The Best Places To Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner In San Diego
Don’t feel like cooking and cleaning the kitchen this Thanksgiving? We get it! Head out with friends and family to one of San Diego’s great restaurants or hotels for a relaxing Thanksgiving dinner you won’t forget!
Dine Out Options
Herb & Wood
An alluring gathering place in San Diego’s Little Italy, Herb & Wood welcomes diners to gather around their table this Thanksgiving. Guests will enjoy a rustic and traditional spread, centered around the seasonality of California’s abundant offerings and infused with the zest of Mediterranean and Mexican-inspired flavors.
Options include Turkey Roulade with lemon rosemary stuffing, Swordfish with red chermoula and charred cabbage, Honey Nut Squash with maple butter and almond soubise, and traditional family-style sides. Complete the meal with a choice of Brown Butter Blondie, with pumpkin mousse and brown sugar crumble, or Spiced Apple Upside Down Cake.
Guests will find a unique sense of comfortability and intimacy in the cozy yet sophisticated spaces throughout the restaurant, such as the open and airy Main Dining room or the whimsical Secret Garden, where conversation reverberates through the crackle of the fire.
Reserved via OpenTable, seatings are available from 1PM to 7PM on November 24th, priced at $92 per adult, $38 per child.
Provisional Kitchen
Thanksgiving at Provisional Kitchen on November 24, from 3PM to 9PM. Indulge in a specially-crafted three-course prix fixe menu filled with Thanksgiving fixings. Priced at $95 per adult and $30 per child (ages 12 and under).
Thanksgiving at Home? Provisional Kitchen also got you. Each meal includes a free-range Diestel turkey and side dishes.
Order by November 22. Priced at $75 per meal (serves up to two people).
Animae
Indulge in a not-so-traditional Thanksgiving at the captivatingly elegant Animae, where Executive Chef Tara Monsod will be preparing a luxurious multiple-course meal for her guests. Choose from a selection of sophisticated dishes like Animae’s signature Caviar Shrimp Toast and Tuna Crispy Rice or choose from new dishes like Mantao with sweet soy, chives and sesame.
For the second course indulge in options like the Filet Mignon with ginger scallion oil, a5 potatoes, and Chinese sausage jam and Cha Ca with rice noodles, nuoc cham and dill turmeric as well with family-style sides of Roasted Caulini, with sesame, cilantro, and szechuan cashew crumble, and Chili Vinaigrette Brussel Sprouts. The meal comes to a sweet ending with a choice of a Chocolate Taiyaki Mousse Bar or the Pear & Hojicha Roll Cake.
Reserved via OpenTable, seatings are available from 3PM to 7PM on November 24th, priced at $130 per adult.
Polo Steakhouse
Recently opened in the coastal community of Carlsbad, Polo Steakhouse will be offering a specialty menu on Thanksgiving day along with a limited a la carte menu. The modernized steakhouse led by a team of notable industry professionals including Executive Chef Judd Canepari (La Valencia), will be taking reservations on Thanksgiving day from 2PM to 8PM.
The holiday menu will feature specials such as, Stuffed Turkey Breast with pecan and tart cherry stuffing, haricot vert, candied acorn squash, whipped potato and cranberry turkey demi, Pumpkin Swordfish made with cranberry demi glaze, haricot vert, farro and bulgur wheat porridge and Autumn Vegetable Galette with farro and bulgur wheat, roasted seasonal vegetables, almond mandolin, cranberry demi glaze.
Valentina
For those looking to be hosted rather than be the host, Leucadia’s favorite European-style bistro, Valentina, is serving a traditional Thanksgiving feast along with their signature dishes including fresh oysters, steak tartare, steak frites and more to be paired with an extensive wine collection featuring a rotating list of worldly wines and natural wines in addition to a large selection of legendary, well-known and worldly bubbles.
Offering a pre-fixed Thanksgiving menu from 12PM to 7PM for $65 per person, the menu will feature a turkey plate, mashed potatoes, butternut squash soup and classic Thanksgiving sides and desserts.
Guests who want to gather at Valentina this Thanksgiving can book a reservation through OpenTable.
Herb & Sea
Gather friends and family to celebrate Thanksgiving at the coastal chic Herb & Sea for a holiday to remember. Tucked away in San Diego’s beach town of Encinitas, Herb & Sea is beloved by its community for offering fresh flavors and a welcoming place for all to share the bounties of the sea and land.
