Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching, but you need not fret! Relax this year and let one of San Diego's finest restaurants prepare your Thanksgiving meal for you. Vacuuming and cleaning before guests arrive is a drag and the cooking, oh the cooking! This year, we have a roundup of ideas for you… nary a one of them involve sweating it out in the kitchen or deciding which one of your weird cousins has to sit at the kids table.
San Diego eateries are celebrating Thanksgiving through culinary creations, from the traditional Thanksgiving turkey and gravy to Italian dishes inspired by the same seasonal flavors, there are plenty of places for friends and families to gather this year. Here are just some of the many Thanksgiving Day specials being offered in and around America's Finest City!
On Thursday, Nov. 28 between noon and 8:45pm, Bertrand at Mister A’s will serve a prix fixe menu priced at $59.50 per guest. Thanksgiving dinner highlights will include (but are not limited to) Chino Farms Butternut Squash Risotto under scallops and roasted chestnuts, their Organic “Diestel” Turkey served alongside traditional accompaniments and Pumpkin Bread Pudding in a house-made toffee pecan sauce. Guests may secure reservations online at bertrandatmisteras.com or by calling (619) 239-1377. View Mister A’s full Thanksgiving menu online. A prix fixe children’s menu is also available priced at $20 per child.
With the restaurant’s daily fresh seafood offerings, Tom Ham’s Thanksgiving menu will be no different. Entrées include Maine Lobster Claws, Oysters on the Half Shell and Herb and Chipotle Citrus Glazed Salmon. Classic dishes, such as Free Range Turkey with Rosemary Gravy and Herb and Garlic Roasted Prime Rib with Au Jus, will also be served. Additionally, a cornucopia of starters are available to diners, including Roasted Squash and Kale Salad, Lobster Bisque, Green Bean Almandine and Citrus Cranberry Sauce. Dessert options range from Pecan Pie to Maple Bread Pudding and Assorted Mini Desserts and Cookies. Tom Ham’s Lighthouse Thanksgiving feast is $42 for adults, $18 for children ages 6 to 12, and kids five and under are free. Offered from 11am to 7pm, reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling Tom Ham’s Lighthouse at 619-291-9110.
The rustic Cosmopolitan Restaurant in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is hosting a lavish Thanksgiving buffet on November 28, starting at 11am. The all-you-can-eat buffet features oven-roasted turkey breast and herb-crusted roast beef carving stations, along with favorite accompaniments such as sage-bread stuffing, mashed potatoes, candied yams, green beans with rainbow carrots, cranberry sauce and rich turkey gravy. The Thanksgiving feast also features musical entertainment from a Spanish guitarist and percussion duo from 12:30pm to 4pm. A salad-and-soup station will feature cobb salad, mixed-greens salad, turkey and feta cheese pasta salad, and tomato basil bisque. Some not-so traditional dishes will be offered such as eggplant parmesan, mustard-crusted salmon, peel-and-eat shrimp, seafood pasta salad and green-lipped mussels. The holiday buffet is $29.95 per person and $12.95 for kids 12 and under. The brunch begins at 11am and ends at 8pm. For reservations, call 619-297-1894 or visit oldtowncosmopolitan.com.
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, JRDN at the beachfront Tower23 Hotel is San Diego's hottest spot for dining and lounging, offering a unique experience in a modern and elegant atmosphere. This Thanksgiving holiday, Executive Chef David Warner has created a delicious four-course California fresh Thanksgiving feast offered from 3pm to 8pm. For your first course, choose from a pumpkin soup, cider glazed pork belly, artisanal cheese plate or kale salad and for your second course choose from a roasted Mary's Turkey ($45), pan seared scallops ($50), grilled beef tenderloin ($58), grilled tombo ($47) or autumn vegetable risotto ($41). Lastly for dessert, guests can choose from a spiced chocolate roulade, pumpkin pie or medjoul date cake. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 858-270-5736.
Executive Chef Stephanie O’Mary Berwald and Chef/Partner Chris Idso have created a three-course, seasonal feast set to the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Warm up with Autumn Squash Soup with herbed mascarpone and spiced apples or Japanese Clam Chowder. Hearty traditional dishes and signature staples include Oven Roasted Turkey with all the trimmings and Sugar Spiced Salmon with Chinese beans, garlic mashed potatoes and mustard sauce. End the dinner with choices like Chocolate Pecan Pie with Jack Daniels caramel syrup and Homemade Pumpkin Pie with cranberry coulis. The meal is $39 per person with the turkey entrée and $49 for other choices. Pacifica will also offer a three-course children’s menu for kids 12 and under for $16. Dinner will be served from noon to 9pm at 1555 Camino Del Mar. Call 858-792-0476 for reservations and click here to view the menu.
