Welcome the new year in style at New Year’s Eve celebrations across San Francisco.
We don’t mean to be dramatic, but how you end the year goes a long way in determining your future. Luckily there are all kinds of ways to go all out as we enter 2025.
From elegant events and traditional toasts to lavish parties and swanky soirees, here are the best places to send off 2024.
The best of both worlds—Besharam and Lion Dance Cafe—come together for a lively vegan feast. (Ariana Zhang)
3rd Cousin
This Bernal Heights hotspot is keeping mum on their menu for now but has offered this promise: a feast inspired by the theme, “Live a life worth living.” Expect luxurious vegetarian and vegan delights centered on seasonal ingredients. // 919 Cortland Ave. (Bernal Heights); 3rdcousinsf.getbento.com
7 Adams
For a strong start to the new year, head to one of the best new restaurants in the country (at least according to Esquire). A five-course prix fixe dinner ($175/person) elevates American classics, kicking off with oysters and caviar and rounding out the night with aged ribeye. Add a wine pairing ($105/person) or stay for the complimentary champagne toast at midnight. // 1963 Sutter St, (Pacific Heights), 7adamsrestaurant.com; reservations at resy.com
Abacá
We won’t judge you for heading toward Fisherman's Wharf for New Year’s Eve, especially if you’re on your way to Abacá for their delightful Filipino cuisine. For New Year’s Eve, chef Francis Ang brings a luxurious spin to a multi-course tasting menu ($125/person) with smoked oysters, Dungeness crab salad, and roasted lobster, all served family-style. Caviar and duck liver torchon are also available as add-ons, but make sure to save room for Dandelion Chocolate layered cake. // Kimpton Alton Fisherman's Wharf, 2700 Jones St. (Fishermans Wharf), restaurantabaca.com; reservations at opentable.com
Anomaly
For those who want to go all-out on New Year’s, Anomaly’s 11-course tasting menu ($179/person) might just fit the bill. Chef Mike Lanham brings Southern and dramatic flair, with tableside presentations and a rich tour of taste and texture. Add-ons like caviar and wine pairings, with options for pescatarians and vegetarians, will make this a crowd-and-palate pleaser. // 2600 Sutter St. (Pacific Heights), anomalysf.com; reservations at exploretock.com
Besharam + Lion Dance Cafe
Kick off the new year with a lively pairing of mastermind chefs and rich flavors, when chef Heena Patel of Besharam comes together with the Lion Dance Cafe team (C-Y Chia and Shane Stanbridge) for a family-style, three-course vegan feast ($175/person). Expect samosas, rendang, saffron nasi kuning, trevti dal, and more, with cocktails to compliment every dish (or a wine pairing for $45/person). Our beloved DJ Sami will be curating the vibe all night long with a mix of cultural tunes and 90's favorites to take you to a midnight champagne toast. Choose a 7pm or 9:30pm seating. // Besharam, 1275 Minnesota St. (Dogpatch); reservations at resy.com
Copra
Go all out at Copra with a six-course prix fixe tasting menu ($155/person) of South Indian flavors. This artful feast in one of San Francisco’s most stylish spaces will cater to vegetarians and meat-lovers alike, with champagne for all. Already have NYE plans? Stop by for an epic brunch ($75/person) on New Year's Day instead, with 15 dishes all plated on tropical banana leaves. // 1700 Fillmore St. (Pacific Heights), coprarestaurant.com; dinner and brunch reservations at resy.com
Empress by Boon
For vibes and modern Cantonese fare, check out Chinatown’s Empress by Boon. A celebratory prix fixe menu ($168/person) combines traditional techniques with fresh, bold ingredients in a lush interior setting that offers great views of the city. // 838 Grant Ave. (Chinatown), theempresssf.com; reservations at opentable.com
Pasta favorites get an elevated update with NYE at Flour + Water. (Krescent Carasso)
Flour + Water
