EatEditor's Choice

Where to Dine this Thanksgiving in San Diego

By November 6, 2018 No Comments

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and while there’s nothing quite like a homecooked spread, you can still enjoy all of the Turkey Day classics without stepping foot in the kitchen. Skip the stovetop and dirty dishes and get straight to the feasting with those that matter most this Thanksgiving. Leave the cooking to the pros and snag yourself a seat at some of San Diego’s hottest restaurants.

Pacifica Del Mar 

The ocean view restaurant is a holiday favorite amongst families. Join them for a special 3-course menu, and choose from a variety of holiday classics, like Free Range Roasted Turkey, Prime Rib and more. Open 12pm-9pm. The menu is $51/pp for those who choose turkey as an entrée, and $61/pp for those who choose any other entrée. Kids menu available. www.PacificaDelMar.com – 858-792-0476

THE MED 

The Pink Lady is one of the most popular and iconic places to dine on Thanksgiving. A beautiful buffet stocked with a raw bar and carving station will accompany seasonal selections like soups and salads, Wild Mushroom Pappardelle, and Winter Heirloom Carrots. The buffet will be available from 2pm-8pm for $89 per adult, and $39 per child (12 and under). Children under 5 years old are complimentary. Reservations required. https://www.lavalencia.com/dining/the-med

Café La Rue

For those seeking breakfast before the big meal, or simply opt to indulge differently, try Café La Rue. The streetside café will be offering breakfast from 7am-10:30am, with options such as Brioche Cinnamon Roll, Soyrizo Scramble and Carne Asada Benedict. Café La Rue will be serving items off their lunch and dinner menus from 10:30am – 9pm, which will feature signature items like their Iberico Toast Stone fruit, Pizzas and Steak Frites. https://www.lavalencia.com/dining/cafe-la-rue.aspx

Bleu Bohème

Thanksgiving may be an American celebration, but Bleu Bohème is a beloved turkey day destination. Bleu Bohème will offer a gourmet three-course holiday dinner created by owner and executive chef, Ken Irvine. Start with a choice of soupe de citrouille, a pumpkin-hominy soup with crispy parsnips and chive crème fraiche; salade de betteraves, made with fresh gold and red beets, sesame Chèvre chaude, rocket greens, toasted hazelnuts and shallot dressing; and more. Entrée options include: dindon préparé deux façons – Diestel Family Ranch turkey from Sonora, Calif., prepared two ways with the breast roasted with fresh herbs and the legs and thighs “confit” style, with fresh root vegetables, pommes puree, savory wild mushroom bread pudding and white wine gravy; saumon avec la sauce de homard – King salmon pan seared with saffron risotto croquettes, fresh spinach and lobster sauce; and more. Dinner will conclude with dessert choices, including: mousse au chocolat, rich dark Callebaut chocolate mousse with seasonal red berries; crème brulée, rich vanilla custard with a crunchy sugar crust; and others. Pair it with a Thanksgiving-inspired Pumpkin Pie Martini, made with Absolut Vanilla Vodka, Pumpkin Spice Liqueur, Kahlua, Butterscotch Schnapps and half and half, served with a crushed graham cracker rim. The menu is available exclusively on Thursday, Nov. 22 from noon to 8 p.m. and priced $59.95 per person.

JRDN

Feast by the beach at JRDN this Thanksgiving. On Thursday, November 22, from 12 pm to 8 pm, holiday classics will be served via a three-course prix-fixe menu. Pricing is $45-$55 for adults and $25 for children 12 and under. Pricing does not include tax and gratuity. Reservations for Thanksgiving can be made by calling 858.270.2323 or visiting https://www.t23hotel.com/play/events/thanksgiving/

The Westgate Hotel

Gather around the table and give thanks with your friends and family this Thanksgiving at The Westgate Hotel. On Thursday, November 22, starting at 11:00 a.m., a four-course prix fixe dinner featuring the classic and beloved flavors of the holiday will be served in the charming Westgate Room. The cost is $69 per person; $40 for children ages 4-12; and children under the age of 3 are complimentary. Tax and gratuity are additional. Daily Westgate Room menus will also be available.

A Thanksgiving Holiday Buffet will also be offered in the exquisite Le Fontainebleau Room, and Westgate Room and the experience will include live music for all to enjoy. Seating will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and the cost is $89 per person; $40 for children ages 4-12; and children under the age of 3 are complimentary. Tax and gratuity are additional.

Pricing for the Thanksgiving Holiday Buffet excludes alcohol, but guests may add bottomless house wine or Champagne for an additional $20. Seating for both dining experiences is limited, and reservations are highly recommended. Reservations for Thanksgiving Day dining can be made by calling 619.238.1818 or visitinghttps://www.westgatehotel.com/things-to-do/hotel-events/.

