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 and even a cruise option.
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.
Where to Have Thanksgiving Day Dinner in San Diego
Make a reservation for Thanksgiving lunch or dinner or, better yet, check in to one of the luxury hotels in San Diego.
Hotel del Coronado
The Hotel del Coronado, a top beachfront hotel in San Diego, is serving a special elegant buffet Thanksgiving dinner.
The resort’s sumptuous Thanksgiving feast will be offered this year in the hotel’s newly restored Crown Room and Coronet Rooms, plus the Ocean Ballroom. The Del will serve up a typically lavish buffet for guests, featuring traditional Thanksgiving dishes and decadent desserts.
The hotel’s Lights, Camera, Holiday! theme will see the resort decorated in Old Hollywood glitz and glamor-style for this winter season. And they will be celebrating the return of their Skating by the Sea event, along with dazzling holiday decor and thousands of holiday lights everywhere you look.
- Thursday, November 28, 12 – 6 p.m.
- Make reservations online
- Price: $205/adult (increases to $225 from Nov. 15) and $105/children (ages 5-12), children 4 and under are complimentary.
Pendry San Diego
Chef Brandon Sloan has once again created a delicious 3-course prix fixe menu at Provisional, the restaurant marketplace inside of Pendry San Diego. For your first course, you can choose Potato Leek Soup, Citrus Salanova Salad, Dungeness Crab Cake, or Sweet Potato Agnolotti.
For the main course, you get to choose from Free Range Turkey, Red Wine Braised Short Rib, or Local Striped Bass with Roasted Honeynut Squash. Finally, for dessert, you can indulge in Brown Butter Pecan Cheesecake, Honey Pumpkin Pie, or Vanilla Chai Latte Éclair, all paired with a Dead to Port cocktail.
- Thursday, November 28
- Price: $110 per adult and $40 per child (aged 12 and under)
- Wine & Spirits Pairings $50
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 Inn’s signature restaurant, Avant, is hosting a three-course seasonal feast this year, curated by Chef de Cuisine Sergio Jimenez. Pumpkin Veloute or Wagyu Tartare commence the meal and then a choice turkey, halibut, Braised Wagyu Zabuton or Butternut Squash Risotto follow, all complimented by gourmet side dishes. Three exquisite dessert selections round out the meal, and the full menu can viewed online.
- Thursday, November 28, from 4–8 p.m. Reservations required and can be made through OpenTable.
- Price: $125 for adults and $65 per child.
The hotel is also hosting a Thanksgiving buffet featuring all your festive favorites earlier in the day. The price is inclusive of beer, wine and cocktails.
- Thursday, November 28, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Reservations required and can be made through OpenTable
- Price: $135 per person and $55 per child
- You can view the menu on their website.
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa
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.
- Thursday, November 28, 10 a.m.– 3 p.m.
- Price: $235 per adult and $95 for children ages 11 and under (under 3’s eat free)
Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa
If you want to be spoiled away from home rather than host this year, Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa is a great option. The hotel’s Greenfinch Restaurant will be offering a Thanksgiving Day buffet meal from midday till 6 p.m.
The restaurant is a lovely place to enjoy Thanksgiving on a warm day, thanks to its beautiful open-air balcony overlooking the hotel’s Garden Courtyard. Inside, the decor is aviary-inspired while the restaurant’s popular Greenfinch Bar features a botanical theme.
- Thursday, November 28, from 12–6 p.m., at Greenfinch
- $120 per adult and $60 per child.
Park Hyatt Aviara
If you’re looking for Thanksgiving 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 hotel is offering a Thanksgiving celebration in three dining options this year: the Aviara Salon, Ponto Lago restaurant, and their premier steakhouse Ember & Rye.
Aviara Salon
A special Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet will be served in this elegant area of the hotel. The mouthwatering menu features a seafood display, a sushi and sashimi bar, a large selection of salads and appetizers, an omelet station, a carving station, an enormous pastry selection, and more.
- Thursday, November 28, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
- $140 for adults, $60 for children (ages 2–12)
Ember & Rye Steakhouse
Ember & Rye is back in business and celebrating Thanksgiving again for 2024, after a kitchen fire caused it to close in September 2023. So much so, that they’re offering two options on the day – a brunch buffet or an evening meal:
Brunch Buffet—This extravagant buffet features a Seafood Table, Appetizers and Salad Tables, signature Ember & Rye mini dishes, a Breakfast Table, and, if you can fit more in, a huge pastry selection. For the full menu and to book online, visit their website link.
- Thursday, November 28, 10.30 a.m. – 2.30 p.m.
- $155 per adult and $60 per child (aged 2-12)
Dinner – This year, guests can choose between Smoked Turkey or Rack of Lamb, followed by Praline Pumpkin Pie.
- Thursday, November 28, 5.30 – 9 p.m.
