Year!
Tahona’s New Year’s Eve dinner is priced at $75 per guest and takes place from 8:30PM to 12:30AM. Tickets are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/
Fun & Festive Parties
The Whiskey House
For whiskey lovers, there’s no better place to celebrate than premier downtown bar and lounge The Whiskey House! Famously home to America’s largest selection of whiskeys with over 2,800 diverse bottles and an extensive list of craft cocktails, there’s no shortage of festive toasts this New Year’s Eve. Starting at 8:00 P.M., join the Countdown Party with a dinner buffet of smoky-flavored bites paired with a live DJ Kien show, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight! Couches and large group tables are available with bottle service. $40 per person for general admission.
Amici’s Ristobar
Cheers to the new year in style at Amici’s Ristobar, located in Carmel Valley’s Pacific Highlands Ranch. Guests can spend New Year’s Eve at the restaurant on Monday, December 31st, with a cocktail style menu beginning at 9pm and a complimentary midnight champagne and music until 1am. Amici’s will feature raffle prizes, party favors, live entertainment and more during this special evening. Tickets are $50 (includes tax/tip) and will be available for purchase at the restaurant.
Waterbar
Hopeless romantics can kick off the New Year at Pacific Beach’s scenic, ocean-front destination, Waterbar. Best known for its stunning views of the Pacific through floor-to-ceiling windows, Waterbar will host a Love Boat-themed soiree to ring in the New Year, boasting Lobster and Prime Rib menu specials, as well as select bottles of champagne, and DJs spinning from 7 p.m. – close.
The Westgate Hotel
Ring in 2019 in sparkling style at The Westgate Hotel’s party of the year featuring pre-dinner cocktails, a celebratory Latin-influenced buffet dinner, DJ and memorable live music performance from Westgate Hotel favorite, Julio De La Huerta. Expect fiesta vibes, chic cocktails, fabulous cuisine, a champagne toast, and San Diego’s most elegant New Year celebration. The party will start on Monday, December 31, 2018, at 7:30 PM and end on Tuesday, January 1, 2019, at 12:30 AM. Tickets are $129 per person (tax, gratuity, and ticket fees additional) and can be purchased online at www.westgatehotel.com/activities/hotel-events/new-years-eve-2019/.
Tower23 Hotel
Pop, sparkle, fizz, toast, sip! Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Tower23 Hotel in Pacific Beach. Dine before you dance with dinner at JRDN and then enjoy DJ vibes as you toast to 2019 at midnight. Drinks and dancing with beachside views can’t be beaten! Presale tickets cost $40-$45 per person and $55 day-of. More information can be found at https://www.t23hotel.com/play/events/nye/. 
Hundred Proof
This party is perfect for those who like to go against the traditional New Year’s Eve party. 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.
The La Sala NYE Bash
The ocean view lobby bar at La Valencia provides the perfect backdrop to ring in the New Year. Enjoy an all-inclusive bar, stocked with a cordial and champagne bar, and bites, like Crudite and Shrimp Cocktail, while The Ryan Hiller Band entertains. Tickets start at $95 per person.
barleymash
Raise a toast to the new year ahead at barleymash’s Bourbon, Bubbles and Bow Tiessexy New Year’s Eve celebration. Don your best attire, sip champagne and dance the night away to live entertainment. The staff will be decked out in bow ties and will be passing them out to guests to wear as well. Dinner served until 9:00 p.m., Bourbon, Bubbles and Bow Ties begins directly after. A progressive cover charge will start at $20/person at 830pm and will gradually increase throughout the evening based on capacity.
The Duck Dive
It’s a Red-Carpet Affair at this Pacific Beach hotspot for New Year’s Eve, so get glammed up and dazzle as you ring in 2019 like a celebrity at The Duck Dive. Bottle service and VIP tables will be available, but reservations must be made in advance. From 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., enjoy dancing, live music from DJ Theron and a photobooth to capture all your memories of this iconic night. You will also get hair-of-the-dog vouchers to use in the morning on New Year’s Day. No cover charge or admission fee!
Say goodbye to 2018 and ring in the new year at San Diego’s top party destination, Mavericks Beach Club! The PB party spot is hosting their New Year’s Eve Extravaganza from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., with the option to purchase tickets ahead of time for $25 by clicking here. Tickets get you early entrance, two hours of tray passed apps and a voucher to come back and enjoy a bottle of champs on New Year’s Day, plus much more!
Family Friendly Fete
Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa
This New Year’s Eve, Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa invites families and friends to ring in the new year at theirFamily Friendly New Year’s Eve Speakeasy Bash. Come dressed to impress in your favorite 20s inspired garb, and enjoy a night filled with superb food, including an adult and child buffet style dinner and an amazing dessert bar. Prizes will be given to the “Best Dressed Family” and “Best Dressed Couple.” The celebration will also feature a Kids Party Zone, consisting of a GAMER ROOM with Xbox, Kinect, Dance Central, Wii and more. There will also be a live countdown and complimentary champagne toast at midnight, as well as a 9 p.m.(East Coast) balloon drop for youngsters. Tickets start at $110 for adults and $50 for kids, and can be purchased online here: https://www.
