Eat

Thanksgiving Feasts Around San Diego

By November 21, 2016 No Comments

Ditch the stovetop and dirty dishes and get ready to take some stress out of the holidays because this Thanksgiving the only thing you’ll be making is reservations! Leave the cooking to the pros and pull up a chair at some of San Diego’s most memorable establishments who have a full lineup of three-course prix fixe menus and buzz-worthy buffets. For both visitors and locals, these restaurants are sure to provide an unforgettable evening.  AVANT at Rancho Bernardo InnThere is never a dull moment during the holidays at Rancho Bernardo Inn in picturesque North County, San Diego. Perfect for Thanksgiving, the property offers three festive dining options. Savor a specialty three-course Thanksgiving menu at the Inn’s signature restaurant, AVANT or indulge in all of the Thanksgiving fixings with a complete holiday buffet in Aragon Ballroom complete with live music and more. For guests and locals who are interested in leisurely celebrating all day long, Veranda Fireside Lounge & Restaurant will offer a traditional turkey special in addition to the regular a la carte menu. Additional details are as follows:

  • AVANT – 2 to 7pm (Adults $70, kids 12 and under $35) Three-course menu highlights include celeriac and roasted pear bisque, roasted turkey breast, winter squash caponata and more
  • Aragon Ballroom – 11am to 3pm (Adults $74, kids 12 and under $35) Live music, petting zoo, pony rides and a buffet including a hot carving station with slow-roasted prime rib, herb-roasted turkey, sweet potato soufflé, sausage herb stuffing, chilled seafood and salads, a variety of desserts, and more

 Tidal at Paradise Point Resort & Spa 
Gather at Paradise Point Resort & Spa’s signature restaurant, Tidal, right on the shores of San Diego’s Mission Bay for a coastal dining experience this Thanksgiving. Chef Dan Tangalin welcomes you to taste a festive three-course Thanksgiving dinner with optional wine pairings. Seasonal savory menu highlights include apple and walnut salad, butternut squash soup, brown sugar brined free range turkey, maple leaf duck breast, apple cider-coriander glazed pork cheeks, and more followed by delectable desserts such as pumpkin mousse. Reservations are recommended and available from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Adults $65, wine pairings $25, kids $32) with vegetarian and kids options available. To make a reservation call, 858.490.6363.
  Thanksgiving at Grant Grill and THE US GRANT HotelThis Thanksgiving, savor the holiday and its rich family traditions in the heart of downtown San Diego, at the iconic US GRANT Hotel with two unique experiences. Choose to indulge in seasonal celebrations at Grant Grill offering a four-course turkey dinner, or delight in THE US GRANT’s all-encompassing Thanksgiving Buffet. The traditional Thanksgiving buffet from Executive Chef Mark Kropczynski offers a variety of seasonal offerings from carved roasted turkey breast with chestnut apple stuffing to roasted prime beef ribs eye with creamy horseradish, chilled seafood, savory fall sides, and delectable desserts including warm pumpkin pies, cheese cakes and more. The feast is accompanied with live music in the Presidential Ballroom. Buffet reservations from 11:30am-3:30pm on Thursday, November 24, 2016. Reservations required, by calling 619.744.2039. Prices are $89 adults / $79 seniors, $39 children (ages 12 & under) excluding tax and gratuity. Manchester Grand Hyatt 
Sally’s Fish House & Bar will be offering a Grand Breakfast Buffet from 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. with delectable breakfast cuisine. Enjoy your breakfast with beautiful San Diego Bay views. Sally’s will re-open for dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and will serve both its regular menu and a Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Special- priced at $32.00 or $40 with house wine pairing- featuring delicious traditional Thanksgiving fare. The special includes cider brined turkey, brown sugar glazed ham, maple-pecan butter, Boursin cheese mashed potatoes, chestnut stuffing and more. For reservations, call 619.358.6740. 
 Seaview’s Thanksgiving Day Buffet offers a menu more elaborate than the usual Thanksgiving culinary repertoire. With a raw seafood bar, a Thanksgiving-esque carving station, delicious desserts and more, this loaded buffet will be sure to satisfy your holiday cravings. Seaview’s buffet is available between 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and priced at $69.95 for adults, $32.00 for children ages 6-12 years old and complimentary for children under 5 years old. For reservations, call 619.358.6735.  The Grand Lobby Bar’s November special is a Thanksgiving Burger made with a turkey patty, bacon, homemade stuffing, spring mix, smoked gouda, garlic aioli on a honey wheat bun paired with a Belgian beer.  Hotel del CoronadoGive thanks this Thanksgiving at one of the most iconic beachfront hotels, the Hotel del Coronado. An elegant and expansive buffet will feature a menu of worldly delights such as house-made charcuterie, lobster and crab mac & cheese, Pacific Northwest oysters with pomegranate mignonette, cherry glazed ham and duck confit, along with traditional dare including slow roasted free range turkey, green beans and rainbow carrots with a lemon thyme drizzle and candied sweet potatoes, plus a dizzying amount of desserts from pumpkin pie to cranberry and cream cheese bread pudding. Set on one of America’s most iconic beaches, the legendary Hotel del Coronado has welcomed discerning travelers for more than 128 years to experience the Southern California coastal lifestyle at its best. Celebrate the holiday with a lavish feast and live entertainment in the oceanfront Ballroom and magnificent Crown Room at 12:00 PM on Thursday, November 24. Thanksgiving dinner in the Ballroom costs $110 for adults and $43 for children ages 6-10; dinner in the Crown Room costs $125 for adults and $45 for children ages 6-10, children under 5 are complimentary for both dinners.   Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa
Celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa by working up an appetite during its first-ever 5K Turkey Trot and end the day with a delectable Thanksgiving feast at the resort’s signature restaurant, Veladora, where guests will experience a unique Coastal Ranch fête with handcrafted cuisine and live music. Crafted from the finest local fare, Executive Chef Jarrod Moiles and the Veladora culinary team have prepared a Thanksgiving buffet full of festive and classic favorites topped with decadent desserts. Highlights include roasted pumpkin bisque, chilled seafood, gourmet mac & cheese with herb bread crumbs, slow roasted turkey breast, chorizo and herb stuffing, and more. 

