It’s nearly Thanksgiving, and this year’s selection of prix-fixe, to-go, and specialty menus from restaurants in San Diego will satisfy any craving. Between mouthwatering turkey buffets, oven-ready prepared meals, and desserts you’ll be dreaming about for months, everyone can enjoy the only thing better than a home-cooked meal: One you don’t have to make yourself. Here are 30 San Diego restaurants—including some of the city’s best—that are serving Thanksgiving dinner this year.
Dinner Specials | Buffets | Take-Home Meals
Thanksgiving Dinner Specials in San Diego
Lilian’s at Rancho Santa Fe
Named after The Inn’s designer and architect, Lilian Rice, Lilian’s is serving a four-course dinner for $125 this Thanksgiving. The Rancho Santa Fe restaurant is offering options for each course, including perfectly fried and crispy squash blossoms, slow-roasted beets with creamy burrata, and a fall-off-the-bone 24-hour brandt beef short rib plate. Complement your meal with the restaurant’s iconic specialty drinks. Reservations are now available.
- Time: 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Price: $125 per adult, $45 for children 12 and under
- Address: 5951 Linea Del Cielo, Rancho Santa Fe
Cafe Champagne at Thornton Winery
Cafe Champagne at Thornton Winery in Temecula will host an all-day Thanksgiving affair, during which attendees should expect a memorable experience where they can indulge in a choose-your-own three-course meal alongside award-winning wines. Classic entrees will include butter truffle roasted turkey with mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce, or butternut squash ravioli and focaccia bread. The meal will run from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., and reservations are required via Opentable.
- Time: 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
- Price: $105 Adults; $94.50 Wine Club; $89.25 Reserve Club; $32.95 Children 5-10 and up; plus tax & gratuity
- Address: 32575 Rancho California Rd, Temecula
Lia’s Lumpia
In Barrio Logan, the food-truck-turned-brick-and-mortar Lia’s Lumpia is renowned for its mouth-watering Filipino menu. Owner Spencer Hunter and his mother—the eponymous Lia—will be offering preorders for Thanksgiving Day to-go boxes until November 26. Will you get the pork belly deviled eggs or turkey holiday lumpia? The mango-glazed ham or cornish game hen adobo? Just make sure you save room for the pan de sal stuffing and persimmon green beans, maybe with a side of the toasted rice vanilla ice cream.
- Time: Preorders available until November 26 for pickup on Thanksgiving Day between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Customers can make a reservation via text or email, and will receive a link to payment for pickup.
- Price: $85 for two servings; $150 for four
- Address: 2219 Logan Avenue, San Diego
Great Maple
Founded by award-winning restaurateur and San Diego native Johnny Rivera, this Hillcrest, Michelin-guide darling will be open for brunch from 8:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., serving a special of fried turkey, eggs, and pumpkin pecan caramel pancakes. Those who prefer a later Turkey day meal can join them for dinner starting at 11:30 a.m., or pick up one of Great Maple’s dinner boxes for two or four that includes a starter, salad, entree, and sweet from 3:30 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. the same day. This year, there will also be a special pie pickup—key lime or pumpkin with gingersnap crust—on both Wednesday, November 27, and Thursday, November 28. For reservations and pickup information, visit here.
- Time: Dine-in from 8:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., pick-up from 3:30 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.; dine-in will be
- Price: $160 for two; $295 for four
- Address: 1451 Washington St, San Diego
Chefsgiving
On November 14, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., some of San Diego’s most decorated and respected chefs will join together to prepare a meal of their favorite Thanksgiving dishes, alongside carefully-selected wine pairings from The Prisoner Wine Company. Taste some of the city’s best of the best: duck carnitas from executive chef Roberto Alcocer of Valle Oceanside, dynamite lobster mac and cheese from executive chef Steven Ruiz at Lionfish, juicy turkey meatball with soy glaze from executive chef Brandon Sloan at Pendry San Diego, and pumpkin bars or a dark chocolate truffle torte for dessert. A portion of the proceeds will go to the San Diego Food Bank.
- Time: 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
- Price: $150 per ticket
- Address: Provisional Kitchen, 425 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Mister A’s
Celebrate Thanksgiving in style with a 12th floor view of the San Diego skyline from Mister A’s in Bankers Hill, where business casual attire is encouraged. Look out at the city while enjoying the roman artichoke appetizer or the black truffle cacio e pepe. Stay close to tradition with the restaurant’s roasted turkey, or stray a bit further afield and try the 14-ounce Wagyu ribeye with maître d’ butter, potato croustillant, and scallion cream. And what’s that? Ginger butterscotch chia pudding for dessert? Or a salted caramel ganache? This prix-fixe menu has it all.
