No Reservations? Dine Out On New Year's Eve

Ring in 2010 over your third (or fourth) course.

You want to be festive on New Year's Eve, and you want food to be part of the deal. Well, pick your poison, and book it. Here are some savory options.

BY THE BEECH
Where: Beechwood, 822 Washington Blvd., Venice
What: A 4-course prix fixe menu, complimentary champagne, favors.
Why: Beechwood offers a hip, lively Venice Beach scene.
How much: $75 per guest.
Call: (310) 448-8884

COME SEE
Where: Comme Ca, 8479 Melrose Ave.
What: A 1920's Paris-themed night at David Myers' French brasserie.
On the menu: Dishes will include Red Wine Risotto and Squab Breast Crepinette.
Why: There are three seatings starting at 5pm, each with a four-course prix fixe menu.
How much: $95 per guest.
Call: (323) 782-1104

CULVER CATCH
Where: Akasha, 9543 Culver Blvd.
What: Creole-inspired 3-course menu and champagne toast.
What else: Live entertainment by Sweet Baby J'ai.
Why: Akasha serves up tried, tested and approved contemporary American fare in a fun Culver City location.
How much: $60 for early seating (5-8pm); $75 after 9pm.
Call: (310) 845-1700

OH LA LA
Where: Morel's French Steakhouse and Bistro, at the Grove
What: A four-course pre-fixe menu with yummies ranging from "roasted beet salad with fallen Roquefort soufflé" to "stuffed quail with wild mushroom Duxelle."
What else: Live entertainment from 7pm - 1am.
Why: It's a large restaurant, thus lots of seating. Being Grove-adjacent could be handy if window-shopping, fountain-dancing, or movie-watching is also on your NYE wish list.
How much: $85 per person.
Call: (323) 965-9595

DOWNTOWN
Where: Patina, 141 S. Grand Ave.
What: Early seating pre-fixe (4:30 - 6:30pm) for theater-goers, plus "gala seating" and late seating options as well.
On the menu: Butter Poached Maine Lobster. Chocolate Griotte. A caviar cart.
How much: $85 - $160 per person, depending on the seating.
Call: (213) 972-3331

DOWNTOWN, TOO
Where: Nick & Stef's Steakhouse, 330 S. Hope St.
What: A reasonably-priced 3- or 4-course pre fixe menu. And steak, of course.
On the menu: Roasted black cod, seared boat scallops, squash agnolotti.
How much: $59 for 3 courses; $70 for 4.
Call: (213) 680-0330

MARGARITAVILLE
Where: Border Grill, 1445 4th St., Santa Monica
What: A 3-course menu for seating from 5-6pm, and a 4-course menu after 6:30.
On the menu: Empanada de Barbacoa, slow-roasted baby back ribs, spiced red yam flan
How much: $35 - $45
Call: (213) 972-3331

OH 'YA
Where: Katsuya, Brentwood, 11777 San Vicente Blvd.
What: Sit down dinner plus DJ, or tray-passed sushi and libations.
Why: Master Sushi Chef Katsuya Uechi has been lauded by critics and sushi-lovers alike. Décor, including giant red lips, by Philippe Starck.
How much: $120+ per person.
Call: (310) 207-8744 (For info on other Katsuya locations, check www.sbe.katsuya)

SONA-FIED
Where: Sona Restaurant, 401 N. La Cienega
What: Two New Year's Eve seatings (6pm, 9pm) featuring multi-course tasting menus and wine pairings created by revered chef David Myers and sommelier Mark Mendoza.
On the menu: Dishes including Big Eye Tuna with Black Truffle Puree and Miso Marinated Beef Loin.
Why: Sona is described by users on Yelp as "transcendant" and "epic." New Year's Eve seems like a good night for epic.
How much: $125 - $155 per guest. Wine pairings $45 - $115.
Call: (310) 659-7708

TO HAL WITH IT
Where: Hal's Bar & Grill, 1349 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice
What: A 3-course seating at 5:30 and a second seating (with champagne and a DJ, too) at 9.
Why: Hal's is consistently fun and lively, and a good choice for a group on a night like New Year's.
How much: $57 - $78 per person, depending on seating.
Call: (310) 396-3105
 


Availability at the above restaurants may vary. For a more complete listing of your New Year dining options, visit opentable.com.
 

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