Where to Have Thanksgiving Dinner in San Diego & Chef Meals to Take Home (2023)

San Diego hotel restaurants and their amazing chefs have put together creative menus and even some opportunities to take a prepared feast home with you. The list below includes some great restaurants around town that serve special Thanksgiving dinners and even a cruise option.



I’ll keep this list of where to have Thanksgiving dinner in San Diego updated as I hear about even more great ideas from San Diego restaurants , which I’m sure will be hitting my inbox in the coming weeks.







Where to Have Thanksgiving Day Dinner in San Diego



Make a reservation for Thanksgiving lunch or dinner or, better yet, check in to one of the luxury hotels in San Diego .



Hotel del Coronado



The Hotel del Coronado , a top beachfront hotel in San Diego , is serving a special elegant buffet Thanksgiving dinner.



Fall desserts! (Photo courtesy of Hotel Del Coronado)



The resort’s sumptuous Thanksgiving feast will be offered this year in the hotel’s new Southpointe Ballroom at the south end of the resort. The Del will prepare a lavish offering set to feature favorite traditional trimmings from a prix fixe menu.



The hotel’s A Twenties Holiday Affair theme will see the resort decorated in stunning 1920s art-deco style for the holiday season. And they will be celebrating the return of their Skating by the Sea event, along with dazzling holiday decor and thousands of holiday lights.




Thursday, November 23



Make reservations online



Price: $195/adult and $100/children (ages 4-10), children under 3 are complimentary





Stay the Night at Hotel del Coronado with my Benefits
VIRTUOSO RATE



Through my role as a luxury travel advisor with Cadence, I’m pleased to offer Hotel del Coronado with Virtuoso amenities that include:





Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability



Daily Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom at Sheerwater Restaurant



$100 USD Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)



Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability



Complimentary Wi-Fi





BOOK THE VIRTUOSO RATE





Sign in or create a free Virtuoso account to see the discounted rat e! Tips : Please search rates for and book Hotel del Coronado online by clicking the button above. If you see multiple rates for the same room type, choose the lowest rate. Check the status of ocean swimming in front of Coronado Lifeguard Tower as it changes. This is the testing station in front of Hotel del Coronado.



More often than not, the Virtuoso rate puts you ahead of what’s available online and I can handle any special requests on your behalf.



*You may need to be on the desktop version of Virtuoso.com to search rates and book online. To enable the desktop version of a hotel page from a mobile device, scroll down to the navy blue section at the bottom of the web page and click “Full Site.” When searching rates, do not input children ages 17 and under as they will be priced as adults. I’m notified when you book and will add them when I contact you about your reservation.



HILTON.COM



If you are eligible for AAA, Military, or Hilton Honors or rarely discounted rates that outweigh Virtuoso benefits, you can book through Hilton.com. I’d check both sites.




BOOK NOW ON HILTON.COM










Pendry San Diego



Thanksgiving dinner at Provisional (Photo courtesy of Pendry San Diego)



Chef Brandon Sloan has created a delicious 3-course prix fixe menu at Provisional, the restaurant marketplace inside of Pendry San Diego . For your first course, you can choose Potato Leek Soup, Grilled Romaine, Blue Prawns, or Ricotta Agnolotti.



The main course menu will feature Free Range Turkey, Red Wine Braised Short Rib, Mustard Demi Whole Roasted Branzino, and Roasted Honeynut Squash. Finally, for dessert, you can indulge in Pumpkin Cheesecake, Fig and Walnut Pie, or Spiced Chocolate Cake, all paired with an Espresso Martini.




Thursday, November 23 (from 2:30–8:30 p.m.)



