The holiday season is in full swing and restaurants, bars and bakeries across San Diego are offering special dining experiences to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve!

Christmas Dining

Vistal

Vistal, a stunning bar and restaurant overlooking the San Diego Bay at the InterContinental San Diego, is offering three-courses of flavorful specials on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, in addition to their full menu. Start the evening with the Chestnut Agnolotti with Maple Sage Beurre Noisette, Lardons, Butternut Squash, Hazelnut, Manchego. Dive into Vistal’s Surf & Turf spotlighting Local Spiny Lobster Tail & Bone-in Filet Mignon with Potato Fondant, Persimmon, Chantarelle, Parsnip, Fig Bordelaise. End the night with sweet and festive treats by indulging in the Vistal Holiday Trio featuring Milk Chocolate Santa Hat, Cream Puff Snowflake, Cherry Cheesecake Santa Hat. Enjoy a la carte or bundle all three together for a total of $99. Reserve your spot now for December 24th or December 25th here. Enjoy a relaxing Christmas dinner with savory food and stunning bay views!

The Lafayette

For an over the top California Christmas, check into North Park’s historic Lafayette Hotel. With a lobby doused floor to ceiling in holiday decorations and festive foods and cocktails around every turn, The Lafayette Hotel is the maximalist winter wonderland of your dreams. Gift yourself a hearty dose of nostalgia by ordering the Holiday Platter at Beginner’s Diner which comes with slow roasted turkey breast, braised turkey thigh, brown butter-sage sweet potato pave, rye bread stuffing mashed potatoes and turkey gravy, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce and a Parker House roll. Then head to the Lobby Bar for a nightcap from their season cocktail menu including the warming Hot Toddy with whiskey, chai, yerba santa, allspice, apple, ginger and cardamom, the jolly and juicy Tiki with aged rum, coconut, banana, orange, lime and Chinese Five Spice, and a lightly fruited Old Fashioned with bourbon, cognac, fig, creme de cacao and dry vermouth. A special Holiday Tea Service will also be available in the hotel’s lobby Monday-Friday from noon to 4 pm. For $65 per guest, a festive spread of tea and small bites will be provided - pinkies up! Make your tea service reservations here.

*Photo Credit: Courtesy of The Sweet & Savory Collective*

Pop Pie Co.

All day pie shop, Pop Pie Co. is introducing an irresistible lineup of made-from-scratch, limited-time pies capturing the flavors of winter. Savor the comforting warmth of the Red Chile Pork Pie, featuring Pop Pie Co.’s “mom’s tamale recipe” tucked into their signature buttery crust. For a sweet twist, indulge in the Pear Frangipane Pie, a delicate almond cream topped with juicy pears, or try the vibrant Blueberry Yuzu Vegan Pie, where tart yuzu meets sweet blueberries for a perfectly balanced treat. And don’t miss the Calamansi Cranberry Pie (pre-order only), a festive blend of zesty calamansi citrus and tart cranberries, adding a bold pop of flavor to your holiday table. Available for a limited time starting in early December, these seasonal creations are perfect for sharing, or keeping all to yourself. All pies (besides Calamansi Cranberry - pre-order only) can be picked up in person at any Pop Pie Co. location including University Heights, Point Loma and Pacific Beach, or ordered online / via phone.

Rustic Root

Join Rustic Root on Christmas Day and savor some chef-curated holiday specials, in addition to the full menu. Start your feast with specials including Hokto Farm Mushroom Bisque and Smoked Duck Breast, followed by main courses including Pistachio-Crusted Lamb T-Bone made with violet mustard, bucheron spoon bread, artichokes, and lilet thyme jus; Kurobuta Braised Pork Cheeks made with mimolette polenta, miso glazed eggplant, and cassis port reduction; and Oxtail & Porcini Mushroom Tortellini made with madeira truffle jus, baby shiitake mushrooms, and grana padano. Complete your meal with indulgent holiday desserts like Spiced Gingerbread served with huckleberry compote and ginger gelato or Black & White Chocolate Bread Pudding served with praline sauce, hazelnut crunch, and vanilla ice cream. Reservations are available from 3pm-9pm and can be made online.