The Manchester Grand Hyatt in downtown San Diego has just completed a renovation of all 1,628 guest rooms as part of a multi-million dollar renovation, and are offering two wonderful ways to spend Thanksgiving with them this year overlooking the beautiful San Diego Bay.
Lael's is offering several delicious, seasonal options including Jack Daniel's Pumpkin Bisque, Pacific Oysters shucked to order and Alaskan king crab. To continue with seafood, there is a Chef Kaz Sushi station with an assortment of California Rolls. The carving station will feature Cider Brine Roasted Turkey and Tangerine Cranberry Chutney. Desserts include Mini Pumpkin Crème Brule and Thanksgiving favorite pumpkin pie. Adults can enjoy a full buffet at Lael's for $64.95, seniors over 62 for $45 and children 5-12 for $25. Those little ones under 5 are free. Buffet is being served from 11:30am to 4:30pm. To make reservations call 619-358-6735.
Sally's on the Water will offer three or four-course prix fixe options that include items such as Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad, Butternut Squash Ravioli a Free Range Roasted Turkey, with a Maple Cream Cheese Pumpkin Roll for dessert. For a three or four course meal Sally's Seafood on the Water is the place to be. The three course meal is $37 a person and the four course meal is $42 a person ,and $20 wine pairing is being offered. Dinner starts at 5:30pm and ends at 9:30pm. For a reservation call 619-358-6740.
Showcasing Bali Hai’s Polynesian culinary flair, highlighted entrée dishes at the famous Shelter Island eatery will include Kalua Braised Turkey Dark Meat, Salmon with Soy Maple Glaze and Butternut Squash Ravioli with a Seafood Sauce. Keeping with tradition, Herb Rubbed Turkey Breast with Rosemary Gravy will also be served; a multitude of sides includes Macadamia Nut Stuffing with Chinese Sausage, Candied Yams, Vegetable Fried Rice and Succotash Salad with Edamame and Corn. And for a sweet ending, guests can choose from six desserts, including classic Pumpkin Pie, Mango Cobbler and the tropically-inspired Coconut Cheesecake. Bali Hai’s Thanksgiving buffet is $39 for adults, $16 for children ages 6 to 12, and kids five and under are free. Offered from 11am to 7pm, reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling Bali Hai at 619-222-1181.
Located in the upscale San Diego community of Rancho Santa Fe, Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, which just reopened last October following a $30 million renovation, will host an exquisite Thanksgiving buffet presented by Executive Chef Eric Bauer. Featuring various stations including charcuterie and cheeses, salads, cold seafood, house made pastas, a carving station and desserts, guests will get the chance to indulge in Veladora's Coastal Ranch cuisine that blends the area's locally grown fruits and vegetables with unique combinations of flavors. From a truffle honey glazed scottish trout to french bread, chorizo and herb stuffing with cranberry and orange chutney to slow roast beef brisket, caramelized cipollini onions, natural jus, and horseradish cream. Topped with live music and a most decadent dessert spread including the resort's classic Rancho Valencia Mini Donuts, it's just the way to celebrate the holiday. Rancho Valencia's Thanksgiving Day buffet will be offered from 1pm to 7pm and costs $89 for adults and $29 for children 11 and under (kids under three are complimentary). Taxes and gratuity are not included. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 858-759-6246. Please note that a $25 cancellation fee applies for this event.
Guests may enjoy Thanksgiving at The Inn with a variety of dining options throughout the property, including a holiday buffet, a four-course meal or even holiday pies available for pick up. Please see details for each menu below. Pricing available for adults and children (*Ages 4-14). For reservations call 858-675-8550
Diners at Veranda can choose from a regular dining menu offerings or a special 3-course menu including turkey breast, traditional stuffing and gravy & cranberry compote. For dessert, guests can indulge in desserts with the traditional pumpkin pie with cinnamon whipped cream and white chocolate shavings or the carrot cake with golden raisins, toasted coconut and caramel sauce. Menu will be served from 12 pm to 9pm and costs $38 for adults and $15 for kids. View the full menu here.
