Orlando venues keep it bubbly for New Year’s celebrations
The holidays are in full swing, and for some of us, nailing down those New Year’s plans (or any plans, really) can prove challenging amid the stress. Why not let one of Orlando’s fine establishments do the work for you? Whether you’re angling to spend the evening with friends and family (or even in your pajamas!), ordering in means you can focus on reflection and relaxation without worry. And if you’re looking to put on something sparkly and head out for the festivities, there are plenty of options there, too. Come Day One 2024, get your brunch on in style and keep that bubbly flowing at one of many options.
Happy New Year, Orlando! Let’s make the last hurrah and the very first day delicious.
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The Alfond Inn: It’s 21 and older only at The Alfond Inn’s 10th Anniversary New Year’s Eve Masquerade Gala, an incredible evening curated with exceptional culinary masterpieces and experiences from 6:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Included in this luxe package: dancing, ball drop, complimentary champagne toast, culinary experience crafted by chef David Ellin, wine service, complimentary valet parking, Bourbon Lounge & Lawn (includes bourbon or beverage and a cigar) and the Midnight in Paris café experience starting at 12 a.m., featuring desserts and aperitifs in the hotel’s brand-new café. Prices start at $375 per person. More info and reservations: 300 E. New England Ave. in Winter Park, 407-998-8090; eventbrite.com/e/10th-anniversary-new-years-eve-masquerade-gala-tickets-764920145747
AVA MediterrAegean: On the table: a culinary journey through the unique flavors of the Mediterranean courtesy of award-winning chef Michael Michaelidis, with appetizers including spanakopita, crispy eggplant or a decadent Greek spread. Indulgent entree options include shrimp and eggplant arrabbiata and hanger steak souvlaki alongside sips crafted by AVA’s expert mixology team. It’s an all-night celebration with hot beats and sophisticated sips — in two seatings (First seating: $95 per person, second seating, $175 per person). More info: 290 S. Park Ave. in Winter Park, 407-794-9896; opentable.com/r/ava-winter-park
Bites & Bubbles: This Mills 50 favorite is open on New Year’s Eve with seating from 5-10 p.m. and a holiday prix fixe menu. The bar will be open until midnight. Chefs welcome guests to enjoy their New Year’s Eve Prix Fixe Menu with options including oysters Rockefeller, osso bucco, duck confit, chocolate lava cake and more (patio/lanai Dining; $89 per person, plus tax & gratuity; inside/rooftop $99 per person, plus tax and gratuity). More info: 1618 N. Mills Ave. in Orlando, 407-270-5085; bitesbubbles.com/new-years-eve
Brio Italian Grille: They’re open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day to help you and your crew wrap up the year and/or set the tone for 2024 with a menu inspired by the Tuscan countryside. Hours are 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Brio also offers catering options for groups of all sizes, available for pick-up and delivery. More info: Multiple locations; brioitalian.com/holiday
Buca di Beppo: For classic food and fun, celebrate the new year at “Joe’s Small Place,” better known as Buca di Beppo, where they’ll be open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day from 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., serving its menu of signature specialties. The restaurant also offers catering options for groups of all sizes, available for pick-up and delivery. More info: Mulitple locations; bucadibeppo.com/catering
Cafe Tu Tu Tango:Wave goodbye to 2023 at I-Drive’s Cafe Tu Tu Tango, where on New Year’s Eve, the restaurant will offer its regular brunch service from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and dinner from 4 p.m.-1 a.m. Come New Year’s Day, guests will enjoy a special brunch from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Those who prefer to celebrate Day One in the evening can partake in the restaurant’s signature dinner menu, available until midnight. Reservations: 625 International Drive in Orlando, 407- 248-2222; cafetututango.com/reservations
