Where to Eat Thanksgiving Dinner in San Diego & Order Chef-Prepared Meals To-Go (2026)

Where to eat Thanksgiving dinner in San Diego restaurants or pick-up chef-prepared meals that you can reheat at home.

Last updated: November 7, 2025 

By

Katie Dillon

Katie Dillon is the founder of La Jolla Mom and a trusted travel advisor based in San Diego for over three decades. A former Four Seasons resident, she shares unmatched hotel insight, certified San Diego expertise, verified theme park discounts, and VIP hotel privileges worldwide through her industry connections.

San Diego hotel restaurants and their amazing chefs have put together creative menus and even some opportunities to take a prepared feast home with you. The list below includes some great restaurants around town that serve special Thanksgiving dinners for you to enjoy — whether that’s with family and kids, by yourself, or with a date.

I’ll keep this list of where to have Thanksgiving dinner in San Diego updated as I hear about even more great ideas from San Diego restaurants, which I’m sure will be hitting my inbox in the coming weeks.

Thanksgiving Buffets at San Diego’s Top Hotels

Make a reservation for Thanksgiving lunch or dinner, or, better yet, check into one of the luxury hotels in San Diego.

Hotel del Coronado

The Hotel del Coronado, a top beachfront hotel in San Diego, offers classic, grand holiday buffet in restored historic ballrooms with a full spread of stations (seafood, carving, desserts). Give thanks and celebrate with family and friends at The Del’s exquisite Thanksgiving dinner, set inside its beautifully restored Crown Room, Coronet Rooms, and the Ocean Ballroom, which now showcases a newly preserved 1888 fresco mural.

  • Date & Time: Thursday, November 27, 2025 (Thanksgiving). Ocean Ballroom 1 to 6 pm, Crown Room 12:30 to 7 pm.
  • Price: Early-bird rates end October 31. $274.25 per adult, $152.36 for children ages 5-12, and children under 4 complimentary.
  • Reservations: Must reserve in advance online.
Fall desserts! (Photo courtesy of Hotel Del Coronado)

Click on the tabs to explore booking instructions

Hotel del Coronado Virtuoso Benefits:

NEW: I am a member of the exclusive Crown Club at The Del. This means the Virtuoso amenities I can offer you are enhanced. If you book on Virtuoso.com, my enhanced amenities will automatically apply on the back end.

  • Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability
  • Daily breakfast credit of $45 per person, for up to two guests per bedroom, served in Veranda restaurant
  • $100 USD Resort credit to be utilized during stay <-this includes food, beverage, spa, and resort activities.
  • Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
  • VIP / Crown Club status
  • Special welcome note and arrival amenity
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

SALE: 3rd Night Free on select dates: The promotional rate appears as a 33% discount when booking a three-night stay. You must be logged into Virtuoso.com to view the Exclusive Sale pricing. Blackout dates apply. Book by February 19, 2026.

Sign in or create a free Virtuoso account to see the discounted rate! When booking on Virtuoso.com use the number of adults traveling to get the correct rates. Kids may otherwise be priced as adults. We will add them after we follow up to collect your arrival details. If you see multiple rates for the same room type, choose the lowest rate. Check the status of ocean swimming in front of Coronado Lifeguard Tower as it changes. This is the testing station in front of Hotel del Coronado.

Shore House at The Del Virtuoso Benefits:

NEW: I am a member of the exclusive Crown Club at The Del. This means the Virtuoso and Hilton for Luxury amenities I can offer you are enhanced. If you book on Virtuoso.com, my enhanced amenities will automatically apply on the back end.

  • Upgrade is not applicable at this property
  • Daily full breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom at Shore House Bistro
  • Instead of the one-time $100 dining credit, you get:
  • Guestroom: one-time $150 resort credit
  • 1 Bedroom Villa/Cottage: one-time $250 resort credit
  • 2 Bedroom Villa/Cottage: one-time $350 resort credit
  • 3 Bedroom Villa/Cottage: one-time $450 resort credit
  • Early check-in / Late check-out, subject to availability.
  • Double Hilton Honors Points (Hilton for Luxury Only)
  • VIP / Crown Club status
  • Special welcome note and arrival amenity
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

SALE: 3rd Night FREE on select dates! The sale price will be reflected as a 33% off discount as long as you stay three nights. Must be logged into Virtuoso.com to see the Exclusive Sale price there.

Beach Village at The Del Virtuoso Benefits:

NEW: I am a member of the exclusive Crown Club at The Del. This means the amenities I can offer you are enhanced and better than what is published on Virtuoso.com. My enhanced amenities automatically apply to Virtuoso and Hilton for Luxury bookings.

