Gobble up mouthwatering platters or attend a Turkey Trot with family and friends. Here are the best places to celebrate Thanksgiving in Orange County.
Edited by Whitney Lauren Han.
FESTIVITIES
Chocolate Pop-Up Shop
Nov. 20. Looking for the perfect Thanksgiving Day hostess gifts? Sample and shop ‘s new Harvest Collection to get a few ideas at The Hood Kitchen Space. For Thanksgiving dessert, any of the Harvest Collection items would pair well with pumpkin pie or be a nice addition to a fall-themed charcuterie dessert board. Noon-7 p.m.
Dana Point Turkey Trot
Nov. 22. Before you gobble up your Thanksgiving dinner, kick-start your morning at the 41st annual Turkey Trot. Registered participants can walk, jog or run a 5K or 10K through picturesque Dana Point Harbor and Doheny State Beach. Kids ages 5-12 can also join the fun during the Kids’ Gobble Wobble race. Enjoy special Thanksgiving menu items and prices at select restaurants in the harbor. 6-11 a.m. $42+ for 5K race, $47 for 10K race, $22+ Kids’ Gobble Wobble. See website for details. Golden Lantern and Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point, 949.496.1555. turkeytrot.com
OC Turkey Trot
Nov. 22. Ramp up your appetite and gobble up some fun at the this year’s OC Turkey Trot. There will be a mini race expo that includes festivities prior to the race such as a themed selfie photo booth, surprise giveaways, free coffee and more. All 5K participants will receive a medal, a festive turkey trot shirt and pumpkin pie at the finish line. Race Expo: 6:15-11 a.m. Race starts: 8 a.m. $40+ GA, $30+ Kid’s Dash, $5 parking pass. See website for details. Irvine Valley College, 5500 Irvine Center Dr., Irvine. runocturkeytrot.com
FEASTS
21 Oceanfront
Nov. 22. Dine right next to the ocean with a three-course dinner at 21 Oceanfront this holiday. For the first course, choose between the Little Gem Salad, traditional Caesar salad, New England clam chowder or spiced pumpkin soup. Main entrees include herb-roasted free-range turkey with traditional sides, 8-ounce N.Y. steak, jumbo shrimp linguini and more. Top off the evening with dessert such as homemade pumpkin pie, chocolate pecan tart and warm apple cobbler. Reservations required. 1-8 p.m. $65 adults, $20 children ages 2-10 (excludes tax and gratuity). 2100 W. Oceanfront, Newport Beach, 949.673.2100. 21oceanfront.com
The Backyard at Hotel Irvine
Nov. 22. Savor a cornucopia of food selections in The Backyard, including brunch favorites, bottomless mimosas with an array of toppings and garnishes, plus a dessert station to top it all off. There will also be live music from a solo guitarist, a kid’s craft station featuring face painting and balloon art, a photo booth, giant lawn games and more. Seatings: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. $75 adult, $35 kids 5-12, free for children 4 and under. Hotel Irvine, 17900 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 949.225.6780. hotelirvine.com
Back Bay Bistro
Nov. 22. Dine on a festive gourmet buffet featuring slow roasted turkey, holiday sides and more at Back Bay Bistro. For those who wish to enjoy their Thanksgiving meal in the relaxation of their own home, Back Bay Bistro is also offering Thanksgiving To-Go. Call ahead by Nov. 21 to reserve your professionally prepared whole turkey and a selection of favorite holiday sides (949.729.3800). Buffet seatings: 9:30-11:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., 2-4 p.m. Buffet: $52 adults, $25 children 10 and under; Thanksgiving To-Go: $155 (serves 4-6). 1131 Back Bay Dr., Newport Beach, 949.729.1144. newportdunes.com
Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse
Nov. 22. Make your way to the newest steakhouse in Irvine to enjoy a special Thanksgiving Day menu prepared by Executive Chef Istvan Toth, along with the restaurant’s mainstay menus. Holiday menu highlights include oven-roasted Vermont free-range organic turkey, Yukon gold creamy potatoes, creamy cipollini onions with fresh peas, challah bread, herb stuffing and more. Reservations are required. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. $65 adults, $23 children under 12. Irvine Towers, 18420 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, 949.477.4810. davios.com
Fashion Island Hotel
Nov. 22. Held in the Fashion Island Hotel Ballroom, dine on a Thanksgiving brunch that includes free-range turkey, carved-to-order prime rib and more. There will be a seafood station, biscuit bar, desserts and assorted individual pies, plus Champagne to wash it all down. Live music and children’s crafts make this a day for the whole family. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $80 adults, $20 children ages 5-12, free for ages 4 and under. 690 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, 949.760.4913. fashionislandhotel.com
Five Crowns
