Where to Have Thanksgiving Dinner in San Diego

Happy holidays! It’s the season of twinkling lights, warm mugs of hot chocolate, glistening snow (up in Julian, anyway), and… your great-aunt Sheila’s terrible “famous” cranberry sauce. While cheer is in plentiful supply this time of year, so is the stress that comes with it. From gift-giving and planning to in-laws and expenses, orchestrating a holiday dinner with picky eaters and demanding extended family members can be a daunting task. 

So why host? Take that turkey smoker out of your Amazon cart. Instead, book a table for 10 (or 20 or 30) at one of these crowd-friendly eateries. Whether you’re seeking an impromptu friendsgiving destination, a spacious spot for your family’s holiday dinner, or a dazzling venue fit for hosting a festive reception, here are the top restaurants in San Diego to accommodate large groups.

Casual Restaurants for Big Groups

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Viewpoint Brewing 

Overlooking the San Dieguito Lagoon, Viewpoint Brewing offers a laid-back gastropub setting perfect for sizable North County gatherings. Their roomy, dog-friendly patio is a great spot to enjoy a sunset while sipping local craft beers and munching on bar-food favorites like battered fish tacos and smoked gouda mac n’ cheese. Got all the in-laws coming? Book a private event for up to 60 people.

2201 San Dieguito Drive, Suite D, Del Mar

Stone Brewing  

Home to possibly the most expansive outdoor patio space in town, Stone Brewing’s Liberty Station is a haven for large groups and parties in San Diego. While they’re known for their comprehensive draft list (featuring the salt-and-lime Buenaveza and the beloved Delicious IPA), beer isn’t the only thing on the menu at Stone.

Food offerings include fish tacos, burgers, pizzas, and salads—nontraditional holiday eats, sure, but friendly to even the pickiest diners. With amenities like a bocce ball court, an outdoor movie courtyard, koi ponds, and fire pits, the property can accommodate groups ranging from 20 guests to a staggering 1,300 people. Better start sending invites!

2816 Historic Decatur Road, Suite 116, Point Loma

Punch Bowl Social

Located on the north end of East Village, Punch Bowl Social offers more than 24,500 square feet of space, making it a great spot for a holiday gathering. While reservations are available, they’re often not required, as this expansive space has plenty of nooks for large groups to gather across two floors. Highlights at this downtown watering hole include a 360-degree bar, their signature fishbowl cocktails ideal for sharing, and a large menu offering something for even the pickiest eaters. Think of Punch Bowl Social as a classier Dave & Buster’s with activities like bowling, darts, ping-pong, photo booths, shuffleboard, and private karaoke rooms.

1485 E St, East Village

Gravity Heights 

A hub for Sorrento Valley tech workers, Gravity Heights also suits large impromptu gatherings. The centrally located pub offers ample indoor and outdoor seating, locally brewed craft beer, and bites like wild mushroom pizza and falafel burgers. Plenty of fun and games await for groups that reserve the brewery’s private mezzanine, which is equipped with a private bar, an arcade machine, shuffleboard, a convertible pool table, and lounge seating for 18 guests (or 36 sans pool table). 

9920 Pacific Heights Boulevard, Sorrento Valley

Common Theory 

Navigating large dinners in the bustling Convoy District can be difficult, but Common Theory rises to the occasion. This Kearny Mesa brewhouse offers an Asian twist on bar cuisine with offerings like duck fat fries, sesame fried shishitos, and baked pork belly mac and cheese (plus plenty of local beer taps). A tasteful get-together spot with a parking lot, Common Theory accepts private event reservations for groups of 16 guests or more. 

