Here are some of my favorite places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the Newport Beach area. There are lots of choices, and this year, there are many restaurants that will be open on New Year’s Day as well. So check this out, and make your plans now. With 20 different places, with 30 different dining venues— there is bound to be something you will enjoy. As you will see… it’s going to be a wild party here in Newport Beach! Join the fun…. Here is to a wonderful New Year and I wish you and yours a healthy and happy 2015! Dine well….

On The Water….

21 Oceanfront
This ocean view restaurant will be open New Year’s Eve, with reservations available for two seatings. The First Seating is 5:00 and 7:00 pm for $75 (with a 2 hour table limit). This will include a 3-course dinner with a plethora of selections to choose from. The Second Seating will be 8:30pm and 10:30pm. This will be $145 per person and will include a 5-course Dinner with Champagne Toast. They will be closed on New Year’s Day. Their decorations are lovely and festive. The menu will include eight different options for the entrée! (Pricing is exclusive of tax and gratuity). Please visit their web site to view the entire menu. (I was just there and it is so festive and the food is delicious! Say hi to Ryan our favorite bartender.)

21Oceanfront- 2100 W Oceanfront, Newport Beach
(949) 673-2100
www.21oceanfront.com

The Winery Restaurant
The Winery will be having a New Year’s Eve 1920s Great Gatsby Party. They will be closed for New Year’s Day. There will be two seatings for this fun-filled evening. For the early birds, the First Seating will be 5:00-6:00pm for one of Executive Chef Yvon Goetz spectacular 3-course dinners. The price is $59 per guest, and all guests will be asked to depart by 7:45pm. The Second Seating will begin at 8:30 to 9:45pm, to enjoy a 4-Course dinner. Then at 10:00 guests will celebrate with a Krug Champagne Toast, DJ & Dancing into the New Year! (Reservations are strongly suggested. Prices do not include gratuity and tax.)

The Winery- 3131 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach
www.thewineryrestaurant.net
949.999.6622

SOL Cocina
This favorite spot will be open on New Year’s Eve, from 11:30am – 11:00pm for dining, and the bar will be open until midnight. There will be the regular menu and some specials. It is always a fun time in the bar area, by the fireplace or out on the patio overlooking the docks. Now, New Year’s Day is another story. They will have a special Brunch that day from 10:00am to 3:00pm, with music from Noon to 3:00pm by The New Kings, a Gypsy Kings cover band! Dinner will be served from 4:30-10:00pm. View their brunch, lunch and dinner menus on their web site.

SOL Cocina- 251 E. Coast Hwy Newport Beach, CA 92660
949.675.9800
www.solcocina.com/newport-beach

Balboa Bay Resort, A&O Kitchen+Bar, and Waterline Restaurant
Balboa Bay Resort has five different dining venues to ring in the New Year. With stunning views of the bay, this is an elegant spot to celebrate, indeed.

-New Year’s Eve Black Tie Gala: The Grand Ballroom
 8 pm – 1 am
Ring in the New Year in glittering style at this elegant New Year’s Eve celebration in the Grand Ballroom, where black-ties and gorgeous dresses will be a-plenty. The evening will begin with a Reception featuring an impressive martini bar, sparkling Champagne and an amazing variety of delicious butler passed hors d’oeuvres. Then, an elegant 5-course dinner perfectly paired with exquisite wines. On top of it all, dance the night away to the powerful twelve-piece ultimate party band “Rembrandt”, playing the perfect mix of best-loved dance hits from today and yesterday. Don party hats and noisemakers at midnight as guests ring in the New Year with a celebratory Champagne toast. The cost is $215.00* per person. (Please note tax and gratuity not included. A 48-hour cancellation policy of $25 per person will apply.) The Black Tie Dinner Menu can be viewed here.

-New Year’s Eve Overnight Stay
Guests can enjoy luxurious guest room accommodations and packages are available at the Resort. Please call 855-923-8302 for rates and reservations

-New Year’s Eve Dinner at Waterline Restaurant
Guests can enjoy a 6-course dinner in the restaurant from 6:00pm –to 9:00pm The cost is $105.00 for adults. (Please note tax and gratuity not included. A 48-hour cancellation policy of $25 per person will apply.) The New Year’s Eve Dinner Menu can be viewed here.

-New Year’s Eve at A&O Kitchen+Bar
Enjoy the casual setting of the bar and lounge with live DJ, food, cocktails and of course fun! Patio firepits set the mood for a lovely evening overlooking the bay. A&O Kitchen+Bar will be open from 8:00pm to 2:00am. No reservations are needed.

