New Year’s Eve

Question

Hi there! My family (6 adults) will be traveling to Marriott Canyon Villas in Desert Ridge on Dec 31 until Jan4. Looking for restaurant recommendations for good dinners and especially a place to go on NYE. Nothing formal, not packing heavy, but a nice dinner at a nice place. Steak, seafood. Something along those lines. Any recommendations are appreciated!!

Answer

Spending New Year’s Eve in Phoenix, particularly near Desert Ridge, offers plenty of options for a nice dinner without needing formal attire. Since your group enjoys steak and seafood, here’s a breakdown of recommendations and ideas for NYE:

1. Nearby Dinner Options (Casual Upscale)

Steak 44 – Located in Scottsdale, about a 15–20 minute drive from Desert Ridge. Known for high-quality steaks and seafood. NYE often features special menus, so reservations are highly recommended.
Dominick’s Steakhouse – Situated in Scottsdale, elegant but relaxed atmosphere. Offers surf and turf options and is popular for holiday dinners.
Chart House – Near Tempe/Scottsdale area, excellent seafood and steak, with great views. Offers a festive but not overly formal setting.
North Italia – For a slightly lighter option, with fresh seafood pasta and Italian fare. A modern, casual-chic vibe.

2. New Year’s Eve Specific Options

Many resorts and high-end restaurants host NYE dinners with prix-fixe menus. Check the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn or Arizona Biltmore for themed NYE events—they usually include dinner, drinks, and some light entertainment.
The Gladly – Upscale American cuisine with a lively but casual atmosphere. They sometimes have a special NYE menu.
O.H.S.O. Brewery & Distillery – If your group prefers something more fun and casual, O.H.S.O. often hosts NYE events with food, drinks, and music. Not formal, and family/friend-friendly.

3. Tips for Planning NYE Dinner

Make reservations as early as possible; NYE fills quickly in Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Confirm whether the restaurant has a special NYE menu or pricing; some places have a set menu, others a la carte.
Consider traffic and parking, especially if you plan to drive from Desert Ridge to Scottsdale or central Phoenix areas.
If you prefer to stay closer to your villa, Desert Ridge Marketplace has several casual options, though for a “special” NYE dinner, venturing into Scottsdale/Tempe is recommended.

Overall, for a nice, relaxed but festive dinner on NYE with steak and seafood, your best bets are Steak 44 or Dominick’s in Scottsdale, or a resort-hosted event nearby. Make reservations now to secure a spot, and plan for a 15–25 minute drive depending on traffic.