20|Twenty at The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa
Take the stress out of the kitchen this Thanksgiving by trading in cooking and homemade dishes for top-notch service and a restaurant-quality feast at the recently revamped 20|Twenty. Elevated holiday classics take centerstage during a special Thanksgiving spread that the whole family will remember. Early risers can enjoy a bountiful breakfast buffet from 6:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., while those looking to give thanks later in the day can celebrate with a lavish dinner buffet from 2-8 p.m. Menu highlights include sweet potato salad with maple bacon and scallions, slow-roasted free-range turkey, garlic and rosemary prime rib, traditional corn bread 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. With a heated terrace, expansive coastal views and spacious indoor seating, 20|Twenty offers a casual, yet elegant holiday dining experience. Reservations can be made online or by calling 760-827-2500. Pricing: $85 for adults | $30 for children. **20|Twenty will be closed from 12:30-2 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. 

Del Frisco Double Eagle Steakhouse

Celebrate the season’s greatest meal with a traditional Thanksgiving Day dinner at San Diego’s new premium steakhouse, Del Frisco’s. 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.

To view Del Frisco’s San Diego Thanksgiving menu, please visit here.

Reservations for holiday dining can be made here

Farmer’s Table

With locations in both La Mesa and Bay Park, Farmer’s Table will offer a special three-course Thanksgiving menu from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m., 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. Pricing is $42 for adults and $20 for children, plus the option to add a wine pairing for only $15 more.

Farmer’s Bottega

Head Mission Hills for a three-course farm-to-fork Thanksgiving dinner at Farmer’s Bottega, hosted from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. and priced at $50 per person. The robust menu will feature a selection of the restaurant’s specialty dishes intermingled with Turkey Day classics, including items such as 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. Enjoy a wine pairing for only $15 more. Bring the kids along for a $15 three-course kids menu.

Pacific Beach AleHouse

Pacific Beach AleHouse offers up a prix-fixe menu priced at $28.95 for adults and $15.95 for children. Treat yourself to a festive three-course meal, including Roasted Butternut Bisque, Deep-Fried Turkey Breast, Pineapple & Clove Glazed Ham,Smoked & Fried Turkey Leg, and the option to order their Vegan Thanksgiving Dinner, plated with “Impossible” meatloaf topped with mushroom gravy, Earth Butter whipped potatoes and balsamic glazed brussels sprouts. Top it all off with either Classic Pumpkin Pie or Dark Chocolate Pecan Cobbler.

Union Kitchen & Tap 

Gaslamp
Head to the bustling Gaslamp District for Union Kitchen & Tap Gaslamp’s three-course Thanksgiving Day feast priced at $28.95, paired with the location’s lively atmosphere and gameday spirit. Be sure to get there early to watch the Cowboys vs. Redskins game starting at 1:30 p.m.

Encinitas
Kick off Thanksgiving Day with tasty morning fare at Union Kitchen & Tap Encinitas, and enjoy their special Fried Turkey Benedict honed for the occasion, only available from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., followed by the location’s very own Turkey Dinner, which will include your choice of Honey-Baked Turkey Breast served with cream cheese mashed potatoes, roasted winter vegetables and sausage country gravy, or Grilled Country Ham, prepared with brown sugar pineapple glaze, and plated with slow-cooked collard greens and rosemary roasted sweet potatoes. Be sure to save room for a slice of Pumpkin Pecan Cake!

 Backyard Kitchen & Tap

Grab the family and join Backyard Kitchen & Tap in Pacific Beach from 2 p.m. – 10 p.m. for an expansive buffet, priced at $24.95 for adults and $13.95 for children. Delight in time-tested classics as well as traditional dishes with a twist, including Garlic & Herb Roasted Turkey Breast, Smoked Turkey Legs, Chipotle-Pineapple Glazed Ham, Brown Sugar Glazed Sweet Potato, Jalapeño Cornbread Stuffing and Pumpkin Pie, among other delectable specialties crafted for the occasion.

Bub’s @ the Beach

Gorge on all of your Turkey Day favorites at Bub’s @ the Beach this Thanksgiving, and enjoy their Turkey Dinner Plate, priced at $12 and touting a hearty serving of turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, cranberries and a dinner roll, plus Fuego’s famous stuffing waffle.

Miss B’s Coconut Club

Miss B’s Coconut Club, a Mission Beach Caribbean-influenced eatery and bar, will be open throughout the day serving brunch from 9 a.m. – to 2 p.m. Light snacks and beverages will be served the hour prior to their festive Thanksgiving dinner is served. From 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., 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, for just $18.95. You can also sip island-inspired cocktails and punch bowls! Reservations are strongly encouraged.

barleymash

This Gaslamp District spot for delicious bites will be hosting a three-course Thanksgiving dinner. First course is your choice of 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, chose between Spiced Apple & Raisin Bread Pudding and Sweet Potato and Pecan Pie, topped with vanilla Chantilly cream. Reservations can be made by calling or email Lizzie@barleymashsd.com for more information. $45 per person.

The Duck Dive

Celebrate Thanksgiving at the beach with The Duck Dive’s $15 Traditional Turkey Dinner with pumpkin pie, which will be served all day long (until supplies run out).