  • Upgrade is not applicable at this property
  • Daily full breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom at Ocean Club (valued at $52/per person per day plus taxes)
  • Instead of the one-time $100 dining credit, you get:
  • Guestroom: one-time $150 resort credit
  • 1 Bedroom Villa/Cottage: one-time $250 resort credit
  • 2 Bedroom Villa/Cottage: one-time $350 resort credit
  • 3 Bedroom Villa/Cottage: one-time $450 resort credit
  • Early check-in / Late check-out, subject to availability.
  • Double Hilton Honors Points (Hilton for Luxury Only)
  • VIP / Crown Club status
  • Special welcome note and arrival amenity
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

SALE: 3rd Night FREE on select dates! The sale price will be reflected as a 33% off discount as long as you stay three nights. Must be logged into Virtuoso.com to see the Exclusive Sale price there. Blackout dates apply. If you see a lower rate than Virtuoso on Hilton.com please request Hilton for Luxury rates.

We independently select featured hotels and may earn a commission if you book through the links below.

Hilton

If you are eligible for AAA, Military, or Hilton Honors or sale rates that you are more comfortable with, you can book all three sections of the resort through their pages on Hilton.com.

Powered by Hilton.com

More often than not, the Virtuoso rate puts you ahead of what’s available online and I can handle any special requests on your behalf.

Kona Kai Resort & Spa

Indulge in a holiday buffet feast at Kona Kai Resort & Spa, where you can enjoy a relaxed yet refined Thanksgiving dinner by the marina. Savor classic favorites complemented by seasonal accents in a coastal setting designed for celebration and comfort.

  • Date & Time: 11 am – 4 pm
  • Price: $89 per adult or child over 12, $39 per child 5-12, and children under 5 are free
  • Reservations: Via their website or resort contact (pre-booking advised)

Vistal

Celebrate Thanksgiving in style at Vistal, where panoramic bay views and live music set the scene for an unforgettable buffet dinner. The lavish spread features everything from a Cold Seafood Display piled high with oysters, crab claws, and ceviche to carved turkey, roasted N.Y. strip, and salmon “Al Pastor.” Guests can also indulge in standout entrées like Short Rib Tortellini and Miso-Maple Pork Tenderloin, plus decadent desserts including Pecan Walnut Caramel Pie and Chocolate-Hazelnut Beignets.

  • Date & Time: November 27, 2025, 2 – 5 pm.
  • Price: $125 for adults, $75 for children ages 5–12, and free for kids under 4.
  • Reservations: Reservations are available via OpenTable

Park Hyatt Aviara

Aviara Salon

If you’re looking for Thanksgiving brunch buffet options in North County San Diego, Park Hyatt Aviara in Carlsbad is a fantastic choice. This luxury resort is less than a ten-minute drive from the beach and is set amongst 200 stunning acres of natural beauty overlooking the Batiquitos Lagoon. 

The menu spans an impressive Seafood Table with poached jumbo shrimp, smoked salmon, Peruvian ceviche, and sushi rolls; an Appetizer and Salad Station featuring lobster roll verrines and roasted acorn squash; and a Hot Table showcasing lemon and thyme roasted turkey, black garlic–crusted prime rib, and beet-crusted salmon. Finish with an array of house-baked pies, pastries, and desserts crafted to perfection.

  • Date & Time: Thursday, November 27, 2025, 11 am–3 pm.
  • Price: $150 per adult and $65 per child (ages 2–12).
  • Reservations: Reserve on their website.

Ember & Rye Steakhouse

Ember & Rye is celebrating Thanksgiving again in 2025 if you want to get dinner. The menu includes entrees like smoked turkey or kurobata porchetta, and then pecan pie for dessert.

  • Date & Time: Thursday, November 27, 5 pm-8:30 pm.
  • Price: TBA
  • Reservations: Book a time via OpenTable.

Prix-Fixe & Plated Thanksgiving Dinners in San Diego

Pendry San Diego

Thanksgiving dinner in San Diego at Pendry San Diego
Thanksgiving dinner at Provisional (Photo courtesy of Pendry San Diego)

Celebrate Thanksgiving at Provisional Kitchen inside Pendry San Diego, where a sophisticated multi-course menu showcases seasonal dishes like free-range turkey with pecan-apple stuffing, red wine–braised short rib, and fall-inspired vegetarian plates. Enjoy your feast in the restaurant’s airy, design-forward setting that perfectly balances modern elegance with holiday warmth.

  • Date & Time: Thursday, November 27, 2025
  • Price: $100 per adult and $40 per child (aged 12 and under)

VIRTUOSO RATE

Through my role as a luxury travel advisor with Cadence, I’m pleased to offer Pendry San Diego with Virtuoso amenities that include:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Breakfast credit at Provisional Restaurant or In-Room Dining for two guests per bedroom daily ($30 maximum per person, per day)
  • $100 USD Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
  • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

*The desktop version of Virtuoso.com is where you’ll search rates and book online. To enable the desktop version from a mobile device, after clicking on a Virtuoso hotel link, scroll down to the navy blue section at the bottom of the web page and click “Full Site.”