4805 Convoy Street, Clairemont Mesa

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Check Out More in Our 2024 Private Dining Guide

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Fine Dining Restaurants with Private Rooms and Event Spaces

Bali Hai 

Nestled at the end of the Shelter Island peninsula, Bali Hai offers bay-front scenery and island vibes perfect for you and your closest 200 friends. If you’re a San Diego local, chances are you have attended a wedding reception or rehearsal dinner here (and had one too many of their famously potent mai tais). The 69-year-old establishment offers a diverse assortment of Hawaiian-inspired event spaces available for reservation, including the South Pacific Room (200 guests) featuring a bamboo dance floor, the Hawaiian Village with an outdoor pavilion and private bar (200 guests), or the more private Tiki Room (28 guests).

2230 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island

Cowboy Star  

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

San Diego boasts a diverse tea house scene, from trendy urban spots to elegant hotel lobbies. I can’t say no to a pastry or a good cup of tea, so I recently started exploring the popular spots around town. 

Whether you’re a tea aficionado or just looking to chill in a charming spot with a kettle and crumpets, our city’s tea culture has something for everyone. Nothing beats dressing up and feeling like the queen of England, so here’s our list of 13 must-try tea houses for a royally good time.

California English

Sorrento Valley

This restaurant in Sorrento Valley marries the tastes of London and California. Its tea time offers a great deal: $52 for two people gets you a scrumptious tea tower stacked with pastries and sandwiches, plus two pots of tea so you and your tablemate can sample different types. If you’re extra hungry, additional sandwiches can be added à la carte, but the tower should suffice, and you’ll likely take leftover pastries home. 

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The Grand Tea Room

Escondido

This charming and cozy space in downtown Escondido wins in the variety category, with an eclectic mix of more than 40 loose-leaf teas served in elegant teacups and lacy décor straight out of a Pinterest board. Get the Cream Tea with fruit, a lemon pastry, and freshly steeped tea, or the two-hour Grand Tea, which includes soup, sandwiches, pastries, and tea. Prices range from $17 to $42, so your tea party won’t break the bank, either. 

Coral Tree Tea House

Old Town

This quaint historic house in Balboa Park offers three fancy tea services: the Queen’s High Tea ($50) includes the most food, but the $40 Afternoon Tea will still set you up with sandwiches, desserts, and scones served with Devonshire cream and lemon curd. The $23 Princess and Prince Tea involves smaller portions for little ones ages 5 to 8.

Aubrey Rose Tea Room

La Mesa

Aubrey Rose’s fine china game is on point, turning your average tea time into an upscale affair without the pretentious price tag. Nestled in La Mesa, this quaint spot serves afternoon tea for $43 per person, including a seasonal soup, an accompanying savory, a three-tiered tray, and loose-leaf tea. Your pinky finger may lift itself out of sheer delight, and you’ll leave feeling fancy without your wallet shedding a tear.

Marlene’s Tea & Cakes

Black Mountain Ranch

The décor here resembles the home of your grandma’s chic, artsy friend—cozy yet strangely sophisticated. Bonus points, too, for the relaxing vibes and adorably Lilliputian portions. $35 per adult gets you savories, scones, fruit, and tea inspired by European tradition but fit for Southern Californians. 

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The Britannia Tea Rooms

Point Loma

The experiences seem endless at Britannia Tea Rooms. Available only to private parties, the colorful and fabulously eccentric Mad Hatter’s tea room is basically an Instagram filter brought to life. If you’re not looking to throw a full-scale tea party of your very own, book the afternoon tea for $53 per person and munch on a starter, sandwiches, and sweets. Also check out their rotating themed teas inspired by holidays and beloved movies, shows, and books.

PARU Tea

Point Loma

A departure from the British sipping experience, Paru offers Japanese tea services. The shop hosts tea sessions, or mini tea tastings, where you can sample the monthly rotating specialty teas, including loose leaf and matcha options, for only $20 per person. The shop is a digital-free zone, eliminating the temptation to let your phone drink first.

Morning Glory

Little Italy

A hidden gem at this maximalist brunch spot, the afternoon tea service is one of the best deals is town. Skip the two-hour brunch line in the morning and instead enjoy tea, deviled eggs, pastries, and finger sandwiches for only $15 per person.

