Prepare your stretchy pants, Thanksgiving is coming quickly! This year, the holiday falls on Thursday, Nov. 24 and instead of slaving over the hot stove all day, why not try one of San Diego’s numerous top-rated restaurants and their specialty Thanksgiving menus? We’ve rounded up the absolute best restaurants for dining out this Thanksgiving Day, and will continue to update this list as the holiday approaches.
See Also: 6 Fabulous Cruises For This Year's Winter Getaway
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1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar / Website
Enjoy coastal views this Thanksgiving at Adelaide in the L’Auberge Del Mar retreat. There will be a Thanksgiving buffet brunch from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with roasted turkey being freshly carved and served all day.
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969 Pacific Hwy / Website
Enjoy an elegant and nontraditional Thanksgiving meal at Animae from executive chef Tara Monsod. The multi-course menu, served from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., will offer the restaurant’s signature caviar shrimp toast and crispy tuna rice for the first course. Guests can choose from options like the filet mignon with ginger scallion oil, a5 potatoes and Chinese sausage jam, or the Cha Ca, made with rice noodles, nuoc cham and dill turmeric. For dessert, try the chocolate taiyaki mousse bar or the pear and hojicha roll cake.
The price is $130 per adult. Reservations can be made here.
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11480 N Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla / Website
Join A.R. Valentien on Thanksgiving Day from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. for a prix fixe menu of classic dishes. The price is $145 for adults and $65 for kids 12 years old and under.
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1775 E Mission Bay Drive / Website
Relax with Mission Bay views this Thanksgiving. San Diego Mission Bay Resort’s on-site restaurant Covewood will serve a family-style turkey dinner from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Led by head chef Roy Hendrickson, the menu is loaded with mouthwatering classics like mashed potatoes, gravy, and homemade stuffing.
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2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar / Website
Head to the racetrack for Thanksgiving brunch, starting at 11 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day. The Turf Club (level four) will serve a three-course meal with bottomless mimosas and bloody Marys until 1:30 p.m. Tickets are required and can be purchased here.
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777 Harrah’s Rincon Way, Funner / Website
Opt for a “funner” Thanksgiving this year, with the special “Gobble Gobble Dinner” at Harrah’s Resort SoCal. There will be a la carte offerings at The Café, like white and dark meat turkey, Brussels sprouts, cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce, among other items. The dinner will be available from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. The price is $25 per guest.
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131 D Street, Encinitas / Website
Head to the coast for Thanksgiving this year. At Herb & Sea, enjoy a prix-fixe dinner menu featuring options like steelhead crudo, kuri squash soup, oysters Rockefeller, turkey confit, pistachio-crusted lamb chops, and veggie paella. Tasty side dishes include sourdough herb stuffing and Parker House rolls and herb honey butter. For dessert, check out the pumpkin tart or apple crumb pie.
Dinner will run from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. The price is $87 per adult and $38 per child. Reservations can be made here.
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2210 Kettner Blvd. / Website
Dine in San Diego’s Little Italy this Thanksgiving with a unique menu from Herb & Wood. Menu highlights include turkey roulade with lemon rosemary stuffing, swordfish with charred cabbage and red chermoula, and honey nut squash with maple butter and almond soubise. For dessert, indulge in spiced apple upside-down cake or brown butter blondies with pumpkin mousse and brown sugar crumble.
Thanksgiving Dinner will be available from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and will be priced at $92 per adult and $38 per child. Reservations can be made here.
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1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado / Website
Visit the historic Hotel de Coronado’s new Southpointe Ballroom for an elegant buffet of Thanksgiving classics. There will be live music and a grand unveiling of the resort’s holiday decor, including a 22-foot ocean-themed tree on the Southpointe lawn. The price for the Thanksgiving buffet is $185 for adults, $100 for kids aged 4 to 10, and free for kids 3 and under. Reservations can be made here.
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1025 La Bonita Drive, San Marcos / Website
With golf course views and live music, treat your family to a relaxing holiday at Lakehouse Hotel & Resort. The resort will serve a Thanksgiving day buffet at its on-property restaurant, The Grill, and will feature a carving station, seafood, salads, and classic side dishes. Menu highlights include roasted Brussels sprouts and butternut squash salad, oven-roasted turkey, lemon butter cod with fried garlic and parsley, and pesto cheese tortellini. For dessert, enjoy pumpkin pie and an assortment of cookies and cakes.
Dinner will be served from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.The price is $70 per adult and $25 per child under 12 years old. Reservations can be made here.
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611 Fifth Avenue / Website
Visit this cool new Gaslamp Quarter restaurant for Thanksgiving dinner, served from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. On the menu, find herb-roasted turkey, chestnut stuffing, mashed sweet potatoes with bourbon maple butter, gravy, housemade cranberry sauce, and sauteed green beans. For dessert, enjoy an apple or pecan pie. All items will also be offered a la carte, as well as LAVO’s regular Italian menu. For the full Thanksgiving plate, the price is $64 per person. Reservations can be made here.
