The year is, at last, drawing to a close. It’s been a busy spring and now, while reaching for that snooze button, multivitamin and/or third glass of wine, we start mentally making way for new beginnings. In anticipation of 2014, and all the renewed freshness and vitality that a new year brings, we plan to celebrate with bucket loads of champagne, delicious snacks and a glittering dance floor. If you’re not hosting your own party this year, or want to have an excuse handy for when your weird neighbour invites you to his, check out our list of restaurants celebrating in ways varying from spit braais to glam gourmet dinners. Don’t forget to book ahead.

Johannesburg

Cantare
Cantare will once again host its New Year’s Eve masked ball. For R850 you will be treated to a five-course meal and a cabaret show, after which a DJ will entertain you until the early hours of 2014.

Central One Restaurant & Bar
Eat and drink your way into the New Year at the Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel in Sandton. While the restaurant has not yet decided what it will be doing for this festive occasion, you can’t go wrong at this vibey venue in the heart of Sandton.

Clico Boutique Hotel
Enjoy a scrumptious six-course dinner in style at Clico Boutique Hotel in Rosebank. Expect exotic treats like Cajun tuna with broad beans and wasabi aioli; wild mushroom and Parma ham ravioli in an umami broth with truffle froth; and cider-braised pork belly served with kimchi, butternut purée, honey-glazed baby apples, smoked apple purée and soy velouté.

Five Hundred
This is one for those who feel that they deserve a little treat after a tough year. The 2013 Eat Out Chef of the Year, David Higgs, will prepare a surprise six-course menu that is sure to delight. With David’s golden touch and the kiss of complimentary champagne on arrival, this treat will set you back R5000 per person.

Indaba Hotel in Fourways
011 840 6600, details:
Don your finest Eastern feathers and make your way to the Indaba Hotel for an Eastern Feast. For R495, you can expect a welcome cocktail, an Eastern feast, live entertainment, a DJ and a glass of bubbles at midnight. You can even win a prize for your outfit.

Maximillien
Another New Year’s Eve option for the Sandtonites. The menu is not yet confirmed, but the beautiful setting is a sure-fire way to start the New Year with a bang.

Quills at OR Tambo Airport
Enjoy a New Year’s Eve three-course dinner, including an amuse bouche, homemade sorbet and petit fours.

Randlords
Kick off the New Year in the city. The venue hasn’t confirmed details yet, but keep an eye on their Facebook page for details.

Rodizio
The Rodizio Bedfordview Black and White New Year’s Eve promises a live band, a Latin dance show, a DJ, and bubbly. The restaurant will serve a three-course meal on the night.

Roots at Forum Homini
The drive outside the city will be rewarded with a six-course meal, including welcome drinks and a glass of bubbly or two at the champagne table for countdown. R650 per person.

Saxon Qunu Grill
The little brother of Five Hundred, the slightly more modestly priced Qunu Grill will offer a five-course meal with champagne on arrival at R1850 per person.

The Terrace at Fairlawns
The tranquil gardens will ensure a beautiful start to 2014. The restaurant has not yet confirmed its menu for the evening, but keep in touch with them for details.

Pretoria

The Afro Lounge Kitchen bar
The Afro Lounge Kitchen Bar has not yet confirmed its New Year’s Eve dinner menu, but a sexy afro-fusion affair could be just the thing to ensure a prosperous new year.

Al-Amin Restaurant
Another Indian offering for our readers in Pretoria. The restaurant will serve its regular menu on the night.

De Kloof
Celebrate with a four-course fine dining menu accompanied by a jazz duo and some champagne. R425 per person.

Geet
Indian food lovers will be thrilled with this fragrant start to 2014. While the final plans are not yet in place, the restaurant assures that you can expect a glass of champagne on arrival and a lovely dinner.

