New Year's Eve Planner

465 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048 (map)

True to this SLS Hotel restaurant's model of three different dining experiences, their New Year's Eve party can also be enjoyed in varying degrees. The first option includes a sumptuous prix fixe dinner, cocktails and dancing in the hotel's brand new ballroom. The second option is less expensive (only $50), skips the table service and gets you to the liquor, well, quicker.

10740 Wilshire Blvd, Westwood, CA 90024 (map)

This Westwood restaurant inside the Palomar hotel has pulled out all the stops for the new year. Enjoy a 4-course (plus an amuse and intermezzo) for $100 per person, including a bottle of Champagne for every two diners. There'll also be free appetizers and party favors with a cash bar at 10 pm. (And if you really want to splurge, you can get a room with special packages.)

9540 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 (map)

The most affordable NYE dinner in Los Angeles might be the $45 prix fixe menu being offered at this Culver City Korean barbecue favorite. Laidback and loungey, the resto's menu will be practically giving away complimentary glasses of Prosecco, shrimp dumplings and classic Korean BBQ faves, followed by delicious green tea cake donuts or slices of chilly banana creme pie.

1819 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (map)

One of the more trendy parties this year starts at 8pm at this restaurant inside Santa Monica's gorgeous Viceroy hotel. On the schedule for ticket holders? An open bar and gourmet hors d'oeuvres under the stars, with live DJs King Britt, the excellent Jason Bentley, J-Boogie and Garth Trinidad.

9546 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 (map)

Culver City is kicking off the new year at this hot Chicago-style party scene. DJs, dancing and their famous (infamous?) stripper pole-- for those brave enough--will all be on hand. Enjoy midnight with a complimentary glass of champagne on their 2nd floor patio deck.

251 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (map)

Another downtown option is this French and Japanese-inspired eatery with spectacular views of L.A.'s twinkling skyline. They're offering three different seatings, starting as early as 5pm, for decadent 4- and 6-course meals, including menu favorites like Japanese snapper with barley risotto, sweet potato gnocchi with sage brown butter, and maple leaf duck breast.

9360 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hils, CA 90212 (map)

A premium open bar with tray-passed appetizers and sushi will be the biggest draw to the party at this restaurant inside Beverly Hills' ultra-luxe Thompson Hotel. The night starts at 10pm and culminates in a champagne toast at midnight, but you can start earlier with Bond St.'s special 6-course tasting menu.