Best Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving Dinner Orange County

21 Best Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving Dinner Orange County – 2024

We all know that Thanksgiving can become quite hectic when all the burden falls on you to prepare the feast, look after the decor, welcome guests, and so on.

But what if I told you an easy way out to enjoy all these things without any of the pressure? Yes, you heard it right.

Check out these Thanksgiving Restaurants Orange County to spend your holiday with the people you love, and enjoy with them instead of being holed up in the kitchen.

You can visit these places for breakfast, lunch, or dinner because they are open the whole day. 

Best Thanksgiving Restaurants Orange County This Year

Once you refer to the list of restaurants open Thanksgiving, you won’t have to make any more last minute plans to go out with no place in mind.

Find the restaurant that suits your taste, and reserve a table because we all know that holidays mean a rush hour in such places.

1. Bayside

Bayside

Why it’s a must-visit?

It’d be a perfect start to Thanksgiving with this restaurant’s harbor view and soft and bright decor, which makes this a cozy and comfortable place. The ambiance of the restaurant is in perfect sync with its spectacular view, breezy and airy. 

There are three dining rooms: the main dining area, the tower room, and the patio. If the weather’s good, their outdoor patio is the perfect place for an intimate and romantic dining experience. Live music in the background will serve as the perfect way to celebrate the holiday. 

Chef’s Choice 

Every dish of theirs has a seasonal touch to it, so during Thanksgiving, you can try their creamy risotto, beet salad, filet mignon, and other delicious dishes to enjoy the full vibe of the holiday.

 You could also try their classic cocktails, such as mimosas that go well with dishes, such as their eggs benedict, chicken breast, etc. They also have an excellent wine selection, if that’s your preference.

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2. Bistango

Bistango

Why it’s a must-visit?

A modern bistro with a sleek finish, a full bar located centrally, and art decor are what describe this place. Its earthy color tones offer a sense of calm and groundedness and enhance its urban setting. 

At night, they have live music that fills the air and accentuates the chill and casual vibe of the restaurant. You can even dine in a private room for more privacy, but reservation is highly recommended. 

Chef’s Choice 

This restaurant offers New American, Contemporary, and California Cuisine with the perfect balance between flavors. Their menu changes seasonally, so you’ll always find something new to try here. 

You should order their Wagyu Beef Ravioli, steaks, or lemon risotto that would leave you licking your fingers and craving for more. Their wine list also offers several excellent options to choose from, and for people on business, a prix fixe two-course menu is available.

Location and Contact

3. Bourbon Steak

Bourbon Steak

Why it’s a must-visit?

Experience open dining like you’ve never before by visiting this restaurant, which offers an elegant yet comfortable vibe, and enables a smooth flow of conversations and laughter. It’s the perfect place to visit with family or friends or even for a date because of its romantic setting. 

Their subtle color scheme also feels refreshing and brightens the entire atmosphere. The view of the ocean offers a calm ambiance and breezy, fresh air to send you into a happy mood. 

Chef’s Choice

Their unique cuisine offers a much-needed break from the usual food. In the beginning, instead of a welcome bread basket, they offer french fries. Their popular steak combines the traditional recipe of the owner with a flavorful twist from the chef. You can also try their caviar parfait or their lobster pot pie, which is absolutely delicious. 

As you come to the end of the meal, taste their banana tarte tatin as dessert. You can also pair their wine with these dishes for an enhanced flavor.

Location and Contact

4. The Capital Grille

The Capital Grille

Why it’s a must-visit?

This restaurant offers a club vibe with its carpeted path, leather booths, Vintage paintings, warm lighting through Victorian-style lamps, and much more. You’ll be taken back a decade or two because of this place’s setting. 

You can visit them any time of the day, but make sure to book a table if you wish to avoid being on the waiting list. They also have a private room feature for those who prefer being away from the crowd. 

Chef’s Choice

Their American cuisine dishes offer a great variety to the customers with their clam chowder, French onion soup, caesar salad, and so on as appetizers. As for the main course, their steak is a must-have, or you could give their bone-in rib eye a try. There are 350 wine varieties to choose from, so choose wisely. 

A hazelnut chocolate cake would be the best choice to end the meal because its beautiful taste would stay with you for a long time.

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5. Five Crowns

Five Crowns

Why it’s a must-visit? 

You’re in for a vintage vibe as soon as you see this place because of its English cottage appearance. However, as they say, don’t judge a book by its cover because its interior is vibrant with a light color scheme and a gorgeous patio for outdoor dining. 

The painting on the walls and the furniture would carry forward the old English era ambiance, but that’s the fun part of Thanksgiving; to go back to your roots or heritage. Honestly, it’s quite a romantic vibe. 

