From family-style dinners to seasonally inspired cocktails, here are the best places to celebrate Thanksgiving in Los Angeles.
Edited by Alicia Luchak.
The Thanksgiving Play
Through Dec. 6. See Thanksgiving in a new light after watching Larissa FastHorse’s satire at the Geffen, which follows three “woke” white thespians as they struggle to plan a politically correct elementary school pageant for the holiday. Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater, Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., L.A., 310.208.5454. Tickets
Barton G.
Nov. 28. The luxurious yet quirky restaurant Barton G., famous for its creative over-the-top culinary productions, has a holiday meal planned that promises to be as mouthwatering as it is breathtaking. Guests can enjoy three courses of fun takes on holiday classics and creative dishes that look almost too cool to eat. Be sure to save plenty of room for the “harvest” dessert: a spiced pumpkin mousse and salted bourbon caramel atop a brown-butter blondie that look just like apples and an ear of corn. 4-10 p.m. 861 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.388.1888. bartong.com
The Bazaar by José Andrés
Nov. 28. Enjoy a sophisticated family-style meal with your loved ones at the SLS Hotel’s culinary haven, the Bazaar, in Beverly Hills. Along with traditional Thanksgiving staples like a Mary’s Farm organic turkey centerpiece, the evening will be highlighting some modern dishes in the Spanish-contemporary style of chef José Andrés. The tasting menu is full of flavorful fixings like papas canarias, stuffed piquillo peppers and pumpkin cremeuex. 4-8:30 p.m. Adults $110, children 12 and under $55. 465 S. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.246.5555. sbe.com
Bourbon Steak Los Angeles
Nov. 28. Chef Michael Mina of Glendale’s sleek and timeless steakhouse, Bourbon Steak, has crafted a Thanksgiving menu that meat lovers can really sink their teeth into. Enjoy a three-course holiday meal with flavorful and hearty options such as duck confit croquettes, heritage fall squash soup, pastrami-cured salmon, pan-seared sea scallops and plenty of hot and tender steaks. Top off the meal with some gooey s’mores, or stop by the pumpkin pie bar for dessert. $89+ per person. 237 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale, 818.839.4130. Make reservation
Cafe Gratitude’s Annual Free Thanksgiving Meal
Nov. 28. Show your gratitude by giving back and coming together with the community. Cafe Gratitude is continuing its 15-year tradition of helping those in need, providing sustainable water and a fresh plant-based Thanksgiving meal. If you or someone you know is experiencing food or housing insecurity, stop by early for a free and healthy feast. For those who can, volunteer or donate! All proceeds go to Immigrant Defenders Law Center, a social justice law firm delivering full-scale deportation defense to nearly 600 immigrants annually and accepting all clients regardless of eligibility or relief. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. To volunteer, visit the website or call 424.231.8000. 512 Rose Ave., Venice. cafegratitude.com
Castaway
Nov. 28. For those early birds (no pun intended) hankering to start Turkey Day as soon as possible, Castaway’s Thanksgiving Day Experience is kicking off bright and early with a festive brunch buffet. In addition to the traditional dishes and trimmings, you can help yourself to unexpected delicacies like mustard-crusted prime rib and a raw bar filled with crab, shrimp and oysters. Dinner features an a la carte menu with some Thanksgiving specials like pumpkin velouté, organic turkey with pretzel-brioche-pumpernickel Stuffing, pecan pie and fun cocktails like a pumpkin pie martini and an apple-cranberry Moscow Mule. Brunch buffet 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Dinner 5 p.m.-close. Adults $79, children ages 5-12 $35. 1250 E. Harvard Road, Burbank, 818.848.6691. castawayburbank.com
Crossroads Kitchen
Nov. 28. For vegans who want a flavorful feast, settle in for a four-course dinner at Crossroads Kitchen. The prix fixe seasonal menu features crowd favorites like butternut squash bisque with nutmeg crème fraîche, spiced lentil tempeh or scallopini with a cherry cabernet sauce, pumpkin mousse terrine, cranberry sorbet and plenty of the Thanksgiving staples like mashed potatoes and sweet potato biscuits. Noon-5 p.m. $75 per person. 8284 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.782.9245. crossroadskitchen.com
Fia
Nov. 28. Spend your holiday at a classy yet cozy Santa Monica hot spot that feels more like a backyard dinner party—dotted with string lights, long rugged tables and three outdoor fireplaces. Settle in for a family-style feast of butternut squash soup, roast organic turkey, cranberry sauce, slow roast prime strip loin with popovers and horseradish, baked ora king salmon with dill butter sauce, pecan yams, specialty cocktails and so much more. Adults $75, children 12 and under $30. 2454 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.586.1707. fiarestaurant.com
The Front Yard at the Garland
Nov. 28. Get comfortable on the Garland’s picturesque dining porch at the Front Yard with a buffet-style Thanksgiving feast. Pile your plate high with extra helpings of hearty dishes like buttermilk and sage-brined turkey, wild mushroom-stuffed filet mignon and sweet potato mash topped with cardamom, brown sugar and candy pecans—or mix it up at the chilled seafood station. Reservations strongly encouraged. Noon-8 p.m. Adults $59, children 12 and under $29. 4222 Vineland Ave., North Hollywood, 800.238.3759. thegarland.com
Gwen Butcher Shop & Restaurant