Nov. 22. Celebrate Thanksgiving like royalty at this charming replica of one of England’s oldest country inns. The festive menu boasts the classic oven-roasted free-range turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, buttered Blue Lake green beans and housemade cranberry compote; and prime rib of beef served with au jus, Yorkshire pudding, organic whipped cream horseradish and choice of side. Guests can also choose the “Best of Both” for a portion of prime rib and a side of turkey with all the seasonal accompaniments. For those spending the holiday at home, Five Crowns offers the traditional prime rib dinner to-go. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. 3801 E. Coast Hwy., Corona Del Mar, 949.760.0331. lawrysonline.com
Through Nov. 22. Take Thanksgiving to-go with Grasslands Meat Market’s Thanksgiving Box this holiday season. For every two boxes sold, Grasslands will donate one box to Bracken’s Kitchen to help make the holiday brighter for an Orange County family in need. Each box provides a full turkey dinner to feed six to eight family members or friends and comes complete with favorite holiday sides. Place an order for your fully cooked Thanksgiving feast by Nov. 20 and it will be hot, fresh and ready for pick-up on Thanksgiving Day. Anaheim GardenWalk, 400 W. Disney Way, Suite 199, Anaheim, 657.208.1133. grasslandsusa.com
K’ya Bistro Bar
Nov. 22. Sit inside the beachside bistro at La Casa del Camino and enjoy a Thanksgiving turkey plate with white and dark meat, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce ($12) and pumpkin pie ($4). The regular menu will also be served. Call for reservations. 5-8 p.m.
The Loft
Nov. 22. The culinary team at The Loft will be preparing a four-course holiday tasting menu with a choice of appetizers such as Maine lobster bisque and foie gras mousse, and entrees including Mary’s Farm Turkey and slow-roasted beef short rib. There will also be desserts such as the classic pumpkin pie, and Fall Pears and Madagascan Dark Chocolate. Noon-9 p.m. $130 adults, $50 children 4-12. Montage Laguna Beach, 30801 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.6420. montagehotels.com
Mastro’s
Nov. 22. Swap the turkey for a mouthwatering steak this holiday at Mastro’s locations throughout Southern California. Additional menu specialties include the seasonal Chateaubriand, a seafood tower, lobster mashed potatoes, Gorgonzola mac ‘n’ cheese, Alaskan King crab black truffle gnocchi and the seasonal pumpkin butter cake, among others. 1-9 p.m. Various locations and pricing. mastrosrestaurants.com
Montage Laguna Beach
Nov. 22. Get in the holiday spirit at the Masterpiece Thanksgiving Celebration. This dinner features a bounteous 12-station buffet with entrees such as white oak-smoked turkey breast, grilled Pacific salmon and garlic-rosemary studded slow-roasted prime rib. There will also be a children’s station and Executive Pastry Chef Lee Smith’s dessert display. Highlights include live music, complimentary champagne toast and family photographs. 1-6 p.m. $180 adults, $50 children 4-12. 30801 Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.6420. montagehotels.com
Oak Grill
Nov. 22. New Executive Chef Brittany Valles and her team is serving up a decadent four-course dinner. For entree options, choose from blue cheese and pecan stuffed figs with prosciutto or wild rice and root vegetable arancini. For the main course, guests can choose among roasted turkey, beef filet, Maine lobster, or Carolina gold rice and wild mushroom risotto—all with accompaniments. Don’t forget dessert such as pumpkin pie with burnt cinnamon ice cream, apple pie with fresh bay leaf ice cream or cranberry sorbet with maple whip. 4-9 p.m. $90 adults, $35 children 5-12. Fashion Island Hotel, 690 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, 949.760.4920. oakgrillnb.com
Provenance
Nov. 22. With more than 18 years of restaurant and catering experience, Executive Chef and Owner Cathy Pavlos is dishing a three-course holiday menu that offers something for everyone. Main courses include Diestel free-range turkey breast with rich turkey gravy, all-natural slow-roasted prime rib, Loch Duart sustainable Scottish salmon and a vegetarian platter. Guests can also order the Thanksgiving2Go takeout dinner for pick-up. All Thanksgivign2Go meals must be ordered by 5 p.m. on Nov. 16 for pick up on Nov. 21 between noon and 5 p.m. Orders may be placed by calling 949.718.0477. Dinner reservations required. 12:30-7 p.m. $51.50 adults, $21.95 children under 12. 2531 Eastbluff Dr., Newport Beach, 949.718.0477. provenanceoc.com
THE RANCH Restaurant
Nov. 22. Satisfy your cravings at THE RANCH with their four-course Thanksgiving dinner. Menu highlights include housemade Laura Chenel goat cheese ravioli, Frog Hollow Warren pear and endive salad, Mary’s organic free-range turkey, Wyoming-raised Buffalo prime rib, and harvest pumpkin cheesecake. 2-7 p.m. $85. 1025 E. Ball Road, Anaheim, 714.817.4200. theranch.com