Chef’s Choice 

Their ever-changing seasonal menu offers several excellent dishes, such as beef tenderloin, frito misto, lamb shank, and much more. You’d want to order every item listed on the menu because they’ll all be as delicious as they sound. Their prime rib steals the show, though. 

This restaurant’s dessert menu is also quite extensive, with chocolate souffle, butter cake, and many more options, and how can we complete an English meal without a glass of wine? Choose from their wide variety of wine selections to complement your meal.

Location and Contact

6. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Bar

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Bar

Why it’s a must-visit?

You might have heard of this restaurant because it has franchise in several other cities and countries. But this branch in Newport beach is the first restaurant that was opened in 1998. If you’re in a fun and casual mood, then this is the right place to visit this holiday. 

The ambiance and setting of this restaurant would certainly get you in a festive mood, and you can hang out, enjoy delicious food, and have a drink at the bar. 

Chef’s Choice

The starters at this place include several varieties, such as pork belly, calamari, wedge salad, and so on. But the highlight is their steaks, which are prepared with traditional techniques, and other side dishes. The portions are large and fulfilling. You can even get a seat at the chef’s table and watch the exciting techniques they use while cooking your food. 

You can wash it all down with one of their cocktails or wine that’ll do well with the dishes, and a Newyork style cheesecake would be the perfect way to end the meal on a sweet note.

Location and Contact

7. Seasons 52

Seasons 52

Why it’s a must-visit?

This gorgeous restaurant with warm lighting, a cozy atmosphere, and a chill vibe is exactly what a person looks for when in a festive mood. The place is decorated with plants, lights, and much more, making it quite a stylish place to be. 

Their service and staff is what make the customer’s dining experience even more comfortable. It’s the perfect place to reconnect with your friends and family and spend quality time with them. 

Chef’s Choice

You can never go wrong in ordering any of the meals offered here because everything is scrumptious and flavorful. The menu changes as per the seasons, and all the ingredients are 100% fresh, and their dishes are cooked using techniques such as grilled over an oak fire or roasted in an oven brick to infuse them with authentic flavors and keep them light. 

Their wine menu is quite extensive, and you’ll find most of the best wines in the country here, so take your pick. Since it’s Thanksgiving, their mini pumpkin pie is a must-have, but apart from that, you could also try their salted caramel turtle cheesecake. You can also order takeout.

Location and Contact

8. Benihana

Benihana

Why it’s a must-visit?

Let me just say that you’ll never forget the dining experience and the memories this place offers. You’d be seated at a hibachi grill table as a group where the chef would perform Teppanyaki, an art form of cooking food right in front of you. Isn’t that incredible? 

Watching the cooking process of your order would certainly make your mouth water. Also, the minimalist decor would amaze you even more with its beauty. 

Chef’s Choice

You can choose from the many dishes available on their menu, but we’d recommend trying their steaks and juicy chicken, which would leave you asking for more. This restaurant’s seafood is also quite popular with its freshness and flavorful taste. When you’re dining at a Japanese restaurant, why not try their sushi as well? 

For drinks, they offer cocktails as well as sake, which is a Japanese drink that’d go well with your food. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to visit this place and let yourself be wowed by the talented chefs here.

Location and Contact

9. SOL Mexican Cocina

SOL Mexican Cocina

Why it’s a must-visit? 

This Mexican restaurant is quite warm and welcoming with its illuminating and spacious dining area. The gorgeous and significant wall paintings would capture your attention and add beauty to the whole place, and a candle-lit dinner would complete the entire vibe. 

You can visit this restaurant any time of the day and enjoy the live music as well, which adds even more to the ambiance of the place. 

Chef’s Choice

Since this place is Mexican-inspired, they serve Mexican cuisine, which is fresh, and made from scratch. They offer vegan and vegetarian options as well. Their smoked salmon tostada, short ribs, or one of their famous tacos are also popular among the customers. You’ll also be served complimentary chips as soon as you’re seated.

You can order take out or delivery as well, and their cocktails are the best pair for your dishes, so don’t forget to order one.

Location and Contact

10. Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar

Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar

Why it’s a must-visit? 

A peaceful and serene place to be this Thanksgiving, with the view of the lake, and the interior of the place is quite unique. You’ll be amazed by their decor and the sexy vibe everything exudes. It’ll make you want to visit this place again and again. 

They also have a terrace, which offers a spectacular view, and a bar where you can spend quality time and welcome the holiday. 

Chef’s Choice 

Like this restaurant’s decor, its food also comprises bold flavors and beautiful presentation, and you won’t be able to stop yourself from documenting the memories with photos. You can order their three-course prix fixe menu or anything else from the menu, such as bolognese salmon and much more. 

You must try their affogato for desserts, and as I said, their bar offers excellent cocktail blends that you can sip while waiting for your order.

Location and Contact

11. Wind & Sea

Wind & Sea

Why it’s a must-visit? 