In the Aragon Ballroom, guests can indulge Turkey Day favorites, buffet-style with five stations: seafood display, cold buffet, hot buffet, dessert station, children's buffet. The different stations will feature a variety of food such as sliced smoked salmon, trout and mackerel, baby spinach with crispy bacon sweet apples and sherry vinaigrette, roasted free range turkey (carved), mushroom ravioli with spinach and roasted red pepper cream. Keeping the little one's in mind, RBI's children's buffet offers such items as mini pizzas and chicken fingers. Decadent deserts will include sweet potato cheesecake, julian apple pie tartlet and much more. This buffet will be served from 11am to 3pm, along with a petting zoo and costs $60 for adults and $25 for kids. View the full menu here.
Diners at Avant can feast on a 4-course menu serving food such as creamy butternut squash bisque, duck and truffle rilletes with house pickles and on tap mustard, heritage turkey two ways: roasted breast, confit leg, french bean casserole, sweet potato mousse line and cranberry mostarda. Mouth-watering dessert options include roasted pumpkin panna cotta or mexican chocolate pot de crème. The menu will be offered from 2pm to 7pm at the cost of $70 adults and $35 for kids ages 4-14. For reservations, call 858-675-8550. View the full menu here.
Café Granada will offer gourmet pies available for order on property or over the phone from Friday, November 1 - Monday, November 18. Guests can chose from the following - Toasted pecan and bourbon with dark chocolate chips, pumpkin chiffon with ginger and nutmeg, classic apple with five spic crumb, and sugar free flavors available upon request.
After undergoing a $5 million transformation last year, the newly restyled W San Diego has once again set the bar as one of the original boutique lifestyle hotel brands. Inspiring, iconic, innovative and influential, the W San Diego mixes style and comfort to bring you the ideal destination whether looking for a luxe getaway or a fun night out with friends. The W's Rooftop, offering glittering cityscape views, also includes a full bar, bites from their signature restaurant, a one-of-a-kind fireplace, cabanas, music and extraordinary specialty cocktails. With its prime location in sunny San Diego, W San Diego's signature restaurant, Kelvin, is offering a delicious Thanksgiving dinner for those looking for a Thanksgiving holiday in style.
The Thanksgiving special menu in Kelvin includes the following - Free Range Turkey Dinner $26: Sage honey glazed turkey with mushroom gravy, braised fall greens, savory chicken sausage bread pudding and apple cranberry compote; Country Ham $24: Grilled Country Ham with cherry muster, whipped sweet potato, brown butter green beans with almonds; Pumpkin Mousse Tart $9: Milk chocolate, cinnamon chantilly; Julian Apple Pie $9: Julian apples, whipped cream and cinnamon gelato.
Guests can celebrate the season with THE US GRANT Thanksgiving Day Buffet - a cherished holiday tradition that never ceases to amaze. A bountiful array of seasonal specialties and traditional holiday fare takes guests on an epicurean journey from the warm spiced apple cider welcome to the all-encompassing housemade desserts, paired alongside a favorite specialty coffee beverage from the Barista Station. Along the way, diners can savor fresh salads and soups, specialties from the Land and Sea, Chef Mark's family recipe Pierogi station, and of course, the traditional holiday fare of slow roasted turkey breast, a collection of gourmet stuffing and gravy, creamy mashed potatoes, roasted acorn squash and more. Live music completes the Thanksgiving holiday in style. THE US GRANT Thanksgiving Day Buffet will offer seating at 12:30pm, 2pm, 3:30pm, 4:15pm, and costs $75 for adults, $65 for seniors, and $29 for children 12 and under. Complimentary valet parking and live entertainment is also offered. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 619-744-2039.
THE US GRANT's Grant Grill will also be offering a Thanksgiving Dinner with fine dining in an intimate setting as Chef Kurth has curated a special holiday tasting menu as well as a la carte offerings including a roasted turkey entree. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 619-744-2077.
In addition, THE US GRANT is attempting to ease the stress of the holidays with the addition of their "Thanksgiving To-Go." They've created an entire Thanksgiving feast that can be pre-ordered, picked up, and pre-heated to be enjoyed by the whole family. From turkey, to sides, to desert, they have dinner deliciously covered. Whether planning a gathering of four or forty, THE US GRANT San Diego Thanksgiving Catering allows you to feast without the fuss!
