These San Diego restaurants offer take-out and dine-in Thanksgiving meals for a stress-free Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving is the best holiday to gather family and friends around the table—especially when you’re not stressed about burning the bird or fitting all the side dishes in the oven at once. This year, give yourself (and your kitchen) a break—and support local businesses—by either ordering your Thanksgiving dinner from one of our favorite local restaurants that’s a hit with the kids, or dine-in at a top San Diego restaurant that’s open on Thanksgiving Day. We’ve also found the best bakeries for that perfect, made-in-San Diego dessert.

The Best San Diego Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving Day

Rancho Valencia

Treat yourself to a meal you'll remember for years to come. Rancho Valencia offers a buffet stocked with everything from a cold seafood station to a full kids' buffet. There's live music from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and desserts that'll have the whole family feeling grateful.

Cost: $195/adults, $55/kid (3-11); Kids under 3 dine free

5921 Valencia Cir.
Rancho Santa Fe
Online: ranchovalencia.com

 

best thanksgiving dinner in san diego
Herb & Wood

Herb & Wood

In Little Italy, Chef Brian Malarkey adds a Mediterranean and Mexican-inspired flair to the traditional Thanksgiving spread. Guests can choose from a turkey roulade with lemon rosemary stuffing, lamb shank, or a brown butter blondie with pumpkin mousse.

Cost: $92/adults; $38/kid

2210 Kettner Blvd.
San Diego
Online: herbandwood.com

Park Hyatt Aviara

Choose from any of the three Park Hyatt restaurants to book your Thanksgiving reservation this year. Ember & Rye and Ponto Lago both offer guests a sit-down dinner option, while The Park Hyatt hotel serves a Thanksgiving buffet from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Cost: $155/adults; $65/kid (3-12) for brunch and $125/person for dinner at Ember & Rye; $105/person for dinner at Ponto Lago; $140/adults and $60/kids at The Park Hyatt 

7100 Aviara Resort Dr.
Carlsbad
Online: parkhyattaviara.com

 

George's at The Cove

This year, George’s at the Cove is serving a three-course prix fixe menu in the Ocean View Room with roasted turkey, along with sausage and chestnut-stuffed leg and potato puree with turkey gravy. The turkey special will also be available along with the regular menu at the Ocean Terrace and Level2. Don't miss George’s bourbon pecan and brown butter apple crumb pie, which you can also pre-order. Kiddos will love sitting at a premium table, closest to the sea, which includes credit toward food and drinks.

Cost: $85/person

1250 Prospect Street
La Jolla
Online: georgesatthecove.com

Tom Ham's Lighthouse

The iconic San Diego restaurant at the end of Harbor Island is offering a smorgasbord of seasonal favorites. The carving station will have free-range turkey with rosemary gravy and roasted tri-tip. Other accompaniments include clam chowder, brown sugar sweet potatoes with marshmallows, and creamy green beans. The grand seafood bar will have Maine lobster claws along with oysters and scallops on the half-shell.

Cost: $72/adult; $24/kid (age 6-12), kids 5 and under eat for free

2150 Harbor Island Dr.
San Diego
Online: tomhamslighthouse.com

Del’s Hideout, Pioneer BBQ or Coaster Saloon (Cohn Restaurant Group)

Bring this Thanksgiving BBQ Feast to your table this year from either of these three Cohn restaurants or choose to gather the crew and dine in. Either option will satisfy your family and keep you frazzle-free. 

Order Deadline and Pick-Up: Place orders by: 3 p.m. on Nov. 22; pick-up Nov. 25 between 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: Serves 6-8 servings for $190; add on a pie for an additional $20; Purchase the main a la carte: $115for turkey or $130 for brisket

Various locations
Online: cohnrestaurants.com

 

Where to Order Thanksgiving Dinner in San Diego

 

Giuseppe Restaurants & Fine Catering

Mix and match a cornucopia of delights by choosing all of your Thanksgiving dishes a la carte. Choose from roasted and carved natural turkey (fully cooked, heat and eat) and such delectable sides as Focaccia-leek & pistachio stuffing, caramelized Brussels sprouts, truffle parmesan mashed potatoes or a poached pear salad. It may take you a while to decide on the sweet ending with choices like Frangelico chocolate truffle lollipops to Meyer lemon bars or pies.

Order Deadline and Pick-Up: Place orders by noon, Nov. 21; Pick up or have it delivered on Nov. 23
Cost: Whole turkey is $155

7853 Herschel Ave.
La Jolla
Online: grnfc.com

Seaside Market 

Seaside Market in Cardiff, is known for its mouthwatering Burgandy Tri-Tip, infamously nicknamed "Cardiff Crack" by locals. And, this Thanksgiving, you can swap the turkey for their tri-tip Feast which comes with sides like roasted vegetables, candied sweet potato mash, broccoli gorgonzola salad, and more (served chilled in aluminum pans with reheating and serving instructions). Or, keep it traditional with their Complete Turkey Feast and side dishes. Seaside also offers a vegan meal with lasagna as the main dish. Whatever your crew is craving this holiday, you can order it at Seaside Market and sit back and relax because your meal is certain to be an utter crowd-pleaser. 