Price: $105 per adult and $40 per child



Wine & Spirits Pairings $45





Stay the Night at Pendry San Diego
VIRTUOSO RATE



Through my role as a luxury travel advisor with Cadence, I’m pleased to offer Pendry San Diego with Virtuoso amenities that include:




Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability Breakfast credit at Provisional Restaurant or In-Room Dining for two guests per bedroom daily ($30 maximum per person, per day) $100 USD Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full) Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability Complimentary Wi-Fi




BOOK THE VIRTUOSO RATE*





*The desktop version of Virtuoso.com is where you’ll search rates and book online. To enable the desktop version from a mobile device, after clicking on a Virtuoso hotel link, scroll down to the navy blue section at the bottom of the web page and click “Full Site.”









Rancho Bernardo Inn



Nestled in the secluded rolling hills of North County San Diego, and spanning 265 acres of stunning grounds, this elegant hotel is a great escape for your Thanksgiving feast at one of its two following options:



AVANT



Photo courtesy of Rancho Bernardo Inn



The Inn’s signature restaurant, Avant , is hosting a four-course seasonal feast this year, curated by Chef de Cuisine Sergio Jimenez.




Thursday, November 23, from 4–8 p.m. Reservations required and can be made through OpenTable.



Price: $125 for adults and $65 per child.




bernado Ballroom



The hotel will also host a Thanksgiving dinner buffet with cocktails, beer, wine, and soda in their Bernado Ballroom this year.




Thursday, November 23, from 1–4 p.m.



$135 per adult, $55 per child.








Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa



Chef Joshua in the Garden at Rancho Valencia Resort.



Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa capitalizes on its 49 lush acres, beautiful and expansive Croquet lawn, and serene outdoor spaces to host family-style Thanksgiving dinners. A great option for all ages, guests can look forward to crafts for kids, pony rides, a petting zoo, live music, and an exquisite Thanksgiving menu.




Thursday, November 23, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.



Price: $195/adult and $55 for children ages 11 and under





Stay the Night at Rancho Valencia with my Benefits
VIRTUOSO RATE



Through my affiliation with Cadence, I’m pleased to offer Rancho Valencia with Virtuoso amenities that include:




Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability Daily full breakfast for two guests per bedroom (maximum $40 credit per person) $100 USD Resort/Hotel credit, (Not valid in Sheridan, the resort’s boutique. Not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full) Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability Complimentary Wi-Fi




BOOK THE VIRTUOSO RATE*





*You may need to be on the desktop version of Virtuoso.com to search rates and book online. To enable the desktop version of a hotel page from a mobile device, scroll down to the navy blue section at the bottom of the web page and click “Full Site.” When searching rates, do not input children ages 17 and under as they will be priced as adults. I’m notified when you book and will add them when I contact you about your reservation.









Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa



If you want to be spoiled away from home rather than host this year, Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa is a great option. The hotel’s Greenfinch Restaurant will be offering a Thanksgiving Day meal from midday till 8 p.m.



The restaurant is a lovely place to enjoy Thanksgiving on a warm day, thanks to its beautiful open-air balcony overlooking the hotel’s Garden Courtyard. Inside, the decor is aviary-inspired while the restaurant’s popular Greenfinch Bar features a botanical theme.




Thursday, November 23, from 12–8 p.m., at Greenfinch.



There’s no fixed option for Thanksgiving dinner, but you can view their menu, including prices per dish here .








Park Hyatt Aviara



If you’re looking for Thanksgiving options in North County San Diego, Park Hyatt Aviara in Carlsbad is an exquisite choice. This luxury resort is less than a ten-minute drive from the beach and is set amongst 200 stunning acres of natural beauty overlooking the Batiquitos Lagoon. 



The hotel’s Ponto Lago restaurant is hosting a four-course Chef’s Special Feast menu this year. The entree choices are Wood-fired Recado Negro Turkey Breast, 18oz Prime Rib Eye, Catch of the Day, or the Fall Mushroom Paella. A variety of starters, appetizers, and desserts are included in the fixed menu , making up the four courses.




Thursday, November 23, 4–8.30 p.m.