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Extraordinary Desserts

Little Italy

Tea is best paired with desserts. This modern twist on tea time includes tantalizing toasts, decadent desserts, and the option to add a bubbly sidekick, making it the sweetest sip experience in town. Extrordinary Desserts’ high tea is available only on weekdays from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for $45 per person. 

Westgate Hotel

Downtown

Afternoon tea at the Westgate Hotel is a timeless and elegant experience, complete with opulent surrounds that aren’t too far off from a castle. For $55 per person, you can nibble on finger sandwiches, pastries, and macarons. Get dressed up and spend your weekend living like a noble.

La Valencia

La Jolla

Amaya at Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Give thanks with family at the Grand this Thanksgiving. At Amaya, they’ll be serving a three-course tasting menu inspired by fall’s most iconic flavors and holiday classics. Reservations required. $175 per person

5300 Grand Del Mar Court, Carmel Valley

Bleu Bohème

Give your Thanksgiving meal a French twist at this Kensington mainstay. Available from noon to 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving, the three-course menu includes roasted turkey, salmon, beef short rib, duck confit, or mushroom ravioli for main entrée selections, each served with their own set of sides. Be sure to save room for one of four desserts, including crème brûlée, brioche bread pudding, and chocolate mousse. An exclusive pumpkin cocktail will also be on the menu to toast to this fall holiday. $69 for adults, $25 for children under 12

4090 Adams Avenue, Kensington

Breakfast Republic

Make breakfast the main meal this year at Breakfast Republic. They’re offering fall specials on Thanksgiving, including the almond and fig French toast and their Caramel Apple Pie cocktail, made with caramel vodka, butterscotch schnapps, apple cider, and caramel apple butter syrup. French toast $13, cocktail $10

Multiple locations

Callie

Travis Swikard’s Thanksgiving spread includes family-style dishes with a Callie twist, including turkey with Tuscan sage sausage and brown-butter-cranberry sauce, pumpkin ravioli, lamb shank, and slow-baked salmon. And since leftovers are one of the best parts of the holiday, guests will also receive a leftover turkey sandwich to take home. Reservations are required for the family-style dinner served from noon to 6:30 p.m., and an à la carte menu will be available at the bar for walk-ins. $80 for adults with an optional $50 wine pairing; $35 for children 10 and under

1195 Island Avenue, East Village

Cardellino

Wow your guests this year with a feast made up of dishes from each of Brad Wise’s Trust Restaurant Group restaurants. The roasted red beet salad comes from Fort Oak, The Wise Ox is serving up an Italian sausage stuffing, and from Trust itself, a cauliflower casserole—and that’s only a few of the dishes on the menu. Don’t worry, your meal also includes a 20-pound turkey sourced locally and ready for the oven. The feast serves six to eight people and must be ordered ahead of time to be picked up on November 24. $325

4033 Goldfinch Street, Mission Hills

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa

Take your pick from a Thanksgiving brunch or dinner at Estancia’s two restaurants: Greenfinch and Mustangs and Burros. Brunch is offered at Greenfinch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with mimosas, bloody marys, a French toast station, eggs made to order, and more. Beginning at 4 p.m., Mustangs and Burros is serving a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings. Reservations are encouraged. Brunch is $85 for adults, free for children under five

9700 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla

Farmer’s Bottega

This Mission Hills restaurant is offering a three-course set menu from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving featuring braised lamb shank, short rib, and a traditional roasted turkey plate served with all the classic sides. Save room for a slice of apple or pecan pie topped with homemade cinnamon whipped cream. $70 for adults, $25 for kids 10 and under

860 West Washington Street, Mission Hills

Herb & Sea

At Herb & Sea, Thanksgiving dinner main stars include herb-and-citrus-marinated turkey and red-wine-braised short rib. Pair that with family-style sides and starters like whipped butter mashed potatoes and kuri pumpkin soup, before digging into apple or pumpkin pie with chai spiced ice cream. The dinner is offered from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thanksgiving and will also be available at Herb & Wood in Little Italy. Reservations required. $85 for adults, $35 for children