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435 Fifth Avenue / Website
Visit celebrated San Diego hotspot Lionfish for a Thanksgiving-exclusive menu. In addition to the restaurant’s usual seafood dishes, find country-fried turkey cutlet, buttermilk biscuits, red-eye gravy, and a fried farm egg, all for just $25. Reservations are recommended and can be made here.
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1132 Prospect Street, La Jolla / Website
Visit the iconic pink hotel for a Thanksgiving meal overlooking La Jolla cove. Mediterranean Room at La Valencia will serve a four-course prix fixe menu of California-Mediterranean takes on classic dishes. Menu highlights include butternut squash bisque, autumn panzanella salad, lobster salad, Big Glory Bay king salmon, and classic turkey served with cornbread stuffing, candied yams, whipped potatoes and gravy, French green beans, and cranberry sauce. Finish it all off with a pumpkin mousse cheesesteak or a chocolate pecan tart for dessert
Reservations are required and can be made here. The price of dinner is $95 for adults and $36 for kids 12 years old and under.
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9700 N Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla / Website
Explore La Jolla for Thanksgiving. Mustangs & Burros at Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa will serve a specialty Thanksgiving menu, crafted by executive chef Vincent Sauvignon, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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105 Mission Avenue, Oceanside / Website
Visit Piper for a loaded brunch followed by a decadent Thanksgiving dinner buffet. For brunch, enjoy made-to-order chilaquiles, a fried chicken and waffle bar, berry-topped overnight oats, and a toast bar complete with heirloom tomatoes, basil, avocado, and a variety of greens. Brunch will be available from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day. The price is $42 for adults, $30 for kids aged 5 to 12, and free for kids under 5 years old.
For Thanksgiving dinner, enjoy a buffet from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Menu highlights include a loaded raw bar, local charcuterie selections, an herb-brined roasted turkey with gravy, porcini-dusted prime rib with bordelaise sauce, and roasted salmon filet en croute topped with sauce Vierge and spiced citrus cranberry compote. Finish it off with mini sweet potato pies, fall berry tarts, and mocha mousse cake for dessert. The price is $96 for adults, $42 for kids aged 5 to 12, and free for kids under 5 years old.
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4980 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad / Website
Check out this newly opened, modern steakhouse for Thanksgiving this year. The culinary team will be led by executive chef Judd Canepari, formerly of La Valencia. Menu hits include stuffed turkey breast with pecan and tart cherry stuffings, candied acorn squash, whipped potato and cranberry turkey demi, pumpkin swordfish with cranberry demi glaze, and an autumn vegetable galette.
Dinner will be served from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Reservations can be made here.
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550 J Street / Website
Head to the Gaslamp Quarter for a tasty three-course prix fixe Thanksgiving dinner, available from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Prefer to dine at home? Let Provisional Kitchen help you out. Nine-inch holiday pies, either spiced pumpkin pie or cranberry crostata pie (each $35), will be available for pick-up from Nov. 18 to Nov. 24. Or, order a take-home Thanksgiving meal, which includes a free-range Diestel turkey and side dishes. The meal serves two people and costs $75. It will be available to pre-order until Nov. 22.
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17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive / Website
Rancho Bernardo Inn wants to serve you Thanksgiving dinner at one of its three unique restaurants. In the Aragon Ballroom, enjoy an all-inclusive Thanksgiving buffet, complete with carving stations, a raw bar and live music. The menu features poached halibut with Spanish green sauce, smoked acorn squash soup with ricotta ravioli and cinnamon chili oil, and whipped mascarpone potatoes. The buffet will be available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the price is $199 per adult and $79 per kid 12 years old and under.
At Veranda Fireside Lounge & Restaurant, enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving three-course menu, featuring herb-crusted turkey with Robuchon mashed potatoes, sausage and apple stuffing, and brown butter carrots, among other dishes. This restaurant will also continue to offer its usual a la carte menu for those who aren’t into the traditional. The Thanksgiving menu will be available from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and will cost $70 per person.
At Rancho Bernardo Inn’s signature restaurant, AVANT, enjoy a creative and classy four-course prix fixe Thanksgiving menu. Menu highlights include pumpkin veloute with pumpkin butter and pumpkin seed, truffle and tuille, Wagyu carpaccio with egg yolk, savory madeleines with duck confit, robiola and oro blanco. This menu will be available from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will be priced at $125 per adult and $55 per child 12 years old and under.
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5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe / Website
Enjoy an array of cuisines this Thanksgiving at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa. Thanksgiving offerings will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature a chef-attended sushi station, Farrow Islands salmon, and roasted turkey breast, among other items. The family-friendly resort will also have pony rides, kids’ crafts and Thanksgiving treats served all day. Take-home feasts are also available and can be pre-ordered until Thursday, Nov. 17. Reservations can be made by calling 858-759-6246. The price is $195 for adults, $55 for kids, and free for kids under three.
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512 Via De La Valle, Solana Beach / Website
Let Ranch 45 cater your Thanksgiving meal with its a la carte menu. Find herb-crusted prime rib, smoked beef tenderloin, whole grilled Brandt tomahawk, olive oil smashed potatoes, mac and cheese, honey and thyme roasted rainbow carrots, and other tasty sides. For dessert, choose from pecan pie, apple crisp, pumpkin, cheesecake, or an assortment of cookies. Orders can be placed here and must be done before Sunday, Nov. 20.