- Time: First seating is from noon until 3:00 p.m.; the second seating is from 4:30 p.m. until 7:45 p.m.
- Price: $105 for adults; $45 for children 12 and under.
- Address: 2550 Fifth Ave 12th floor, San Diego
Pacific Catch
This is a safe space to acknowledge Thanksgiving food isn’t for everybody, so if you’re looking for a warm and cozy meal that isn’t chock full of tryptophan, swing by Pacific Catch in La Jolla for their updated fall menu. Choose between the West Coast and East Coast-style lobster rolls (though if you order the West Coast style, I’m sorry, you’re wrong), their new spicy green curry bowl, or clam chowder with applewood bacon and crispy shallots. They’ve also added a new surf and turf to the menu with lobster tail and either salmon or skirt steak.
- Time: 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday
- Price: Most entrees on the menu are $12.95 and up
- Address: 575 La Jolla Village Dr Suite 1160, San Diego, CA 92122
George’s at the Cove
Head to George’s at the Cove for a family style prix-fixe menu with a side of floor-to-ceiling views of the La Jolla coastline. Not only can customers expect a family-style selection with arugula salad, slow-roasted Diestel turkey breast, sausage stuffed leg roulade, smoked potato puree, and more. Pastry chef Anna Adams will be preparing three varieties of Thanksgiving pie for takeout: gingerbread pumpkin, Chai apple, and pecan caramel for $38 each. Preorders are required, and pickup will only be available after 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27. Reservations are available on Tock.
- Time: 2:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Price: $90 for adults; $45 for children 12 and under
- Address: 1250 Prospect Street, La Jolla
Nine-Ten
Nine-Ten executive chef Jason Knibb and pastry chef Jose Alonzo III are designing a three-course, prix-fixe menu that blends Thanksgiving holiday favorites with seasonal ingredients and specialty plates. The award-winning La Jolla destination won’t be releasing the full list of dishes until mid-November, but reservations are expected to fill up regardless (and we can at least confirm there will be a roasted honeynut squash dish with whipped ricotta and a honey-sherry gastrique). Prearrange your table by calling (858) 964-5400. A waiting list will be established when reservations are full.
- Time: 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
- Price: $100 per adult; $25 turkey plate for children 12 and under
- Address: 910 Prospect St, La Jolla, California 92037
Chez Loma
Head over to “The Crown City” for a thanksgiving feast at Chez Loma located within the historic Carez Hizar House built in 1889. This charming restaurant offers a festive venue where friends and family can gather to savor in French and Baja flavors. Alongside their full dinner menu, Chez Loma will be offering a three-course french menu including a pan roasted half duck.
- Time: 1p.m. until 9 p.m.
- Price: Dishes range from $18 to $60
- Address: 1132 Loma Ave, Coronado
Bronze Bird
Celebrate Thanksgiving in the Gaslamp Quarter with a three-course prix fixe at Bronze Bird. This holiday menu features SoCal-inspired takes on traditional favorites, including roasted turkey with herbed stuffing, rosemary mashed potatoes, and dessert choices like pecan walnut tartlet or pumpkin cheesecake. Reservations are available on OpenTable.
- Time: 2p.m. until 8 p.m.
- Price: $55 per person
- Address: 910 Broadway Cir, Gaslamp Quarter
Thanksgiving Buffets in San Diego
Hotel Del Coronado
This year’s Thanksgiving buffet at the Hotel Del will take place in the recently restored Crown Room and Coronet Rooms, with gleaming chandeliers and a newly discovered and preserved mural from the 1880s. The menu is extensive, with a fresh sushi and sashimi station of yellowtail, ahi tuna, and assorted rolls. Help yourself to soups, charcuterie, pastas, and paellas, but make sure to leave room: The most wide-ranging table is the desserts.
- Time: 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
- Price: Adult (Hotel Guest): $199*; Adult (General): $205* (On Nov 15, price increases to $225); Child (Ages 5-12): $100*; Young Child (Ages 0-4): Complimentary with paying adult. Members receive a member discount.
- Address: 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado
Rancho Valencia
Go all-out at Rancho Valencia with a family-friendly celebration featuring a bounce house, carriage rides, face-painting, and even a petting zoo. Adults can make the most of the restaurant and spa’s raw bar and carving station, then head over to the dessert buffet. Not looking to hang around? Rancho Valencia will also be offering to-go boxes this year, which serve a minimum of four people and start at $350. Those orders must be placed by midnight on Sunday, November 24.