The Marine Room (La Jolla)

Celebrate Thanksgiving at The Marine Room, where breathtaking ocean views meet an exceptional four-course prix-fixe menu. Enjoy a refined holiday experience featuring seasonal ingredients and chef-crafted dishes that elevate every traditional favorite.

  • Date & Time: Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27. 1 pm-8 pm.
  • Price: $165 per person and $65 per child. Excludes tax and service charge.
  • Reservations: Book via OpenTable.

La Valencia Hotel

Also known as The Pink Lady, La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla is a great option for those celebrating Thanksgiving with loved ones in a luxury boutique setting.

Valencia’s Executive Chef, Alex Pailles, curated this year’s three-course Thanksgiving menu. Guests can feast on menu highlights, including elevated holiday favorites like herb-crusted turkey with black sage gravy, braised lamb osso buco, and wild mushroom truffle risotto, followed by decadent desserts and live music

  • Date & Time: Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27. 12 pm-7 pm.
  • Price: $135 per person and $45 for children
  • Reservations: Book via OpenTable.

George’s at the Cove

Enjoy a coastal Thanksgiving at George’s at the Cove, where the Ocean View Room and Level2 will host a family-style prix-fixe feast overlooking the Pacific. Guests can gather around shared holiday dishes in one of La Jolla’s most iconic dining rooms—an elegant yet relaxed way to celebrate with ocean views as your backdrop.

  • Date & Time: Thanksgiving Day. 2 pm-7 pm.
  • Price: 90 per person and $45 for children 12 and under.
  • Reservations: Reserve a time via ExploreTock.

Mister A’s

Dine high above the city at Mister A’s this Thanksgiving, where a refined prix-fixe menu showcases creative seasonal dishes—think roasted Diestel turkey with traditional fixings, lamb loin, wagyu ribeye, and elegant desserts—all in a sophisticated skyline setting.

  • Date & Time: Thanksgiving Day (service windows TBA)
  • Price: Approx. $110 per person
  • Reservations: Book via the restaurant website/OpenTable.

Rancho Bernardo Inn

Nestled in the secluded rolling hills of North County San Diego, and spanning 265 acres of stunning grounds, this elegant hotel is a great escape for your Thanksgiving feast.

AVANT

The rustic/modern interior at Avant restaurant in Rancho Bernardo.
Photo courtesy of Rancho Bernardo Inn

The Inn’s signature restaurant, Avant, is hosting a four-course seasonal feast this year, with more details to be released at a later date.

  • Date & Time: Thursday, November 27, 2025. 4 pm–8 pm.
  • Price: $125 per adult and $65 per child, not including tax and a 20% service charge.
  • Reservations: Book via the resort’s events page or call to reserve.

The hotel is also hosting a 3-course Thanksgiving dinner featuring all your festive favorites earlier in the day.

  • Date & Time: Thursday, November 27, 2025. 11:30 am–9 pm.
  • Price: $75 per adult
  • Reservations: Book via the resort’s events page or call to reserve.

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa

Chef Joshua at sorts vegetables in the garden at Rancho Valencia.
Chef Joshua in the Garden at Rancho Valencia Resort.

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa capitalizes on its 49 lush acres, beautiful and expansive Croquet lawn, and serene outdoor spaces to host family-style Thanksgiving dinners. A great option for all ages, guests can look forward to crafts for kids, pony rides, a petting zoo, live music, and an exquisite Thanksgiving menu.

This is definitely on the higher price scale, but you can expect carving stations, a raw bar, and an exceptional dessert station.

  • Date & Time: Thursday, November 27, 2025. 10 am–4 pm.
  • Price: $245 per adult and $95 per child.
  • Reservations: Call 858-759-6246 to reserve.

VIRTUOSO RATE

Through my affiliation with Cadence, I’m pleased to offer Rancho Valencia with Virtuoso amenities that include:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Daily full breakfast for two guests per bedroom (maximum $40 credit per person)
  • $100 USD Resort/Hotel credit, (Not valid in Sheridan, the resort’s boutique. Not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
  • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

When booking on Virtuoso.com use only the number of adults traveling to get the correct rates. Kids may otherwise be priced as adults. We will add them after we follow up to collect your arrival details.

*You may need to be on the desktop version of Virtuoso.com to search rates and book online. To enable the desktop version of a hotel page from a mobile device, scroll down to the navy blue section at the bottom of the web page and click “Full Site.” When searching rates, do not input children ages 17 and under as they will be priced as adults. I’m notified when you book and will add them when I contact you about your reservation.

The Lodge at Torrey Pines

If feasting on Thanksgiving dinner while enjoying sweeping views of a world-class golf course sounds tempting, The Lodge at Torrey Pines is the place to be. The hotel is offering a turkey dinner meal this year in The Grill, but you opt to build your own feast from the restaurant’s signature dishes. Additional menu information is coming soon.