The Turkey Trot at Rancho Valencia starts at 7:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning. To make a reservation for either dinner or the Turkey Trot, please call 858-759-6246. Thanksgiving dinner at Veladora is from 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. and costs $125 for adults and $55 for children (ages 11 and under).  Bellamy’s Bellamy’s will offer a three-course Thanksgiving feast prepared by Executive Chef Jonathan Freyburg. The menu features classic Thanksgiving dishes including turkey and herb stuffing, as well as specialty dishes including house-made basil pappardelle, seafood bouillabaisse and a grilled king beef ribeye. Dinner is priced at $50 per person and children’s options will also be available. Ponsaty’s The Grand Restaurant Group’s Corporate Chef Patrick Ponsaty will prepare a three-course Thanksgiving dinner with dish selections including duck confit & endive salad, slow-roasted local turkey, pepper-crusted ribeye and slow-roasted pumpkin soup. Ponsaty’s Thanksgiving dinner is priced at $55 per person. CoasterraWhen you’re getting ready to talk turkey and that turkey is speaking Spanish, head down to Coasterra for a Baja-style Thanksgiving, with cuisine complementary of our south-of-the-border neighbors. A choice of menu items include their famous White Corn Soup to start, followed by a Free Range Sonoma Turkey Dinner with cornbread, green bean casserole, and jalapeno-cranberry ginger stuffing, among other non-traditional mains. Ditch the classic pecan pie and go for Housemade Churros with chocolate and caramel dipping sauce for dessert.880 Harbor Island Dr | 1-7 pm | $54.95 for adults, $13.95 for kidsFor reservations, please call 619.814.1300 VintanaNorth County’s penthouse stunner, Vintana, is prepped and ready to offer sophisticated Turkey Day delicacies with a side of picturesque town and country views. Put on your Thursday’s best, grab a menu, and select from elevated starters, main courses, and sweet endings. Kick off your holiday feast with a decadently delicious Lobster Bisque, then fill your stomach with the Macadamia & Coconut Crusted Sea Bass or 8oz Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon. Finish with the festively fall Caramel Apple Cheesecake or a selection of seasonal pies.  1205 Auto Park Way | 12-7 pm | $54.95 for adults, $13.95 for kids For reservations, please call 760.745.7777 BO-beau kitchen + garden in La MesaA tried and true neighborhood establishment for all ages, La Mesa’s BO-beau kitchen + garden is the quintessential location for a family feast with those that matter most. This Thanksgiving, generations collide as children play in the retrofitted school bus in between bites off the kids menu, and adults chow down on three courses of luxuries like the Cinderella Pumpkin Soup, Slow Roasted Pork Shank, and Pumpkin Bread Pudding. Add-ons are also available for a supplemental fee, such as Roasted Jalapeno Deviled Eggs or the famous Bo-beau Brussels Sprouts.8384 La Mesa Blvd. | 2-7 pm | $43.95 for adults, $13.95 for kidsFor reservations, please call 619.337.3445 SEA180 Who says you can’t have it all? For those that want to get a little gluttonous when they go for the gobble, SEA180’s oceanfront dining room is harnessing the true meaning of ‘plentiful bounty’ with their seasonal buffet. With five food stations to have you really giving thanks, a cornucopia of standouts include the Raw Oyster Bar with apple cider mignonette from the seafood station, the Winter Squash Buddha Bowl from the hot food display, and the Chili Rubbed Prime Rib from the carving station. 