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Caribe Royale Orlando: Guests will enjoy a prix-fixe menu with dishes designed to bring good luck in the coming year from 5-10 p.m. Dec. 3. $135 per person plus tax (optional wine pairings available); advance reservations required. The cost for adults is $135 per person, plus tax, and optional wine pairings are also available. Reservations: opentable.com/restref/client/?rid=8061&restref=8061&partysize=2&datetime=2023-11-27
Rum Bar: Guests can also enjoy viewing the televised festivities from Times Square while indulging in the bar’s offerings. The Rum Bar is open from 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Calypso’s Bar & Grille also hosts a New Year’s Eve celebration featuring a DJ, frozen drinks, delicious bites and creative dishes in an open-air setting. The ball drop in Times Square will be featured on various TVs. Calypso’s will be open from 11 a.m.-1 a.m. More info: 8101 World Center Drive in Orlando, 407-238-8000; cariberoyale.com
City Works Eatery & Pour House: Another Disney Springs goodie is ushering in 2024, this time with its signature Rock ‘n’ Roll brunch. Hit ’em up on Jan. 1 and partake in customizable mimosa flights and classic brunch favorites with brilliant twists like the Sweet Child O’ Mine – brioche French toast stuffed with mixed berry compote, topped with powdered sugar and Bailey’s cream cheese or Johnny Hash egg-and-potato offering. More info: 1486 E Buena Vista Drive in Lake Buena Vista, 407- 801-3730; cityworksrestaurant.com/locations/disneysprings-2/reservations
Confectionately Confections: Want to spend more time hosting than cooking? Let chef Jose Martinez do the work, whether you’re looking for New Year’s bites (options include sausage balls, slider platters, cheese and charcuterie and more and serve 6-8, starting at $18), oven-ready meals (braised flank steak, honey-citrus shrimp to name a couple; these serve 1-3 and range from $10-64) desserts or other fun items, he’ll hook you up. Order deadline is noon on Dec. 26. More info: c2dinnersdelivered.com
Jaleo: It’s a chef’s tasting delight at this Disney Springs favorite, where you can ring in 2024 deliciously via executive chef Kristoffer Anderson’s five-course tasting, which showcases a selection of 15 dishes from the restaurant’s various activations held throughout 2023. Upon seating, guests will begin their New Year’s celebrations with a complimentary glass of Spanish Cava as the culinary journey begins. $160 per person. Reservations:1482 E. Buena Vista Drive in Orlando, 321-348-3211; jaleo.com/location/jaleo-disney-springs
JW Marriot Orlando Bonnet Creek: So many parties, so little time. Guaranteed there’s an event here that works for you. Maybe more than one! Check ’em out.
The Tomorrowland Taittinger Party kicks off on New Year’s Eve at 7 p.m. and goes until 1 a.m. and features light dinner hors d’oeuvres and a Taittinger champagne bar, including beer and wine. $185 per guest, $85 per guest for those 20 and younger.
New Year’s Eve Dinner at Sear + Sea Woodfire Grill runs from 6-11 p.m. where you’ll start with a welcome glass of champagne followed by an intimate five-course dinner with optional dishes a la carte. $155 per guest, $84 per child (4-12), complimentary (3 and younger).
Keep it less formal with a New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet at UnReserved Food Bazaar (6 – 11 p.m.), where a Casino Royale-inspired dinner experience will feature select a la carte cocktail specials and an array of buffet highlights, including a chilled seafood display, whole grouper and lamb carving station and indulgent desserts. Enjoy live jazz entertainment and try your luck against the house at the roulette or blackjack table. $145 per guest, $55 bottomless champagne, $45 per child (4-12), complimentary (3 and younger).
Up on the rooftop, the Bōnenkai Party at Illume (8 p.m.-1:30 a.m.) may be of interest. Bōnenkai means “forget the previous year” in Japanese, so you can get 2023 amnesia with views of the Orlando skyline, live DJ entertainment and a 180-degree fireworks display. The $255 per guest package includes New Year’s Eve party accessories, one ice luge cocktail, jubako-style box with Japanese-inspired appetizers, a midnight champagne toast, a dessert lounge and liquid nitro ice cream bar access. A la carte food menu is also available (until 11 p.m.).
And if you’re looking for some adult playtime, the Kids’ New Year’s Eve Party in the Palm Ballroom welcomes partygoers aged 5-12 for a special night. A vintage circus theme will feature dinner, games, crafts, a balloon artist, face painter, caricatures, real reptiles and more. Limited availability. $140 per child.