KwaZulu-Natal

 Gigi’s Brasserie
The seven-course menu will start with an amuse bouche, followed by signature starters, a fish course, a lemon sorbet palate cleanser, a meat course, decadent desserts and, to conclude, a selection of South African cheeses with preserves, crackers and bread. Each course will have two options that guests may choose from. R695 per adult, with a bottle of bubbly included per couple, and R420 for children aged 3-12.

The Grill Room at the Oyster Box Hotel
Enjoy a six-course dinner and dance at R1450 per person.

Cape Town

Azure
Enjoy a glass of bubbly and canapés on arrival, accompanied by a Marimba band, followed by a decadent five-course dinner. Entertainment will be provided by a bag piper and a magician, and there will be a special gift for each party-goer and champagne at midnight. R1995 per person.

Bertha’s
Celebrate with a three-course meal and a welcome cocktail for R450 per person. Moët & Chandon will be available at R495 a bottle throughout the night.

Bistro 1800
Enjoy an amuse bouche on arrival, followed by a four-course meal and a bottle of Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel per couple. R1400 per person.

Buonvino at Protea Hotel Durbanville
Celebrate with a New Year’s Eve spit braai, including starters, mains and dessert. R195 per person includes a glass of bubbly at midnight.

The Conservatory at The Cellars Hohenort
Celebrate in Great Gatsby style with a six-course dinner menu at R900 per person.

The Islands Restaurant and Senate Bar
Enjoy an oyster table on arrival, mini meze platters and various food stations and table platters. R595 per person includes sparkling wine on tap, décor, live entertainment and a dance floor.

La Mouette
There will be a special menu on offer for R850 per person, starting with tapas to share and moving onto a four-course menu and petit fours to end.

Planet Restaurant at the Mount Nelson
End the year in style with a six-course menu, accompanied by live entertainment. From 11.30pm, join the celebrations in the ballroom. R1950 per person with a smart dress code. (Unfortunately, children under 7 are not permitted.)

Quay Four
Enjoy a glass of Moet & Chandon on arrival with a three-course meal at R800 per person.

Upstairs at Quay Four
Enjoy a glass of Moet & Chandon on arrival with a four-course meal at R1400 per person.

Reuben’s at One and Only
Reuben’s will offer a five-course dinner menu for R1750 per person. Enjoy a glass of
bubbly on arrival. Dinner starts at 7pm and dress code is cocktail.

Signal
Enjoy a cocktail and freshly shucked oysters on arrival followed by a six-course menu at R1995 per person.

The Square
The New Year’s Eve 5-course meal is priced at R850 per person and includes live entertainment, a glass of bubbly on arrival and a glass of bubbly to welcome in the New Year.

Top of the Ritz
Enjoy an aperitif and amouse bouche on arrival with a six-course dinner at R825 per person.

Winelands

The Governors Hall at Lanzerac Wine Estate
Enjoy a seven-course gourmet dinner for R750 per adult, including a welcome drink and a glass of bubbly at midnight. Children of 12 years and younger will be charged R150 per person for a two-course dinner. A 10% service fee will be charged on all tables.

The Restaurant at Grande Provence
Enjoy a five-course menu at R795 per person.

Hermanus

Harbour House Hotel
Indulge in a four-course meal to be enjoyed in the popular al fresco restaurant with breath taking views over the ocean at R340 per person.

The Pavilion at The Marine
The dinner and dance menu will be a six-course meal at R1300 per person.

Plettenberg Bay

Kurland Hotel
Celebrate the New Year with a three-course dinner menu. R600 per adult includes a glass of bubbly and canapés on arrival. A kids’ menu will be available.

George

Fancourt Ballroom
Enter into the spirit of the New Year celebrating the mystique of the African Mask.  Venetian-style African masks will be provided.  R1250 includes a three-course meal and live entertainment.

By Kelly Pluke

If we’ve missed a New Year’s Eve celebration, please let us know on info@eatout.co.za. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure correct prices and information, some details may change without our knowledge.