From bountiful buffets to seasonally-inspired menus, here are the best places to celebrate Thanksgiving in San Diego.
Edited by Eva Scattergood.
ChefsGiving
Nov. 14. Inspired by the spirit of Thanksgiving, eight of San Diego’s most renowned chefs are coming together to host a holiday dinner at Provisional Kitchen, Cafe & Mercantile. The menu features a different creative dish from each chef—from truffled beggars turkey, to “twice baked” clams, coal-roasted beets and more that reflect their unique cooking styles and desserts—prepared in the restaurant’s open kitchen. Dinner will be served family-style and paired with complementary Cambria wines at communal tables. 6:30-9:30 p.m. $145. Pendry San Diego, 425 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.738.7300. Tickets
Tiki Tiki Turkey
Nov. 21. Join Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski and Beverage Director Steven Tuttle for Thanksgiving-focused culinary offerings such as Turkey Tony’s Old Fashioned with Dominican Rum, Tony’s famous cranberry sauce and orange bitters, as well as the peach cobbler with Dominican Rum, lemon, vanilla and peach. Chef Brian will also be serving exclusive Thanksgiving Tiki dishes in addition to The Grass Skirt’s regular menu. 5-11 p.m. The Grass Skirt, 910 Grand Ave., Pacific Beach, 858.412.5237. thegrassskirt.com
20|Twenty
Nov. 22. Take the stress out of the kitchen this holiday by trading in cooking for a feast at the recently revamped 20|Twenty. Elevated holiday classics take center stage during a special Thanksgiving spread that the whole family will remember. Menu highlights include sweet potato salad with maple bacon and scallions, slow-roasted free-range turkey, garlic and rosemary prime rib, traditional cornbread stuffing, whipped potatoes, pan-seared salmon and more. Round out the evening with decadent desserts such as pumpkin and pecan pie, vanilla bourbon bread pudding with crème anglaise and cheesecake topped with assorted fresh berries. 2-8 p.m. $85 adults, $30 children. Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa, 5480 Grand Pacific Dr., Carlsbad, 760.827.2500. 20twentygrill.com
Adobe El Restaurante
Nov. 22. For a Thanksgiving feast with a Southwest flair, locals and travelers alike can delight in a holiday buffet set to satisfy at Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa’s on-site restaurant. Enjoy a family-style buffet of classic, savory dishes prepared by Executive Chef Vincent Savignano. Reservations are required. 2-7 p.m. $68 adults, $34 children ages 5-12, free children under 5. 9700 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, 858.964.6516. meritagecollection.com
A.R. Valentien
Nov. 22. Celebrate Thanksgiving at The Lodge at Torrey Pines’ signature restaurant and enjoy a prix-fixe four-course meal featuring the tastes of the season. Indulge in fare from renowned Executive Chef Jeff Jackson in the timbered indoor-outdoor dining room overlooking the 18th hole of Torrey Pines Golf Course. Reservations recommended. 4-10 p.m. $115 adults, $60 children under 12. 11480 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, 858.777.6635. lodgetorreypines.com
Bahia Resort Hotel
Nov. 22. Thanksgiving at the Bahia Resort Hotel showcases views of Mission Bay, live piano entertainment, and festive fare. Entree highlights include salmon, pork loin and butternut squash ravioli, as well as two carving stations, savory sides and a wide array of traditionally seasonal desserts. Reservations recommended. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $54 adults, $25 children ages 5-11, free children under 5. 998 W. Mission Bay Dr., Mission Bay, 858.539.8666. bahiahotel.com
barleymash
Nov. 22. Known for their delicious bites, this Gaslamp Quarter spot will be hosting a three-course Thanksgiving dinner. First course options include butternut squash, house salad or Caesar salad. The main course consists of andouille stuffed turkey roulade with garlic mashed potatoes, brown ale biscuit stuffing, Brussels sprout casserole and roasted baby carrots. For the third course, choose between spiced apple and raisin bread pudding or sweet potato and pecan pie topped with vanilla Chantilly cream. Reservations recommended. 2 p.m. $45. 600 Fifth Ave., downtown, 619.255.7373. barleymash.com
Bleu Bohème
