Hot Places for Downtown New Year’s Eve Dining…. or All Year-Round

I’ve given you some activities/events to consider for partying tonight.  As promised, here are some reservations you might want to consider for fabulous New Year’s Eve dining.




The Dutch:

If you’re a fan of oysters, there’s no better place for a New Year’s Eve oyster indulgence than The Dutch in the heart of SoHo.  Enjoy a full variety at the oyster bar, or wait patiently for a table in the hustling front room or a booth in the back room and enjoy superstar Chef Andrew Carmellini specials like beef ravioli with short ribs, truffles and porcini; hearty spice-glazed pork chops; or scallops prepared crudo-style.  Chef Carmellini, the brains behind Locanda Verde in TriBeCa, brings to life a mix of organic and local fare with American classics, Italian twists, and seafood.   The atmosphere is casual and lively and always busy.  Check out the remarkable wine list and awesome slices of pie for dessert.  If you can’t score a table, park yourself at the bar: it’s a great place for starting or ending your evening. www.thedutchnyc.com

Location: 131 Sullivan Street (Prince Street)

Phone: 212.677.6200

SHO:

The night doesn’t stop after dinner at this modern tasting plates-style restaurant overseen by Chef Shaun Hergatt.  Enjoy a premium open bar and unlimited appetizers from 9pm-1am, with a traditional champagne toast at the end of the night.  For $100 per person, the night’s entertainment includes a DJ, dance floor and flat screen set up to watch the ball drop.  Set in a somewhat hidden spot in the Financial District, this innovative take on New Year’s Eve is for the partygoer looking to dine and socialize in style.  Call for reservations. www.shoshaunhergatt.com

Location: The Setai Wall, New York 40 Broad Street

Phone: 212.809.3993

Tocqueville:

This contemporary French-American restaurant is known for its spectacular holiday menus, and New Year’s Eve is no exception.  Two different seatings will be offered: First Seating from 5:30-7:30pm at $85/person and Second Seating from 8-11pm at $110/person.  A five-course tasting menu for $125/person will also be available all evening featuring Chef Marco Moreira’s personal medley of dishes.  The menu is all about innovation with savory choices like the Spice Crusted Young Venison Loin and the Roasted Baby Pumpkin Risotto.  Reservations required.  www.tocquevillerestaurant.com

Location: 1 East 15th Street

Phone: 212.647.1515

The Breslin Bar & Dining Room:

April Bloomfield and Ken Friedman’s meat-centric gastropub is a great option for delicious fare and low-key dining.  Located at the Ace Hotel in the Flatiron District, there is no shortage of pork or meat on this menu.  Three seating times will be offered for groups of 8-12 people- 5:30pm, 8pm and 10:30pm.  Choice entreés include the chargrilled lamb burger with feta or the vinegared poussin with grilled onions- try the pig foot for two, if you are daring!  Sides of creamy potatoes and Brussels sprouts with bacon are just a few of the accompaniment options.  An impressive beer and wine selection is also available.  For groups booking, continue the night at the Ace Lobby where there is a 50% discount on table reservations. www.thebreslin.com

Location: 16 West 29th Street (Between Broadway and 5th Ave)

Phone: 212.679.1939

Bin on Becker:

This cozy wine bar located in West Village is a great spot for a more relaxing and low-key evening.  Restaurateur Lawrence Bondulich presents a rustic, warmly lit atmosphere with excellent American-based cuisine and a prestigious wine menu.  For New Year’s Eve, a $50/person four-course menu will host favorites such as Faicco’s cotechino with lentils, racks of lamb and crispy apple tart.  Further menu details at: www.binonbleecker.com.

Location: 264 Bleecker Street

Phone: 212. 620.3111

Highpoint Bistro & Bar:

From 7pm until the beginnings of 2012, this Chelsea neighborhood favorite will be offering a special 3-course feast at a very reasonable $48/person.  Highpoint Bistro & Bar is known for its emphasis on local and organic food, with sparks of American flavor.  The New Year’s Eve line-up includes delicious seafood options like the Yellow Fin Tuna Parfait and Seared Wild Striped Bass.  Midnight Champagne toast included in price!  www.highpointbb.com

Location: 216 7th Avenue (at 23rd Street)

Phone: 646.410.0120

The Spotted Pig:

No Reservations Required and complimentary champagne!  What more reason do you need besides a bit of patience to score a table and an early arrival time?  Also from the April Bloomfield-Ken Friedman team and featuring seasonal British & Italian dishes, The Spotted Pig will be offering its regular menu plus a few celebratory specialties from 5:30pm-2am.  A low maintenance night for lovers of grilled or roasted meat entrées.  www.thespottedpig.com

Location: 314 W. 11th Street (at Greenwich Street)

Phone: 212.620.0393

Tertulia:

Celebrate the flavors of Spain and its New Year’s tradition, hasta las uvas (until the grapes) at this funky downtown eatery.  Hasta las uvas is the Spanish tradition of eating 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight, to bring good wishes and luck for the following year.  Tertulia will be set up in a communal table fashion with a family-style menu of flavorful Spanish dishes and unlimited cava, sangria, wine and sidra for second and third seatings.  First seating at 5:30pm for $90/person, second seating at 8:30pm for $130/person and third seating at 11pm for $130/person.  www.tertulianyc.com

Location: 359 Sixth Avenue

Phone: 646.559.9909

Colicchio & Sons:

Two different room and menu options will be available at this chic and innovative, Moet Hennessy-hosted New Year’s Eve spot.  The Dining room will offer two seatings, First from 5-7:30pm at $125/person for five-courses and a glass of Ruinart Champagne; second from 8-11pm at  $235/person for seven-course tasting menu and a glass of Krug Champagne.  In the Tap Room, a four-course prix fixe menu will be offered for $65/person at first seating, and $95/person at second seating, featuring a glass of Ruinart Champagne.  www.colicchioandsons.com

Location: 85 Tenth Avenue (at 15th Street)

Phone: 212.400.6699

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