SD Restaurants Open For NYE & New Year's Day Brunch & Dinner 2023-24

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA — It's nearly time to ring in 2024! And restaurants throughout San Diego County are ready to help you do just that with a slew of dining options for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

We've rounded up a variety of the festive offers — for in-restaurant celebrations and takeout feasts— in our annual dining guide with something for all tastes and budgets.

So peruse the list, scroll through the images above for visual inspiration, and find the offers and sweet treats near you.

And Happy New Year, from Patch!

• ALSO SEE: San Diego Weekend: NYE Fireworks; New Year's Eve Brunch & Dinner Cruises

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ALILA MAREA BEACH RESORT'S VAGA BAR: Join NYE soireé with DJ, bites & libations, including signature Solento Tequila cocktails, plus countdown to midnight. Free entry Dec. 31, 8 p.m. - 12 a.m., for ages 21+. RSVP here. At 2100 N. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas.

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AMBROGIO BY ACQUERELLO: At eatery specializing in New Italian cuisine, Michelin-starred Chef Silvio Salmoiraghi is preparing a New Year's Eve feast, with highlights including: lobster & seafood Insalata Russa; swordfish; filet mignon; Ravioli D’Inverno (chestnut, pumpkin & mushroom); Monte Bianco & more, plus midnight toast. $199/person & $179/person for vegetarian option (can be made fully vegan by request.) Reservations. At in La Jolla.

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APPLEBEE'S: Keep feasting easy with newly launched Holiday Combos, starting at $13.99 & available for limited time for dine-in, to-go & delivery. Meals include two proteins, plus garlic mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli & crispy onions. Options include: Honey BBQ Chicken Breast & Double Crunch Shrimp; Blackened Cajun Salmon & Double Crunch Shrimp; Sirloin & Double Crunch Shrimp; & Riblets & Honey BBQ Grilled Chicken. Plus, the holiday $5 Mucho Cocktails are back, along with $6 Stella Artois Brewtus draft beers. Details. Location finder here.
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ARELY'S FRENCH BAKERY: Starting Jan. 1, the family-owned business launches "20 days of $20 Giveaways," — gifting one winner $20 gift card every day via Instagram (@arelysfrenchbakery.) Promo leads up to Jan. 20 celebration where customers can indulge in passed hors-d’oeuvres of such French classics as quiche bites, salad, charcuterie & sweet confections. Ordering info. At 4961 Clairemont Drive, San Diego.
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ARLO AT TOWN & COUNTRY RESORT: For New Year's Eve, special prix-fixe menu featured with such courses as petite filet, Maine scallops & Mediterranean spiced eggplant. Live music by Sapphire Band, too. $90/person. After dinner, head to Monkey Bar next door with music from DJ CIA. Book here. At 500 Hotel Circle N., San Diego.
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AVANT AT RANCHO BERNARDO INN: At North County's quintessential inn, Chef de Cuisine Sergio Jimenez & team are planning New Year's Eve menu with five courses & seasonal specials. Served Dec. 31, 5 p.m.-10 p.m. $179/adult & $85/child. Then from 9 p.m. - 12 a.m. in ballroom is NYE soiree with hors d'oeuvres, bar, Ryan Hiller Band & midnight balloon drop ($199/person). Details/reservations. At 17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive, San Diego.

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BLACK ANGUS STEAKHOUSE: New Year’s Eve in-restaurant dining deal planned Dec. 31: Surf 'n' Turf Dinner for Two ($115), with two, filet mignons, two lobster tails, a starter, sides, molasses bread, dessert & two Prosecco splits. Info/reservations. Find locales in Chula Vista, El Cajon, Escondido.
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BLACK RADISH: The North Park eatery's Chef Itze Behar is crafting five-course, culinary adventure for NYE diners. Served Dec. 31, menu highlights include: black truffle lobster; Wagyu filet mignon; cured kampachi; & winter tortellini. Dessert is flambeed banana split. $124/person. Bookings. At 2591 University Ave., San Diego.

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BLAZE PIZZA: Here's a don't-miss holiday deal: an 11-inch, original dough Double Pepperoni pizza (approximately 32 slices of pepperoni!) for $8.99 through Dec. 31. Purchase online, via app or in store & no code needed. Website. Locations.

