Thanksgiving in Los Angeles brings a flurry of feasts, Turkey Day races and holiday festivities. Check out the best way to celebrate Thanksgiving in the City of Angels.
FEASTS
Akasha
Nov. 23. Celebrate Thanksgiving with a decadent dine-in menu featuring the likes of Roasted Cauliflower Bisque, Herb-Roasted Mary’s Turkey and classic sides. Cap off the meal with a Pie Buffet offering nine different sweet selections. 1-8 p.m. $80 adults; $35 children 10 and under; excludes beverage, tax and 20% gratuity. 9543 Culver Blvd., Culver City, 310.845.1700. akasharestaurant.com
AR Cucina
Nov. 23. Enjoy an Italian-twist on this year’s holiday meal. Featuring local produce, inspiration and food from chef/owner Akasha Richmond’s recent trip to Italy, feast on a selection of antipasti before diving into Turkey Breast “Porchetta” Style and Braised Dark Meat Turkey, Branzino “Al Cartoccio” or Wild & Porcini Mushroom Ragu. Wine pairings and Italian-inspired specialty will complement the dinner. 2-8 p.m. $65 adults, $35 children 10 and under; excludes beverage, tax and 20% gratuity. 9531 Culver Blvd., Culver City, 310.558.8800. arcucina.com
Avalon Grille on Catalina Island
Nov. 23. For a quick city getaway, set sail over the Pacific to nearby picturesque Catalina Island. Avalon Grille will be serving a prix-fixe menu featuring a roasted kabocha squash soup, herb-brined Diestel Turkey with all the trimmings and mouth-watering pecan pie and vanilla gelato with s’mores topping. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. $45. 423 Crescent Ave., Avalon, Catalina Island. visitcatalinaisland.com
Beauty and Essex
Nov. 23. Gather friends and family around for a special holiday feast. Menu highlights include Mary’s free range roasted turkey, acorn squash ravioli, applewood smoked bacon mac and cheese, braised collard greens and classic pumpkin pie. 3-10 p.m. 1615 Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood. beautyandessex.com
The Belvedere
Nov. 23. Celebrate Turkey Day with a three-course menu at The Belvedere at The Peninsula Beverly Hills. Featuring family-style staples and an endless array of classic and contemporary holiday desserts, this luxurious menu also includes free-flowing Nicolas Feuillate Champagne. 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. $138/pp. 9882 S Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.975.2736. beverlyhills.peninsula.com
Best Girl
Nov. 23. New to the L.A. culinary scene, Best Girl at the Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles serves up a prix-fixe menu to celebrate Thanksgiving Day. Highlights include a warm honeynut squash, roasted free range turkey and traditional trimmings, followed by pumpkin pie crisp. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. $42/pp. 929 S. Broadway, downtown, 213.623.3233. bestgirldtla.com
Beverly Wilshire Hotel
Nov. 23. Enjoy an upscale Thanksgiving dinner menu at this renowned establishment that attracts both celebs and locals alike. Start your dining experience with butternut squash bisque or roasted pear and arugala salad before moving on to Siskiyou County beef short rib or oven-fired Diestel Ranch turkey. An assortment of holiday sweets round out the decadent meal. 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. $95/pp. 9500 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.275.5200. fourseasons.com
Bourbon Steak Los Angeles
Nov 23. Spend Thanksgiving at the modern-inspired steakhouse, indulging on a festive three-course menu full of seasonal classics. Start with Heritage Squash Soup or Pan Seared Scallops before moving on to Braised Lamb Shank, Lobster Pot Pie with Brandied Lobster Cream or the requisite Roasted Heritage Turkey. Decadent dessert options round out the menu and wine pairings are available for an additional $35. $75/pp. 237 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale, 818.839.4130. michaelmina.net
Café Pinot
Nov. 23. Head to downtown L.A. for a French-inspired prix-fixe meal. Menu highlights include Bucatini (crispy sweetbreads with bacon, caper, lemon and black pepper breadcrumbs), a traditional turkey dinner and Chocolate Spiced Crémeux. 2-8 p.m. $65 adults; $29 children 10 and under; $28 for additional wine pairing and macaron dessert takeaway. 700 W 5th St., downtown, 213.239.6500. patinagroup.com