$105 for adults, $45 for children (ages 3–12)





Stay the Night at Park Hyatt Aviara with my Benefits
VIRTUOSO RATE



Through my affiliation with Cadence, I’m pleased to offer Park Hyatt Aviara with Virtuoso amenities that include:




Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability. Daily full breakfast, for two guests per bedroom $100 USD Resort credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full) Complimentary daily Aviara Spa access for two guests including sauna, whirlpool, steam room and indoor solarium lounge. Locally-inspired culinary welcome amenity Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability Complimentary Wi-Fi




BOOK THE VIRTUOSO RATE*





*When searching rates, do not input children ages 17 and under as they will be priced as adults. I’m notified when you book and will add them after I contact you about your reservation.









la valencia hotel



Also known as The Pink Lady, La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla is a great option for those celebrating Thanksgiving with loved ones in a luxury boutique setting.



The Valencia’s Chef Fabian curated this year’s 3-course Thanksgiving menu. Guests can choose between Orange Blossom Poached Lobster Tail, Agave Cinderella Pumpkin Bisque, or Burrata to start.



Entree options include Prime Omaha New York Strip, Herb Roasted Diestel Turkey, Delicata Roasted Squash, or a Delicata Roasted Squash vegetarian dish, while Pumpkin Pie or Berry Melange Tartlet make up the dessert choices.




Thursday, November 23, 12:30–7 p.m.



$130 for adults, with children’s options from $40–$60.








the lodge at Torrey Pines



If feasting on Thanksgiving dinner while enjoying sweeping views of a world-class golf course sounds tempting, The Lodge at Torrey Pines is the place to be.



The hotel is offering a 3-course prix fixe meal this year in their A.R. Valentien restaurant, which was named after the early 20th-century California artist whose works are exhibited around the restaurant.



After Pumpkin Soup and a choice of four first-course dishes, guests can choose from Roasted Turkey and trimmings, Braised Beef Short Rib, Caramelized Sea Scallops, Crispy Skin Black Cod, or the vegetarian dish Autumn Tabbouleh Filled Delicata Squash.



The meal is completed with either Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Cardamom Pot de Crème, or Pear Sticky Toffee Pudding.




Thursday, November 23, 12–6.30 p.m.



$150 per adult and $80 per child (12 and under)





Stay the Night at The Lodge at Torrey Pines with my Benefits
VIRTUOSO RATE



Through my affiliation with Cadence, I’m pleased to offer The Lodge at Torrey Pines with Virtuoso amenities that include:





Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability



Daily breakfast for two per bedroom (up to 60.00 credit per day)



$100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)



Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability




You must be logged in to Virtuoso.com to see the discounted rate for The Lodge at Torrey Pines .




BOOK THE VIRTUOSO RATE





*When searching rates, do not input children ages 17 and under as they will be priced as adults. I’m notified when you book and will add them after I contact you about your reservation.









fairmont grand del mar



Fairmont Grand Del Mar offers two Thanksgiving dinner options this year in Amaya Restaurant and the Manchester Salon. Known for its elegance and opulence, the Fairmont Grand Del Mar provides a luxurious option to relax with loved ones over what is sure to be an amazing holiday meal.



Amaya will be serving a three-course tasting menu:




Thursday, November 23, 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm



$195 per person and $98 per child.




The Manchester Salon will be offering a Thanksgiving Family Style with appetizer and dessert buffet:




Thursday, November 23, 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm



$180 per person and $90 per child



You can reserve online here for both options above, and there’s a $50 deposit per person.




Don’t forget to check out the full list of Fairmont Grand Del Mar holiday events .




Stay the Night at Fairmont Grand Del Mar with my Benefits
VIRTUOSO RATE



Through my affiliation with Cadence, I’m pleased to offer Fairmont Grand Del Mar with Virtuoso amenities that include:





Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability (excluding suites)



Daily breakfast for two guests per bedroom, served in Amaya or in-room dining (up to $70 per bedroom per day)



$100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)



Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability



Complimentary Wi-Fi





BOOK THE VIRTUOSO RATE*





*When searching rates, do not input children ages 17 and under as they will be priced as adults. I’m notified when you book and will add them after I contact you about your reservation.









manchester grand hyatt



Photo courtesy of Manchester Grand Hyatt



This striking and iconic Manchester Grand Hyatt offers a Thanksgiving menu at its waterfront Sally’s Fish House & Bar. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and San Diego Bay while dining on a menu including Fall Panzanella Salad, Citrus, Garlic and Thyme Brined Turkey with Pan Gravy Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham, Boursin Whipped Potatoes, Herb Bread Stuffing, Heirloom Baby Carrots, and much more.