- $136 per person (their website currently doesn’t state a different cost for children)
Ponto Lago
Ponto Logo is hosting a four-course Chef’s Special Feast menu this year. A variety of starters, appetizers, and desserts are included in the fixed menu, making up the four courses. Main dishes include Wood Fired Turkey Breast, Prime Rib Eye, the local fish catch of the day, or Mushroom Paella. The full menu can be viewed online.
- Thursday, November 28, 4–8.30 p.m
- $105 for adults, $45 for children (ages 2–12)
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 Grilled Peach Salad, Poached Lobster Tail, Wagyu Beef Cheek, and Herb-Roasted Turkey.
Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler and classic Pumpkin Pie make up the dessert choices.
- Thursday, November 28, 12–7 p.m.
- $135 for adults and $45 for children.
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 3-course prix fixe meal this year in The Grill (AR Valentien is closed for a kitchen refurbishment). You’ll choose between butternut squash soup or pear salad as an appetizer. Your entree will be Chimney-Smoked Turkey with traditional sides and pumpkin pie for dessert!
- Thursday, November 28, 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.
- $110 per adult and $65 per child (11 and under)
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Fairmont Grand Del Mar offers two Thanksgiving dinner options this year in Amaya Restaurant and the Manchester and the Grand Ballroom. Known for its elegance and opulence, 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 28, 12–8 p.m.
- $175 per person and $75 per child (aged 3-12).
The Manchester and the Grand Ballroom will be offering a Thanksgiving Family Style with appetizer and dessert buffet, including beer and wine:
- Thursday, November 28, 12–6 p.m.
- $195 per person and $85 per child
- You can reserve online here for both options above, and note that there is a 72 hour cancellation fee.
Don’t forget to check out the full list of Fairmont Grand Del Mar holiday events.
Arlo
You’ll be surrounded by skinny palms and enjoy a large indoor firepit this festive season at Arlo. This award-winning restaurant is known for its DJ Brunches but it’s serving up a Thanksgiving buffet that is great for the whole family.
Guests can choose from Butter Poached Turkey Thighs, Salmon, Rosemary Crusted Prime Rib, Roasted or Butternut Squash Ravioli, alongside a pasta station, carving station, and a range of delicious holiday pies.
- Thursday, November 28, 1–8 p.m.
- $90 for adults and $38 for children.
Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa
The resort’s upstairs ballroom will host the hotel’s Thanksgiving celebrations this year. Guests can indulge in a buffet featuring a carving station, traditional holiday dishes, and a delicious dessert station. Sweeping views of Mission Bay will complement the feast.
And if guests prefer to celebrate earlier and perhaps head out to see family after, they can opt for a special A la Carte breakfast at the Oceana Coastal Kitchen, which the hotel is serving especially for Thanksgiving, for a separate price.
- Thursday, November 28, 2–8 p.m.
- $150 for adults and $68 for children (aged 5-12 / 4 and under free).
Bahia Resort Hotel
This picturesque resort on Mission Bay is also offering guests two options to celebrate Thanksgiving, with either an à la carte brunch or a festive buffet dinner.
Thanksgiving à la Carte Brunch
- Thursday, November 28, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- $150 for adults and $68 for children (aged 5-12 / 4 and under free)
Thanksgiving Buffet Feast in the Dockside 1953 indoor dining room or outdoor patio
- Thursday, November 28, 2–8 p.m. (with live music from 3 – 7 p.m.)
- $150 for adults and $50 for children (aged 5-12 / 4 and under free)
- You can view the menu online.
The resort also offers a very different experience in which to celebrate Thanksgiving, though: by hopping aboard a gorgeous vintage sternwheeler boat for a cruise around Mission Bay. Great fun for the whole family, this fun adventure will enable the kids to enjoy onboard face painting, balloon art, and pumpkin decorating will parents sip on a complimentary warm apple cider beverage. A dessert and coffee station will keep everyone happy as you make new Thanksgiving memories.
Tickets cost $20 per person and boarding times are 3 p.m., 4.15 p.m. & 5.30 p.m.
Sea & Sky
The elegant restaurant located at the penthouse level of the Hotel La Jolla is the perfect spot to enjoy stunning ocean views as you enjoy a special three-course Thanksgiving dinner.
Their festive feast will start with a Spinach & Chicory Salad. You then get to choose between a Turkey Plate with roasted breast, confit leg and thigh; Slow Roasted Prime Rib served with au jus and whipped horseradish cream; or Local Halibut with smoked garlic butter. Traditional sides with a gourmet touch will be plentiful, and fresh Pumpkin Pie with whipped vanilla crème fraîche will round out the meal.
- Thursday, November 28, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- $95 for adults and $50 for children (aged 12 and under).
Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine
This award-winning restaurant at the Pendry San Diego Hotel is doing Thanksgiving with a modern twist this year – the night before the big day. A fun family option or a Friendsgiving feast, their meal is offered between 5 – 10 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27.