Circa 55 at The Beverly Hilton
Nov. 23. Break out the bubbly and enjoy a lavish spread of traditional Turkey Day fare. Feast on the likes of roasted turkey, honey glazed ham and classic stuffing, as well as pumpkin risotto served in a Parmigiano Reggiano Wheel. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $85 adults, $39 children 12 and under. 9876 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.274.7777. beverlyhilton.com
Clifton’s Republic
Nov. 23. Head to this historic L.A. landmark for a classic Thanksgiving dinner helmed by executive chef Andrew Pastore. Opt for a cornucopia buffet of turkey and trimmings or one of Clifton’s signature Turkey or Chicken Pot Pies. Complement your meal with a special Turkey Day Punch (apple cider, prosecco, brandy, orange, cranberry, cinnamon and apricot) from the mind of cocktail ambassador Beau du Bois. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. $12-$55. 648 S. Broadway, downtown, 213.627.1673. cliftonsla.com
Crossroads
Nov. 23. No meat, no problem. Popular plant-based eatery Crossroads, helmed by Tal Ronnen—one of the nation’s leading pioneers in plant-based cuisine—offers up a tasty four-course holiday menu. Feast on an autumn chop salad, Holiday Spiced Chickpea Cake, classics like mashed potatoes and stuffing, as well sweet potato biscuits. Apple custard cake and chocolate tarts round out the meal. Noon-5 p.m. $80/pp. 8284 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.782.9245. crossroadskitchen.com
Culina
Nov. 23. Gather with friends and family over an expansive Thanksgiving buffet at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. From sushi and dim sum to carving stations featuring a whole roasted turkey with all the fixings, there’s something for everyone. Don’t sleep on the autumnal Pie Factory experience from executive chef Federico Fernandez. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. $129 adults, $65 children 5-12. 300 S. Doheny Dr., L.A., 310.860.4000. culinarestaurant.com
Dekkadance at InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown
Nov. 23. This Thanksgiving, feast on Turkey Day fare while taking in unparalleled views of DTLA from the tallest building west of Chicago. Select dishes include crispy pumpkin gnocchi, fig pizza, salt crusted prime rib and much more. $89 adults, $40 children. 900 Wilshire Blvd., downtown, 213.688.7777. dtla.intercontinental.com
Del Frisco’s Grille Santa Monica
Nov. 23. Take the hassle out of the holidays and enjoy a prix-fixe dinner overlooking the iconic Santa Monica Pier. Menu highlights include turkey, traditional sides and pumpkin cheesecake or a salted caramel pudding jar. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. $42/pp. 1551 Ocean Ave. Suite 105, Santa Monica, 310.395.7333. delfriscosgrille.com
Fleming’s
Nov. 23. Dine at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar and leave the prep and cleanup to someone else. Enjoy a three-course turkey dinner with all the trimmings, topped off with Fleming’s famous carrot cake or pumpkin cheesecake. Starts at $40. Various locations. flemingssteakhouse.com
Gracias Madre: Gracias Por Oaxaca Thanksgiving Fundraiser
Nov. 23. Indulge in a vegan, Mexican-inspired meal while doing good this Thanksgiving holiday. Gracias Madre, in partnership with local L.A.-based Guelaguetza, will serve a plate filled with a butternut squash tamale, a fall salad, rice piffle, pumpkin cheesecake and a cranberry margarita to wash it all down. All proceeds will be donated to Por Oaxaca for earthquake relief in Oaxaca. 1-5 p.m. or until food runs out.$25 suggested donation. 8905 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood. graciasmadreweho.com
The Langham Huntington, Pasadena