For a close to home holiday experience without the hassle and mess in one's own kitchen, BiCE Ristorante will extend a Thanksgiving feast to their San Diego family this year from 5pm to 9:30pm, guests of BiCE will enjoy a special three-course Thanksgiving menu by Chef de Cuisine/Pastry Chef Francesca Penoncelli and Executive Chef Mario Cassineri at the cost of $42 for adults and $21 for children under 10 years old. For reservations, guests may visit the website or call 619-239-2423. This feast will include traditional Thanksgiving glare prepared with an Italian flare, with a choice of the following for each course:
Appetizer:
Velvety Butternut Squash Soup with crispy speck, pumpkin seeds and parmesan foam
Roasted Hen-of-the-Wood Mushroom and Burrata Crostini
Lacinato Kale and Farro Salad with cranberry, mango and goat cheese
Main course:
Orecchiette Pasta with turkey sausage, broccoli rage and fresh herbs
Tortelli di Zucca served in a brown butter sage emulsion topped with aged pecorino cheese and crispy speck
Spinach Gnocchi with mozzarella cheese and fresh basil served in a pink sauce
Chicken Roulade stuffed with Italian ham and provolone served in a mushroom sauce
Soft Polenta with squid stew, spinach, tomato and red wine
Dessert:
Creamy Pumpkin Custard Budino with light cinnamon whipped cream and salted caramel sauce
Orange crème brule with mixed berries
Kids Menu:
Penne Pasta with pink sauce and mozzarella cheese
Chicken Parmigiana style French Fries
The charming seaside Brockton Villa restaurant overlooking the La Jolla Cove will serve Thanksgiving brunch on Thursday, November 28 from 8am to 2pm. Executive Chef Mareyja Sisbarro will serve Thanksgiving inspired specials including Bourbon Pumpkin Pie Pancakes with roasted pecans and cinnamon whipped cream, Thanksgiving Eggs Benedict with house roasted turkey, spinach, cranberry sauce and sage hollandaise, and a Breakfast "Burger" with sausage, over easy egg, gouda cheese and a whole grain mustard hollandaise. Of course, the usual favorites such as the famous Coast Toast and healthy breakfast steamers will be available as well.
Katsuya San Diego will bring its full menu of Japanese-inspired cuisine to the table this Thanksgiving, allowing guests to escape from another turkey and gravy dinner with a host of tasty signatures. Perfect for enjoying family style, the dinner menu boasts an array of must-try items like Katsuya's famous Cripsy Rice with Spicy Tuna, Wagyu Tobanyaki served sizzling hot with wild mushrooms, Miso-Marinated Black Cod with a hint of sweet miso, and Special Katsuya Roll with tuna, yellowtail, salmon, scallop, crab and avocado, wrapped with rice, soy paper, and cucumber and served with wasabi ponzu on the side. Reservations can be made by calling 619-814-2000.
Thanksgiving at Temecula's Ponte Vineyard Inn’s elegant fine-dining restaurant will be offered from 4:30-8:30pm and features a traditional Thanksgiving menu, including Apricot Glazed Turkey; Sausage, Chestnut and Wild Mushroom Stuffing; Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes and more, including a variety of house made desserts, paired with a selection of Ponte wines. Reservations required and can be made by calling 951-676-7898.
Mille Fleurs
Offering a four-course prix fixe menu, priced at $65 per guest, Mille Fleurs will present an annual favorite: Oven-Roasted Diestel Farm Turkey served alongside Brussels sprouts, cranberries, gravy and more. Additional courses available on Thanksgiving Day include Soup of “Musqué de Provence” Pumpkin, Duck Pate, Pecan-Pumpkin Cake and more. Guests may secure reservations online at millefleurs.com or by calling (858) 756-3085. View Mille Fleurs’ prix fixe Thanksgiving menu online as well as Mille Fleurs’ a la carte Thanksgiving menu.
Kick off the holiday season with a traditional Thanksgiving feast at Paradise Point's Baleen. Baleen's unique dining room, offering streams of sunshine and stunning bay views. The prix-fixe Thanksgiving dinner presents a three course menu of delectable dishes, including brown sugar-brined turkey with all the fixings, lobster cannelloni, honey mustard-glazed short rib and persimmon upside-down cake. Cost is $49 per person, $20 per child. For reservations, visit paradisepoint.com.