Come New Year’s Day, it’s brunch time at UnReserved Food Bazaar from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Enjoy live entertainment, free-flowing Bloody Marys and cold brew coffee, detox juice shooters paired with made-to-order omelets, an eggs benedict station and an elevated dessert bar. Guests can indulge in the full brunch buffet experience ($55 adults, $25 children ages 4-12) or can order off the a la carte breakfast menu. More info:14900 Chelonia Parkway in Orlando, 407-789-0999; marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mcojb-jw-marriott-orlando-bonnet-creek-resort-and-spa/dining
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Kavas Tacos + Tequila: Ring in 2024 at Pointe Orlando. Open from 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. for regular service, Kavas’ nighttime party starts at 9 p.m. and requires pre-purchased tickets. Guests will enjoy family-style apps and a parillada meat platter main course, plus a dessert station and champagne toast at midnight. $85 per person, plus tax and gratuity. More info: 9101 International Dr. in Orlando, 407-776-2027; kavastacos.com/reservations
Kaya: Kick off your New Year’s Eve celebration early with Bongga Brunch from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 31. No reservations, but an online waiting list will go live on the day of service starting at 9 a.m., and you’ll be signing on for Filipino breakfast favorites. More info: 618 N. Thornton Ave. in Orlando; kayaorlando.com
Matt’s Latin BBQ: Staying in for the festivities? Let Matt’s do the cooking and order “El Parrandon,” a Puerto Rican feast fit for the New Year featuring a half-gallon of coquito, yellow rice with gandules, a dozen pasteles and a tray of pernil. More info: 6607 S. Semoran Blvd. in Orlando; 407-412-5400
Mia’s Italian Kitchen: They’re serving their signature brunch from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and will have regular dinner service from 4 p.m.-1 a.m. On New Year’s Day, brunch is served from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Mia’s will also open for dinner on Jan. 1, featuring its signature a la carte menu, available until 11 p.m. More info: 8717 International Drive in Orlando, 407-601-7130; miasitalian.com/orlando-fl/reservation-mias-orlando
The Osprey: It’s time to ring in 2024 with a fabulous five-course dinner at this Baldwin Park favorite, an indulgent night featuring Alaskan king crab, caviar, Wagyu beef and more. The perfect wine pairing for every course will be offered, as well as our full bar and extensive list of bubbles. Have an intimate and fabulous dining experience at The Osprey and send 2023 off in style. Seatings are available from 5-9:30 p.m. More info: 4899 New Broad St. in Orlando, 407-960-7700; resy.com/cities/orl/venues/the-osprey-orlando/events/new-years-eve-dinner-at-the-osprey-2023-12-31
Paddlefish: You’ll be swimming in decadence at Disney Springs with Paddlefish’s Holiday Surf & Turf, featuring Maine lobster, Andouille sausage, Cedar Key littlenecks, cornbread, red potatoes and sweet corn ($80 pp). Add to the celebration with a bottle of sparkling wine for $30. Reservations: 1670 Buena Vista Drive in Orlando, 407-934-2628; paddlefishrestaurant.com
Park Avenue Tavern: This Winter Park hotspot is open for brunch on New Year’s Eve from noon to 3:30 p.m. and then will offer a special three-course dinner menu from 4-10 p.m. Guests can choose from three starters, including calamari, Little Gem salad or stuffed piquillo peppers. For entrees, choose between filet mignon, sesame-crusted seared Ahi tuna or a vegetarian-friendly lentil Bolognese with black truffle butter. For dessert, choose from either chocolate bread pudding with whisky caramel sauce or vanilla bean crème brûlée. Price is $70 per person. More info: 558 W. New England Ave. in Winter Park, 321-972-1469; sevenrooms.com/experiences/parkavenuetavernwinterpark/new-years-eve-prix-fixe-10207659696
Pirates Dinner Adventure: It’s a family-friendly New Year masquerade extravaganza as the pirate crew hosts a special 9:30 p.m. show with a festive twist to welcome 2024. Guests are encouraged to wear masks and costumes to add to the swashbuckling vibe. General admission ($46.95) includes a three-course dinner with unlimited soft drinks. During the show, guests will enjoy a three-course feast fit for a pirate captain, and adults can keep the party going with delicious, themed cocktails. Ticket prices for the New Year’s Eve show start at $72.95 for adults and $46.95 for children ages 3-10. Children age two and younger are free. Upgrades are available for purchase. Parental discretion is advised. As the clock strikes midnight during the post-show Buccaneer Bash, guests can party with pirates, take part in a countdown and lift a cheer to the new year. More info/reservations: 6400 Carrier Drive in Orlando, 407-206-5102 or piratesdinneradventure.com/fl/showtimes