- Time: To-go pickup will be on Wednesday, November 27. Dine-in will be from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 28
- Price: $235 per adult; $95 for children 11 and under. Kids under 3 eat free.
- Address: 5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe
Dockside 1953 at The Bahia Resort Hotel
You could spend all day at The Bahia Resort Hotel’s restaurant, Dockside 1953, which will be open for both its standard a la carte brunch and a Thanksgiving buffet. Expect seven stations and a whole lot to choose from such as oysters on the half shell, creamy soups and grain salads, and an indulgent smoked gouda and aged cheddar mac and cheese dish to satisfy even the strongest appetite. Don’t miss out on the made-to-order, sweet stuffed crepes, with everything from smooth, nutty nutella and bananas to apple compote.
- Time: Brunch is from 7:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.; Dinner is from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
- Price: $150 for adults; $68 for children 5-12; children 4 and under are free
- Address: 998 W Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109
Ember & Rye
There’s something for everyone at Ember & Rye this year, which has planned a truly expansive Thanksgiving brunch and dinner menu. Start your day at the buffet and choose from a smorgasbord of seafood like smoked salmon and trout, or maybe embrace full breakfast mode and order the lobster roll benedict or custom omelet. If you’re not really a breakfast person, swing back around in the evening for either smoked turkey or a Colorado rack of lamb. Top it all off with some praline pumpkin pie.
- Time: Brunch is from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Dinner is from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Price: Brunch is $155 for adults and $60 for kids ages two to 12. Dinner is a la carte.
- Address: 7447 Batiquitos Dr, Carlsbad
Oceana at Catamaran Resort
Savor a sumptuous holiday dinner that starts with bottomless plates of sushi and ends with an entire table spread of tarts and turnovers, but be sure to plan for the apple-cider-and-citrus-brined turkey course. Peer out at the view across Mission Bay from the resort’s ballroom while sipping on an Oceana espresso martini or zero-proof passionfruit-orange-guava juice with honey.
- Time: 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
- Price: $150 for adults; $68 for children between 5 and 12; free for children under 4
- Address: 3999 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109
ARLO
The 2024 Reader’s Choice winner for Best Hotel Restaurant and Critic’s Choice winner for Best Restaurant For Big Groups is Arlo. And this year they’re hosting a buffet with festive favorites for the whole family. Start with a persimmon and arugula salad with smoked goat cheese crumbles before forking over butter-poached turkey thighs and a side of roasted sweet potato with maple streusel. There will be a butternut squash ravioli option for the pasta-lovers in the house (including a choice of sauce and toppings), and no one can say no to the flourless chocolate cake as one of several dessert options.
- Time: 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Price: $90 per person, $38 for children 12 and under
- Address: 500 Hotel Circle N, San Diego
Rumorosa
Head over to the recently-opened Rumorosa on Harbor Island for their Thanksgiving buffet — and waterfront views from the Sheraton. Enjoy a “Cali-Baja dining experience” with curated starters like charcuterie plates with cheeses from both Mexico and California, followed by your pick of adobo-roasted turkey breast, black garlic-marinated NY strip, or something else entirely. Let loose with an eggnog rompope and tres leches cake, or cream cheese flan. For reservations, visit OpenTable.
- Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Price: $49 adults and $25 kids 5 to 12; Kids under 5 eat free
- Address: 1380 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego
Thanksgiving Take-Home Meals in San Diego
Juniper & Ivy
Feed parties of four to six guests with Juniper and Ivy’s thoughtfully-crafted holiday feast. Hassle-free yet elevated, Juniper and Ivy’s menu will allow you to host the perfect meal at home without the fuss involved in extensive preparation. Serve your family and friends the classics: herb-roasted turkey, Yukon gold potatoes, cider gravy, miso-maple candied yams, and parker house rolls. There are only a limited number of meals available, and pre-orders are now open.
- Time: Wednesday, November 27, from 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.
- Price: $395
- Address: 2228 Kettner Blvd, San Diego
Terra
In addition to their a la carte menu, takeout-only Terra is serving an “everything but the bird” feast for four with a fall salad, roasted butternut squash soup, apple-pecan cornbread stuffing, and garlic-herb roasted cauliflower and broccoli. There’s even a scaled-down version as a fully prepared “kids menu” for the little ones in your life.
- Time: Orders must be placed by 12 p.m. on Saturday November 23 to be picked up between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27.