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CAFE SEVILLA: Multiple options here for festive New Year's Eve with Spanish flair. Select from: three-course, prix-fixe dinner with live music; or Flamenco show & three-course dinner; or NYE Tapas Bar Table Package, with reserved seating, live Latin music, DJ, dancing, specialty food & cocktails, party favors & midnight champagne toast. Bookings/info here. At 353 Fifth Ave., San Diego.
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CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN: Two new dishes & festive cocktail on CPK holiday menus through Dec. 31. The innovative Neapolitan Burrata Pizza features creamy burrata & slow-roasted cherry tomatoes. Shaking Beef Pasta is hot, savory dish with seared filet & garlic-sesame soy sauce. And this year's specialty cocktail is Hand-Shaken Espresso Martini. Details here. Find locales here.
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CHART HOUSE: NYE diners can select takeout Dinner for Two ($110) or on-site, prix-fixe menu with three courses served Dec. 31. To-go option includes clam chowder, Caesar salad, two filets, grilled shrimp & cheesecake. Takeout orders due Dec. 29. Details/reservations. Find locale in Cardiff.

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DICKEY'S BARBECUE PIT: Holiday heat-and-serve meals make for hassle-free, at-home feasts. Takeout options: Complete Feast (serves 10–12) with smoked or Cajun turkey, prime rib or ham, with sides of cornbread dressing, gravy, baked potato casserole, green beans & rolls; Dinner Feast (for 8–10) with ham, turkey or prime rib, dressing, gravy & rolls; Holiday Big Yellow Box (for 10-12) 4 pounds of sliced turkey & large sides; or À La Carte Menu for individual meats & sides. New to this year's menu is Classic Sweet Potato Casserole. Find shops near you.
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EL POLLO LOCO: Festive Family Meals start at $24, with eight pieces of chicken, three sides & tortillas. The chain also launches limited-time, pork carnitas holiday menu. With nod to Mexican heritage, options include: Carnitas Tacos (corn-blend tortillas, pork carnitas, avocado salsa, cabbage, cilantro, onion & fresh avocado) ; Carnitas Wet Burrito with green enchilada sauce & cheese; and Carnitas Stuffed Quesadilla. Plus, two items available only via Loco Rewards app are Pork Carnitas Nachos & Pork Carnitas Tostadas. Ordering links. Find locales.

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EL TORITO: Holiday tamales can be ordered online or at restaurants with 24-hour notice through Jan. 1. One dozen is $26 with chicken, carnitas, sweet corn or mix & match in increments of six. Website. Eatery in La Mesa.

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FISHER'S SAN DIEGO: Little Italy eatery brings its contemporary Mexican seafood to New Year’s Eve scene with two, pre-fixe dinners ($70/person & $80/person). $70 menu offers choices for Cesar salad, shrimp cocktail, clam chowder, oysters Rockefeller, the signature sea bass, seafood pasta & chocolate cake. For $80, select from Peruvian ceviche, grilled shrimp, clam chowder, tuna tartare, sea bass & flan. Parties of four or more receive complimentary bottle of Cava. Reservations. At 555 W. Beech St., San Diego.

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FLEMING'S PRIME STEAKHOUSE & BAR: Celebrate with three-course, limited-time, winter menu of salmon poke wonton amuse bouche, followed by citrus frisée salad, filet mignon, lobster tail & espresso martini chocolate mousse. And new to menu: Chilled Shellfish Tower of East & West coast oysters, crab legs, lobster & shrimp, with cocktail, creamy mustard & brandy mustard sauces. Reservations. Location listed in San Diego.
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FOGO DE CHAO: Reservations underway at the Brazilian restaurant for New Year's Eve & Day dining. Prix-fixe feasts offer continual service of meats, carved tableside by gaucho chefs, along with salads, soup, vegetables, charcuterie & more. Location in San Diego.
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GALPAO GAUCHO: Dine Christmas Eve & Day & New Year's Eve & Day with Brazilian experience of endless rounds of 17 different cuts of meat (including Picanha sirloin, salmon, lamb, pork loin & bacon-wrapped chicken), plus gourmet salad bar, side dishes & desserts. Bookings. Location in San Diego.

