New Year’s Eve 2018: Here are 30 winning dining options

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Dyllan’s Raw Bar Grill is one of Men’s Life DC’s top picks for New Year’s Eve dinner.

Nama Sushi Bar – Join Chef Handry Tjan this New Year’s Eve for a special omakase dining experience at Nama Sushi Bar. Chef Handry’s handcrafted menu will take you on a culinary journey to help you start the new year off right. Choose from two seatings: 7 p.m. at $100 for those wishing to dine and meet up with friends after dinner or 9:30 p.m. for $125 for those who prefer to ring in the New Year at the restaurant with a special midnight toast and surprise.

Punch Bowl Social – If you are a fan of the 90s, Punch Bowl Social — the newest addition to Ballston Quarter — is ready to show you a totally rad time on New Year’s Eve. The new dining and gaming destination that boasts bowling, ping pong, darts and karaoke, as well as great food and handcrafted cocktails, will get the party started at 9 p.m., serving up a special New Year’s Eve punch before the big balloon drop at midnight. There’ll be plenty of 90s music to keep you moving all night — with no cover fee.

Blue Duck Tavern – Executive Chef Adam Howard is presenting a four-course dinner menu for New Year’s Eve at the Michelin-starred Blue Duck Tavern at Park Hyatt. Diners will choose from a variety of chefs’ market selections, along with a Champagne toast for the table. Priced at $165 per person, dinner will be served from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Slate Wine Bar + BistroIn Glover Park, Slate Wine Bar + Bistro’s guests can enjoy a special prix fixe dinner menu for New Year’s Eve showcasing a ‘melting pot’ of flavors based on chef and sommelier Daniel Lledó’s upbringing in the kitchen and vineyard. It is offering two seating options, the first is a two-and-a-half-hour seating from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., which includes a three-course menu priced at $40 per person, or $65 with wine pairings. The second seating, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., is priced at $55 per person, or $85 with wine pairings and includes a four-course prix fixe menu.

Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar – Penn Quarter’s Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar is offering a festive Cuban feast to celebrate New Year Eve with two dinner seatings. The early seating will be from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and guests can select from Chef Guillermo Pernot and Executive Chef Pablo Catalan’s a la carte menu with a variety of “tapas” or small plates, entrées and desserts, and other signature dishes reflective of Old Havana including several New Year’s Eve specials. Guests for the early seating will receive a $25 Cuba Libre gift card per couple to be used during a future visit. For late night dining, with seating times between 9 p.m. and 9:45 p.m., will feature a five-course prix fixe menu priced at $119 per person as well as a Champagne toast, DJ and dancing, and party favors for the Midnight celebration.

Ambar DC – On Capitol Hill, Ambar, the first Balkan restaurant in the nation’s capital, is offering a special New Year’s Eve dinner menu showcasing the best dishes throughout the Balkan Peninsula with a modern twist. It is offering two seating options, the first is a two-hour seating from 5 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., which includes unlimited small plates and unlimited pre-selected drinks priced at $69 per person. The second seating, from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., is priced at $99 per person to dine in the main dining room or $79 per person for bar seats and includes unlimited small plates, unlimited pre-selected drinks and a live DJ. Guests dining during the second seating will enjoy unlimited food until 12 midnight and unlimited drinks until 12:30 a.m. A cash bar will be available for those wishing to order additional drinks from 12:30 a.m. to close.

Ambar Clarendon – Across the Potomac, Ambar Clarendon is also offering a special dinner menu showcasing the best dishes throughout the Balkan Peninsula with a modern twist. It is offering two seating options, the first is from 4:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., which includes 25-cent drinks and unlimited small plates with New Year’s Eve specials priced at $69 per person. The second seating, from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., is priced at $99 per person to dine in the main dining room or $79 per person for bar seats and includes unlimited small plates with New Year’s Eve specials, 25-cent cocktails and a Champagne toast at midnight. Guests dining during the second seating will enjoy unlimited food until 12:30 a.m. A cash bar will be available for those wishing to order drinks from 12:30 a.m. to close.

BABA – The sister restaurant to Ambar Clarendon, BABA is offering guests two seating options New Year’s Eve. The first is a two-hour seating between 4:30 p.m. and 9 p.m., which includes a choice of one appetizer, one entrée and one dessert from BABA’s new Balkans inspired dinner menu along with a complimentary welcome cocktail priced at $55 per person . The second seating, between 9 p.m. and 12 midnight, is priced at $99 per person and includes a choice of one appetizer, one entrée and one dessert from BABA’s new dinner menu, 25-cent cocktails throughout the evening, a DJ and a Champagne toast at midnight.