Nov. 22. Bleu Bohème will honor Thanksgiving traditions with a gourmet three-course dinner and specialty cocktail exclusively on the holiday. For starters, guests may choose between soupe de citrouille (a pumpkin-hominy soup); salade de betteraves, or la charcuterie, featuring duck pâté du maison. Entree options include the choice between dindon préparé deux façons (Diestel Family Ranch turkey); saumon avec la sauce de homard (King salmon pan-seared with saffron risotto croquettes); and more. Dinner will conclude with a choice of dessert including mousse au chocolat, crème brulée and pain d’ épice to name a few. Don’t forget to try the Thanksgiving-inspired Pumpkin Pie Martini that is served with a crushed graham cracker rim. Noon-8 p.m. Dinner $59.95 adults, $19.95 children; cocktail $14. 4090 Adams Ave., Kensington, 619.255.4167. bleuboheme.com
Cafe Sevilla
Nov. 22. Celebrate Thanksgiving Spanish-style with Cafe Sevilla’s delicious four-course prix-fixe menu. Enjoy holiday classics with a Spanish twist such as butternut squash soup, roasted turkey breast and pumpkin pie with cinnamon ginger whipped cream for dessert. Plus live music by Charlie Chavez and Perla Negra from 7:30-11:30 p.m. Noon-11 p.m. $35.50 adults, $19.50 children. 353 Fifth Ave., downtown, 619.233.5979. cafesevilla.com
Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
Nov. 22. Diners are treated to vistas of Mission Bay and live piano music at the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa’s annual Thanksgiving buffet complete with roasted turkey and mustard-crusted pork, as well as a fully stocked seafood station and decadent desserts. Reservations recommended. Noon-4 p.m. $60 adults, $25 children 5-11, free children under 5. 3999 Mission Blvd., Pacific Beach, 858.539.8666. catamaranresort.com
Chandler’s
Nov. 22. Head to Cape Rey Carlsbad for a delectable three-course menu for the holiday. First course options include organic local greens and a harvest pumpkin bisque. For entrees, choose between pepper-crusted Prime beef tenderloin, porcini dusted local catch, herb-crusted Diestel Farm turkey or sage brown butter pappardelle. End your meal on a sweet note with pumpkin pie or chocolate ginger beer cake. 1-7 p.m. See website for pricing. 1 Ponto Road, Carlsbad, 760.683.5500. chandlerscarlsbad.com
Claim Jumper
Nov. 22. Bring the whole family to enjoy Thanksgiving offerings including holiday classics such as roasted turkey, carved tri-tip with herb gravy and smoked ham with whiskey apple glaze, as well as sides for sharing, seafood selections and decadent pies for dessert. See website for pricing and full list of hours and locations. claimjumper.com
Cohn Restaurant Group
Nov. 22. Ditch the dishes and opt for a Thanksgiving meal that features traditional favorites, ocean views, the perfect ambiance and memorable experiences with your family and friends. San Diego’s favorite family-focused restaurant group will be serving up everything from three-course meals to mouthwatering buffets all over town. Standouts include seaside buffets at Coasterra and SEA180 Coastal Tavern, along with three-course meals at Island Prime + C-level, Indigo Grill and The Prado at Balboa Park. See website for menus and details for all locations. cohnrestaurants.com
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse
Nov. 22. Celebrate the season’s greatest meal with a traditional Thanksgiving Day dinner at San Diego’s new premium steakhouse. Indulge in a prix-fixe menu of slow roasted turkey breast and all of the trimmings or opt for Del Frisco’s favorites such as dry-aged steak or a wagyu tasting from their full menu. 5-11 p.m. Prix-fixe $49. 901 Bayfront Court, Suite 105, downtown, 619.272.5060. delfriscos.com
Farmer’s Bottega
Nov. 22. Head Mission Hills for a three-course farm-to-fork dinner at Farmer’s Bottega. The robust menu features a selection of the restaurant’s specialty dishes intermingled with Turkey Day classics including burnt carrots prepared with local avocado, red onion, cilantro and feta, all tossed in citrus thyme vinaigrette; butternut squash ravioli topped with brown butter sage and fresh parmesan; and Julian apple pie served with vanilla ice cream. 4-9 p.m. $50 ($15 additional for wine pairing), $15 children 12 and under. 860 W. Washington St., Mission Hills, 619.458.9929. farmersbottega.com
Farmer’s Table