131 West D Street, Encinitas; 2210 Kettner Boulevard, Little Italy

Juniper and Ivy

Take the taste of Juniper and Ivy home with you this year with their no-fuss Thanksgiving pickup meal. The Holiday Feast menu comes with turkey (raw but fully brined, trussed, and complete with baking instructions), sides like chestnut stuffing and sweet potato casserole, Parker House rolls, and Brussels sprouts with glazed carrots. Additional options like miso pumpkin pie, cocktail mixes, and a four-pack of sommelier-selected wines are available to round out your meal. Only 25 feasts are available and must be reserved to be picked up from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on November 24. $330 for the Holiday Feast (serves 6–8), $35 for pumpkin pie (serves 8–10), $100–$150 for wine pairings, $45–$68 for cocktail mixes

2228 Kettner Boulevard, Little Italy

Jrdn at Tower23

Pumpkin lobster bisque and braised pork belly accompany traditional Thanksgiving dishes on Jrdn’s three-course menu. You can also add desserts and wine pairings to toast to another holiday spent beside the beach. Available on Thanksgiving Day from noon to 8 p.m. Entrées start at $45

723 Felspar Street, Pacific Beach

The Med at La Valencia

The Pink Lady’s on-site restaurant is offering a three-course prix fixe menu this Thanksgiving. On chef Timothy Ralphs’s menu you’ll find festive dishes including curried kabocha squash soup, cornbread stuffing, beef tenderloin, and of course, turkey. Reservations are required. $95 for adults, $20–$36 for kids under 12

1132 Prospect Street, La Jolla

Mille Fleurs

At this French-Californian fine dining restaurant, take your pick from a roasted turkey or pepper-crusted prime beef fillet for your main and pair it with classic veggie sides. Other Mille Fleurs staples will remain on the menu, including their wienerschnitzel and smoked sturgeon. Save room for one of their sweet treats, like pumpkin cheesecake or ginger-spiced crème brûlée. Starting at $89 per person, additional sides are $10 each

6009 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe

Mister A’s

Enjoy your Thanksgiving meal with an impressive skyline backdrop at Mister A’s. The fine dining mainstay is serving a prix fixe menu with classics like roasted turkey and prime rib served alongside creative twists on traditional sides, including butternut squash agnolotti, beet salad, and mushroom risotto. There will also be wine pairings, and be sure to save room for some fall desserts (pumpkin crème brûlée, apple almond tart) to complete your holiday meal. Starting at $89 per person

2550 Fifth Avenue, Bankers Hill

Operacaffe

Go for an Italian twist on Thanksgiving at Operacaffe. Their Italian-Style Turkey Plate comes with bacon-wrapped turkey filled with a lamb-beef blended stuffing, roasted Brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. $26 per person

835 Fourth Avenue, Gaslamp Quarter

Ranch 45

Ranch 45’s pick-up feast comes with main course choices of herb-crusted prime rib, smoked turkey legs, or smoked Cornish hen. Once you’ve made your pick, select your favorite sides (smashed potatoes, rainbow carrots, and green beans all accounted for) and sweet treats to complete your Thanksgiving meal. Orders are accepted online now through November 21 at 4 p.m.