-New Year’s Day Brunch at Waterline
From10:00am to 2:00pm guests can keep the festivities going by enjoying a delicious brunch in Waterline—-complete with all favorite breakfast and brunch specials. The cost is $50.00 for adults, and $25.00 for children (4 – 12 years old).

-New Year’s Day- Brunch at A&O Kitchen+Bar
From 10:00am to 2:00pm guests can enjoy food, drinks, football and great views of the bay! A&O will offer an a la carte brunch and Bloody Mary Cart. No reservations required.

Balboa Bay Resort – 1221 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach
For dining reservations, please call 855.923.8301

Hornblower Cruises and Events
December 31st from 8:30pm to 12:30am- Toast to the New Year under the stars aboard a Hornblower Yacht. The champagne will be flowing, delicious food will be served and music will be provided to keep you dancing the night away! Visit their web site for more details…

Hornblower Cruises- 2431 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Newport Beach
949.646.0155
www.hornblower.com/port/category/nb+NYECelebrations

Dining In Newport Beach….

Bayside Restaurant
Bayside will be open New Year’s Eve for dinner beginning at 5:00pm, however they will be closed on New Year’s Day. The Chef is preparing delicious dinner specials and the regular menu will also be available. Live Entertainment will include The KRAZE, an R&B, Jazz and Pop group will play from 8:00pm to 1:00am. This is one of my favorite spots in Newport!

Bayside Restaurant- 900 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach
(949) 721-1222 (reservations are recommended)
www.baysiderestaurant.com

Provenance
Will be open New Year’s Eve from 5:00 to 9:00pm, however they will be closed on New Year’s Day. In addition to their regular menu, Chef Cathy Pavlos will be featuring a bevy of delicious offerings, such as: Shrimp and Lobster Bisque with a Splash of Pernod $12.50, Lobster Ravioli Martini, Heirloom Spinach, Corn, Basil and Cognac Cream Flambe $15.50, Surf and Turf: Certified Angus Beef Chateaubriand and Wild Shrimp (for two), Scalloped Potatoes in Cast Iron Skillet, Baby Green Beans, Port Wine Reduction, Horseradish Creme Fraiche, Lemon Beurre Blanc for $87.00. Salt Roasted Whole Branzino (Italian Seabass) fileted and presented tableside with Lemon-Herb Olive Oil Drizzle, Roasted Potatoes, Charred Broccoli (limited quantity) $37.00, and for dessert, Chocolate Creme Brulee with House-made Whipped Cream & Raspberries for $9.00.

Provenance- 2531 Eastbluff Drive, Newport Beach
949.718.0477
www.provenanceoc.com

Zov’s Bistro
Zov’s Bistro has four restaurant locations in Orange County, including: Newport Coast, Irvine, Tustin, and the newest restaurant in Anaheim just two blocks from the Angels Stadium. Zov encourages her staff to enjoy time with their family, so all her restaurants will be open New Year’s Eve until 9:30, and closed New Year’s Day. Fans can still enjoy her delicious cuisine by ordering her “to go” menu which is available for pick up prior to 1:00 on December 31st . Orders can be made by calling 714.838.8855 x21 and arrangements will be made at that time for pick up at their Tustin location.

Zov’s Bistro – 21123 Newport Coast Drive- Newport Beach
(949)760-9687
www.zovs.com

Dining In And Around Fashion Island…

Aqua Lounge, Oak Grill &  Island Hotel Newport Beach
-Aqua Lounge Presents: New Year’s Eve…Boas, Bow Ties & Bubbles Everyone likes to dress for New Year’s Eve, so here is your chance. Ladies know wispy feathers create a stunning look, and will don a feather boa. For the gentleman, snap on a bow tie and display your GQ panache. Guests will enjoy a menu of shareable bites, handcrafted cocktails and a midnight champagne toast with Veuve Clicquot champagne, while the DJ D-Dub spins eclectic party music.The party starts at 8:00pm. A cover charge of $100 per person applies for entry. Purchase tickets through Eventbrite. Reserved tables available, call 949.760.4920 or 866-554-4620.

-For Overnight Stays at  Island Hotel Newport Beach
Indulge on New Year’s Eve with overnight accommodation at the Island Hotel. There are luxury suites, and guestrooms to slumber after a night of fun. To learn more about an overnight stay on New Year’s Eve, or for reservations, please call 949.759.0808 or 866-554-4620.