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Promenade at Sunset Walk: Event features DJs, live music, street performers, a laser light show, complimentary “GLOW” party favors and a special midnight fireworks spectacular. Plus, enjoy access to over 25 restaurants, shops, and Promenade at Sunset Walk experiences throughout the night. The party starts at 8 p.m. on Dec. 31 and goes for $49 plus taxes and fees. Free for children ages 5 and younger. More info: 3251 Margaritaville Blvd. in Kissimmee; sunsetwalk.com/events/rocking-new-year
Rosen Hotels: Options abound for ringing in the New Year at Rosen. The Rosen Inn at Point Orlando‘s got an epic end-of-year buffet happening, and they’re serving from 4-9 p.m. Adults, $29.95; children 5 and younger are free with paying adult (limit one child per adult). Over at Jack’s Place in the Rosen Plaza, it’s a prix fixe delight from 5-10 p.m. featuring fresh takes on steakhouse classics. $79 per person plus tax and service charge. It’s Floridian New Year at Harry’s Poolside Bar & Grill at the Rosen Centre, where from 5-10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, guests will enjoy a prix fixe dinner for $65 per adult. (Children’s and a la carte menu also available.) You can also go big at Everglades Restaurant, where the New Year’s Eve feast runs from 5:30-10 p.m. The prix fixe menu goes for $95 per adult. Children’s and a la carte menu also available. It’s buffet-style at the Rosen Shingle Creek‘s Café Osceola, where they’re serving from 5:30 – 10:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Prices are $75.95 per adult, $29.95 for kids ages 4-11, 3 and younger dine free and guests 21 and older will enjoy unlimited champagne. At Cala Bella, New Year’s Eve brings a four-course, prix fixe dinner. Serving from 5:30 – 10 p.m. Cost is $89.95 per person. Same goes at A Land Remembered, where the four-course festivities run from 5:30 – 10 p.m. at $99.95 per person. Wanna stay ’til the ball drops? Head to the New Year’s Eve celebration at Headwaters Lounge where music and dancing will keep things lively from 10 p.m.-1 a.m. Complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Entry available to dining and hotel guests only. Complimentary self-parking and discounted valet parking at $15 valid for all offers except Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando.
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Sixty Vines: Raise a glass to toast the new year on New Year’s Day with a vineyard-inspired brunch at Sixty Vines, where guests will enjoy the flavors of the season along with sustainable wines on tap and hand-crafted cocktails from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. More info: 110 S. Orlando Ave. in Winter Park, 407-410-8005; sixtyvines.com
Taverna Opa Orlando: Add “popping bottles” to the usual “dancing on the tables” for New Year’s Eve at Opa, which will be open from noon to 8 p.m. for regular reservations. Tickets are required for the late seating, which begins at 9 p.m. and includes family-style appetizers, a surf and turf main and a dessert station. Belly dancing entertainment and midnight champagne toast are part of the package, as well. $100 per person plus tax and gratuity. More info: 9101 International Dr. in Orlando, 407-351-8660: opaorlando.com.
TooJay’s Deli: They’ll be open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day from 8 a.m.-9 p.m., serving their diner classics and holiday favorites. New Year’s Eve catering packages, platters and catering meals will also be available for dine-in, curbside, pick-up and delivery. More info: Multiple locations, toojays.com/holiday
Uncommon Catering: Gorgeous New Year’s Eve cheese, charcuterie and accouterment boards available for pre-order in all sizes. Drop off your own board in advance or get one from them ($10 or $20 each). Disposable trays are also available. $14.50/person (minimum of three people). Order deadline: Dec. 28; pick up 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 30. Info/orders: Message Facebook page (facebook.com/uncommoncatering) or email info@uncommoncatering.com.
The Wilson Cocktails & Seafood: The team at the Wilson (location inside the Melia Orlando Hotel Celebration) will be open on New Year’s Eve for breakfast from 7-10:30 a.m. and again from 3-10 p.m. offering a three-course, family-style menu that includes choice of appetizer, prime rib with horseradish cream and chocolate mousse for dessert. The price is $70 for adults and $25 for children younger than 12. More info: 225 Celebration Place in Celebration, 407-964-3258; sevenrooms.com/experiences/thewilsonorlando/new-years-eve-prix-fixe-8454464799
Find me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @amydroo or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie or email me at amthompson@orlandosentinel.com. For more fun, join the Let’s Eat, Orlando Facebook group or follow @fun.things.orlando on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
