Thanksgiving in San Diego brings a unique blend of coastal charm and festive warmth, with local restaurants serving up impressive Thanksgiving spreads to suit every palate. Whether you're craving a twist on traditional dishes or a luxurious setting to gather with family, these San Diego dining spots promise to elevate your holiday experience. Let’s explore the restaurants open this Thanksgiving, offering menus as vibrant as the holiday spirit itself.
Savor the Feast at Pacific Beach AleHouse
For those wanting a cozy yet vibrant beachside Thanksgiving, Pacific Beach AleHouse offers a three-course dinner that’s sure to impress. The meal includes savory highlights like persimmon-apple-sausage stuffing and whipped Yukon gold potatoes, paired with Brussels sprouts drizzled in balsamic glaze. Top off the meal with dessert choices like Pumpkin Pie or Dark Chocolate Pecan Cobbler. For those looking to toast to the holiday, AleHouse’s extensive drink menu complements their Thanksgiving options perfectly.
A Gourmet Gathering at Seasons 52
Seasons 52 invites guests to a Thanksgiving meal that covers all the classics with a refined twist. Enjoy roasted turkey paired with Yukon mashed potatoes, brioche and sage stuffing and an indulgent cranberry relish. The Pumpkin Pie Mini Indulgence is a sweet way to wrap up the meal. If you prefer celebrating at home, they also offer a Thanksgiving Green Box to go, designed to serve 4–6 people, making it a convenient yet decadent choice.
Tradition and Comfort at Green Dragon Tavern and Museum
Enjoy a slice of American history alongside your turkey at Green Dragon Tavern and Museum, which remains open on Thanksgiving. This spot brings a touch of colonial charm with hearty holiday fare, served in an ambiance that honors America’s past. Perfect for history buffs or those looking for a cozy, authentic setting, the Green Dragon Tavern promises both a festive and fascinating Thanksgiving experience.
Coastal Views and Lavish Buffets at L’Auberge Kitchen 1540
L’Auberge Kitchen 1540 at Adelaide brings an ocean-view Thanksgiving celebration with a lunch buffet from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and a dinner from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This spot combines traditional flavors with coastal-inspired dishes, so you get the best of both worlds. Guests can enjoy a variety of options while surrounded by stunning Del Mar scenery. The thoughtful design and expertly curated holiday menu make it a perfect setting for an unforgettable holiday gathering.
Enchanting Holiday at The Prado
Celebrate Thanksgiving in the heart of Balboa Park at The Prado, offering a three-course dinner in an iconic San Diego setting. With its warm and inviting décor, The Prado’s Thanksgiving menu delivers flavors as rich as its historic atmosphere, featuring roasted turkey, stuffing, and a delightful array of sides. The Prado is an ideal spot for those who want to experience a festive Thanksgiving meal while exploring one of San Diego's beloved landmarks.
Timeless Elegance at The Hotel Del Coronado
No San Diego Thanksgiving list would be complete without The Hotel Del Coronado, where tradition meets extravagance in the beautifully restored Crown Room. The Del’s Thanksgiving buffet features holiday classics alongside regionally inspired dishes and decadent desserts, with live music to enhance the festive mood. As a bonus, their “Lights, Camera, Holiday!” season will also be in full swing, so after your meal, you can wander through the hotel’s dazzling holiday displays and even go ice skating by the sea.
Fine Dining at Hudson & Nash
Hudson & Nash, the signature restaurant at Hilton San Diego Bayfront, offers a Thanksgiving prix-fixe menu from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., featuring an array of elevated holiday dishes. Guests can start with an Organic Blue Masa Corn Muffin amuse, paired with a Cranberry Spritz. Starters include an Autumn Salad with seasonal fruits and nuts or a Butternut Squash Bisque with a touch of maple. The main courses feature choices such as Cider & Herb Brined Diestel Turkey or Dijon Crusted Smoked Prime Rib, with a delectable finish of Pumpkin Crème Brulée or White Chocolate Cranberry Cheesecake. Priced at $69 per person, this Thanksgiving feast at Hudson & Nash combines sophistication and seasonal warmth.
Upscale Coastal Dining at 20|TWENTY
For a sophisticated Thanksgiving meal in Carlsbad, 20|TWENTY serves a three-course menu with globally inspired and locally sourced dishes. Guests can start with Chicory Greens or Ginger Miso Carrot, and for the main course, options include Citrus Roasted Diestel Turkey with all the seasonal sides, Campbell River Salmon, Prime Rib, or Stuffed Acorn Squash. Desserts like Butter Cake with vanilla bean gelato and Pumpkin Pie with cranberry sorbet round off this upscale holiday experience, priced at $94 per adult.
Wrap Up Your Thanksgiving with a San Diego Twist
San Diego’s restaurant scene truly shines on Thanksgiving, with each venue offering its unique take on holiday dining. Whether you prefer a traditional dinner with a beachside view or a lavish feast in a historic setting, these spots provide everything you need to make your Thanksgiving unforgettable. From the pumpkin pie to the ocean views, spending Thanksgiving in San Diego is about savoring each moment—and each bite.
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