Herb & Sea will be offering a pre-fixe Thanksgiving menu featuring starters including Steelhead Crudo, Kuri Squash Soup and Oysters Rockafeller, as well as Mains like the traditional Turkey Confit with mashed potatoes and cranberry orange chutney, Pistachio Crusted Lamb Chops with cous cous, tzatziki and pomegranate or Veggie Paella, in addition to classic Thanksgiving sides like Sourdough Herb Stuffing, and Parker House Rolls & Herb Honey Butter.
End Thanksgiving on a sweet note with either a Pumpkin Tart, candied pepitas and cream cheese ice cream or an Apple Crumble Pie with salted caramel ice cream, made by Executive Pastry Chef, Laura Warren.
Reserved via OpenTable, seatings are available from 1PM to 7PM, priced at $87 per adult and $38 per child.
Vistal
Vistal, the InterContinental San Diego’s signature restaurant, will be offering Thanksgiving dinner for hotel guests and visitors alike.
Featuring an expansive and elevated Thanksgiving buffet, the dinner will highlight all of the Thanksgiving classics, including a full carving station with Cherry Smoked Turkey with garden sage gravy, and Chateau Briand with peppercorn demi-glace, as well as an elaborate Cold Seafood Display, Vegan Ravioli, Black Kale & Roasted Kabocha Squash Salad with blood orange vinaigrette, antipasti, crudité and more. Indulge in classic Thanksgiving desserts like Apple Crumble, Pumpkin Pie, and Pecan Pie.
Enjoy your meal surrounded by loved ones, all while soaking in Vistal’s stunning views of the San Diego bay. Reservations are available from 2PM to 7PM on Thanksgiving day and can be made via Resy, priced at $85 for adults and $35 for children.
Smokey & The Brisket
For those looking for a less formal Thanksgiving feast, look no further than La Mesa’s Smokey & The Brisket. The family-friendly barbecue joint will be serving both dine-in and to-go specials on November 24th!
For dine-in, individuals can enjoy a Smoked Turkey Roast, with mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie, all for $45.
Reservations are recommended for parties of 6+. For to-go, pre-orders and payment are required by Friday, November 18th for either the 4-6 or 8-12 person meals. Both include smoked turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.
Orders can be placed by calling the restaurant – (619) 439-6544.
Mille Fleurs
Mille Fleurs has curated a 3-course prix fixe menu perfect for the occasion, featuring a mix of traditional Thanksgiving fares like the Fresh & Organic Diestel Farm Turkey and the Prime Angus Beef Filet. Plus, Mille Fleurs classics you know and love, such as the famous Wienerschnitzel and the Traditional Lobster Salad.
Desserts from Executive Pastry Chef “Papa” Moussa feature favorites such as the pumpkin cinnamon crème brûlée and the chocolate & pecan profiteroles. With plenty of wines to pair, and attentive staff at your side, it’s guaranteed to be a celebration of all there is to be grateful for.
Thanksgiving dinner starts at $95 per person, and reservations can be made here.
Juniper & Ivy at Home
This season, take a seat. Whether you’re looking for a brined & trussed turkey, a complete package of side dishes, or wine pairings, Chef Anthony Wells and the Juniper and Ivy culinary team have prepared a no-fuss prepaid pickup Thanksgiving meal with an elevated, locally-sourced spin on the classic holiday menu.
Thanksgiving selections include two packages, one that serves 8-12 ($420) and one that serves 4-6 ($275). Highlights include a Turkey (raw but fully prepped with Chef’s baking instructions), Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Chestnut Stuffing, Sweet Potato Casserole, Cranberry Sauce, Brussels Sprouts & Glazed Carrots, Parker House Rolls, and Whole Pumpkin Pie.
Make it a pairing adventure with Juniper and Ivy’s Sommelier’s pick of wines, along with exclusive premium bottles from the cellar.
Meals will be securely packaged and ready to pick up on Wednesday, November 23 with simple instructions for heating and final touches to follow Thanksgiving Day. Guests can purchase the meals here.
Mediterranean Room at La Valencia
Celebrate Thanksgiving with your loved ones at the iconic Pink Lady, La Valencia, perched overlooking La Jolla cove and the Pacific Ocean.
