Baltimore restaurants have packed up the Christmas cookies and are moving onto the bubbly – this week is all about how to ring in 2026. Here’s a look at what’s happening:
Dining in for the new year
If you like to stay in for the evening, but still do something special, a couple local spots have great take-home options available.
H3irloom Food Group has a special New Year’s Eve fish fry menu available for pre-order (until Dec. 27). Options include individual and family-style fish fry choices, with sides like braised greens and smoked black-eyed peas.
True Chesapeake oyster orders for pickup on Dec. 30 or 31 are due by midnight on Dec. 28.
Ringing in 2026 out on the town
If you’re planning to head out for dinner on New Year’s Eve, there are even more options available.
For kid-friendly options, check out Cross Street Market’s Noon Years party, with drinks for the grownups and fun activities for kids, and The Charmery’s Kiddie Scoop Ball Drop at the Union Collective location – doors open at 5:30 and the ball drops at 8 p.m.
All day long on New Year’s Eve, Rye Street Tavern will have half-priced champagne – celebratory, indeed.
Spike Gjerde’s new spot, Le Jetée, will ring in the new year with a Holiday in Saint Tropez party – and excellent views of the fireworks.
At Alma Cocina Latina, a four-course tasting menu showcasing the flavors of Venezuela will be offered – as will the regular a la carte menu.
Rusty Scupper has a special dinner for the occasion, with multiple stations, including an extensive raw bar – plus some of the best views of the Inner Harbor fireworks.
Limoncello will have a luxe lineup of specials on offer, in addition to their regular menu – and everyone who reserves a table will also get a complimentary prosecco for toasting.
BLK Swan will host two dinner seatings for New Year’s Eve – one early, one late – with a special menu and cocktails, plus live music and a DJ.
Silver Queen Café is open for dinner service until 9:30 p.m., with a special menu with items like lobster carbonara and a filet-and-crab dish.
Johnny’s New Year’s Eve choices include the regular menu or a special three-course prix fixe – plus many festive drinks specials.
CookHouse has been taking a holiday break – but they will be back on New Year’s Eve with a special dinner and late night party.
Little Donna’s is open for New Year’s Eve with lots of specials.
New Year’s Eve at Petit Louis includes a champagne toast and a lovely evening overall.
At Linwood’s, a special lineup of cocktails is available – alongside a special New Year’s Eve menu.
Cinghiale has a four-course Italian menu available on New Year’s Eve, plus great views of the fireworks over the harbor.
Gertrude’s rings in the New Year early – on Ireland time – with an Irish-themed dinner and music that ends by 8:30 p.m.
The Bygone’s annual New Year’s Eve party features great views plus tons of food and drink.
Four Atlas Restaurant Group spots team up in Harbor East for a large joint party. One ticket provides entrance to Tagliata, The Elk Room, Italian Disco, andMonarque – along with an open bar, buffets, and music at each location.
At The Bluebird Cocktail Room, New Year’s Eve includes specialty cocktails, appetizers, a Champagne toast, and a DJ and dancing.
New Year’s Eve specials at La Calle include a coconut-tinged ceviche appetizer and an entrée of grilled lobster tail, shrimp, and calamari.
Hersh’s goes old school for the holiday with a classic Italian American menu.
The Milton Inn offers a four-course prix fixe menu for the occasion, with lots of additions and upgrades available to make the evening even more extravagant.
The Black Olive offers a multi-course prix fixe dinner with choices like grilled lamb chops or whole Mediterranean sea bass.
Cosima’s prix fixe menu is an Italian take on New Year’s Eve fare, with options like butter-poached lobster tail over mushroom risotto with salsa verde and Calabrian chile oil.
Ampersea – which has a fantastic view of the fireworks – is open for dinner starting at 3 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.
Prima Dopa’s New Year’s Eve includes an open bar, Champagne toast, and midnight buffet.
Bunny’s promises a “laid back” New Year’s Eve including all you can eat fried chicken, oysters and other snacks, and lots of bubbly.
Cece’s New Year’s Eve options include a special menu and the option to order the Champagne & Caviar Experience.
Love, Pomelo has a special four-course meal available for New Year’s Eve with optional wine pairings.
New Year’s Eve at Midlina includes a prix fixe meal, open bar, and party favors.
Brunch and beyond
Silver Queen Café is open for brunch on New Year’s Day – though reservations are going quickly.
Johnny’s is open for brunch – and pajamas are encouraged.
Maggie’s Farm’s New Year’s Day brunch includes a classic brunch menu and lots of cocktails.
Union Hill won’t be open for brunch on New Year’s Day but will open at 3 p.m. for those looking for a way to spend the evening.
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
Jan. 7: Greek Wine Dinner at The Black Olive
Jan. 23: Après Ski Wine Supper
Feb. 6: Carnevale at Cinghiale