  • Thursday, November 27, 2025, 5 pm–10 pm.
  • $75 per person
  • Reservations are required.

VIRTUOSO RATE

Through my affiliation with Cadence, I’m pleased to offer The Lodge at Torrey Pines with Virtuoso amenities that include:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Daily breakfast for two per bedroom (up to $70 credit per day)
  • $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
  • Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability

You must be logged in to Virtuoso.com to see the discounted rate for The Lodge at Torrey Pines.

*When searching rates, do not input children ages 17 and under as they will be priced as adults. I’m notified when you book and will add them after I contact you about your reservation.

Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Fairmont Grand Del Mar offers two Thanksgiving dinner options this year. Choose between a refined three-course tasting menu at Amaya or a lavish family buffet in the Ballroom and Solana, complete with all the classic holiday flavors. The Fairmont Grand Del Mar provides a luxurious option to relax with loved ones over what is sure to be an amazing holiday meal.

Amaya will be serving a three-course tasting menu:

  • Thursday, November 27, 2025, 12–8 pm.
  • $175 per person and $75 per child (aged 3-12).
  • Make your reservation here.

The Manchester and the Grand Ballroom will be offering a Thanksgiving Family Style with appetizer and dessert buffet, including beer and wine:

  • Thursday, November 27, 2025, 2–6 pm
  • $195 per person and $85 per child
  • Make your reservation here.

VIRTUOSO RATE

Through my affiliation with Cadence, I’m pleased to offer Fairmont Grand Del Mar with Virtuoso amenities that include:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Daily breakfast credit of $38 per person, for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant and via in-room dining (credit is non-cumulative)
  • $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
  • Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

When booking Fairmont on Virtuoso.com use only the number of adults traveling to get the correct rates. Kids may otherwise be priced as adults. We will add them after we follow up to collect your arrival details.

Sea & Sky

Celebrate Thanksgiving with sea-to-sky style at Sea & Sky La Jolla, where the holiday menu blends coastal sophistication with seasonal warmth. Enjoy elevated takes on turkey and seafood, complemented by curated sides and decadent desserts—all served in a sleek setting boasting panoramic views of La Jolla’s skyline and ocean.

  • Thursday, November 27, 2025, 12 pm–9 pm
  • $100 per adult and $50 for children (aged 12 and under)
  • Reservations are required

Thanksgiving Dinners To-Go

If you prefer to skip cooking this year, have no fear. San Diego has some options for full Thanksgiving dinners or even just pumpkin pies that you can eat at home.

Rancho Valencia Full Meals

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa is also offering a to-go Thanksgiving option this year, featuring gourmet starters, à la carte sides, and full packaged meals crafted for effortless entertaining. Each order serves four and includes all-natural, free-range Diestel Farms turkey brined for 48 hours, seasonal soups, comforting sides, and decadent desserts like pecan and pumpkin pie.

  • Date & Time: Orders up until Friday, November 21st. Pick Up from Rancho Valencia on November 26.
  • Price: Minimum order of $350.
  • Order: Order through this form.

Elijah’s Restaurant and Delicatessen

Let Elijah’s take the stress out of your holiday with hot, ready-to-serve Thanksgiving dinners you pick up (or have delivered) from their Clairemont Mesa location. Choose from roasted turkey, beef brisket, or ham—each option includes two sides, gravy, cranberry sauce, and an optional pie add-on.

  • Date & Time: Give them at least 48 hours’ notice.
  • Price: Turkey dinner (serves 10–12) at $209, beef brisket dinner at $239, and spiral ham dinner at $199

Rustic Root

Photo courtesy of RMD Group

Rustic Root brings warmth and whimsy to the holiday table with Thanksgiving specials like Sweet Potato Bisque, cider-brined turkey, and a perfect graham-crusted pumpkin pie. Dine in downtown from 2 to 8 p.m. or bring the celebration home with a ready-to-reheat Family Feast for four. Either way, expect classic comfort made with chef-driven care.

  • Date & Time: Order by Monday, November 24.
  • Price: Thanksgiving Family Meal for four priced at $100.
  • Order: Order through Opentable.

George’s at the Cove

Sweeten your Thanksgiving table with fresh-baked pies from Pastry Chef Anna Adams of George’s at the Cove. This year’s lineup includes Pumpkin Chai, Caramel Dutch Apple, and Black-Bottom Pecan, each priced at $38.

Orders must be picked up on Wednesday, November 26, from the restaurant’s La Jolla location at 1250 Prospect Street. A proud Escondido local, Anna draws inspiration from her childhood visits to her uncle’s bakery in Ruiz, Nayarit, Mexico—bringing a touch of heart and heritage to every pie.

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