Seasons 52
Nov. 22. Indulge in a healthy and delicious Thanksgiving meal at Seasons 52. The main dish includes antibiotic-free roasted turkey with savory pan gravy along with all your favorite trimmings including herb stuffing, Yukon mashed potatoes, mashed butternut squash, French green beans and housemade cranberry relish. Save room for a mini pumpkin pie indulgence for dessert. Pair your dinner with a sommelier selected wine or seasonal cocktail. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. $28.95 adults, $13.95 children ages 12 and under (exclusive of tax and gratuity) . Call for reservations. South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.437.5252. seasons52.com
Selanne Steak Tavern
Nov. 22. Selanne Steak Tavern is continuing their holiday tradition this year with another very special Thanksgiving feast. Chef Joshua Severson’s Thanksgiving menu is tradition-oriented with contemporary flair, composed of three courses with choices accompanied by straight-from-the-farm sides served family style. Entree choices include Mary’s Farm Heritage turkey, American wagyu ribeye roast and Kurobuta leg of ham. 1-8 p.m. $95 adults, $25 children 4-11. 1464 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.9881. selannesteaktavern.com
Splashes
Nov. 22. Just steps from the water, Splashes will be offering a three-course holiday menu with optional wine pairings for family and friends. Menu highlights include Dungeness crab roulade, caramelized kabocha squash salad, roast Diestel Farms turkey and pumpkin tart. Lunch: noon-4 p.m., dinner: 4-8 p.m. $85 lunch, $110 dinner ($40 additional for wine pairings). Surf & Sand Resort, 1555 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 888.281.3502. surfandsandresort.com
Studio’s Brunch and Dinner
Nov. 22. Gather friends and family around for a festive buffet brunch. During brunch, enjoy a seasonal holiday chef-attended buffet that includes a crudité station, gravlax station, roasted turkey carving station and a dessert station. For dinner, Studio’s customary à la carte menu will be served. Brunch: 11 a.m.-4 p.m., dinner: 6-9 p.m. Brunch: $170 adults, $80 young adults ages 13-20, $50 children ages 4-12. Montage Laguna Beach, 30801 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.6420. montagehotels.com
Tangata Restaurant’s Brunch
Nov. 22. Executive Chef Brian Kiepler and his team brings a buffet brunch for all to enjoy this holiday. Entrees including roasted turkey breast with turkey leg confit, planked-herbed crusted salmon and roasted filet; and sides like buttered green beans and candied yams. Assorted desserts include pecan pie and pumpkin pie. Guests will also receive a complimentary ticket to the Bowers Museum for use on a future visit. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $55 adults, $28 children 10 and under. 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.550.0906. patinagroup.com
Tanner’s Huntington Beach
Nov. 22. Give thanks this year at lunch or dinner with a twist on traditional Thanksgiving cuisine. The lunch menu consists of curried squash soup or wood fire grilled fig soup, turkey duo, and chocolate pecan pie or pumpkin cheesecake. The dinner menu includes everything above, as well as strip loin or branzino escabeche for entrees. Guests can also choose one of four different sides. Lunch: 11 a.m.-4 p.m., dinner: 5-10 p.m. $65 prix-fixe for both (smaller lunch menu also available). Paséa Hotel & Spa, 21080 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.698.6130. tannershb.com
Vue Restaurant
Nov. 22. Want to eat out for the holiday? Enjoy a late Thanksgiving lunch or dinner at Vue Restaurant. There will be an offering of small plates such as shrimp cocktail, crab cakes, calamari rock shrimp or vegetable minestrone soup. Holiday specials include prime rib of beef, pan-seared local bass and the slow-roasted turkey dinner. There are vegan, gluten free and dairy free options available. See full menu on their website. Reservations required. 1-8 p.m. Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, 949.487.7516. lagunacliffs.com
The Winery
Nov. 22. Join The Winery in Newport Beach and Tustin for a traditional three-course turkey dinner with all the trimmings or one of chef Yvon’s creative classics. See websites for full menu. 12:30-8 p.m. $64.95/pp. Newport Beach, 3131 W. Pacific Coast Hwy., 949.999.6622. thewinerynewport.com; Tustin: 2647 Park Ave., 714.258.7600. thewinerytustin.com
Provenance photo courtesy Moxxe PR. Montage Laguna Beach Thanksgiving photo courtesy Montage Laguna Beach. Tangata Restaurant photo courtesy Wagstaff Worldwide.
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