For those looking to enjoy the warmth of the season from home, Rustic Root is offering a Christmas Family Meal for 4 priced at $135. This ready-to-reheat feast includes Hokto Farm Mushroom Bisque, Brown Sugar Glazed Spiral Ham with Mimolette Baked Mac ‘n’ Cheese, Garlic Smashed Potatoes, Charred Brussels Sprouts, Cast Iron Cornbread with Honey Mustard, and German Chocolate Pecan Pie. Orders can be placed online and will close on Friday, December 20, with pickup being available on Christmas Eve and Christmas from 2pm-9pm.

Huntress

Celebrate the magic of Christmas and delight in the rich, festive flavors of the season at Huntress. The restaurant will be offering some decadent specials including Beef Wellington made with mushroom duxelle, prosciutto, and a port wine demi; Main Lobster Risotto made with carnaroli rice, saffron, preserven lemon, and pecorino romano; and Caviar Deviled Eggs made with crème fraîche, chives, and siberian caviar. Pair these holiday highlights with your favorites from Huntress’ full dinner menu for an unforgettable holiday experience! Reservations are available from 4pm-6:30pm and can be made online.

Juniper and Ivy

Indulge in an elevated Christmas Eve celebration at Juniper and Ivy, Little Italy’s vanguard dining institution, with a special four-course pre-fixe menu featuring the freshest offerings from the restaurant’s farmer, fisher and rancher friends. Available December 24 for $168 per person, guests will begin the night with choice of decadent dishes like the Diver Scallop Ceviche made with oscietra caviar, chili, radish, and calamansi or Wagyu Steak Tartare with parisian dressing, served on brioche toast. Mouth-watering second-course offerings include choice of Heritage Pork & Game Bird Terrine, Chestnut & Celery Soup, Pumpkin Spiced Kabocha Agnolotti or Winter Chop Salad. Third course choices include Porcini Mushroom Risotto, Koa King Salmon, Boston Lobster Thermidore or Braised Beef Short Ribs. To close the evening on a sweet note, enjoy the rich Black Forest Dark Chocolate served with black cherries and vanilla cream, or Peppermint Gateau with white chocolate mousse, gingerbread and cranberry. Enhance the dining experience with an optional wine pairing, expertly curated to complement each course and enhance the evening’s flavors, available for additional purchase. Gather loved ones and join Juniper and Ivy for a magical night of holiday cheer and exceptional fare. Reservations can be made via OpenTable experiences.

New Year’s Eve Dining

Lou Lou’s Jungle Room at The Lafayette Hotel & Club

Ring in the new year with a night of dinner, drinks, dancing and more with the New Year's Eve Supperclub & Variety Show at Lou Lou's Jungle Room at The Lafayette Hotel & Club. Spend an unforgettable evening enjoying the variety show on the famous clamshell stage featuring a spectacular mix of music from the San Diego Jazz Orchestra 18-piece band, magic from Derek Ostovani, and comedy hosted by Jeremiah Watkins. In addition to world class entertainment, Lou Lou’s supper club promises a decadent three-course preset meal by Chef Ted Smith with options such as Steak Tartare, Hamachi Crudo, Wagyu NY Strip Steak, Local Seabass and more. Doors open at 6:30pm and dinner starts at 8pm. Tickets can be purchased online here on December 6th at 12pm.

Juniper and Ivy

Kick New Year’s Eve celebrations up a notch at Juniper and Ivy's special New Year’s Eve four-course pre-fixe dinner, priced at $225 per person. Enjoy a memorable evening featuring a live DJ to raise spirits and a champagne toast to raise your glass as the clock strikes midnight, ushering in 2025 with style and an exquisite dinner. First course offerings include An Oyster in Black Tie made with ossetra caviar and lemongrass veloute; or Coronado Tuna Crudo with avocado, honhaou and ginger flower dressing. Then, savor dishes like Raviolo Carbonara with roman guanciale and black pepper; or Squash Blossom with Boston Lobster, tarragon and green goddess dressing. Followed by exceptional third-course options, guests can indulge in dishes such as Winter Squash Risotto with brussels sprouts and roasted apples; or Snake River Farms Duo with spinach, potato gratin and sauce perigordine. End the culinary journey with choice of gourmet treats like Winter Citrus Pavlova with citrus curd and toasted pistachios, Ferrero Rocher made with jivara chocolate mousse and hazelnut or assorted mignardis for the table. To further elevate each dish’s flavor, guests can enjoy a superb wine pairing for additional purchase. Ring in the New Year with unforgettable flavors, great company, and exciting celebration at Juniper and Ivy - reservations can be made via OpenTable experiences.