A luxe tasting menu from chef Ryan Pollnow and chef de cuisine Aaron Shapiro elevates the famous pasta dishes at Flour + Water for New Year’s Eve. Over six courses ($195/person), enjoy caviar-topped canapés, scallop crudo, saffron-infused risotto, and grilled dry-aged beef. Add the optional wine pairing ($70/person) to truly complete the night. // 2401 Harrison St. (Mission), flourandwater.com; reservations at resy.com
Foreign Cinema
Infuse some art into your New Year’s Eve with a four-course celebration at Foreign Cinema. The retro-Polynesian inspired menu ($165/person, $45/child) include scallops, Dungeness crab, and oysters on the half shell, plus festive Tiki cocktail pairings. Enjoy alongside vintage film, music, and entertainment for a lively evening. If you’re not planning on planning ahead, the Laszlo Bar and main bar are open for à la carte dining and toasts. // 2534 Mission St. (Mission), foreigncinema.com; reservations at opentable.com
Frances
What’s more festive than a family style feast to ring in the new year? Gather your friends at Frances for a prix-fixe meal ($125/person) meant for sharing. Indulge in chef Melissa Perello’s Californian-centric cuisine with hits like local halibut, roasted chestnut soup, and ricotta dumplings. // 3870 17th St. (Upper Market), frances-sf.com
La Mar
Kiss 2024 goodbye on the shores of the Bay as you enjoy a gourmet five-course Peruvian dinner at La Mar Cocina Peruana. Enjoy seaside delights like cebiche California and grilled Spanish octopus, along with traditional Peruvian-style beef tenderloin and vegan options. Bonus: You’ll be well-situated for fireworks and a midnight champagne toast (if you haven’t had too much Pisco punch). The first seating runs from 5:30pm to 6:15pm ($209/person) and the second runs from 8:30 to 9:15pm ($269/person). // Pier 1 ½ (The Embarcadero), lamarsf.com; reservations at opentable.com
Settle into a sultry night at Left Door for luscious drinks and caviar bumps. (Erin Ng)
Left Door
If sultry and sexy cocktails are your vibe and the party-friendly Marina is your scene, check out the New Year’s Eve bash at Left Door. Tickets ($100/person) include a welcome drink and champagne at midnight. In between, expect charcuterie bites and caviar bumps. Festivities start at 10pm; dress to impress. // 1905 Union Street (Marina), leftdoorsf.com; tickets at exploretock.com
Mattina
If you’re saving the fuss for later in the night, make a pit stop at Mattina for a casual but hearty New Year’s Eve dinner. Go for the regular menu or try specials like smoked brisket, pesto risotto, or guinea hen ragu to prime yourself for a night of champagne and cocktails. You can even order some holiday take-out to go if you’re hosting. // 2232 Bush St. (Pacific Heights), mattinasf.com; reservations at resy.com
MKT
For a sophisticated New Year’s Eve affair, head to the Four Seasons’ MKT. Go early for a pared down three-course prix fixe menu ($190/person) or up the ante with a five-course option ($225/person) and optional wine pairing. All throughout the night, enjoy live music and dancing. // Four Seasons Hotel, 757 Market St. (SoMa), fourseasons.com; reservations at opentable.com
Moongate Lounge
Tucked above Mister Jiu's is the plush Moongate Lounge, chef Brandon Jew's cocktail oasis. For New Year's Eve they're hosting Machinedrum for a DJ set and slinging drinks and snacks all night long. Tickets ($88/person) include entry to the show, a slice of Boy Blue pizza, and a champagne toast at midnight. Doors open at 9pm. // 28 Waverly Place (Chinatown); tickets at exploretock.com
The buzzy Mexican-Persian restaurant is throwing an “elegant and shishi soirée” that includes bottomless cocktails, Dom Pérignon bubbles, and Patrón shots, for starters. Party on with live entertainment and truffle and caviar treats as you make it to the midnight toast. It all starts after 9:30pm. // 555 2nd St. (SoMa), movidalounge.com; reservations at opentable.com
Nisei