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1 Market Place / Website
Dine waterfront this Thanksgiving at Sally’s Fish House & Bar. There will be a special Thanksgiving menu available from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Menu highlights include fall panzanella salad, slow-roasted apple brine turkey with gravy, Boursin cheese whipped potatoes, and sourdough rolls with tomato butter. The same menu will be served inside at The Landing from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and as a to-go meal for just $32 per plate and available for pick-up from Market One. The price for dining in person with this special menu is $54 per person.
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4545 La Jolla Village Drive / Website
Enjoy wine and cocktails paired with classic Thanksgiving dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients at Seasons 52. Or, opt for the take-home, Green Box and simply pop it in the oven an hour before serving for a tasty, easy, and complete Thanksgiving meal at home. The box is set to serve four to six people and can be picked up on Wednesday, Nov. 23. Reservations can be made here.
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800 Seacoast Drive, Imperial Beach / Website
Enjoy a Thanksgiving meal with ocean views at SEA180º. The three-course prix fixe menu will be served from, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and feature three distinct entree choices. Choose a classic like oven-roasted turkey with sage stuffing, green beans, whipped garlic pan gravy and cranberry sauce, or opt for the Skuna Bay salmon with a maple glaze and accompanied by parsnip puree, roasted Brussels sprouts, bacon lardon, pickled apples and sesame seeds. Or, select the beef short ribs topped with a beef demi glaze and served with polenta, roasted baby carrots and mustard caviar, or choose the chile relleno served with roasted farro, wild mushrooms, parmesan foam, a poached egg and truffle oil. There will be a slew of tasty desserts to finish off your meal with. The price is $65.95 per person. Reservations are recommended and can be by calling the restaurant directly.
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1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado / Website
Treat yourself to a three-course prix fixe Thanksgiving menu prepared by James Beard Smart Catch Leader JoJo Ruiz. The menu features tasty creations like lobster and late-harvest corn chowder, slow-roasted and lightly smoked turkey, and pumpkin mille-feuille. There’s also a family-style option, with options like roasted two-pound lobster and butternut squash lasagna. The special menu will be available on Thanksgiving Day. It is priced at $135 per adult and $45 per child. Reservations are recommended and can be made here.
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6985 El Camino Real, Carlsbad / Website
Stop by this longtime family-run restaurant for an easy and healthy Thanksgiving meal. Choose a main course of oven-roasted turkey with gravy and cranberry relish, or opt for a non-traditional feast of Santa Maria tri-tip with housemade steak sauce. Guests can choose from starters like butternut squash soup, lentil soup, mixed field greens salad and romaine hearts salad, and sides like fresh sage stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans almondine and roasted Brussels sprouts. Finish it off with a freshly-baked Dutch apple or pumpkin pie for just $22. Orders can be placed online and must be picked up on Wednesday, Nov. 23.
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500 Hotel Circle North / Website
Signature restaurant ARLO will serve a Thanksgiving prix fixe menu from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. as guests enjoy live music and festive decor. The resort’s poolside bar, Lapper Kitchen & Tap, will serve fall-themed cocktails starting Tuesday, Nov. 1. There’s also a take-home meal option from MRKT that’s set to serve six people and feature all the classic Thanksgiving fixings, sides, and desserts. Pre-orders for the take-home meal end on Monday, Nov. 14, and guests can pick up their meal on Thursday, Nov. 24. The take-home dinner is priced at $200.
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810 N Coast Hwy, Encinitas / Website
Head to this popular European-style bistro for a prix-fixe Thanksgiving menu paired with an impressive and diverse wine collection. The menu features classics like turkey, mashed potatoes, butternut squash soup and classic sides and desserts. Reservations can be made here.
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1551 Shelter Island Drive / Website
Visit relaxing Shelter Island for Kona Kai Resort & Spa’s all-day Thanksgiving offerings at the resort’s on-site restaurant, Vessel. The menu features roasted turkey stuffed with mushrooms, whipped creamy Yukon potatoes, sourdough, and rye stuffing. A la carte options include lobster pot pie and sticky toffee pudding with salted sage caramel truffles. The Thanksgiving menu will be available from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The price is $69 for adults, $59 for seniors, and $19 for kids under 10 years old for a traditional, family-style meal. Or, order a prix fixe meal for $39 per plate.
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901 Bayfront Court / Website
Dine with coastal views at Vistal. For its Thanksgiving buffet, find upscale classics like a carving station serving up cherry smoked turkey with garden sage gravy, filet mignon with peppercorn demi-glace, an elaborate raw bar, black kale and roasted kabocha squash salad with blood orange vinaigrette. For dessert, enjoy apple crumble, pumpkin pie and pecan pie.
Dinner will be served from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and is priced at $85 per adult and $35 per child. Reservations can be made here.
For more mouthwatering luxury cuisine in the city, check out our picks for The 7 Must-Visit Restaurants For Lobster Lovers In San Diego.
Photography by: Tetra Images / Getty Images