The deal includes a bucket of deep-fried turkey, Boursin mashed potatoes, truffle mac and cheese, and buttermilk biscuits – all for $45. Adults can wash it down with shots specially priced at $5 if they choose, too, in honor of Drinksgiving.
- Wednesday, November 27, 5–10 p.m.
- $45 per meal
Bleu Bohème
Bleu Bohème is hosting a French-inspired Thanksgiving day dinner. This will be a three-course, prix fixe menu available from 12 noon until 4 p.m.
The menu will feature items such as Pumpkin-Hominy Soup, Fresh Beet Salad, and Crab Croquette for starters. Entrees include Diestel Family Ranch turkey from Sonora, California, Faroe Island Salmon Filet crusted with crab, Beef Short Rib, and Shiitake and Oyster Mushroom Ravioli. Chocolate Mousse, Creme Brulee, and Bread Pudding will finish this exquisite meal.
They will also be serving Pumpkin Pie Martinis for an extra $15.
- Thursday, November 28, 12–4 p.m.
- $85 for adults and $29 for children under 12.
Ambrogio by Acquerello
This fine dining eatery located in La Jolla Village is offering an 8-course tasting experience this Thanksgiving. The restaurant, which has been recognized by the Michelin Guide, specializes in the fusion of Italian, French, Korean, Japanese and Californian cuisines, but their special holiday menu will incorporate traditional Thanksgiving elements.
Michelin starred Chef Silvio Salmoiraghi will offer a Chef’s Signature menu or a Vegetarian option (or vegan upon request).
- Thursday, November 28, 5-9 p.m.
- Chef’s Signature menu for $159 per person or the Vegetarian option for $139 per person.
Hotel Indigo San Diego – Gaslamp Quarter
If you’re looking to celebrate the holiday in the heart of the action, a great option is Hotel Indigo in downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter, where they will be serving a Thanksgiving buffet in their Table 509 restaurant. You can expect delicious dishes including Maple and Citrus-brined Turkey Breast; Rosemary and Peppercorn-crusted Prime Rib; Blue lake bean Almondine, and Cranberry and Lemon Zest Gelee.
- Thursday, November 28, 4-8 p.m.
- Priced at $89 for adults and $45 for children.
Slowly in Pacific Beach
This new restaurant and cocktail lounge specializes in a blend of Mediterranean and Mexican cuisine. This Thanksgiving they are will honoring the holiday with dishes that bring the spirit of Michoacán culture and cuisine.
They don’t have set menu for the night but guests can enjoy traditional Carnitas or the Atapakua Chicken Breast dish served with mushrooms and guajillo pepper sauce over red rice. Candied candied sweet potato caramelized with piloncillo and cinnamon will be served for dessert.
Mezé Greek Fusion
This popular restaurant in the Gaslamp Quarter is known for its weekly belly dancing shows, as well its authentic Greek cuisine. But for Thanksgiving, they are switching to American tradition and serving a roast turkey plate with garlic mashed potatoes and vegetables.
- Thursday, November 28, 3 p.m. till close
- $27 per person.
City Cruises
For something different, with spectacular views, hop aboard a City Cruises’ boat at their San Diego port for Thanksgiving Day, 2024, on the water.
They’re offering a two-hour Premier Brunch Cruise option, which includes a menu of freshly prepared Thanksgiving staples including gourmet breakfast items, roast turkey, salads, smoked salmon and dessert bar. Unlimited Mimosas are included in the price and you can purchase extra alcohol options.
- From $81 per person plus fees or opt for $95 for a guaranteed window seat. Childrens’ tickets are $63 plus 30% fees. Ages 3 and under are free.
- Board at 10:30 a.m. and the cruise goes from 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Book online
- Board at: Pier 1 Hornblower Landing, 1800 North Harbor Drive, San Diego
- Pay-to-park options are available at Grape Street.
Or, in the evening, you can opt for a Thanksgiving Day Premier Dinner Cruise, a two-and-a-half-hour yacht cruise complete with a Thanksgiving dinner and DJ entertainment.
- From $120 per person plus fees. Board at 3:30 p.m., and the cruise goes from 4 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
- Book online
- Board at: Pier 1 Hornblower Landing, 1800 North Harbor Drive, San Diego
- Pay-to-park options are available at Grape Street.
Prepared Chef Meals for Dinner at Home
If you prefer to skip cooking this year, have no fear. San Diego chefs will send you home with full Thanksgiving dinners or even just pumpkin pies.
Rancho Valencia Full Meals
Rancho Valencia will also be offering a full a la carte meal prepped, cooked, packaged, and ready to reheat at home. You can pre-order through the resort’s website by the deadline of midnight, November 24th with pick-up by Wednesday, Nov. 27th. Use the online order form.
Trust me, this list of where to have Thanksgiving dinner in San Diego will grow in the coming weeks. Stay tuned! And, don’t forget that Christmas dinner in San Diego comes next and to also check our list of San Diego holiday events.
Katie Dillon
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