Cellar Hand

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Hillcrest, Cellar Hand invites guests to celebrate the arrival of 2025 with a special five-course pre-fixe New Year's Eve dinner showcasing hyper-local ingredients, priced at $95 per guest. This neighborhood gem is the first full-service restaurant from the Perr family, owners of Pali Wine Co., with Chef Logan Kendall highlighting vibrant, local ingredients with simplicity and restraint, letting the ingredients shine. Cellar Hand sources nearly all produce and proteins from within the county and exclusively serves California wines to complement the cuisine. Enjoy the freshest fare the region has to offer, with dishes crafted by Chef Logan including Sterling Caviar Dip, Local Spiny Lobsters, Thompson Heritage Ranch Pork, and Bone Marrow from Mark Goode’s Ranch Land & Feast located in Ramona, CA. Elevate the evening with supplemental wine pairings from the exclusively California wine list. Toast to the New Year with an evening where every bite tells the story of California’s farms, and every sip celebrates its vineyards. Reservations can be made online here.

Vistal

Ring in the new year with a delicious meal at Vistal, the beautiful bar and restaurant offering breathtaking views of the San Diego Bay at the InterContinental San Diego. This year, Vistal is offering a savory four-course meal priced at $139 per person with an optional wine pairing available for $55. Begin the night with an Amuse Bouche featuring Kumamoto oyster, creme fraiche mignonette, and ossetra caviar. Dive into the first course with a choice of the Kabocha Squash Soup made with fennel and spinach crouton or Apple Salad made with salanova greens, nasturtium, honey crisp apple, pomegranate, kataifi fried goat cheese, and cider vinaigrette. Savor the second course with a choice of the Spiny Lobster Ravioli made with preserved lemon ricotta, asparagus tips, and sorrel or Wagyu Steak Tartar made with brioche toast, cured egg yolk, pickled mustard, timur berry, and fried parsnip. Indulge in the third course with a choice of the Snake River Farms New York Strip made with root vegetables, truffled yukon potato, and fig bordelaise; Local Miso Black Cod with squid ink tempura rice, shiitake, sprouting broccoli, and yuzu sea urchin sauce; or Maple Lead Duck Breast made with parisian gnocchi, baby turnips, morel mushrooms, and vadouvan sauce. Save room for dessert and treat yourself to Espresso Chocolate Truffle Torte made with chocolate ganache and whipped crema or Vanilla Cake Snowflake made with sea salt caramel and vanilla mousse. Reservations can be made online.

Rustic Root

Two floors, one epic party! On the main floor, Rustic Root will be serving up some celebratory specials including Koji Aged New York made with potato pave, black truffle, pinot noir, and parmesan butter; Ginger Butter Main Lobster Tail made with beemster gouda polenta, white asparagus, and tangerine butter; Warm Bittersweet Chocolate Cake made with valrhona chocolate and pistachio gelato; and more along with their regular dinner menu. Reservations for dinner are available from 6pm-11:15pm and can be made online. The rooftop party will begin at 8pm, and guests can purchase “Skip the Line” tickets to fast-track their way inside, or reserve a VIP table. Rooftop table reservations are available for groups of 4-15 people and can be made online.

Huntress

Toast to the New Year with an elevated dining experience at Huntress. In addition to the regular menu, enjoy chef specials including King Crab Brown Butter Risotto made with carnaroli rice, lemon brown butter, crème fraîche, and fresh herbs; Caviar Donuts made with siberian caviar, brioche donuts, confit egg yolk, and chives; and more luxurious offerings crafted by the culinary team. Reservations are available from 5pm-11:15pm and can be made online.

Lumi

Say goodbye to 2024 with two incredible ways to celebrate! Lumi will be offering some celebratory features including a Crab & Avocado made with spicy red crab, sliced avocado, toasted sesame seeds, tobiko, yuzu aji miso; Toro Negi & Uni made with local tuna, Santa Barbara sea urchin, freshly grated wasabi, Masago Arare; and Wagyu & Caviar made with robata grilled wagyu, teriyaki glaze, Siberian Caviar, and 24k gold flakes; along with the full dinner menu, bottle service, cocktails, and champagne menus. Dinner reservations along with premier tables are available from 5pm-8pm and can be reserved online. Then, ring in the new year on the heated rooftop beginning at 10pm with “Skip the Line” tickets available along with VIP tables for groups of 4-15 people. Rooftop reservations can be made online, and all guests attending the celebration will also receive party favors, along with a sparkling toast during the midnight countdown.