- Price: A la carte items are available, and packages for four or more people start at $169.99
- Address: 7091 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego
The Plot
Vegetarians, rejoice: The Plot has you covered with a satisfying, sustainable, three-course dinner of an autumn quinoa salad drizzled with maple olive oil dressing, your choice of entree—though who is really going to be able to choose between lentil and wild-rice based apple sage sausage or chorizo-stuffed squash (also faux meat, in case you were wondering) —and a creamy pumpkin cheesecake with pepita creme and chocolate crumble. Carnivores shouldn’t get to have all the fun.
- Time: Pick-up Wednesday, November 27, between noon and 9:00 p.m.
- Price: $35 per person for individual meals
- Address: 1733 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside
Pop-Pie Co.
For the month of November, Pop-Pie Co will be running a limited-time special of their turkey-pot pie in a buttery crust, filled with an herb cream sauce and stuffed full of shredded meat, peas, carrots, and pearl onions. Enjoy them hot-and-ready, or frozen to prepare at home. Pop-Pie will also have pre-orders open for their nine-inch Thanksgiving specialty pies: pumpkin cream cheese with a soft custard, vegan apple cranberry ginger crumble, sweet and salty caramel apple crumble, or nutty and zesty bourbon pecan.
- Time: Turkey pot pies will be available during business hours at least through Thanksgiving day. Thanksgiving pie specialties will be available Wednesday, November 27, from 11 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and Thursday, November 28 from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
- Price: Turkey pot pie is $12.50 plus tax, all other specialty pies are $37 plus tax
- Address: 4404 Park Blvd suite a, San Diego
Beach Break Market
Don’t lift a finger and feel good about it with holiday catering from organic grab-and-go market Beach Break Market in La Jolla. Choose from appetizer platters of sweet potato bites, crudites, fresh fruit, and more. Get a beet and lemon salad with maple-balsamic vinaigrette and ricotta. Impress your guests by serving rosemary mustard lamb rack, stuffed acorn squash, and a side of the rosemary roasted rainbow carrots, or show up to someone else’s party with wild rice pilaf and winter mushrooms. If anyone asks, you definitely made it yourself. And your secret is safe with us.
- Time: Pickup is anytime during regular business hours (10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) between November 1 to January 1.
- Price: Roughly $40 – $90 per person, depending on order
- Address: 5646 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla
Tribute Pizza
Pizza? For Thanksgiving? Not quite, but certainly just as good. Tribute Pizza owner Matthew Lyons will be serving two versions of Thanksgiving dinner this year: A nourishing vegetarian option with a decades-old family recipe for a savory cheese and nut loaf, or all-natural turkey breast lightly smoked and roasted in the wood oven. Both will be accompanied by porcini mushroom gravy, Aunt Lynette’s Southwest stuffing, wood-fired focaccia with butter, and an organic greens and walnut salad. Pre-orders are officially open for pickup between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 27.
- Price: $319 for the vegetarian package; $359 for the turkey package
- Time: 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27
- Address: 3077 N Park Way, San Diego
Little Frenchie
Pre-orders are now live for Little Frenchie’s party trays and pies. Feed between four and six people with the Les Amis platter of domestic and imported cheeses, meats, house jam, spreads, breads, and dried fruit. There’s a larger size, the La Famille, that serves between eight and 12, and don’t forget to pick up a truly stunning dessert in the form of the restaurant’s holiday treats: an apple crumble pie with Biscoff cookie crust, cream cheese chantilly rosettes, filled with rich and delicious cheesecake; a pumpkin cinnamon roll cake with spiced pumpkin jam filling and a cream cheese glaze; or a barrel-aged bourbon pecan pie with a chocolate crust and satiny Valrhona chocolate mousse.
- Time: 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27
- Price: Pies start at $45, platters start at $85
- Address: 1166 Orange Ave, Coronado
Jensen’s Point Loma
Family-owned and operated since 1940, Jensen’s grocery store is selling Diestel turkeys ranging from 12 to 30+ pounds in size. Choose from fresh, fully cooked, or the whole bird as part of a holiday feast, including cranberry sauce, stuffing, King’s hawaiian rolls, pumpkin pie, and more. Fresh turkeys start at $4.59/lb, while the whole shebang goes for $259 to feed a dozen people. There’s also an organic, oven-ready option, and pre-orders are already available for your convenience.
- Time: Monday – Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Sunday 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Price: Fresh: $4.49/lb; oven-ready $5.59/lb; fresh organic: $5.99/lb, organic oven-ready: $6.99/lb; fully-cooked whole: $119.99/lb; complete feast $259.99 not including tax.