-New Year’s Eve Dinner at Oak Grill
Dine at Oak Grill for a memorable New Year’s Eve Dinner experience. Chef Marc Johnson will prepare a four-course prix fixe feast. Each meal will be accompanied by a choice of cocktail or a glass of Veuve Clicquot champagne. Two seatings are available: Seating One: 6pm – 7pm- $100 per person, or Seating Two: 9pm – 10pm- $150 per person. The menu includes: for the First Course: Shared Frutti de Mare Platter with Lobster, Prawns, Oysters, Cocktail Sauce and Remoulade, Second Course: Potato Leek Soup or Baby Field Greens Salad, Third Course: Wagyu Braised Short Rib, Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass or Roasted Duck Breast, and for Dessert: Pink Champagne Cake with Champagne Cream and Chocolate Fudge Sauce.

-New Year’s Day Brunch at Oak Grill
End the holiday season on a high note by dining at Oak Grill for brunch on New Year’s Day. Select from an array of plated brunch items, including signature selections such as: Chilaquiles, Eggs Benedict, Belgium Waffle or Cinnamon Roll French Toast. Items range in price. A children’s menu is also available.

Island Hotel- 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach
For Oak Grill reservations, call 949.760.4920 or www.opentable.com
For Aqua Lounge- Purchase tickets for the event through Eventbrite. To reserved tables, call 949.760.4920 or 866-554-4620
For Overnight stays, please call: 949.759.0808 or 866-554-4620

Fig & Olive Restaurant
The Fig & Olive Restaurant in Fashion Island will be open New Year’s Eve for lunch. For dinner there will be three options. The first is the regular dinner menu served for one seating from 5:00 to 7:00pm. The second is the White & Gold Dinner Party, featuring an amazing 4-course dinner menu from 9:00pm to Midnight for $150 per person. And third, there is the White & Gold Cocktail Reception with wine, cocktails and tray-passed hors d’oeuvres for $100 per person. This will also be from 9:00pm to midnight. (Pricing does not include tax and gratuity.) The restaurant will also be open for dinner on New Year’s Day, however not open for lunch. To view the complete menus and all the details, please visit their web site.

Fig & Olive- 151 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach
(949) 877-3005
www.figandolive.com/locations-reservation/newport-beach/

Dining Resort Style…

bambu Restaurant at The Fairmont Newport Beach
The bambu Restaurant will be open for New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day Breakfast, however they will be closed for New Year’s Day Dinner. The food here is superb and the dining room has an open, atrium ambiance!

-New Year’s Eve Dinner- December 31st – 5:30 to 9:30pm
Three-course Prix Fixed Menu. The cost is $49 without wine and $69 with wine pairings. (This is exclusive of tax and gratuity.)

-New Year’s Day Breakfast – January 1st – 6:00 am to 1:00 pm
Enhanced Breakfast Buffet. The cost is $24 per person, and $12 (for children 12 & under). (This is exclusive of tax and gratuity.)

Complete menus can be viewed at this website

The Fairmont- 4500 MacArthur Blvd-Newport Beach
(949) 476-2001

The Resort at Pelican Hill
The Resort at Pelican Hill has numerous celebrations—from the elegant Andrea dining room, to the fun Coliseum Pool and Grill, or simply enjoying cocktails and music in the Great Room by the fire. This is a lovely setting, and here are the offerings, including a special one for the children staying at the Resort.

-New Year’s Eve For The Children- A Pajama Party at Camp Pelican
This is exclusively for Resort guests registered at the hotel on New Year’s Eve. Mom and Dad can go enjoy a lovely dinner while their children (ages 4-12) are enjoying a fun celebration just for kids! This is available from 5:00pm to 12:30am, with festive games, crafts, dinner and a holiday movie to ring in the New Year!
The cost is $125 per child, and sounds like such fun!

-New Year’s Eve at Andrea Ristorante
Chef Marco brings “Il Cenone,” the Italian Gala, to Newport Coast with a 4-course menu and two dinner seating options from 5 to 7 p.m. or from 8:30 p.m. to 1:00am. The early seating s (5:00-7:00pm) and the cost is $160 per person. The late seating (8:30pm to 1:00am) is $225 per person. (Price excludes wine pairing, tax and service charge.)

-New Year’s Eve at Pelican Grill & Lounge-With Dinner, Dancing, Live Music & Toast
Chef Luke creates a California grill 4-course prix fixe menu, available from 5:00 to 10:00pm. Celebrate in the Lounge with dancing, entertainment by a five-piece band from 9:00pm to 12:30am, and a midnight balloon drop marking the New Year, including a complimentary glass of Prosecco for each guest! The cost is $145 per adult without wine pairing, or $175 with wine pairing. (The price excludes tax and service charge.)