If you prefer cozy indoor dining, the same menu will also be served at The Landing in the lobby.




Thursday, November 23, 12–6.30 p.m.



Sally’s Fish House & The Landing pre-fixe menu costs $56 per person. 








Bleu Boheme



Bleu Boheme is hosting a French-inspired Thanksgiving day dinner. This will be a three-course, prix fixe menu available from 12 noon until 4 p.m.



The menu will feature items such as Pumpkin-Hominy Soup, Fresh Beet Salad, and Crab Croquette for starters. Entrees include Diestel Family Ranch turkey from Sonora, California, Faroe Island Salmon, Beef Short Rib, and Shiitake and Oyster Mushroom Ravioli. Chocolate Mousse, Creme Brulee, and Bread Pudding will round out this exquisite meal.



They will also be serving Pumpkin Pie Martinis for an extra $15.




Thursday, November 23, 12–4 p.m.



$75 for adults and $29 for children under 12.








Rustic Root, gaslamp



For a fun city vibe this Thanksgiving, head to Rustic Root in San Diego’s downtown Gaslamp Quarter. This popular restaurant has an intimate dining room setting and a bustling rooftop terrace overlooking the street.



They’ll be serving up holiday classics like herb-roasted turkey breast, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, smoked turkey gravy, and more. 



The Thanksgiving meal costs $32 per guest or you can book a 4-person family pack for $100.







huntress restaurant, san diego



Photo courtesy of Huntress Restaurant



This popular and sophisticated steakhouse is known for its unique pairings and theatrical presentation. This Thanksgiving, you can sample Huntress’ chic spin on the classics including Pumpkin Agnolotti, made with roasted pumpkin, pepita gremolata, sage and brown butter, truffle turkey. Or Turkey Roulade with winter greens, confit turkey leg crepinette with sour cherries, and truffle jus or green bean en croute.



Call Huntress at (619) 329 4868 for pricing and reservations.







 



paradisaea, bird rock



Paradisaea restaurant is housed within the historic 1949 ‘Piano Building’ in the the vibrant coastal neighborhood of Bird Rock in La Jolla. Known for their thoughtfully crafted seasonal dishes, Paradisaea will offer a traditional—albeit with a California-cool twist—Thanksgiving prix-fixe menu.



Check Paradisaea’s website for their Thanksgiving menu and reservations.







westfield utc Mall



This popular and expansive outdoor mall in La Jolla hosts multiple restaurants, but two popular eateries are offering special Thanksgiving meals this year:



The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar is offering a prix-fixe menu with traditional Thanksgiving options, along with Winery favorites. The 3-course meal starts with a choice of roasted butternut squash bisque or pumpkin and ricotta ravioli, and then entree options include traditional maple-glazed free-range turkey, Zinfandel Braised Short Rib or Jumbo Wild White Shrimp. Finish with classic desserts, including streusel pumpkin pie and chocolate cheesecake. 




Reservations can be made  here . Price: $85 per guest & $30 per child 10 and under.




Seasons 52 is hosting a traditional Thanksgiving meal that comes complete with roasted turkey and savory pan gravy, yukon mashed potatoes, herb stuffing, green beans, and cranberry relish. Dessert includes six mini pumpkin pie indulgences in addition to pumpkin mousse.




Orders can be placed  here  for pickup on Wednesday, November 22. 








harrah’s Resort, funner, ca



You can head to the desert to celebrate Thanksgiving among swaying palms at Harrah’s Resort Southern California. This year, the resort offers Thanksgiving dinner options at its three restaurants: Fiore, ‘ritas Cantina, and The Café.