Nov. 23. SoCal’s iconic hotel offers three different options for celebrating Turkey Day this year. Indulge on an expansive Thanksgiving brunch—complete with champagne and live entertainment—in the historic Huntington Ballroom or opt for a three-course dinner prepared by chef Dominique Shelton at The Royce Wood-Fired Steakhouse. Additionally, sunshine-filled The Terrace will host a Dim Sum Breakfast Brunch and three-course dinner presented by chef Jason Yu. Huntington Ballroom: Noon-4 p.m.; $108 adults; $54 children under 12. The Royce Wood-Fired Steakhouse: 4-9 p.m.; $135-$180 adults; $67.50 children under 12. The Terrace: Brunch 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; $68 adults; $34 children under 12; Dinner 4-9 p.m.; $75-$110 adults; $37.50 children under 12. 1401 S. Oak Knoll Ave., Pasadena, 626.585.6218. langhamhotels.com
Le Petit Paris
Nov. 23. Ring in Thanksgiving Day with a French-inspired prix-fixe menu at this authentic Parisian bistro. Expect appetizers such as Cassolette d’escargots or Vol au Vent—asparagus, mushrooms, carrots, poached egg with a puff pastry and red wine sauce—before diving into the main course. Tres Leches, vegan chocolate cake or a chocolate and caramelized pecan tart cap off the meal. $55 adults, $30 for children’s menu. 418 S. Spring St., downtown, 213.217.4445. lepetitparisla.com
Manuela
Nov. 23. Head to the Arts District for a traditional Thanksgiving Day feast. Enjoy smoked turkey, cider braised pork belly, Delicata squash, green bean casserole, cornbread stuffing, sweet potato pie, apple crumble or pecan pie. Noon-6 p.m. 907 E. 3rd St., downtown, 323.849.0480. manuela-la.com
Maple
Nov. 23. Indulge on a lavish, fall brunch buffet at renowned Descanso Gardens. Menu highlights include a carving station (hickory and apple smoked turkey, rosemary and garlic pork roast), wild mushroom ravioli, traditional sides and an assortment of delicious desserts. Reservation deadline is November 20. Seatings at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. $75-$85 adults, $35-$45 children. 1418 Descanso Dr., La Cañada Flintridge, 818.949.4200. patinagroup.com
Mastro’s
Nov. 23. Swap the turkey for a mouthwatering steak this holiday at Mastro’s locations throughout Southern California. Other menu specialities include lobster mashed potatoes, gorgonzola mac ‘n cheese, black truffle gnocchi and warm butter cake, among others. 2 p.m.-9 p.m. Various locations and pricing. mastrosrestaurants.com
The Mar Vista
Nov. 23. Satisfy your holiday cravings with chef-driven cuisine at The Mar Vista. Menu highlights include turkey leg confit, honey roasted butternut squash and pumpkin pie. Seatings at 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. $45/pp. 12249 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista, 310.751.6773. themarvista.com
Mari Los Angeles
Nov. 23. Tuck in to a three-course family-style menu from head chef Jonathan Wood. Highlights include roasted turkey roulade with mashed potatoes, housemade cranberry sauce, sauteed haricot verts and turkey gravy. $75 adults, $35 children 12 and under. InterContinental Los Angeles Century City at Beverly Hills, 2151 Avenue of the Stars, L.A., 310.284.6500. intercontinentallosangeles.com
Montage Beverly Hills
Nov. 23. Why limit your options when it comes to celebrating Thanksgiving Day? Join Montage Beverly Hills for a seasonal feast at Georgie that spans into The Garden Bar, or visit The Rooftop Grill for à la carte menu specials and stunning views of Beverly Hills. Georgie: $128 adults, $48 children 4-12. 225 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, 310.860.7886. montagehotels.com
Napa Valley Grille
Nov. 23. Calling all wine lovers. This rustic Thanksgiving menu infuses earthy ingredients into a multi-course menu, paired with wine selections from an extensive California focused list, including exclusive wines from The Tavistock Collection. 1100 Glendon Ave. #100, L.A., 310.824.3322. napavalleygrille.com
Nick & Stef’s Steakhouse
Nov. 23. Say yes to turkey dinner and all the trimmings at Nick & Stef’s Steakhouse. After dinner, sip on a spiced hot toddy or dig in to Pumpkin Crème Brûlée and Chocolate Spiced Cremeux. 3-9 p.m. $49/pp. À la carte dinner menu available. 330 S Hope St., downtown, 213.680.0330. patinagroup.com
Patina