JSix
Escape your in-laws and bring your besties for an ultimate Friendsgiving at JSix! The restaurant serves up a three course family-style menu including turkey, bacon and apple stuffing, buttery mashed potatoes, seasonal favorite pumpkin spiced lattes, desserts and more desserts and pumpkin lobster bisque. Even more, the restaurant ups the ante by offering a portion of the proceeds to No Kid Hungry. Now, what better way to give thanks than this? Reservations highly encouraged. $75 per person (plus tax and gratuity).

Locale Kitchen & Lounge at Viejas Resort & Casino 
Locale Kitchen & Lounge is offering up a traditional Thanksgiving feast with some fun twists for $25. Classic menu items such as turkey and mashed potatoes are on the menu along with spiced cranberry sauce, blue corn muffins and Mom’s deviled eggs. Bonus, if you’re hanging around the resort for the weekend, Locale is also offering a ‘Day after Thanksgiving Sandwich’ Friday-Sunday.Osetra Seafood & Steaks

A prominent feature of the historic Gaslamp Quarter, Osetra Seafood & Steaks offers a $49 three-course pre-fixe menu with a selection 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!

Route 29

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 $45 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. Children’s menu is $25 per child.

Primavera Ristorante

Primavera Ristorante will open its doors for a new family tradition – offering the restaurant’s first-ever prix fixe Thanksgiving dinner for $69.95 per person. To start, guests may choose between: butternut squash bisque; bruschetta de pulpo, Spanish octopus with chili tomato pesto, Spanish olives, Grana Padana cheese and avocado; and more. Entrée options include: taccino a la provincia Toscana, organic turkey breast roulade with bacon, ricotta de pistachio, portobellini, spinach and cranberry gastrico de mirtillo; ravioli de zucca, butternut squash ravioli, shiitake mushrooms, Amaretto, goat cheese and toasted pumpkin seed; more. Dessert offerings include: torta de zucca formaggio, pumpkin spice cheesecake; apple blossom, baked cinnamon apples slices wrapped in a flaky pastry topped with vanilla bean gelato and caramel; and more.

The Thanksgiving-inspired sangria de cidra manzana, made with prosecco, brandy, Pink Lady apple, Angry Orchard hard cider and pomegranate molasses, will be priced at $14.

Island Prime / C Level 

Spend Turkey Day overlooking the San Diego bay while enjoying a decadent 3-course menu at Island Prime / C Level. Choose from holiday favorites such as Diestal Farms Free Range Turkey with all of the sides or mix things up with options such as Morita Rubbed Salmon or Blackened Cedar River Ribeye. The little ones will be just as stuffed with their very own version of a classic turkey or filet mignon dinner. $54.95 for adults with a $20 optional wine pairing, $13.95 for kids 12 and under.

BO-beau kitchen + bar 

Enjoy a carefully crafted 3-course menu with plenty of flavor, including options such as Toasted Pecan Soup, Roasted Turkey Breast, Sweet Potato Gnocchi, plus perfectly sweet desserts to finish. The kids can choose from their own 3-course menu too, including their very own Turkey Dinner. $45.95 for adults, $13.95 for kids 12 & under, full menu can be viewed here.

BO-beau kitchen + caché 

BO-beau’s neighborhood restaurant is serving up a 3-course menu complete with all the Thanksgiving necessities, like Slow Roasted Turkey complimented by savory cheddar and garlic mashed potatoes. $45.95 for adults, $13.95 for kids 12 & under, full menu can be viewed here.

Indigo Grill

Dine out this Turkey Day and savor your Thanksgiving with a divine 3-course meal at Indigo Grill. From 1 to 8 pm, enjoy a program of autumn-inspired dishes, like Butternut Squash Soup, Herb Roasted Free Range Sonoma Turkey, Hickory & Apple Smoked Pork Ribs and more. $45.95 for adults, $13.95 for kids 12 & under, full menu can be viewed here.

Coasterra 

While admiring gorgeous Bayfront views, enjoy an endless holiday buffet filled with Chef Deborah’s Quinoa & Roasted Brussel Sprouts, Traditional Sage Stuffing, Macaroni & Cheese, and Garlic Mashed Potatoes. The Carving Station will feature Roasted Turkey with rosemary gravy, Grilled Pork Sausage, and Slow-Roasted Prime Rib. Plus, we’ll be offering Coasterra house specials and a delectable assortment of sweets. $64.95 for adults, $17.95 for kids 6-12, kids under 6 eat free. Full menu can be viewed here.

Vistal at InterContinental

Vistal is offering a dedicated Thanksgiving menu on November 22 from 11:00am – 8:00pm. 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. Located on the 3rd floor on the hotel, dining room and patio boast remarkable views of San Diego Bay. The prix-fixe menu is $55 per person and includes starter, entrée, and dessert.

Loews Coronado Bay Resort

Indulge in a signature holiday feast with a modern twist on traditional fare at Crown Landing. Executive Chef Chris Aguirre has prepared a special Thanksgiving menu complete with a decadent dessert bar and all of the trimmings. The holiday menu will be served from 11am-8pm and is $69 for adults and $19 for kids 12 and under. To book your holiday dining reservations visit opentable.com.

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