Swing Social

Swing into 2025 with an unforgetting evening at Swing Social. In addition to a DJ from 8pm-2am, enjoy $5 select shots and lagers all night, along with a midnight toast shot during the countdown. VIP Simulator Rentals are available starting at 10pm for $250, and include a bottle of your choice (Tito’s, Elijah Craig, Patrón, or Bacardí) and room for up to 15 people. Plus, enjoy no cover before 10pm with an online RSVP. Reservations can be made online.

*Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lakehouse Resort*

Brickmans at Lakehouse Resort

This Christmas, gather your loved ones and savor a memorable Christmas dinner at Brickmans at Lakehouse Resort. Located right on The Links golf course and priced at $65 per person, the evening includes a glass of local Orfila wine and a decadent three-course meal crafted to delight every palate. Start with Lobster Bisque, a crisp Winter Mixed Green Salad, or comforting Ricotta Gnocchi. For the main course, choose from premium Prime Rib with mashed potatoes, green beans, creamy horseradish-au jus, Risotto with mushroom ragout, english peas, thyme, parmesan, and truffle, tender Halibut with celery root purée, snap peas, pancetta, and yellow squash or perfectly cooked 10oz Airline Chicken with sweet potato purée, root vegetables and chicken consommé. End your meal on a sweet note with a Five-Layer Chocolate Cake or a Berry Fruit Tart. Reservations can be made here.

Quixote at The Lafayette Hotel & Club

Before 2024 is extinguished, watch the year’s final flame flicker in the romantic, dimly lit dining room of Quixote at The Lafayette Hotel & Club. The restaurant’s New Years Eve offerings will include an exclusive 6-course dinner from Chef José Cepeda for $145 per person featuring smoky Oaxacan-inspired dishes served family style such as Steak Tartar with sunchoke chips and 64° eggs (vegan: mushroom tartar), Tamal Jarocho with pork or jackfruit wrapped in hoja santa, and Plato Fuerte a smoked brisket or French chicken with mole and seasonal sides (vegan: sweet potato enmoladas), along with luxury supplements to elevate your night including caviar or truffles. A special mezcal pairing is available for additional $60 or wine pairing for $65. Savor the last moments of the year while sipping agave spirits and cheers to what 2025 will bring! Guests can reserve a spot via OpenTable here.

Roma Norte

End the year on a high note at San Diego’s new chic technique-driven cocktail bar, Roma Norte. With a celebratory note in the air, expertly crafted cocktails flowing and fresh tacos cooking, Roma Norte is throwing an unforgettable NYE party, with just the right amount of indulgence. Start the evening with an ice luge shot and wrap it up with a champagne toast at midnight—because no great story ever started with staying home. Tickets start at $125, and include (3) complimentary cocktails, (2) tacos, (1) ice luge shot, and a champagne toast at midnight. Upgrade your experience with a tin of caviar, creme fraiche, and potato chips or a bottle of bubbly waiting at your table. Doors open at 9 pm. Secure your reservation here.

Valentina

This New Year’s Eve, make it all about great food, good company, and a relaxed vibe. Join us at Valentina in Encinitas for a laid-back neighborhood celebration. Enjoy a prix fixe menu for $88, featuring seasonal and community favorites. Start with sharable bites like Gambas Al Ajillo, sautéed shrimp with garlic, olive oil, and chile de árbol, Patatas Bravas with crispy potato pave, brava sauce, and chive aioli. For the main course, choose from dishes like Chicken Palliard with lemon mustard sauce and capers, or Eggplant Milanesa with market vegetables and marinara sauce. Finish off the meal with decadent desserts like Crema Catalana, a silky custard with a crispy burnt sugar top, and Bunelos, cinnamon-dusted fried dough. Plus, raise a glass with champagne specials and enjoy a complimentary champagne toast at midnight for all late-night seatings. Limited seating available, so be sure to reserve a table here.

Christmas & New Year’s Eve Dining In San Diego

Christmas Dining

New Year’s Eve Dining

Lou Lou’s Jungle Room at The Lafayette Hotel & Club

Brickmans at Lakehouse Resort

Quixote at The Lafayette Hotel & Club

2025 Anticipated Restaurants Openings in San Diego

What We’re Sipping On This New Year’s Eve In San Diego