Nov. 22. Farmer’s Table will offer a special three-course Thanksgiving menu at both of their locations featuring seasonally inspired dishes and Turkey Day favorites including pumpkin soup infused with autumnal flavor notes, followed by hearty classics such as their roasted turkey plate complete with mashed potatoes, gravy, string beans, corn and cranberry sauce, and an offering of sweet indulgences like pecan pie topped with creamy vanilla ice cream for dessert. 4-9 p.m. $42 adults ($15 additional for wine pairing), $20 children 12 and under. 3055 Clairemont Dr., Bay Park, 619.359.4485; 8141 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, 619.724.6465. myfarmerstable.com
Father Joe’s Villages Thanksgiving Day 5K Run & Walk
Nov. 22. Before filling up on Thanksgiving dinner, join more than 7,500 participants for San Diego’s original turkey trot. Walk or jog the iconic route through Balboa Park to reach a family-friendly festival at the finish line. Race 7:35 a.m., festival 8:30 a.m. $35-$45. Spreckels Organ Pavilion, 1549 El Prado, Balboa Park. Tickets
KITCHEN 1540
Nov. 22. Chef de Cuisine Collin Leaver, collaborating with L’Auberge Del Mar’s Executive Chef Nathan Lingle, will entertain guests with a three-course prix-fixe dinner featuring traditional and not-so-traditional gourmet dishes. Starters choices include Red Crudo with fennel almond agrodolce; Butternut Bisque; or Potato Gnocchi with mushrooms while the entree choices include Heritage Turkey with accompaniments; Beef Tenderloin with roasted root vegetables and whipped potatoes; Ravioli with heirloom vegetables and more. For dessert, end with goat cheese cheesecake, maple pecan cake with vanilla bean gelato or dark chocolate tart with cinnamon sugared cranberries and honey whipped cream. 2-8 p.m. $89 adults, $25 children 12 and under. L’Auberge Del Mar, 1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, 858.259.1515. destinationhotels.com
Mille Fleurs
Nov. 22. The iconic destination located in the heart of Rancho Santa Fe will be serving a special three-course Thanksgiving lunch and dinner designed by Chef de Cuisine Sean McCart. Think comforting dishes ranging from autumn squash soup and foie gras torchon to a classic oven-roasted Mary’s Farm turkey with sweet potato gratin, brussels sprouts, cranberry, stuffing and gravy, in addition to many desserts to choose from. There will also be a kid’s menu available. 12:30-7 p.m. $74.50 adults, $22.50 children. 6009 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe, 858.756.3085. millefleurs.com
Miss B’s Coconut Club
Nov. 22. For a Caribbean-influenced Thanksgiving, head to Miss B’s for a festive meal. Guests can enjoy smoked turkey, smoked garlic mashed potatoes and gravy, maple-honey glazed smoked yams, apple-sausage persimmon stuffing, southern-style green beans with bacon and garlic parmesan broccoli while sipping on island-inspired cocktails. Reservations recommended. 3-8 p.m. $18.95, cocktails additional. 3704 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach, 858.381.0855. missbcoconutclub.com
Mister A’s
Nov. 22. This timeless dining destination has designed a three-course Thanksgiving dinner offering a selection of appetizers such as a fresh Maine lobster risotto and butternut squash soup with leek fondue and main dishes ranging from a slow roasted Brandt Farm prime rib to a classic roasted organic Diestel Farm turkey with traditional accompaniments and gravy. To cap the night, an array of dessert offerings include a pumpkin cheesecake with pecan glaze and ginger-spiced graham crust or a pear and cranberry crumble with caramel ice cream. Noon-3 p.m., 4:45-8:30 p.m. $74.50. 2550 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill, 619.239.1377. asrestaurant.com
Osetra Seafood & Steaks
Nov. 22. For an upscale, exclusive dining experience, head to the Gaslamp Quarter for a three-course pre-fixe menu including butternut squash bruschetta, hand-carved turkey breast, New York steak, handmade pumpkin ravioli, traditional pumpkin pie and more. Top it off with a $5 Pumpkin Spice Martini to cheers to family, friends and gratitude. 4-11 p.m. $49 adults, $23 children 12 and under. 904 Fifth Ave., downtown, 619.239.1800. osetraseafoodandsteaks.com
Provisional Kitchen
Nov. 22. Indulge in a three-course Thanksgiving menu at Provisional Kitchen with family and friends. Menu offerings include butternut squash soup, Kuraboto pork short rib, pumpkin risotto and more. After dinner, enjoy a tableside pie selection or gelato and sorbet station for dessert. Guests wanting to celebrate at home can enjoy persimmon salad, turkey dinner, mashed potatoes, stuffing, Brussels sprouts and two 4-inch pies of choice starting at $75 for two people. Provisional will also be offering housemade to-go pies for $22 each—orders may be picked up Nov. 21 (2–8 p.m.) or Nov. 22 (11 a.m.–3 p.m.). 2-10 p.m. $80 adults, $24 children ages 3-12. Pendry San Diego, 425 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.738.7300. pendryhotels.com