512 Via de la Valle, Solana Beach

Rancho Bernardo Inn

At Avant, guests can indulge in a four-course Thanksgiving dinner from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. with highlights like duck confit, squash lasagna, and a wagyu strip loin. At Veranda, their Thanksgiving specials include garden herb and apple stuffing and ginger-orange carrots, available from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Avant: $115 for adults, $55 for children under 12; Veranda: $45 per person

17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive, Rancho Bernardo

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa

Rancho Valencia is celebrating Thanksgiving the Southern California way with a festive outdoor lawn setup. Enjoy live music, family-friendly activities, and a full buffet with delicious offerings like slow-roasted turkey, Faroe Islands salmon, short ribs, sides, and a selection of desserts. Reservations required. $165 for adults, $55 for children (no charge for kids under three)

5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe

Smokey & the Brisket

This La Mesa restaurant is offering both on-site and to-go options for Thanksgiving this year. Their smoked turkey is served alongside mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Preorder your takeout feast by November 18; the on-site meal will be served on November 25 while supplies last. Takeout options: $120 for 4–6 people or $230 for 8–12 people. On-site: $35 per person.

5465 Lake Murray Boulevard, La Mesa

20|Twenty at The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa

Head to The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa for a filling Thanksgiving spread from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. with dishes like a harvest vegetable coconut curry, pan-seared bass, and braised short rib. Classics are accounted for, too, like slow-roasted turkey, whipped potatoes, candied yams, and chocolate pecan pie. Reservations are encouraged. $98 for adults, $35 for children 12 and under

5480 Grand Pacific Drive, Carlsbad

Valentina

For the nontraditionalists, Valentina will be serving their classic menu of oysters, steak tartare, and steak frites for Thanksgiving, along with an extensive wine list featuring vinos from around the world. For those who still love a Thanksgiving feast, the restaurant will be offering a plate with mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, acorn squash, cranberry sauce, and gravy. Preorder on OpenTable; reservations are encouraged. $58 per person

810 North Coast Highway 101, Leucadia 

Vistal

This restaurant at the InterContinental San Diego is serving up bayfront views to pair with their Thanksgiving prix fixe feast. The three-course meal includes all the classics (pickle-brined turkey, autumn squash, sweet corn risotto), and dessert options like their pumpkin cheesecake. Reservations are encouraged. $75 for adults, $35 for children 12 and under, $35 per person wine pairings

901 Bayfront Court, Embarcadero

You’ve been too busy enjoying the end of June gloom (fingers crossed, anyway!) to make detailed plans for the Fourth. No matter. We’ve cobbled together a handful of the best hassle-free things to do before, during, and after the moment that things go boom (which happens at 9 p.m., by the way.) See our exhaustive list of fireworks shows all around the county to make sure you have the best view possible.

Eppig Brewing’s Red, White and Brews Party

Craft beer? Spacious outdoor seating? Tri-tip sandwiches? Bayfront location for prime firework viewing? Check, check, check, and check. Eppig’s all-day celebration at its new Waterfront Biergarten at the base of Shelter Island will give you front row seating to the fireworks, plus delicious beverages, including the Independence Pale Ale being released on the Fourth. Noon to 10:30 p.m.

Cookout at Carnitas Snack Shack’s Embarcadero Location

Cookouts are even better when someone else hosts them—especially if that someone is Carnitas Snack Shack. Their Neighborhood Cookout at the Embarcadero location kicks off with burgers and hot dogs starting at 11 a.m., followed by a live DJ set from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., and a live band from 6 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

Coronado Island Parade

Walk, bike, or ride the ferry to the traffic-jammed island, where festivities—a run, a swim, art at Spreckels Park, and live music from the Coronado Community Band—supplement the parade. Starting at 10 a.m., the parade makes its way down Orange Avenue from 1^st Street to Churchill Place. Find a place on the sand or the golf course for the island’s 9 p.m. fireworks show.

Bub’s @ the Beach

In addition to their tater tots, look for half-off wing specials all day, $4 beers and shots, and a newfangled patriotic cocktail called Merica Mule—a mix of honey whiskey, lime, bitters, and ginger beer—at this Pacific Beach establishment.

Union Kitchen & Tap Gaslamp

Want an early start? Wake up with bottomless mimosas from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Want to whoop it up until the wee hours? Get your groove on with sounds from a live DJ from 10 p.m. until close. Want to maximize the entire day? See above.