-New Year’s Eve at Coliseum Pool & Grill- Dinner, Live Music & Toast
Savor a 3-course prix-fixe celebration menu from 5:00 to 10:00pm, as well as à la carte dinner selections and a festive lounge menu from 10:00pm to midnight. A three-piece band entertains from 7:00pm to 12:30am, with a midnight balloon drop and complimentary Prosecco toast. The cost is $110 per adult, and $50 per child. (The price excludes tax and service charge.)

-New Year’s Eve in the Great Room- Cocktails, Live Music & Toast
Celebrate with live music, a midnight balloon drop, a complimentary Prosecco toast and an à la carte New Year’s Eve celebration menu from 6:00pm to midnight. This is complimentary for Resort guests, or $35 per non-resort guest.

-New Year’s Overnight Resort Stays and In-Room Dining
For those staying overnight in the elegant Bungalows and Villas—- guests can enjoy In-Room Dining delivered to their door. A festive à la carte menu will be available from 11:30am to 10:00pm. On New Year’s Day, a pre-order Champagne Breakfast includes a split bottle of Veuve Clicquot and numerous à la carte menu options.

The Resort at Pelican Hill- 22701 Pelican Hill Road South- Newport Beach, CA
(855) 467-6800
www.pelicanhill.com

Sam & Harry’s at Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa
They will be offering their regular menu all day, and dinner will be available from 5:00pm-12:30am. There will be a celebratory toast at 9:00pm (East Coast time) and another toast at midnight to ring in the New Year. The restaurant will also be open on New Year’s Day for dinner from 2:00- 8:00pm select menu items served at the table (not buffet this year)!

Sam & Harry’s- 900 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach
949.729.6900
www.newportbeachmarriott.com

Canaletto Ristorante
Canaletto’s will be open New Year’s Eve beginning at 11:00am. They remain open all day and evening, therefore New Year’s Eve dinner will begin in the late afternoon, and the kitchen will be open until 11:30pm. The regular menu will be available as well as select Chef specials of the evening. A jazz band will be on hand beginning at 8:00pm and will be playing through the midnight toast. The restaurant will be open New Year’s Day from 11:00am to 11:00pm.

Canaletto at Fashion Island- 545 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach
949.640.0900
www.ilfornaio.com/canalettonewportbeach

Roy’s Restaurant
Roy’s will be open on New Year’s Eve for their regular menu, serving dinner from 5:00 to 10:00pm. They will be closed on New Year’s Day.

Roy’s Restaurant at Fashion Island- 453 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach
949.640.7697
www.roysrestaurant.com

Muldoon’s Irish Pub
On New Year’s Eve, the Pub will be open for lunch and dinner until 10:30pm. The bar will remain open until 1:00am to ring in the New Year. They will be closed New Year’s Day. (Please note that Muldoon’s closed on Monday’s for 25 years but recently decided to open 7 days a week!)

Muldoon’s- 202 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach
(949) 640-4110
www.muldoonspub.com

Dining In Corona del Mar…

Quiet Woman
This iconic, cozy spot will be open for dinner on New Year’s Eve with reservations beginning at 5:00pm. The restaurant will be open until 1:00am, with a band playing later in the evening. It is bound to be fun, filled with locals, as is usually the case.

Quiet Woman- 3224 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar
(949) 640-7440

The Bungalow Restaurant
The Bungalow will be serving their regular menu on New Year’s Eve beginning at 5:00pm to 9:30pm. They will be closed on New Year’s Day. This is a craftsman- style building with a lovely patio tucked in the back downstairs. The bar is cozy with barstools and high-top tables. Prime steaks and seafood take center stage on the menu.

The Bungalow- 2441 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar
949.673.6585
www.thebungalowrestaurant.com

Five Crowns
Five Crowns is filling up fast for their New Year’s Eve dinner. They will also be open for dinner on New Year’s Day. For those interested in bringing Five Crowns home for a New Year’s Eve celebration, Executive Chef, Stephen Kling, will create your Eve dinner to-go (with at least 48 hours advanced notice). Guests can pick up a complete Roasted Prime Rib of Beef Au Jus dinner with all of the classic accompaniments and simple cooking and reheating instructions to enjoy the seasonal tradition at home. (Also, receive a $25 bonus gift card with every $125 in Gift Cards purchased by December 31, 2014.) Guests can view the menu here.

Five Crowns -3801 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar
(949) 760-0331
www.lawrysonline.com/five-crowns

Dining in Crystal Cove…

Mastro’s Ocean Club
Mastro’s will be open both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day for dinner. This is a lovely spot along the coast, with live music in the bar playing nightly beginning at 6:30pm. If you feel like steak or seafood, this is a great spot to enjoy an elegant dinner.

Mastro’s Ocean Club- 8112 East Coast Highway, Newport Beach
949.376.6990
www.mastrosrestaurants.com