Rancho Bernardo Inn
Nov. 22. Spend this Thanksgiving surrounded by loved ones at one of Rancho Bernardo Inn’s three charming dining offerings. AVANT features a three-course holiday menu with offerings including roasted pancetta-wrapped quail, slow-roasted prime roast beef, roasted turkey and more. Aragon Ballroom will offer a complete holiday buffet complete with hot carvings, fresh seafood, a variety of hot and cold Thanksgiving sides and salads, assorted housemade pies and desserts, and a children’s menu paired with live music, while Veranda Fireside Lounge & Restaurant will offer a three-course Thanksgiving menu for both lunch and dinner. See website for times and prices. 17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr., Rancho Bernardo. ranchobernardoinn.com
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa
Nov. 22. A delectable feast awaits at the property’s signature restaurant, Veladora. Crafted from the finest local fare, Executive Chef Jarrod Moiles and his culinary team will prepare a holiday buffet full of festive and classic favorites topped with decadent desserts. Menu items include a slow-roasted turkey breast, citrus glazed ham, Atlantic roasted salmon, warm ricotta gnocchi, Yukon gold mash potatoes, oven-roasted winter root vegetables, a selection of pies and cobblers alongside a fall-themed ice cream bar. Plus, a children’s buffet offers something for even the pickiest of eaters, including crispy chicken fingers, classic mac ‘n’ cheese and more. 5:30-9 p.m. $155 adults, $55 children. 5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe, 858.759.6246. ranchovalencia.com
Route 29
Nov. 22. Inspired by the fine fare and ambiance of Napa Valley, Route 29’s farm fresh food and iconic wine country vibes make for a relaxed yet elevated setting for your family Thanksgiving celebration. Sink your fork into a three-course pre-fixe menu including roasted butternut squash soup, short ribs, hand-carved turkey with stuffing, rosemary organic chicken, warm apple pie and more for both discerning adults and picky children. 4-10:30 p.m. $45 adults, $25 children. 644 Fifth Ave., downtown, 619.235.8144. route29restaurant.com
Rustic Root
Nov. 22. Enjoy Turkey Day at this downtown restaurant and rooftop bar, perfect for families and friends to come together and celebrate. Rustic Root’s three-course prix-fixe menu includes savory selections such as apple honey-glazed pork belly with cornbread pudding, turnip greens and chicharron; a free-range turkey roulade complete with herb stuffing, turkey demi-glace, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, green beans and cranberry chutney, and seared scallops accompanied by butternut squash hash, applewood smoked bacon, hazelnut pesto and an onion jus. Finish things on a sweet note with the pumpkin pie cheesecake, topped with cinnamon whipped cream and candied pepita seeds. 2-8 p.m. $55. 535 Fifth Ave., downtown, 619.232.1747. rusticroot.com
Seaview Restaurant
Nov. 22. Give thanks at Seaview during their Thanksgiving Day Champagne Brunch. The menu offers selections from a raw seafood bar, risotto station, cheeses and charcuteries, a Thanksgiving-esque carving station and desserts. Indulge in sake soy marinated sea bass or garlic- and pepper-roasted prime rib with buttermilk mashed potatoes and cap off the course with mini pumpkin and vanilla bean brulee. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $74 adults, $34 children ages 5-12, free children under 5. Manchester Grand Hyatt, 1 Market Place, downtown, 619.358.6735. hyatt.com
The Abbey on Fifth Avenue
Nov. 22. Hornblower’s on-land venue offers a rare and refined uptown option for Thanksgiving. Begin with a welcome glass of champagne, followed by a full buffet of seasonal dishes and desserts, complete with live jazz entertainment. Reservations required. 3-5:30 p.m. $59 adults, discounts for seniors, military and children. 2825 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill, 619.686.8715. hornblower.com
The Buffet and Fiore at Harrah’s Resort SoCal