Nov. 23. Located within Walt Disney Concert Hall, choose from a three-course or four-course holiday dinner at the French-American restaurant. Seasonal menu specialities include Pumpkin Veloute, Snake River Farms Wagyu Beef, Butternut Bread Pudding and a selection of “Haute Couture” Sturia Caviar. Complete your meal with a Thanksgiving cocktail or wine pairing. $75 three-courses, $85 four-course. 2-7 p.m. 141 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.3331. patinagroup.com
Playa Provisions
Nov. 23. Steps away from the beach, four-in-one restaurant Playa Provisions takes away the holiday cooking stress with a special Thanksgiving menu. Choose between classic turkey or honey mustard crusted ham before selecting sides like chicory salad, roasted acorn squash, sweet sausage and chestnut stuffing. Maple yams with marshmallows and pumpkin pie sweeten the feast. 3-8 p.m. $35 adults, $18 children. 119 Culver Blvd., Playa Del Rey, 310.683.5019. playaprovisions.com
Saddle Peak Lodge
Nov. 23. Cozy up this Thanksgiving at Saddle Peak Lodge, nestled in the picturesque Santa Monica Mountains. Chef Adam Horton curates a special four-course menu that includes dishes such as roasted baby beets, grilled quail, seared New Zealand elk tenderloin and much more. Don’t forget to leave room for dessert offerings such as Memo’s Pumpkin Pie, petite chocolate brownies and banana-huckleberry bread pudding. Noon-8 p.m. 419 Cold Canyon Rd., Calabasas, 818.222.3888. saddlepeaklodge.com
SALT Restaurant & Bar
Nov. 23. Shimmering blue waters welcome you this Thanksgiving holiday at the Marina Del Rey Hotel. Indulge in traditional Turkey Day fare or swing by after your own feast to try specialty cocktail, The Fall Guy (Remy 1738, Leo Apple Whiskey, cinnamon syrup, apple shrub, lemon juice, Peychauds Bitters and two star anise pods). Marina Del Rey Hotel, 13534 Bali Way, Marina Del Rey, 310.301.1000. marinadelreyhotel.com
Shade Hotels
Nov. 23. Relax under the Southern California sun while indulging on a three-course Turkey Day special. Gourmet holiday offerings include Crispy Duck Carnitas, Spice-Roasted Turkey Breast, Orange-Infused Cranberry Sauce, Black Truffle Turkey Gravy, among other items. 1 p.m. $55 adults, $25 children under 10. Sea Level (Shade Hotel Redondo Beach), 655 N Harbor Dr., Redondo Beach, 310.921.8950, rb.shadehotel.com. Zinc Restaurant & Lounge (Shade Hotel Manhattan Beach), 1221 N Valley Dr., Manhattan Beach, 310.469.3466, mb.shadehotel.com.
TAVERN
Nov. 23. Designed for meat lovers and vegans alike, Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne’s neighborhood eatery serves up a Thanksgiving dinner that aims to satisfy everyone. Prepared by chef de cuisine Amy Deaderick, the menu begins with a persimmon and pomegranate salad with arugula and walnuts, followed by a choice of herb-roasted turkey breast with stuffed leg or a vegan extravaganza of sweet potatoes, brussel sprouts, fingerling potatoes and more. Decadent desserts like pecan bars, pumpkin panna cotta and seasonal sorbet round out the feast. 1-8 p.m. $95 adults, $45 children under 10. 11648 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood, 310.806.6464. tavernla.com
Terranea Resort
Nov. 23. Trade city views for gorgeous ocean bluffs while you indulge in one of Terranea’s many Thanksgiving Day options. Opt for bashi’s Asian-inspired holiday dinner, a Thanksgiving buffet and live entertainment at catalina kitchen or kickback and watch a game of football in the Lobby Bar. See website for complete offerings and times. 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, 310.494.7891. terranea.com
Thanksgiving Day the José Andrés Way
Nov. 23. Enjoy a variety of Turkey Day options at José Andrés’ SLS Beverly Hills dining concepts. Tres by José Andrés offers a brunch buffet of holiday favorites as well as a sit-down prix-fixe dinner menu, while The Bazaar by José Andrés will offer a prix-fixe dinner curated with artisanal ingredients and chef José Andrés’ Spanish inspirations. Tres Brunch Buffet: 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m; $85 adults; $42 children. Tres Dinner: 5-10 p.m., $75; sbe.com. The Bazaar: $95 adults, $45 children 12 and under; sbe.com. SLS Beverly Hills, 465 S. La Cienega Blvd., L.A.