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GELSON'S MARKETS: Takeout orders are due by Dec. 29 for New Year's, with pick-up Dec. 30-Jan. 1. Pre-cooked, to-go options include roasted turkey, prime rib, brisket, salmon, ham & plant-based celebration and hazelnut cranberry roasts, with such festive sides as mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole & rolls. Also offered are seafood selections, à la carte dishes, wines & Champagnes. See ordering info here. Find stores near you.
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GEORGE'S AT THE COVE: Celebrate New Year's Eve, Dec. 31, at iconic, ocean-view restaurant with special, three-course, prix-fixe menu. $120/person & includes glass of bubbles. Among menu highlights: seared hiramasa; Wagyu eye of rib eye; lamb chop; & white fish. Then stick around for complimentary champagne toast in Level2 to ring in New Year! Reservations/menu. At 1250 Prospect St., La Jolla.

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GOLDEN CORRAL: Multiple options at this buffet-style chain. Dine-in for endless Holiday Buffet, featuring seasonal specials of turkey, ham, beef roast, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, rolls, pie & more. Or select Holiday Feasts To Go for six to eight with turkey, ham or beef roast, trimmings, sides, rolls & pie. Pre-order online or via app. Holiday A La Carte Items To Go offers individual options. Plus, $10 bonus card offered with $50 or more purchase & redeemable Jan. 8 to Feb. 13. Details. Location finder here.

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HUNTRESS: The upscale, modern steakhouse is prepping for New Year's Eve dining with its regular, full menu, along with chef specials including: caviar soufflé (crème fresh, chives, cured egg yolk); roasted duck with dry-aged breast, confit legs, duck neck sausage& grilled chicory; & gnocchi with brown butter, sage & parmesan. Reservations. At 376 Fifth Ave., San Diego.

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KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN: Unique, holiday-themed buckets are back — a tradition since the 1960s — with 2023 theme of “Secret Recipe of Joy.” Plus, two items on menus: Mac & Cheese Wrap & Colonel’s Homestyle Brownie. Info/website.
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KRISPY KREME: To commemorate 20th anniversary of holiday classic “Elf,” the chain unveils its first-ever “Elf” Doughnut Collection. Offered for limited time at participating shops, the line includes: "Buddy Snow Globe Doughnut" with chocolate “Elf” piece; "Buddy Makes Breakfast Doughnut," cake batter spaghetti buttercreme, candies, sprinkles & maple drizzle; "Christmas Lights Doughnut," with icing, sprinkles & chocolate “Elf”; plus return of popular "Santa Belly Doughnut," with Cookies & Kreme filling & Santa belt buckle candy piece. Details here.
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LITTLE FRENCHIE: This coastal gem is ringing in New Year with delectable, à la carte menu Dec. 31, inspired by flavors of France. As luxe add-on, diners can indulge in Kaluga Caviar special ($95), complete with potato souffle blinis, creme fraiche & chives. Bookings. At 1166 Orange Ave., Coronado.

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LUMI BY AKIRA BACK: The energetic, open-air rooftop is hosting New Year’s Eve dinner & celebration with DJ. NYE dinner's chef specials include Kanpachi ceviche, Akira Back pizza, A5 wagyu & caviar roll. Celebration offers DJ entertainment on heated rooftop & firepit tables. Reservations. In Gaslamp Quarter at 366 Fifth Ave., San Diego.

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MARCO'S PIZZA: Snag this deal before NYE! Take 30% off regularly priced pizzas Dec. 26-30, when ordering via mobile or online using code GIFT30 — no limit on toppings. Website. Locales in San Diego County.
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MORTON'S THE STEAKHOUSE: Make it a memorable NYE with "Chateaubriand Dinner for Two" offered only through Dec. 31. Three-course, prix-fixe menu with winter salad, tableside-sliced Chateaubriand with roasted shallots, red wine demi reduction, Bearnaise & au jus, deluxe sides, plus dessert. $179 for two. Add-on options include lobster tails & mini crab cakes. Reservations. Also through Dec. 31, limited-time "Best Steak Anywhere" promo allows guests to try steaks from Japan, Australia & U.S. (like A5 Niigata Snow Wagyu Filet Mignon from Japan) to learn of various flavors & aging processes. See locale in San Diego.

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PENDRY SAN DIEGO: Ring in New Year with two celebrations at hotel’s venues. On Dec. 31 at Provisional Kitchen (6 p.m.-10 p.m.), enjoy special four-course menu, Champagne & live music. Reservations via OpenTable. And on NYE at Fifth & Rose, celebrate with craft cocktails, small bites, confetti countdown & live music. Info/reservations. At 550 J St., San Diego.