Make your way over to Balboa Park for a 3-course Thanksgiving dinner at Prado from 1pm-7pm. The menu is priced at $49.95 for adults and $12.95 for kids, excluding tax and gratuity, and highlights include oven roasted turkey breast and maple braised turkey leg and pumpkin pie brulee. For reservations, call 619-557-9441.
Vintana
Escondido's Vintana is offering a 3-course Thanksgiving dinner from 1pm-7pm with the menu priced at $49.95 for adults and $12.95 for kids, excluding tax and gratuity, and including such items as garam masala roasted acorn squash and pumpkin-goat cheese cake. For reservations, call 760-745-7777.
Feel like you might bury an in-law if you don’t get out of the house soon? Join the folks at Sandbar Sports Bar and Grill for Bury Larry Day kicking off at 8am on Turkeyday. Legendary bartender Larry Phelps is slinging drinks and it is much more entertaining to watch him scramble than to listen to family stories for the tenth time. Call 858-488-1274 for more info.
Brazen BBQ
Let Brazen BBQ make the main event for Thanksgiving dinner. Chefs perfected the Brazen Smoked Turkey with herbed cran-apple stuffing and all you have to do is order it. Turkey gravy, orange port cranberry sauce, freshly baked cornbread and herbed mashed potatoes or brown butter green beans should definitely round out your order for a memorable spread. Why go anywhere else for dessert? Pick up Brazen’s delicious Bourbon Pecan Pie to end on a high note. Pre-order your holiday feast by November 25 and items will be available for pickup on Thursday, November 28 by 1:00 pm. Call 619-816-1990 for more info and to make your order.
Open from 6pm to 2am, Uptown Tavern is offering a mouth watering Prime Rib dinner and their regular menu all night long - no cooking or decorating required. Need reservations or more info, call 619-241-2710.
100 Wines in Hillcrest is offering a 3-course Thanksgiving dinner from 3pm-8pm. The menu is priced at $39.95 for adults and $12.95 for kids, excluding tax and gratuity. Highlights include autumn panzanella salad and roast turkey with bacon herb butter. For reservations, call 619-491-0100.
Ocean Beach's favorite French restaurant will offer a 3-course Thanksgiving dinner from 3pm-8pm with the menu priced at $39.95 for adults and $12.95 for kids, excluding tax and gratuity. Highlights include brown sugar glazed turkey breast and pumpkin cheesecake. For reservations, call 619-224-2884.
This Oceanside favorite will offer a 3-course Thanksgiving dinner from 1pm-7pm. Menu is priced at $49.95 for adults and $12.95 for kids, excluding tax and gratuity. For reservations, call 760-433-3333.
Highlights include include roasted butternut squash and crab soup and yam, leek & white cheddar gratin.
La Mesa's new hotspot is offering guests 3-course Thanksgiving dinner from 3pm-8pm priced at $39.95 for adults and $12.95 for kids, excluding tax and gratuity. Highlights include kabocha squash soup and rosemary roasted turkey. For reservations, call 619-337-3445.
barleymash
Do Turkey Day right at barleymash. The three course Thanksgiving dinner starts at 3 p.m. Andouille-stuffed turkey roulade is served with bourbon-brown butter gravy, a side of garlic mashed potatoes, brown ale biscuit stuffing, brussles sprout casserole, roasted baby carrots and habanero-cranberry jelly. For $26, enjoy turkey with all the trimmings, along with your choice of salad or butternut squash soup and a slice of either maple-bourbon pumpkin pie or rum spiked pear and apple pie. DJ music with Mike Czech starts at 10 p.m. Open at 11 a.m. Call (619) 255-7373.
Want Thanksgiving on stilts, as Island Prime is offering a 3-course Thanksgiving dinner from 1pm-7pm, priced at $49.95 for adults and $12.95 for kids, excluding tax and gratuity. Highlights include herb roasted free range Sonoma turkey and sweet potato pie. For reservations, call 619-298-6802.
Tavern
Tavern in Pacific Beach will have the football games and the fixins’ like turkey pot pie topped with mashed potatoes and pretzel stuffing or the confit turkey leg served with a pretzel topped with cranberry mustard. Bonus? Tavern has $3 Wild Turkey shots and $5 pumpkin spiced mules. West Coast Tavern in North Park features drinks served all night and their new menu is served until midnight
Whether you venture out or stay home, have a happy, healthy and safe Thanksgiving, and no matter what, know that the crew at SanDiegoVille is thankful for you! Beautiful, intelligent, sexy, funny - you!!!