Enjoy Executive Chef Fabian Aceves’ four-course prix fixe menu of California Mediterranean takes on festive favorites, including Butternut Squash Bisque, Autumn Panzanella, Lemon Balm Scented Lobster, Moroccan Spice Turkey (served with cornbread stuffing, almond pesto carrots, candied yams, haricot vert, whipped potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce), and Big Glory Bay King Salmon (served with sweet potato gratin, smoked leeks, autumn greens, bowfin roe, and beurre rouge). Plus, a vegetarian main option of honey nut squash, carrot puree, couscous, charred ricotta, dukkah, and pomegranate molasses. For dessert, choose from Chocolate Pecan Tart or Pumpkin Mousse Cheesecake.
Reservations are required (both indoor and outdoor Ocean View Terrace seating available) and can be made via OpenTable. $95 per adult, with kid’s selections (age 12 and under) available for $20 to $36, including a child’s portion of a turkey dinner.
Mister A’s Prix Fixe
Celebrate Thanksgiving with the newly remodeled and reimagined, Mister A’s. Perched 12 floors up, guests can indulge with Executive Chef Stephane Voitzwinkler’s prix fixe menu while taking in the San Diego skyline. Highlights include Traditional Lobster Bisque, Georges Bank Scallops, Red Top Pork Belly, A’s Black Truffle Mac & Cheese, Chickpea Panisse, and more.
End on a sweet note with dessert options from Pastry Chef Amy Simpson such as Pumpkin Creme Brulee, Citrus Scented Basque Cheesecake, Warm French Apple Tart, and more. Thanksgiving dinner starts at $95 per person, with an option to add additional sides for $11 each.
Reservations can be made here.
LAVO San Diego
At Gaslamp newcomer LAVO San Diego, guests can enjoy a beautiful Thanksgiving plate priced at $64 that includes: Carved Herb Roasted Turkey, Chestnut Stuffing, Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Bourbon Maple Butter, Country Gravy, Housemade Cranberry Sauce, Sautéed Haricot Verts and a choice of Apple or Pecan Pie. All items will also be offered à la carte and the regular dinner menu will be available for those seeking the restaurant’s signature Italian dishes.
The Thanksgiving offerings will be served from 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. on November 24th and reservations can be made online. LAVO San Diego is located at: 611 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Bleu Bohème
Bleu Bohème will offer a three-course prix fixe Thanksgiving menu and festive cocktail, available from noon to 4PM exclusively on Thursday, Nov. 24. The Thanksgiving menu, crafted by owner and executive chef, Ken Irvine, will feature traditional dishes with French twists, priced at $74.95 per person and $28.95 for children under the age of 12.
The holiday meal will commence with a choice between pumpkin-hominy soup with crispy parsnips and chive crème frâiche; fresh red and gold beet salad with sesame chèvre chaud, shaved fennel, rocket greens, candied hazelnuts and Fuji apple dressing; crab croquettes with jicama remoulade, tomato-rocket salad and saffron aioli; or house-made duck pâté, pork terrine de campagne, pickled vegetables, croûtons, olives and Dijon mustard.
Reservations are available now by calling 619.255.4167 or by visiting the website here.
Hotel del Coronado
One of the most magical times of year at this historic grande dame, The Del is known among locals and travelers alike for welcoming the holidays with splendid fanfare, bringing wintertime fun to sunny Southern California. Give thanks this Thanksgiving at San Diego’s iconic Hotel del Coronado where a grand Thanksgiving dinner will be offered in the brand new Southpointe Ballroom, located on the south end of the resort, with an elegant buffet of all the favorite, traditional trimmings along with epic live musical entertainment on November 24th.
Following dinner, feast your eyes on the Frosted by the Sea holiday programming at the resort, which will include the return of Skating by the Sea®, thousands of holiday lights and stunning holiday décor including a new 22-foot ocean-themed tree at Southpointe Lawn.
Pricing: Adults: $205 – Early Bird (Before Nov. 15); $205 – Hotel Guest; Children (4-10): $100; Children (3-under): Complimentary. Reservations can be made here.
Serea
Indulge in a gourmet three-course prix fixe Thanksgiving menu prepared by James Beard Smart Catch Leader JoJo Ruiz on Serea’s two-tiered patio complete with swaying palm trees, incomparable ocean views, and notes of the sea breeze lingering around you.