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PIEOLOGY PIZZERIA: Here's a gift that keeps on giving for Pie Life Rewards members! Order a "Craft Your Own Pizza" by Dec. 31 & you'll be eligible to unlock "Pies and Perks" offer, which sends a daily "Perk" of choice (such as side salad, cookie, or non-alcoholic beverage), alongside pizza purchases through 2024. Details.

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RED LOBSTER: Make it a shellfish holiday with limited-time, shrimp & lobster specials. Choose: Lobster & Shrimp Holiday Feast (lobster & shrimp in orange-rosemary sauce); Lobster & Cheddar Bay-Stuffed Shrimp; or Lobster & Shrimp Overboard (lobster tail, linguini & shrimp skewer). Cheddar Bay Stuffing is new side of brioche, Cheddar Bay, bacon & mushroom. Plus, new seasonal cocktails: Snowglobe Sangria; Seaside S'mores Martini; Cinnamon Whiskey Sour. For hosting at home, see to-go Holiday Side Bundles, Party Platters & Family Meals. Purchase Holiday Side Bundle with all five sides & receive two dozen Cheddar Bay Biscuits free. Find restaurants in San Diego County.
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RUSTICUCINA: Hillcrest’s farm-to-neighborhood, Sicilian restaurant is hosting $55/person pre-fixe feast on New Year's Eve with special holiday menu. Among offerings: shared plates of fresh bruschetta, calamari, Sicilian-style sautéed artichokes & meatballs; lobster ravioli; pollo ripieno alla parmigiana; brasato di manzo with risotto; salmon; truffle fries; Brussels sprouts; & limoncello cake. A la carte options also offered, including the signature Cheese Wheel. Menu/reservations. At 3797 Park Blvd., San Diego.
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RUTH'S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE: "Celebration Surf & Turf" holiday dinner, filet & twin tails, served Dec. 22–24 & Dec. 29-31. Plus, festive, family-sized salads & sides can be ordered for takeout until Dec. 23, with 48-hour notice. See site in Del Mar & San Diego.
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SEASONS 52: Keep New Year's simple with Green Box to-go dinners, serving four to six. With choices for wood-grilled tenderloin or cedar plank-roasted salmon, plus marble potatoes, French green beans, salad & six Mini Indulgence desserts. Pre-orders required 24 hours in advance. Plus, two, new low-calorie mocktails on seasonal menus: Citrus Sparkling Refresher – Seedlip Grove 42 (citrus blend), blood orange puree, soda water & rosemary; and Botanical Smash – Seedlip Garden 108 (herbal blend), white cranberry juice, cucumber, lime & soda water. Website. See locale in San Diego/UTC.

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7-ELEVEN: Don't miss these holiday deals: Whole pizzas are $6 for 7Rewards members on New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day. And rewards members also can score a large coffee & doughnut for $2 for a limited time. Rewards info here.

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STAKE CHOPHOUSE: Take New Year’s Eve celebration to next level with lavish, NYE Moët & Chandon Champagne Dinner — prix-fixe feast with prime cuts, wood-fired broccolini & pommes paillasson served Dec. 31 . Among menu highlights: matsutake mushroom brodo; wood-fired prawns; diver scallops; sautéed turbot; filet mignon; Waygu ribeye; wood-fired cauliflower steak; & orange buttermilk panna cotta. $250/person, with optional $115 wine pairing. Reservations. At 1309 Orange Ave., Coronado.

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VEGGIE GRILL: Vegetarian, holiday-dining alert! Check out two, limited-edition specials offered through New Year's Eve: the Turk’y Cranwich; and Harvest Mushroom Stew. Sandwich features Prime Roots’ Cracked Black Pepper Koji-Turkey, cranberry aioli, “turkey” gravy, cranberry stuffing, lettuce, tomato on grilled sourdough. Stew is hearty with Fable mushrooms, potatoes, carrots, onion, celery, rosemary & thyme. Info. Find locale in Carlsbad.
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ALSO SEE:

San Diego Weekend: NYE Fireworks; New Year's Eve Brunch & Dinner Cruises

San Diego Guide To Outdoor, Ice Skating Rinks: Holidays 2023-24