Order Deadline and Pick-Up: 48 hours in advance 
Cost: $250 for Complete Turkey or Cardiff Crack Tri-Tip Feast that feed six; $90 for Vegan Feast that feeds 2-3 people

2087 San Elijo Ave.
Cardiff-by-the-Sea
Online: seasidemarket.com

Ranch 45

Ranch 45 is just what you need to help with holiday hosting. They offer traditional fare with a modern twist that'll impress any foodie at the table. Try their olive oil mashed potatoes or gluten-free carrot cake to switch things up this year—orders are fully cooked, heat and eat. 

Order Deadline and Pick-Up: Place orders by Nov. 21; Pick-up from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. on Nov. 23
Cost:
All items are ordered a la carte; approx. $185 for 3-4 servings

512 Via De La Valle
Solana Beach
Online: ranch45.com

 

Whole Foods Market

Celebrate the season with Whole Foods Market's catering menu which has something for everyone. You’ll find the classics like organic turkey,  and prime rib with all the sides, but also paleo-friendly paleo and vegan-friendly options that are fully cooked, ready to heat and eat. Holiday appetizer platters are also available.

Order Deadline and Pick-Up: All Holiday Selections orders must be placed a minimum of 48 hours ahead of pickup date and time
Cost: Thanksgiving Extravaganza for 12, $569; Classic Thanksgiving Feast for 12 is $400

2600 Via De La Valle
Del Mar
Online: wholefoodsmarket.com

 

Ruth Chris

Take the hassle out of Thanksgiving Dinner this year and order out from Ruth’s Chris Steak House. They have a family meal that's chilled, fulled cooked and ready to heat and eat that serves four and includes roasted turkey and all the trimmings, including four personal pumpkin cheesecakes.

Order Deadline and Pick-Up: 48 hours in advance; pick-up on Nov. 23 from noon-6 p.m.
Cost: 4 servings for $175

Various locations
Online: ruthschris.com

Urban Plates

Bring home a fresh scratch-made feast just like grandma used to make. Choose from a Family Feast that serves 6-8 or a smaller Family Meal that serves four and you’ll get an herb-roasted cage-free turkey breast, mushroom stuffing, homemade gravy, sweet cranberry relish, artisan bread and a choice of two sides (everything comes chilled, fully cooked with heating instructions). Add on a scratch-made dessert made in-house by their pastry chef: mango tart, seasonal pumpkin & walnut layer cake or a Hummingbird Cake, among others. Order early, they sold out last year!

Order Deadline and Pick-Up: Order by Nov. 20; Pick-up on Nov. 22 or Nov. 23
Cost: A la carte sides $18 each; desserts are $24-$59; A turkey plate that serves one is $24; Turkey Family Meal serves four for $100; Turkey Family Feast serves 6-8 is $169

Various locations
Online: urbanplates.com

Chart House

Chart House is big on holidays, which means you can expect a mouthwatering Thanksgiving dinner without having to lift a finger, except to carry the bags into the house. The Chart House Thanksgiving To-Go offers a choice of slow-roasted prime rib or turkey, stuffing, cranberry dressing, creamed spinach, mashed potatoes, and pecan or pumpkin pie.

Order Deadline and Pick-Up: Place orders by Nov. 18; Pick-up times are based on store hours—delivery is also available
Cost:  $105 for turkey, or $130 for prime rib for a group of four

Various locations
Online: chart-house.com

Elijah's Restaurant & Deli

Having your Thanksgiving meal delivered doesn’t get any easier than this! Order your classic Thanksgiving meal from Elijah’s and they’ll bring it right to your front door—all dinners are freshly cooked with no reheating is required! Just put it on the table and eat. Choice of turkey, beef brisket, or ham served with two classic side dishes to choose from, and add on an apple, pecan, or pumpkin pie for only $15 extra. 

Order Deadline and Pick-Up: 48 hrs notice; Schedule a time with the restaurant for pick-up, delivery is available for an additional charge
Cost: Servings are for 10 people, $179 for turkey dinner, $199 for beef brisket dinner, and $179 for spiral ham dinner

7061 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
Clairemont
Online: elijahsrestaurant.com

Where to Order & Buy the Best Thanksgiving Desserts in San Diego

Pop Pie Co. 

Southern California's go-to artisanal bakery for all things encased in crust, Pop Pie Co. will whip up your Thanksgiving pie the morning you need it. Choose from Salted Honey, Honey Bourbon Pecan, Pumpkin Pie, Salted Caramel Apple Crumble or Apple Crumble (vegan).

Order Deadline and Pick-Up: Place orders by Nov. 17 or until they’re sold out; Pick-up Wed Nov. 23 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. or Nov. 25 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Cost:
$35/pie

Various locations
Online: poppieco.com

Nutmeg Bakery

Top off your day of eating this year with a non-traditional Thanksgiving pie from Nutmeg Bakery. They’ve got all kinds of cream pies: Chocolate, Banana, Boston or Coconut; as well as Key Lime and Maple Pecan (gluten-free). But if you want to go the traditional route they’ve got you covered there with Apple Lattice, Apple Crumb  and Pumpkin. Now if you want a Thanksgiving cake, well they’ve got plenty of options too with everything from Carrot Cake to chocolate chip cookie dough, vanilla (vegan) or lemon raspberry, orange cranberry, lemon blueberry, coconut rum hummingbird, Italian cream and oh so many more. Many of these options are gluten-free so be sure to ask.

Order Deadline and Pick-Up: Place orders with 72 hrs advance notice; Pick-up times are based on order
Cost:
$20-$35/pie

12640 Sabre Springs Pkwy.
Sabre Springs
Online: nutmegsd.com

 

 

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