Delight in a Thanksgiving feast that you don’t need to cook yourself, featuring menu items such as Lobster and Late Harvest Corn Chowder, Slow Roasted and Lightly Smoked Turkey, Pumpkin Mille Feuille and more. Pair your meal with a fall-inspired cocktail and take advantage of family-style options, including a Roasted Two-Pound Lobster, Smoked Tri Tip Roast and Butternut Squash Lasagna.
This prix fixe menu is available on Thursday, November 24, from 2PM-8PM with adults dining at $135 per person and children dining at $45. Reservations are recommended and can be made on OpenTable here.
Lionfish
This Thanksgiving Eve, gather with loved ones and head to Lionfish, the dynamic, design-driven hotspot in Downtown San Diego to celebrate good food and good friends with a new Thanksgiving-exclusive menu item.
In addition to the restaurant’s beloved sustainable seafood dishes and prime meats curated by James Beard Smart Catch Leader JoJo Ruiz, guests can enjoy a Thanksgiving-inspired Country Fried Turkey Cutlet served with Buttermilk Biscuits, Red Eye Gravy and a Fried Farm Egg for $35.
Paired with seasonal cocktails such as a Pear in Thyme and Fig in the Rye, this Thanksgiving meal is certain to rival home-cooked favorites. Reservations are recommended and can be made on OpenTable here.
VAGA
Perched atop a picturesque bluff in the charming seaside town of Encinitas, VAGA is Alila Marea Beach Resort’s signature dining destination celebrating locally inspired cuisine and seasonal fare, making it the perfect spot to sip on cocktails spiced to autumnal perfection and feast on a Thanksgiving pre-fixe menu while enjoying an iconic San Diego sunset.
Menu highlights include pork shiso skewers, tartare mini tostadas, bread service featuring housemade pretzels and french onion fonduta, carrot bisque, turkey and herb chorizo-stuffed turkey breast, spiced flan cake and more. Availble from 2PM-9PM. Price: $109 per adult / $39 per child.
Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa
This November, join Rancho Valencia in celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday on November 24 from 11AM to 4PM with an array of delicious buffet offerings and live music among the resort’s beautiful outdoor setting, with menu highlights including a chef-attended sushi station, slow roasted turkey breast, sweet potato casserole, Blue Lake Farms green bean skillet, Faroe Islands salmon and a selection of classic mouth-watering desserts. Enjoy festive family activities including pony rides, kids’ crafts and thanksgiving treats.
For those celebrating at home, pick up a Thanksgiving feast to-go, where you can mix and match your favorite dishes and sides, or order the whole meal (more information available here).
Thanksgiving To-Go feasts are available to order till Thursday, Nov. 17. Reservations can be made by calling 858-759-6246. Price: $195/adults | $55/children (kids under three eat free).
Lakehouse Hotel & Resort
Reminiscent of an east coast lake retreat, Lakehouse Hotel & Resort transports guests to a fall escape with beautiful views and a calming atmosphere hidden in Southern California. This Thanksgiving, guests can enjoy a Thanksgiving Day Buffet at The Grill, the hotel’s main dining outpost. Happening on November 24th, the buffet costs $70 for adults and $25 for children under 12, with seatings from 12PM to 5PM.
Enjoy Thanksgiving day fare including carved meats, seafood, salads, sides and desserts while looking out onto the beautiful greens of St. Mark Golf Club and listening to live music from 12PM to 4PM. Menu items include a Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Butternut Squash Salad with candied pecans, dried cranberries, fresh sage and balsamic reduction, Oven Roasted Turkey, Lemon Butter Cod with fried garlic and parsley, Pesto Cheese Tortellini and for dessert, Pumpkin Pie, Assorted Cakes and Cookies & Bars.
Reservations can be made through OpenTable or by calling The Grill at 760.653.3224.
SEA180° Coastal Tavern
SEA180° Coastal Tavern, located inside the Pier South Resort in Imperial Beach, will give thanks over a three-course prix fixe Thanksgiving menu, available from 11AM to 7PM on Thursday, November 24.