The Bombay Club – The DC fixture for modern Indian fare, The Bombay Clue is serving a special New Year’s Eve menu prepared by Executive Chef Nilesh Singhvi, with two seating times available. A three-course menu priced at $55 per person will be available from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. During the second seating from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., a five-course menu will be available which is priced at $85 per person. A piano player will perform from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

The Lafayette at The Hay-Adams – Shadowing the White House, The Lafayette at The Hay-Adams is offering a three-course prix fixe menu priced at $110 per adult and $55 per child (ages four to twelve), available from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Guests can anticipate contemporary American cuisine featuring seasonal luxuries delicacies prepared by Executive Chef Nicholas Legret and newly appointed Chef de Cuisine Jacopo Beni, in addition to attentive service in a stately, elegant setting, diners will receive a complimentary glass of house Champagne for toasting the New Year. Furthermore, to complement the New Year’s Eve culinary experience, Tom Vogt, who the great Lena Horne called her “favorite pianist in Washington,” will enrich the evening with a variety of music taking requests as well.

Dyllan’s Raw Bar Grill – Georgetown’s new Dyllan’s Raw Bar Grill is providing a special New Year’s Eve dinner menu showcasing regional American fare, which centers around its modern raw bar. Dyllan’s Raw Bar Grill is offering two seating options, the first is a two-hour seating from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., which includes a four-course, prix fixe menu with New Year’s Eve specials priced at $85. The second seating, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., is priced at $165 and includes a five-course, prix fixe tasting menu with New Year’s Eve specials, a Champagne toast, DJ, and party favors for the midnight celebration. Guests dining during the second seating will also have access to the heated outdoor “Ice Bar” with views of the tree-lined C&O Canal.

Buena Vida – In Silver Spring, Maryland, Buena Vida is offering a special New Year’s Eve dinner menu showcasing dishes from all corners of Mexico. The a two-hour seating from 5 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. will includes unlimited small plates and unlimited pre-selected drinks with New Year’s Eve specials priced at $49 per person. The second seating, from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., is priced at $69 per person to dine in the main dining room or $59 per person for bar seats and includes unlimited small plates and unlimited pre-selected drinks with New Year’s Eve specials. Guests dining during the second seating will enjoy unlimited food until 12 Midnight and unlimited drinks until 12:15 a.m. A cash bar will be available for those wishing to order additional drinks from 12:15 a.m. to close.

Lupo Verde – 14th Street’s Lupo Verde is preparing a traditional Italian feast from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. on New Year’s Eve. Created by Culinary Director Orlando Amaro and Executive Chef Todd Sprik, the dinner will consist of five-courses priced at $130 per person, which includes the traditional Italian Panna Cotta Alla Zucca with vanilla bean gelato, vanilla tuile and hazelnut sponge crumbles prepared by Pastry Chef Dayron Santamaria and a bottle of prosecco for the table to toast at midnight.

Lupo Verde Osteria – Palisadesis putting an authentic Italian twist on its New Year’s Eve menu. The five-course prix fixe offering is priced at $130 per person which includes a bottle of prosecco for the table to toast at midnight. repared by Culinary Director Orlando Amaro and Executive Chef Todd Sprik, the menu will be served from 5 p.m. to 12 midnight (Pastry Chef Dayron Santamaria’s. Panna Cotta Alla Zucca is also making another appearance).

Rasika is serving a special New Year’s Eve menu prepared by Group Executive Chef Vikram Sunderam from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Guests can savor a three-course menu priced at $85 per person. Two wine pairing options will also be available and priced at $40 and $65 each. /.

Rasika West End – Group Executive Chef Vikram Sunderam is also preparing the New Year’s Eve dinner at Rasika West End. It will be served from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and include a three-course menu priced at $85 per person as well as two wine pairing options priced at $40 and $65. .

The Oval Room, located just steps from the White House at 800 Connecticut Avenue, NW, 20006, will showcase a festive holiday menu New Year’s Eve. On Monday, December 31 from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., guests will enjoy a four-course, prix fixe menu priced at $85 per person or $125 with wine pairings. Prepared by Executive Chef Bryan Moscatello, the menu features tempting options such as Alaskan King Crab with pomelo, sunchoke, arugula and togarashi. One can also enjoy traditional caviar service with 30 grams of American Strugeon for $75, Royal Ossetra for $150 and Royal Kaluga for $225.

Mirabelle – The newly re-launched Mirabelle is offering a New Year’s Eve experience prepared by Executive Chef Keith Bombaugh that emulates a modern expression of the global influence on contemporary French cuisine that is designed to transport the diners through evoking emotional connections. The first seating is from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and includes a four-course menu with New Year’s Eve specials priced at $125 per person, or $200 per person with the addition of black & white truffles. The second seating, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., is priced at $150 per person, or $275 per person with the addition of black & white truffles and includes a five-course prix fixe menu with New Year’s Eve specials.

SABABA – Cleveland Park’s newly opened SABABA ring in the New Year with a special a la carte menu served from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Among the many dishes prepared by Executive Chef Ryan Moore will be bourbon blazed chicken livers with roasted sweet potato ($14) and roasted duck breast with clementine and Arak ($24).