Check here for details and pricing for all three options. The Café’s option includes an a la Carte menu featuring White and Dark Meat Turkey, Mashed Potatoes with Giblet Gravy, Apple-sage Stuffing Glazed Baby Carrots, and more.







city Cruises



For something different, with spectacular views, hop aboard a City Cruises’ boat at their San Diego port for Thanksgiving Day on the water.



They’re offering a two-hour Premier Brunch Cruise option, which includes a menu of freshly prepared Thanksgiving staples and drinks, including unlimited champagne and live music.




From $80 per person. Board at 10:30 a.m., and the cruise goes from 11 a.m.–1 p.m.



Book online



Board at: Pier 1 Hornblower Landing, 1800 North Harbor Drive, San Diego



Pay-to-park options are available at Grape Street.




Or, in the evening, you can opt for a Thanksgiving Day Dinner Cruise, a two-and-a-half-hour yacht cruise complete with a Thanksgiving dinner and entertainment.




From $107 per person. Board at 3:30 p.m., and the cruise goes from 4 p.m.–6:30 p.m.



Book online



Board at: Pier 1 Hornblower Landing, 1800 North Harbor Drive, San Diego



Pay-to-park options are available at Grape Street.








Prepared Chef Meals for Dinner at Home



If you prefer to skip cooking this year, have no fear. San Diego chefs will send you home with full Thanksgiving dinners or even just pumpkin pies.



Rancho Valencia Full Meals



Rancho Valencia will also be offering a full a la carte meal prepped, cooked, packaged, and ready to reheat at home. You can pre-order through the resort’s website with pick-up on Wednesday, Nov. 22. The online order form will be available soon. Check here for updates.







little frenchie, coronado



Photo of Thanksgiving options courtesy of Little Frenchie



For a French twist on your Thanksgiving meal this year, Little Frenchie , is offering a touch of Parisian café-inspired bistro charm with their to-go menu:




Thanksgiving Baked Brie en Croûte  | Butter Pastry, Cranberry & Honey Confiture, Candied Pecan, Baguette 

$85 and serves 8 people



Order between Oct. 23–Nov.15 & pickup on Nov. 22 by 4 p.m.





Thanksgiving Cheese and Charcuterie Boards  | add on Little Frenchie’s Petite Baked Brie en Croûte, Cranberry & Honey Confiture, Candied Pecan for +$35

Les Amis for 4–6 people: $85, or La Famille for 8–12 people: $125



Order between Oct. 23–Nov.15 & pickup on Nov. 22 by 4 p.m.





Thanksgiving Pies  ($45 each)

Apple Crumble Pie |  Slow Cooked Granny Smith Apples, Salted Cinnamon Crumble, Creme Fraiche Chantilly 



Pumpkin Pie |  House Roasted Pumpkin, Gingersnap Cookies, Vanilla Bean Chantilly



Bourbon Pecan Pie |  Milk Chocolate Chunks, Candied Pecans, Salted Chocolate Mousse



Caramel Ripple Cheesecake |  Shortbread Crust, White Chocolate Mousse, Caramel Drizzle










rancho bernardo inn



The hotel’s Café Granada is offering a special selection of Thanksgiving pies and a cheesecake option that you can pre-order and pick up for your feast at home. You can order here until November 19th, and the options are:




Traditional Pumpkin Pie with Cinnamon Cream



Dutch Apple Pie with Caramel Crunch Topping



Bourbon Pecan Pie with Chocolate Shavings



Cheesecake with Orange and Cranberry Chef’s Garden Rosemary Compote



Every option is 9″ wide, and prices start at $35.








Trust me, this list of where to have Thanksgiving dinner in San Diego will grow in the coming weeks. Stay tuned! And, don’t forget that Christmas dinner in San Diego comes next and to also check our list of San Diego holiday events .