Nov. 22. Harrah’s Resort SoCal’s dining destinations offer all the fixings for a “funner” Thanksgiving dinner. For a more casual experience, guests can dine at The Buffet and indulge in dishes including the orange clove glazed bone-in ham, prime rib of beef au jus and the classic pumpkin cheesecake. Guests can also experience a more traditional dinner at the award-winning Fiore steakhouse, helmed by Chef Amanda Colello, which will offer a turkey breast filled with fresh spinach and traditional stuffing, a savory bread pudding and caramelized yam gratin. The Buffet 11 a.m.-9 p.m., $32.99. Fiore 5:30-9 p.m., $28. 777 Harrah’s Rincon Way, Funner, 760.751.3100. harrahssocal.com
The Grill at Torrey Pines
Nov. 22. Savor the smoky flavors of the outdoor rotisserie at The Lodge’s more casual restaurant, The Grill. Cozy up for a three-course meal with beer or wine pairings complete with sweeping views of the iconic Torrey Pines Golf Course. Reservations recommended. 1-10 p.m. $60+ adults, $35 children under 12. 11480 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, 858.777.6614. lodgetorreypines.com
THE MED
Nov. 22. Spend Thanksgiving at the iconic La Valencia Hotel complete with ocean views at THE MED. A beautiful buffet stocked with a raw bar and carving station will accompany seasonal selections like soups, salads, wild mushroom pappardelle and winter heirloom carrots. Reservations required. 2-8 p.m. $89 adults, $39 children 12 and under, free children under 5. 1132 Prospect St., La Jolla, 855.818.6887. lavalencia.com
THE US GRANT
Nov. 22. Savor the holiday and its rich family traditions at the iconic US GRANT Hotel with its all-encompassing Thanksgiving buffet. The traditional holiday buffet from Executive Chef Mark Kropczynski offers a variety of seasonal offerings from chef’s homemade family recipe pierogi station, carved roasted turkey breast with chestnut apple sausage stuffing to crispy pork belly adobo with quail egg and steamed rice, chilled seafood, savory fall sides and delectable desserts including pumpkin pie, mini cheesecake pastries and more. The feast is accompanied by live music in the Presidential Ballroom. Reservations required. 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. $99 adults, $89 seniors, $42 children ages 12 and under; complimentary valet parking. 326 Broadway, downtown, 619.744.2046. marriott.com
The Westgate Hotel
Nov. 22. Guests can choose between a four-course prix-fixe dinner in the Westgate Room or a holiday buffet in Le Fontainebleau Room this Thanksgiving at The Westgate Hotel. Both experiences include live music for all to enjoy. Reservations recommended. 11 a.m. Prix-fixe: $69 adults, $40 children ages 4-12, free children under 3; Buffet: $89 adults, $40 children ages 4-12, free children under 3. 1055 Second Ave., downtown, 619.238.1818. westgatehotel.com
Tidal
Nov. 22. Enjoy Thanksgiving by the water this year at Tidal, Paradise Point’s signature restaurant. Enjoy a buffet full of dishes by Chef Andrew Reyes including a signature cheese and charcuterie selection; a housemade honey roasted kabocha squash bisque with kaffir lime, feta cheese, pomegranate seed and coconut cream; orange ginger-brined turkey accompanied by a soy yuzu pineapple glaze; lemongrass roasted prime rib with coconut miso gravy and asparagus; and a smoked salt-roasted Atlantic salmon, served with shiso leaf pesto, charred citrus and soy gastrique. End the meal on a sweet note with treats including handcrafted mini French macarons available in a variety of flavors and a variety of mini cheesecakes. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $69. 1404 Vacation Road, Mission Bay, 858.490.6363. destinationhotels.com
Vistal
Nov. 22. Developed by Vistal’s two local culinary masterminds–Food and Beverage Director Paul McCabe and Chef Amy DiBiase, the innovative menu features a range of traditional Thanksgiving dishes elevated with bright and bold flavors, all the while made with locally-sourced and sustainably-farmed ingredients. Enjoy remarkable views of San Diego Bay while dining on the third floor of the hotel. This prix-fixe meal includes choice of a starter, entree and dessert. Reservations can be made online. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. $55. InterContinental San Diego, 901 Bayfront Ct., downtown, 619.501.9400. vistalsd.com
Provisional Kitchen and Rancho Bernardo Inn photos courtesy J Public Relations. A.R. Valentien and Catamaran Resort photos courtesy Evans Hotels. KITCHEN 1540 photo courtesy Marguarite Clark Public Relations. The Westgate Hotel photo courtesy Chemistry PR.
