Eating and drinking into the new year with style

DREADING New Year’s Eve due to a lack of plans? Buck up and book ahead to get in on these helpful restaurants’ hot culinary action. Listings are organized alphabetically in three pricing categories, expensive ($$$), moderate ($$) and “cheap”($) -- though, let’s face it, nothing’s truly cheap on New Year’s.

-- Jessica.Gelt@latimes.com

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$$$ SKY ROOM AT BREAKERS HOTEL

Perched high above Long Beach in the historic Breakers hotel, this Art Deco gem sways to a six-piece band and serves up a four-course dinner that includes a duo of filet mignon and whole Maine lobster. First seating 5:30-6 p.m., pianist, $125; second seating 8:30-9 p.m., band, $275. 40 S. Locust Ave., Long Beach; (562) 983-2703

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$$$ WHIST, VICEROY SANTA MONICA

Gawk at go-go dancers under the stars after savoring a prix fixe menu featuring Santa Barbara lobster bisque. This dinner-turned-soiree will feature DJ Mark Rae’s hip hop-fueled beats. The price of admission includes dinner, entrance to the party and unlimited booze. First seating 5:30-6:30 p.m., four courses, $250; second seating, 8:30-9:30 p.m., five-courses, $325. 1819 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica; (310) 260-7500

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$$ ABODE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

Party healthy at Abode with an organic prix fixe menu, a DJ, dancing and complimentary Champagne for toasting your fellow revelers at midnight. The menu includes Kumamoto oysters and foie gras-stuffed prime tender of beef. First seating 5:30-6:30 p.m., four courses, $75; second seating 8:30-9:30 p.m., five courses, $135. 1541 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica; (310) 394-3463

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$$ BLUE ON BLUE AT AVALON HOTEL

Stay the night at the ‘50s-chic Avalon Hotel with its cozy cabanas and figure-8-shaped pool. For $529, you and that super-special someone can hole up in a “Classic” room at the hotel, have a four-course meal in the restaurant and nurse your hangovers with a poolside or in-room breakfast. Or just come for dinner. First seating 5:30-6 p.m., four courses, $85; second seating 8:30-9 p.m., five courses, $100. 9400 W. Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills; (310) 407-7791

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$$ BLUE VELVET

Put some class in your act with chilled-vodka bottle service paired with a flight of five caviars. Blue Velvet’s chic back patio and fire pit boast stunning vistas of the downtown skyline and the menu is as modern as the environs. First seating 5:30-7 p.m., four courses, $80; second seating 8:30 p.m. and on, four courses, $80 or eight courses, $125. 750 S. Garland Ave., downtown, (213) 239-0061

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$$ CAFE LA BOHEME

Old Hollywood glamour reigns at this dramatically designed WeHo hot spot. The Paul Fredericks Orchestra will serenade diners and party favors will be passed liberally. Dinner seating 9-10 p.m., $115. 8400 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood; (323) 848-2360

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$$ DAKOTA AT THE ROOSEVELT HOTEL

It’s all about choices at the Roosevelt Hotel where four rooms will rock all night long with DJs, dancing and bands like the Rapture. Jump-start your evening with a prix fixe dinner at the tony Dakota restaurant. Wild mushroom consomme and 10-ounce bone-in filet with potato and black truffle gratin, anyone? Move on to the raging parties for $40 extra. Dinner 7 p.m., $140; party tickets $90 in advance without dinner. 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, (323) 769-8888

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$$ LA CACHETTE

La Cachette brings low-key class to Century City with a three-course menu featuring black truffle lasagna, roasted venison chops and a trio of creme brulee for dessert. Service starts at 5:30 p.m. and costs $145. 10506 Santa Monica Blvd., (310) 470-4992

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$$ MASTRO’S OCEAN CLUB

It’s more about the scene than the food at this Newport Beach playground of the rich and beautiful. Features a four-course dinner, complimentary Champagne and live music and dancing. Once you pay your $175 , the table is yours for the night. 8112 East Pacific Coast Highway; (949) 376-6990

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$$ NAPA VALLEY GRILLE

This high-class shindig features an open bar, a DJ, passed appetizers and multiple tasting stations. Offerings include roasted day boat scallop crostini, winter veggie flat bread and poached shrimp. 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m.; tickets $135 in advance or $150 at the door. 1100 Glendon Ave., Westwood, (310) 824-3322

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$$ RITUAL

Party like it’s 1977 with Ritual’s disco-themed New Year’s celebration, cheekily called “54 at Ritual.” Three packages are available: a four-course sit-down dinner and Champagne toast, $150, 7 p.m.; a two-hour open bar and passed appetizers, $100, 8-10 p.m.; and lastly, general admittance to the club, $50 in advance, $75 at the door, 10 p.m. 1743 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood;(323) 463-0060

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$ AMARANTA COCINA MEXICANA

With over 400 varieties of tequila, this boozy Latin retreat in the Westfield Topanga Canyon Mall is an ideal place to forget that last year even happened. A $75 three-course meal, including Amaranta’s tangy ceviche del casa, will be served with tequila pairings. 6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Ste. 1029, Canoga Park; (818) 610-3599

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$ BROOKS

Chef Andy Brooks creates a celebratory menu of winter delights such as warm puree of chestnut soup, Sonoma County Margaret duck breast and chocolate truffle cake. Three-course meals range in price from $51-$66 and include a glass of Champagne. 545 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura; (805) 652-7070

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$ BRUSSELS BISTRO

This Belgian brasserie is close to the water, hidden downstairs from Laguna’s Main Beach masses and offers great fries, entrees, wines and beers. Expect special dishes, Champagne and a DJ for fete de Saint-Sylvestr (New Years Eve). Meals start at $45. 222 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach; (949) 376-7955

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$ FRAICHE

Chummy Austrian bar chef Albert Trummer is gaining a reputation for his fiery absinthe show, which he will perform for tables of 4 to 5 for $30. A six-course meal featuring house-made tagliatelle costs $75, or dine a la carte and fill up on Trummer’s creations. First seating 5-6 p.m.; second seating 8-9 p.m. 9411 Culver Blvd., Culver City; (310) 839-6800

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$ J RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

This massive club with a cigar bar, giant back patio with killer downtown views and fire pits, restaurant, wine bar and dance floor is throwing a black-and-white themed New Year’s bash that includes a four-course menu (with vegetarian options), DJs, a midnight balloon drop and manufactured snow. Dinner, $65, 6-11 p.m., includes admission to club; general admission $25 in advance, $40 at the door. 1119 S. Olive St., downtown; (213) 746-7746

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$ MEMPHIS AT THE SANTORA

This Santa Ana Artists Village joint will be serving up such classics as seared day boat scallops and buttermilk fried chicken, along with festive chef items. There’s sexy lighting, a DJ, party favors and Champagne to ring in the new year. Dinner starts at $20. 201 N. Broadway, Santa Ana; (714) 564-1064

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$ ROYALE

Party hop without your car at Royale, where a large outdoor patio separates a classy restaurant from a happening uber-modern split-level lounge with a DJ and a free pool table. The dinner menu is a la carte and includes a three-pound Maine lobster ($74) and Niman Ranch rib eye ($39). 2619 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. (213) 388-8488

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$ YARD HOUSE

Don’t worry about dressing up and don’t fuss over making a reservation; the Yard House will seat you as you are, on a first-come-first-served basis. Nosh on burgers, rock out to classic rock and quaff pint after frosty pint from the extensive selection of draft beer. 330 E. Colorado Blvd., Ste. 230, Pasadena; (626) 577-9273

-- with Rachel Leeson

& Yasmin Madadi