New Year’s Eve at Michelin-starred Nisei is a true treat from chef David Yoshimura. The special tasting menu ($385/person) blends luxury ingredients—think king crab, truffle, wagyu, and caviar—with the restaurant’s signature Japanese-American flavors. Make the night extra festive with a Tokubetsu Sake pairing ($265/person). // 2316 Polk St. (Russian Hill), restaurantnisei.com; reservations at opentable.com
Octavia
Caviar crepes, beef tartare, Liberty Farm duck breast—the New American delicacies at Octavia will set the tone of your evening and 2025 right. The multi-course New Year’s Eve menu ($125/person) is served family style with seasonal ingredients at the center and a can’t-miss chocolate mousse torte as the grand finale. // 1701 Octavia St. (Pacific Heights), octavia-sf.com; reservations at opentable.com
Penny Roma
Carbo-load your New Year’s Eve with a special family-style dinner at Penny Roma. The five-course meal ($135/person) includes the restaurant’s signature handmade pastas and regional Italian favorites like black truffle arancini, beef carpaccio, and braised short rib raviolini. With seatings opening up at 5pm, start the night here or come late. Either way, you won’t want to miss the final course of mandarin gelato. // 3000 20th St. (Mission), pennyroma.com; reservations at resy.com
Come for the food and cocktails at Prelude —and stay for the afterparty at The Third Floor.(Annette Chu)
Prelude
A newcomer and bringer of fine Southern comfort, Prelude is offering a whole host of New Year’s Eve experiences, each one more lavish than the next. For early seating, opt for the five-course tasting menu ($155/person) until 7pm. The next level brings an eight-course menu ($195/person) with the option to add on a ticket for an epic after party (total $245/person) at The Third Floor, complete with music, dancing, and champagne. // 333 Battery St. (FiDi), preludesf.com; reservations at opentable.com
Prospect
For sophistication and selection, try the three-course menu New Year’s Eve ($125/person) at Prospect. The Michelin-recognized restaurant offers a wild range of options at every course, like boar bolognese, hamachi crudo, and burrata with persimmon, pistachio, and pomegranate—and those are just for starters. Dessert and mains are equally decadent. // 300 Spear St. (Embarcadero), prospectsf.com; reservations at opentable.com
Starlite
If you’re shooting high for 2025, Starlite is the place to be for their “New Year’s Eve Beyond the Stars” celebration. Get your ticket ($250/person) and start the party as early as 9pm to take advantage of unlimited hors d'oeuvres from Michelin-recognized chef Johnny Spero. Throughout the night, enjoy legendary cocktails and stunning views atop the Grand Beacon Hotel. Upgrade your night with a VIP ticket ($325/person) for reserved table seating, premium cocktail options, and Tsar Nicoulai caviar. // Beacon Grand Hotel, 450 Powell St. (Union Square), beacongrand.com; tickets at opentable.com
True Laurel
This beloved bar is partnering with Rémy Cointreau for a night of sophisticated fun ($200/person). Sip on their iconic cocktails alongside new seasonal drinks and rich bites from a curated NYE menu. Go for martinis and caviar, the toasted coconut-rye favorite "In The Pines" with a patty melt, or simply spend your night sipping cognac. Party starts at 9pm. // 753 Alabama St. (Mission), truelaurelsf.com; reservations at exploretock.com
Wayfare Tavern
Maximalism is the way at Wayfare Tavern’s extravagant New Year’s Eve party. Tickets ($300/person) get you access to four floors of partying, each with its own distinct offering—from first-floor jazz by the fire to the penthouse dance floor slash disco wonderland. Enjoy complimentary craft cocktails and gourmet bites as you work your way up or down, and be sure not to miss the champagne tower. It all starts at 7:30pm. // Wayfare Tavern, 558 Sacramento St. (FiDi), wayfaretavern.com; tickets at eventbrite.com