Viviane
Nov. 23. Opt for a midcentury, chic California Thanksgiving setting at this stylish restaurant situated inside the Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills. The evening begins with a traditional three-course meal followed by cocktails in the poolside cabana. $45/pp. 9400 W. Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.277.5221. avalon-hotel.com
Wolf
Nov. 23. Back by popular demand, chef Marcel’s elegant prix-fixe menu features five courses of holiday favorites. Dine on squash soup, kale salad, brined and spatchcocked turkey or ora king salmon, cranberry sauce, chestnut stuffing, roasted roots and a pumpkin banana bundt. 4-9 p.m. $75/pp. 7661 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.424.7735. wolfdiningla.com
FESTIVITIES
Aquarium of the Pacific
Nov. 23. For one special day only, come lunch with sea otters and meet over 11,000 animals from the world’s largest ocean. Aquarium open 9 a.m.-6 p.m., lunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m. See website for pricing. 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, 562.590.3100. aquariumofpacific.org
Salt & Straw
Nov. 1-22. Pregame your Thanksgiving week plans with a sweet treat from the family-run ice cream company. New flavors for November invoke the smells, tastes and cheer of the autumn seasons and include Sweet Potato Casserole with Maple Pecans, Buttered Mashed Potatoes & Gravy (yes, you read that right), among others. Various locations. saltandstraw.com
Thanksgiving Day Cruises
Nov. 23. Take in fresh ocean air as you cruise across the water to ring in Thanksgiving Day. Brunch Cruise lasts two hours and includes unlimited champagne and mimosas, brunch buffet with holiday dishes and live music. Buffet Supper Cruise lasts 3 hours and features a boarding glass of champagne, traditional Thanksgiving buffet and live music. $69-$93. See website for more details. Departs from Fisherman’s Village Marina, 13755 Fiji Way, Marina de Rey. hornblower.com
FITNESS
Turkey Trot Los Angeles
Nov. 23. Spend Thanksgiving morning in downtown L.A., taking in a scenic 5K or 10K route through the area’s historic streets. The race starts at City Hall and takes runners past Grand Park and Walt Disney Concert Hall. There is also a Widdle Wobble 1K for kids. Proceeds benefit charity the Midnight Mission. 5K 8 a.m.; 10K 8:45 a.m.; Widdle Wobble 10 a.m. $20-$60. 200 N. Spring St., downtown, 310.821.7898. turkeytrot.la
Burbank YMCA Turkey Trot
Nov. 23. Rise and shine for this annual event featuring a 5K or 10K run, 5K walk and a Kids Run. Each participant receives a free T-shirt and medal. 100 percent of race proceeds support the YMCA Financial Assistance Programs benefitting community residents. Races start at 7:30 a.m. Registration $20+. See website for details. burbankymca.org
Long Beach Turkey Trot
Nov. 23. Get an early morning workout before indulging on Thanksgiving dinner. Choose from 5K, 10K, 15K or Half Marathon run/walks. Bananas, GU gels, water, gatorade and cookies will be available along the route. Race starts at 7:30 a.m. See website for details. active.com
The Beverly Wilshire Hotel photo by Jakob Layman. Salt & Straw photo courtesy of Salt & Straw.