800 Seacoast Dr | 11am-8pm | $59.95 for adults, $16.95 for kidsFor reservations, please call 619.631.4949  Dog HausHave all of the tastes of Thanksgiving dinner all in one bite! Dog Haus is serving the ultimate flavors of the holiday in an anything but traditional way. They are introducing the Turducken Sausage for a limited time in November and with each sold, Dog Haus will donate $1 to Meals on Wheels America. The out-of-box Thanksgiving delicacy itself is made with Turducken sausage (combination of duck, turkey and chicken) that’s topped with sweet potato fries, sage gravy, cranberry slaw and crispy onion, all served on grilled Hawaiian rolls. Their “wurstmacher” Adam Gertler explains the thought behind the crazy dish here.  The Hills and Eastbound Bar & GrillThanksgiving isn’t only a time to catch up with family but also old friends! No one knows this better than East County true neighborhood hubs, The Hills and Eastbound Bar & Grill. That’s why these local waterholes are throwing Thanksgiving Reunion Parties that is sure to bring the community together for old times sake, great drinks and a whole lot of fun. On Wednesday, November 23rd, The Hills and Eastbound Bar & Grill are hosting their Wild Turkey reunions, sparking those high school memories with whiskey specials all night. The bar will be open from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. serving $5 Wild Turkey drinks and shots and their specialty Wild Turkey Bombs made with Redbull and cranberry.  Not to mention, you’ll want to head to the dance floor with DJ Joey Jimenez spinning starting at 9 p.m. and playing crowd favorites all night long. Eddie V’sJoin Eddie V’s for a traditional Thanksgiving meal between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. Enjoy a pre-set Thanksgiving menu ($38 for adults, $15 for kids) with all the trimmings – cranberry chutney, brioche sage stuffing, roasted butternut squash and, of course, turkey and gravy – and a Thanksgiving dessert. For anyone who chooses to abandon custom in favor of lobster, the regular menu will be available. Reservations are required, call 619-615-0281. Season’s 52 at the Headquarters at SeaportJoin Seasons 52 at the Headquarters at Seaport for the most flavorful Thanksgiving dinner you’ll never have to prepare. A preset meal ($28 for adults, $13 for kids) will feature turkey raised on family farms and all the trimmings along with a pumpkin pie mini indulgence dessert. Wine pairings and seasonal cocktails are also available including a Cranberry and Sage cocktail with candied sage leaf, and an Organic Sunshine Martini with orange-infused organic vodka. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and reservations are required, call 619-702-0052.  JsixChef Anthony Sinsay, who has recently taken over the kitchen at Jsix and completely transformed the menu, has created a three-course Thanksgiving menu channeling his Filipino roots. Guests will enjoy unique dishes such as Red Kuri Squash Soup with hazelnut crème fraiche and tarragon pesto and Stir-fried Rice Noodles with local vegetables, soy, and Kalamansi lime. The menu will also feature classics such as Herb Butter Roasted Turkey and Whipped Yukon Gold Potatoes. Finish the night off with your choice of Kabocha Pie served with Nutmeg Chantilly and pomegranate reduction or try a slice of his Warm Cranberry Cake served with Vanilla ice cream.The cost is $65 per person and reservations are recommended. (619) 531-8744 JRDNEnjoy Thanksgiving in true San Diego style—at the beach! JRDN at Tower23 Hotel in Pacific Beach is serving up a three-course menu for $55 per person from 3-8 p.m. Guests will be able to choose from six different appetizers including a Raw Bar Platter with two shrimp, three oysters and king crab legs. Entrée choices include Stuffed Turkey Breast, Thick Cut Herb Roasted Prime Rib, Pan Roasted Salmon and a Half Roasted Chicken. Fall dessert classics such as Apple Pie and Pumpkin Pie served with Chantilly cream will seal the deal on this Thanksgiving feast.Make reservations by calling 858-270-5736. Giuseppe Restaurants & Fine CateringAdd a touch of sophistication to the classic Thanksgiving meal this year by ordering from Giuseppe’s Pronto Delivery Service. From unique appetizers such as Sonoma Apple Chicken Sausage Puff Pastries to Truffle and Parmesan Mashed Potatoes, our seasonal menu items are sure to impress your loved ones this Thanksgiving. Classics such as Oven Roasted Turkey, Cranberry-Orange Chutney and Pumpkin Pie are also available to order. Find a full menu on their website www.grnfc.com and order well in advance.   