The holiday dinner will include selections such as an oven-roasted turkey accompanied with sage stuffing, green beans, whipped garlic pan gravy and cranberry sauce; beef short ribs topped with a beef demi glaze and served with polenta, roasted baby carrots and mustard caviar; a slice of pumpkin pie topped with whipped mascarpone and vanilla cracker crumbles; and more.
This festive dinner is priced at $69.95 per person.
The Westgate Hotel
Dine in for a 3-Course Prix Fixe Thanksgiving Dinner this year on Thursday, November 24th, in the Le Fontainebleau Room. This heartwarming menu features select options for appetizers, main courses, and desserts with sides served family style.
For course one, choose from butternut squash soup, poached pear salad, Korubutta port bellow & day boat scallop, Baja crab cake or mushroom risotto. Main course options include a classic free range turkey breast, sous vide wagyu short rib, Tasmanian New York Strip, artichoke ravioli or Chilean Sea Bass. Everyone knows Thanksgiving dinner isn’t complete without scrumptious desserts – Westgate’s menu lets guests choose from four different kinds of pie.
The menu will be available for dine-in guests from 4PM–9PM. Dinner for adults is $95 and children 3-12 are $47. You can view the full menu HERE.
Coco Maya
Looking to celebrate the best parts of Thanksgiving with your bestest friends in town? Celebrate Friendsgiving in
style this year with Coco Maya on Thanksgiving Eve! On Wednesday, Nov. 23, Coco Maya will be hosting a very special event to get you and your friends in the holiday spirit. All night long they will be featuring some unbeatable specials on drinks and shots, plus a special discount for industry folks. They will also be holding a raffle for two free all-you-can-drink wristbands for their upcoming New Years Eve party! Best of all, 3% of sales from the event will be donated to It’s All About the Kids, a local San Diego charity that seeks to reduce food insecurity for families. Enjoy a night out at Little Italy’s favorite rooftop for a truly great cause!
Thanksgiving To-Go
Ranch 45
Turn over your Thanksgiving to Ranch 45 and cater to your family’s taste buds with a completely a la carte Thanksgiving pick up menu. Fully customize your Thanksgiving feast with main course choices including festive favorites like Herb Crusted Prime Rib, Smoked Beef Tenderloin, Whole Grilled Brandt Tomahawk and more.
Compliment your main course with a selection of soups, salads and hot sides like Olive Oil Smashed Potatoes, Roasted Root Vegetables, Honey & Thyme Roasted Rainbow Carrots, Mac & Cheese, Green Bean Almondine and Gravy. Before you retire to the couch with family and friends, embrace the Thanksgiving food coma with dessert offerings like Assorted Cookie Box, Pecan Pie, Apple Crisp or Pumpkin Cheesecake.
Avoid the cooking and cleanup this year by placing an order via the Ranch 45 website here before Sunday, November 20th, to pick up fresh on Wednesday, November 23rd for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner guests won’t soon forget.
Great Maple
Enjoy a modern, American and elevated classic Thanksgiving meal from the comfort of your home this holiday from Great Maple at Westfield UTC. Serving up a three-course turkey dinner, enjoy plates of traditional turkey breast and a sweet pumpkin pie with a ginger graham cracker crust. To-go meal priced at $44.95.
True Food Kitchen
Looking for a health-driven and nutrient-rich fall-forward Thanksgiving feast this holiday season? Take the hassle out of preparing Thanksgiving dinner and head over to True Food Kitchen at Westfield UTC for a carefully crafted menu with steady rotation of seasonal offerings, including butternut squash soup, fall pesto pasta with roasted acorn squash, roasted acorn squash flatbread, and squash pie as a sweet twist for the special occasion.
For orders, please visit here.
Westgate Hotel
Westgate Hotel’s 3-Course Prix Fixe Thanksgiving Dinner is available as a to-go package where San Diegan’s can enjoy a traditional Westgate Thanksgiving dinner, complete with all the trimmings, from the comfort of your home. Choose from butternut squash soup with granny smith apple slaw and free-range turkey with sides of sweet potato mash corn stuffing, charred brussels sprouts and ginger cranberry sauce. Guests can complete the meal with a must have fall dessert of pumpkin or chocolate pie.
Wine by the bottle is available for purchase. Packages start at $95 for a 2-person dinner set and are available in sets for 2, 4, 6, or 8 people. More information can be found HERE.
Happy Thanksgiving!