Red’s Table – In Reston, Red’s Table is offering a seasonal a la carte menu on New Year’s Eve from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. . Fans won’t want to miss specials such as the Roasted Sunchoke and Fried Pork Shoulder with grain mustard crema for $15 or the Oven Roasted Short Rib with horseradish butter mashed potatoes and glazed radicchio salad for $32. Additionally, Brent and Co. will ignite the stage with a live performance beginning at 9 p.m.

Bindaas – At its two DC locations, Bindaas is presenting New Year’s Eve guests with special dishes from Group Executive Chef Vikram Sunderam as well as his regular a la carte menu inspired by Indian street food. Fans won’t want to miss the Lamb Chop Chutney Wala with coconut, mint and cilantro for $24; Paneer Malai Kofta with cottage cheese dumplings, makhana sauce and bell pepper for $18, as well as Lobster Moilee with curry leaf, ginger and green chili for $25. Bindaas Foggy Bottom (3309 Connecticut Ave., NW) is serving from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Bindaas Cleveland Park (2000 Pennsylvania Ave., NW) is serving from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

nopa Kitchen + Bar, Ashok Bajaj’s American brasserie will offer a seasonal a la carte menu on New Year’s Eve from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.. Fans won’t want to miss festive specials prepared by Executive Chef Matt Kuhn such as the Nopa Mixed Grill for two with roasted quail, veal chop, veal sweetbreads, braised short rib, Moulard duck breast, shellfish beurre monté, truffled potato purée and roasted Brussels sprouts, priced at $150, which includes a bottle of house red, white or sparkling wine for toasting.

Fish by José Andrés – Fish by José Andrés at MGM National Harbor is throwing the New Year’s Eve event that you will not want to miss. For $175, guests will enjoy live music by The Excellent Drivers, waves of food with wine pairings, and midnight fireworks and sparkling wine to ring in the new year. Diners will also be able to have a turn at Fish’s famed cider barrel throughout the night.

Oyamel – In Penn Quarter, José Andrés‘ Oyamel is offering up a five-course New Year’s Eve dinner for $75 per person. While enjoying tacos, lobster pozole, lamb ribs with mole, and other Mexican-inspired dishes, guest will be treated to a DJ, late night bites and a complimentary sparkling toast at midnight.

China Chilcano – At the Peruvian-inspired China Chilcano in Penn Quarter, New Year’s Eve guests are able to partake in a prix fixe menu ($65 per person), drink specials, music and a midnight cava toast to welcome the new year.

Brookland’s Finest – Brookland’s Finest is hosting a family style three-course New Year’s Eve dinner for two for only $40. The menu is Smoked Shrimp Cocktail with house-made cocktail sauce and Old Bay vinaigrette; Beef Brisket with Napa cabbage coleslaw, green beans and spicy BBQ sauce, and Gala Apple Pie with Moorenko’s salted caramel ice cream accompanied by a glass of Prosecco.

Dirty Habit – Inside Penn Quarter’s Kimpton Hotel Monaco, Dirty Habit is ringing in 2019 with a savory luxe prix-fixe, four-course New Year’s Eve menu from Executive Chef Kyoo Eom, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Post dinner, Dirty Habit will transform into a closed New Year’s Eve party, hosted by Liton Events.

Taberna del Alabardero – Eating 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight is considered good luck in Spain. This Spanish tradition is also a superstition – if you don’t eat the 12 grapes you will have bad luck in the coming year. To help make sure your 2019 is filled with the best of luck, Taberna del Alabardero is hosting a tasty eight-course New Year’s Eve dinner with seatings from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.  The 12 grapes will be available twice — at 6 p.m. when the clock is striking midnight in Spain and at midnight local time.

City Tap Penn Quarter – Ring in 2019 in speakeasy style at City Tap Penn Quarter’s Prohibition-themed New Year’s Eve party. The restaurant will be decked out in roaring ‘20s décor and is serving a $50 three-course prix fixe menu featuring decadent dishes like halibut with herbed risotto and filet mignon. Guests can take advantage of earlier seatings between 5:30 p.m. and 6:15 p.m., or late seatings from 8:15 p.m.  and 9:30 p.m., and must make reservations for the prix fixe menu. The restaurant will offer a $50 open bar from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. — including a champagne toast at midnight. Guests who enjoy dinner at the restaurant can take part in the open bar for a reduced $40.

The Salt Line – The Salt Line is hosting its second annual New Year’s Eve dinner, complete with southeast riverfront views. Executive Chef Kyle Bailey is preparing a four-course prix fixe menu for $85 per person with optional wine pairings for an additional $50. Guests will have a variety of flavorful options like crab bisque, lobster pot pie, seared foie gras, beef fat poached halibut, grilled ribeye of beef. Raw bar items are also available a la carte.

Troy Petenbrink

Troy, also known as The Gay Traveler, is a well known travel and food writer. His has been a regular contributor to a variety of outlets including National Geographic, Travel Channel, DCRefined, CBS Local, and Metro Weekly. He also appears on local Washington news outlets as a travel expert.

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