An indulgent meal set in Boucherie’s charming, romantic cottage in Carrollton is a special-occasion must; for NYE this year the five-course tasting menu doesn’t disappoint. It includes foie gras grilled cheese with toasted milk; pasta Carbonara with pancetta and a cured egg; sopa de champiñones; and short rib with wild mushroom, among other dishes, for $125 with optional $50 wine pairing.

New Year’s Eve is all about the food at the elegant Avo — delicate, refined Italian cuisine different from much of the city’s other Italian-leaning options. The three-course prix fixe menu is $80, excluding taxes and fees, and includes options of short rib ravioli or sesame-crusted tuna to start; wild striped bass and spinach gnocchi, NY strip Pizzaiola, or rosemary chicken with fettucine for the entree; and two options of dessert. Book on Resy.

The celebratory, irreverent vibe at Mister Mao feels most appropriate for a New Year’s Eve bash, and there’s a festive special menu to accompany the bold drinks and decor. Priced at $85 per person, the four-course menu includes crispy gulf oysters pakoras; charred cauliflower picada; Bengali meat + three; and coconut milk gulf prawns. Dessert, always a highlight, is a choice between gluten free cashew meringue cake or dark chocolate cheesecake. Reservations are available for two seatings on December 31, at 6 and 9 p.m.

Spend this New Year’s Eve in classic New Orleans style at the revamped Columns Hotel, which is hosting a ’Midnight in New Orleans’ party. For $200, guests can expect an evening filled with live music, champagne, caviar, raw and chilled seafood, a carving station, and desserts. See here for full details and to purchase a ticket.

Chef Isaac Toups is getting a bit fancy for New Year’s Eve this year, with special offerings like caviar service with umami potato chips, creme fraiche, and a chilled vodka shot ($125); a number of Wagyu steaks; and specialty sides. If you’re more interested in the Mid City restaurant’s beloved specialties, fear not — the regular menu will also be available. It’s open on New Year’s Eve for lunch, happy hour, and dinner.

The always romantic Coquette will be open on New Year’s Eve with a special menu — hours and menu are still to be announced, but it’s safe to expect a great evening here. The most recent tasting menu was a regionally-sourced pescatarian menu, which bodes well for the holiday, and the restaurant’s desserts are always a highlight, making for a great last taste of 2021. In years past the Garden District restaurant has only taken reservations by phone, so give them a call.

Looking for a true party vibe this New Year’s Eve? The brand new Virgin Hotels New Orleans is aiming for just that on its rooftop, where it’s hosting Studio 504, complete with Champagne towers, go-go dancers, fire twirlers, disco balls, and fireworks. Tickets for the party, which starts at 8 p.m., are $50 per person — and FYI, costumes are required for entry. Looking for dinner before? Downstairs, chef Alex Harrell is serving his contemporary Southern menu at the Commons Club from 5 to 10 p.m.

Count on Herbsaint for a memorable meal to end the year. Chef ce cuisine Tyler Spreen is preparing a five-course, prix fixe menu for $150 per person, a menu that combines holiday-worthy ingredients like caviar and uni; quail and foie gras sausage; and wagyu strip with Madeira truffle. Call the restaurant to reserve your table.

Want to go all out for New Year’s Eve? A seafood-and-more tower at the new Peacock Room is one way to go about it. The NYE Peacock Tower is stacked with truffle lobster salad, potato crusted oyster and caviar, shrimp-prosciutto summer rolls, beef and beet tartare, and duck bacon blts. After catch a live performance by Jordan Anderson of the J & the Causeways performs from 9 p.m. to midnight, capped off by a Champagne toast.

What’s more appropriate than ringing in the new year with sparkling wine enthusiasts? Effervescence always has a theme for New Year’s Eve, and this year it’s the “Golden Age of Edwardian cuisine and adventure.” First is the Champagne hour from 4:30 to 6 p.m., followed by a reservations-required, seven-course chef’s tasting menu accompanied by live music and capped off with a midnight toast. Full details are here — by the way, Edwardian evening wear is encouraged.

At this French Quarter gem, chef Alfred Singleton offers guests a classic Creole menu for NYE, dishes like oysters Sbisa, shrimp remoulade, and trout Eugene. Cafe Sbisa seatings start at 5:30 p.m. and if weather permits, a balcony table delivers boffo fireworks views.

Serving up some of the best birria tacos in town, not to mention the cauliflower option, Carnaval is always a great weekend option for local live music and good bites. This year for New Year’s Eve it’s the Painted Hands, Midriff, and Berlin Taxi playing; happy hour specials from 8 to 9 p.m.; and a $10 cover.

When chef Nina Compton prepares a special menu at her neighborhood stunner Bywater American Bistro, you want to be there. For $150 per person (excluding tax and gratuity), the menu includes flounder crudo; mushroom brodo with truffles; and red wine braised short ribs. It’s open on NYE from 5:30 to 10 p.m.; call or visit Resy for reservations.

Seating is first come, first serve at Bacchanal, the much loved backyard haven in the Bywater. Live local music is in the air 7 to 10 p.m. and you can enjoy small plates, cheese and wine before heading over to Crescent Park for the fireworks — it’s right down the street!