Bottega AmericanoAlthough closed on Thanksgiving Day, Bottega Americano is baking up pies to perfection. Pick up one of their seasonal pies: Apple, Pumpkin, Pecan or Nutella to impress your dinner guests this year. Pie prices start at $22 and require 72-hours advanced notice. (619) 255-7800 Decoy Dockside Dining  Eat, drink and be thankful! Enjoy dinner with beautiful views of Lake San Marcos at Decoy this Thanksgiving. The lakefront restaurant is offering a $65 three-course meal served family style, with dishes including Roasted Butternut Squash Soup, Crispy Pork Belly, Prime Sirloin, Sliced Turkey Breast, and Confit Leg & Thigh, with dessert choices of Cinnamon-Mascarpone Pumpkin Pie and Chocolate Decadence. For just $20 more, guests can pair their Thanksgiving dinner with Decoy’s extensive selection of fine wines. Dinners are also available for children 12 & under for $30. (760) 653-3230 The Westgate HotelEnjoy the traditions of Thanksgiving in the Westgate Room with a refined four-course dinner or indulge yourself and your loved ones in the Le Fontainebleau Room for the Thanksgiving holiday buffet. The menu in The Westgate Room will be served starting at 11:00 a.m. and is $69. The Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner all day buffet in the Le Fontainebleau Room will be served from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm and is $85. Both meals are half off for children under 12. Tax and gratuity are additional. Seating is limited and reservations are encouraged. (619) 238-1818  Barona Resort & CasinoFeasting and fun come together this Thanksgiving Day at Barona Resort & Casino. Play slots, poker and table games and enjoy a multi-course meal at one of Barona’s award-winning restaurants. The culinary experts at Barona Oaks Steakhouse will cook up an elegant three-course Smoked Turkey Dinner for $45. For $37, The Italian Cucina will pair Red Wine-Braised Veal Shanks with a saffron risotto cake and crisp broccolini, and the Sage Café will serve Roasted Turkey with pecan raisin stuffing and sweet potatoes for $28.95. For an even larger selection, Barona’s Seasons Fresh Buffet will feature holiday staples including Roasted Turkey with Traditional Stuffing, Prime Rib of Beef with Roasted Garlic Au Jus, and Bourbon-Glazed Virginia Ham for $37.95. Both Barona Oaks Steakhouse and Italian Cucina are open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sage Café will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Seasons Fresh Buffet will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.  Ambrogio15While most restaurants limit Thanksgiving meals to traditional fixings, on November 24 Milan-inspired pizzeria Ambrogio15 in North Pacific Beach will serve a traditional roasted Turkey with holiday sides as well as an array of Thanksgiving-themed pizzas available for dine-in and takeout (a perfect idea for casual “Friendsgiving” fêtes). Specials will include whole wheat pizza with pumpkin sauce, gorgonzola cheese, walnuts, Italian burrata and thin sliced turkey; Nuvola Focaccia topped with burrata, thin sliced turkey, tuna sauce (anchovies, capers, mayo and tuna) and imported Italian capers; and Scrocchiarella filled with turkey, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, 24-month Parmigiana and burrata. Reservations and walk-ins accepted. Leave the cooking to some of the best chefs in San Diego this year and feast on unforgettable food this Thanksgiving. From traditional turkey meals to gourmet buffets, several of the city’s most popular restaurants are serving up the perfect meal for Turkey Day.   

Leave a Reply