- Address: 955 Catalina Blvd #101, San Diego
Siesel’s Meats / Iowa Meat Farms
If you’ve never had a turducken, make 2024 your year with a fully-prepped, ready-for-baking turducken from one of our best butcher shops in San Diego: Siesel’s Meats in Bay Park and Iowa Meat Farms in Mission Gorge. Both locations will be selling at the same prices as 2023, and are eager to continue the two-plus decade tradition with meals of three different sizes that can feed between 10 and 30 people. Comprehensive instructions are available for the home chef. Orders must be placed by Thursday, November 21.
- Time: Orders must be placed by Thursday, November 21 via phone at 619-275-1234 (Siesel’s) or 619-281-5766 (Iowa Meat Farms), or in person at either store. Pickup will run during normal business hours from Friday, November 22, through Wednesday, November 27.
- Price: Purchases begin at $125 and go up to $195.
- Address: Siesel’s Meats: 4131 Ashton St, San Diego | Iowa Meat Farms: 6041 Mission Gorge Rd, San Diego
The Wise Ox
Pre-order a pasture-raised, naturally-fed whole turkey from Diestel Farms at either the North Park or La Costa Wise Ox location this Thanksgiving day. (Pro tip: They do sell out, so get your $50 deposit in quick). Birds will be roughly 16 to 18 pounds, and both outposts will also have homemade gravy, meat butters, Italian sausage and more for sale. Top it all off with a pumpkin or apple crumble pie prepared by executive pastry chef Jeremy Harville—the latter option of which is made from his grandma’s own special recipe.
- Time: Pick up between November 25 and November 27
- Price: Turkeys are $8.99 / lb, and crumble or pie is $35 each
- Addresses: North Park: 2855 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego | La Costa: 7755 El Camino Real, San Diego
Frost Me Cafe + Bakery
Pick up a scrumptious seasonal quiche for brunch from woman-owned Frost Me Cafe and Bakery. Current flavors include bacon, feta, and spinach; veggie and goat cheese; and ham cheddar and chive. Or, swing by the morning of Thanksgiving for their usual breakfast to keep your own kitchen clean. Owner Audrey Hermes will be preparing seven different specialty pies, including a gluten-free option (pumpkin coconut pecan) and a lemon blueberry tart that’s both gluten-free and vegan. Pies are $35 each and order close on Monday, November 25.
- Time: Open every day from 7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
- Price: Pies are $35 each
- Address: 555 W Date St, San Diego, CA 92101
Del’s Hideout
Feed your whole family—or any group of six to eight people, really—with a turkey-day spread from barbecue favorite Del’s Hideout. Their pre-arranged package includes a choice of chef’s carving (a whole smoked turkey, beef brisket, or turkey breast), with three sides like killer beans and gluten-free bacon potato salad, and dinner rolls or cornbread. Not looking for a banquet? Keep it small and order a la carte, instead, and add a dessert of decadent banana pudding or sweet and crumbly peach cobbler. All orders must be placed by Monday, November 25, by 3:00 p.m. local time.
- Time: November 28, 2024, between 10 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
- Price: Feast is $214.95; sides and desserts are $29.95 a la carte. A la carte chef’s carvings are a whole smoked turkey for $129.95 (feeds 8-10), prime beef brisket for $31.95, or turkey breast for $29.95
- Address: 5351 Adobe Falls Rd, San Diego, CA 92120
Morena Provisions
Skip the hours of cooking this Thanksgiving and treat yourself to one of Morena Provisions’ takeout specials for up to 10 guests. This year’s menu features a savory turkey breast roulade, maple-roasted carrot salad, red wine-braised short ribs, and your choice of dark chocolate ganache or pecan pie for dessert. Place your order by Friday, November 22, for stress-free pickup or delivery.
- Time: Pickup available on Wednesday, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.; delivery available Wednesday from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Pricing: A la carte options, with group packages starting at $19
- Location: 1122 Morena Blvd., Bay Park
Solare
Supplement your tablescape with takeout from the one and only Solare in Liberty Station. Voted a top five readers pick of the best restaurants in San Diego, this Michelin-guide spot has opened pre-orders for three iconic Italian dishes that blend comfort and taste. Purchase the Tuscan-style butternut squash soup—the secret ingredient for which is a little bit of white chocolate blended with the organic squash—by the quart. Or, opt for quarter- or full-sheets of thinly-sliced eggplant parmigiana or bechamel and bolognese lasagna made by chef Maria from Sicily. Email orders to [email protected] or call 619-270-9670.
- Time: Pickup will be from 12 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. daily from Saturday, November 23 until Wednesday, November 27
- Price: Orders start at $17 per portion and go up to $26 per portion
- Address: 2820 Roosevelt Rd, San Diego