Nov. 28. What better place to chow down on hearty Thanksgiving dishes than a swanky Hollywood eatery with an in-house butchery? Fill up on chef Juan Rendon’s prix fixe menu, with highlights such as smoky parsnip soup, delicata squash with pomegranate sand stout, Josper Roaster crown turkey, sweet potato tarts with maple bourbon ice cream, and many more mouthwatering dishes. 1-7 p.m. $95. 6600 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. gwenla.com
Mastro’s
Nov. 28. For something a little less traditional, stop by Mastro’s for its one-of-a-kind Thanksgiving spread, with a signature seafood tower, lobster mashed potatoes, herb-roasted chicken, truffle potatoes Dauphinoise and more. As a fresh twist on classic pecan and pumpkin pies, you can sink your teeth into warm pecan pie a la mode and pumpkin butter cake. 246 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.888.8782. mastrosrestaurants.com
Manuela
Nov. 28. For those seeking some Southern-style comfort food, chef Kris Tominaga of Manuela has put together a tasty American feast that will make you feel right at home. Enjoy a plateful of goodies like his signature cream biscuits, smoked heritage turkey, dark meat confit, honey-glazed Colonel Newson Preacher ham, diver scallops, wild mushrooms and pumpkin rye potpie, special coconut sorbet and more. For those with dietary restrictions or who would like vegan or vegetarian options, the chef is happy to accommodate—just be sure to request ahead of time. Reservations offered between 2-7 p.m. Adults $65, children 10 and under $35. 907 E. 3rd St., downtown, 323.849.0480. More info
Patina
Nov. 28. Treat yourself to a prix fixe French-American feast, tailored to fit your appetite. Choose between a three or six-course Thanksgiving menu, with traditional autumn-inspired meals like a whole roasted turkey with sweet potato, roasted apple stuffing, blue lake beans and gravy, plus contemporary dessert options like cranberry orange cheesecake with orange blossom chantilly, citrus meringue and Grand Marnier. See website for complete menu. Noon-7 p.m. $110 for six-course menu, $75 for three-course menu, $35 for children’s menu. 141 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.3331. patinagroup.com
Playa Provisions
Nov. 28. Sit back, relax and let Top Chef winner Brooke Williamson take the wheel this holiday. At Brooke and her husband Nick Roberts’ four-in-one concept, Playa Provisions, you can gobble down tasty Thanksgiving specials like honey mustard-crusted ham, roasted acorn squash and cran-apple pie, as well as plenty of tried-and-true classics like traditional turkey, cranberry sauce and rich pumpkin pie. Adults $38, children $20. 119 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey, 310.683.5019. playaprovisions.com
Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
Nov. 28. Bring together your family and friends for a feast that mixes the traditional with the contemporary. Sofitel’s special holiday menu will include some holiday classics, such as butternut squash soup, herb and lemon-roasted turkey, prime rib and pumpkin and pecan pies, along with exciting additions like its famous chocolate fountain and a seasonal best-seller from Cattle & Claw: creamy lobster mac ‘n’ cheese. Noon-7 p.m. Adults $55+, children ages 5-12 $40+, free for children 5 and under. sofitel-los-angeles.com
STK Steakhouse
Nov. 28. Westwood’s cosmopolitan steakhouse is serving up more than beef tenderloins and juicy rib-eyes this Thanksgiving. For its holiday feast, STK will be preparing a roasted turkey special with chestnut cornbread stuffing, green beans, sweet potato, Yukon Gold potatoes, old-school gravy and cranberry orange chutney. For dessert, guests can savor spiced pumpkin or cinnamon apple pie with boozy cream and vanilla ice cream. Noon-10 p.m. Adults $42, children 12 and under $15. 930 Hilgard Ave., Westwood, 310.659.3535. stksteakhouse.com
Terranea Resort
Nov. 28. For those who like to have options, the oceanfront Terranea Resort has several highly celebrated eateries, each with their own unique atmosphere and style, that will be partaking in the Thanksgiving festivities. Choose from a ballroom buffet (complete with a cider station, Champagne and a dessert bar); fine-dining and ocean views at Mar’sel; a healthy—yet delicious—meal at Solvia (carefully curated by the in-house nutritionist); rotating whiskey and sake flights at Bashi; casual dining with breathtaking panoramic views of the coast at Nelson’s; upscale Mediterranean cuisine with a festive buffet at the Catalina Kitchen; and the Grill’s poolside turkey sandwiches. 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, 855.938.4047. terranea.com
Turkey Trot Los Angeles
Nov. 28. Spend Thanksgiving morning in downtown L.A., taking in a scenic 5K or 10K route through the area’s historic streets. The race starts and finishes 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 am; 10K 9 am; Widdle Wobble 10:15 am. $24-$67. 200 N. Spring St., downtown, 310.821.7898, turkeytrot.la
Viviane
Nov. 28. Join Viviane for a poolside Thanksgiving feast, all day long. To start, choose between butternut squash soup and brassica with mixed greens. For the main course, guests are given the option of slow-roasted turkey, roast beef or butternut squash risotto—each comes with side dishes like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, traditional stuffing, fresh cranberry fruit conserve and more. For dessert, enjoy your own personal mini pie—either Granny Smith apple with vanilla ice cream or pumpkin with whipped cream. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. $65. Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills, 9400 W. Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.277.5221. More info
Photos: Fia credit Michael Grecco. Barton G. courtesy Barton G. Cafe Gratitude’s Annual Free Thanksgiving Meal courtesy Cafe Gratitude. The Front Yard courtesy the Garland. Mastro’s courtesy Murphy O’Brien. Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills courtesy Sofitel. STK Steakhouse courtesy STK.