The name of this restaurant is appropriate for a waterfront place, offering a scenic view of the harbor. The water surrounds the place from three sides, so wherever you sit, you’d be greeted with an endless view of the ocean. 

Their outdoor dining is one of the highlights of this place because you can breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the breezy air while relishing delicious food. 

Chef’s Choice 

Since this restaurant is near the ocean, it mainly serves fresh and scrumptious seafood. However, this Thanksgiving, you can relish their traditional holiday feast, including stuffed roasted turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, and so on. For desserts, the classic pumpkin pie is an obvious choice. 

So enjoy your food with a backdrop of the wind & sea, that’d get your holiday spirits high, and you’ll leave this place happy and satisfied.

Location and Contact

12. The Brig

The Brig

Why it’s a must-visit? 

If you’re away from home and are craving a home-cooked meal, then this is the place for you. Its view of the harbor and the gentle breeze would put your mind at peace, and the warm and welcoming environment would make you feel at home. 

The dining area, with comfortable leather seats and flower arrangements along with the rest of the decor, illuminates the place and enhances your dining experience. 

Chef’s Choice 

The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you can either visit them for a cup of coffee or for a proper meal. The Thanksgiving occasion calls for a traditional feast with fried steak, lemon butter chicken, or calamari. 

The highlight of their menu is the homemade desserts, such as bread pudding infused with whiskey sauce or carrot cake, which is the best way to complete a meal with utmost satisfaction.

Location and Contact

13. Hendrix Restaurant and Bar

Hendrix Restaurant and Bar

Why it’s a must-visit? 

One of the favorite restaurants of the locals because of its casual and comfortable ambiance, which allows you to put your feet up, relax, and enjoy the sound of the ocean waves while relishing a flavorful meal. 

You can dine in or order takeout; it’s up to you. But since it’s a holiday, do make a reservation if you plan on visiting the place. The restaurant is open from morning till evening. 

Chef’s Choice 

Be prepared to stuff your stomach to the fullest because their thanksgiving meal would leave no space for you to stop eating. You’ll be served with the appetizers, such as parker house rolls, followed by a side dish to choose from the numerous options available, like butternut squash soup, tuna tartare, and so on. 

You can order an entire roasted turkey, prime rib, or a salmon filet, whatever suits your palate, and then the toughest choice between pies, with pecan and apple pie as options. The kids’ menu is different, and it includes dishes such as mac and cheese, chicken fingers, etc.

Location and Contact

14. Gemmell’s Restaurant

Gemmell’s Restaurant

Why it’s a must-visit?

If you’re in the mood for a taste of the European countryside, then why not visit this gem of a restaurant that offers a lot to its customers with a good ambiance, excellent food, and the best time you’d have ever imagined. 

Their friendly yet professional service and staff make them a top-notch place that you can’t miss out on. 

Chef’s Choice 

Get ready for a savory and appetizing food journey that will satisfy you in every way because you’ll be served a three-course Thanksgiving feast, including your choice of starters, main course, and desserts. 

There are so many options to choose from, so don’t limit yourself, and try new and traditional dishes, both. This meal would be the start of the festivities, and once you eat at this place, you’ll know that the celebrations started on a good note.

Location and Contact

15. The Winery Restaurant and Bar

The Winery Restaurant and Bar

Why it’s a must visit? 

How would you describe wine? Sophisticated, elegant, vibrant color and flavor, right? Well, this restaurant is a blend of all these qualities. They have earned the “Restaurateurs of the Year” award as well. 

They also offer private dining for a more intimate setting, and the hip and casual vibe of the place would make your celebrations even more happy and memorable. 

Chef’s Choice 

Fortunately, this restaurant is open on Thanksgiving, so you can expect to relish smoked salmon, butternut squash bisque, turkey, porkchop, and much more. You can either go for the traditional pumpkin pie or a chocolate cheesecake for dessert.

Their take-home menu also consists of various dishes that are scrumptious even if you eat at home. You can also order a glass of wine or cocktails to go with your dish. 

Location and Contact

Restaurants for Thanksgiving Dinner in Orange County Near Me 

Wouldn’t you agree that dinner time is the best time to go out with your family or friends, explore the city, and finally sit down at an excellent restaurant to satiate your hunger? Here’s a list of restaurants that you can visit that are open specifically during the night to provide you with the best Thanksgiving day celebration. 

16. Las Brisas

Las Brisas

Why it’s a must-visit?

The beauty and popularity of this restaurant lie in its view of the scenic cliff and the Main Beach’s crescent cove. It’s a landmark location for tourists and locals and is the perfect romantic date place where you can go for an intimate dinner while looking at the sea and the stars. 

There are private rooms as well for those who wish to seclude themselves from others, but a reservation is a must, especially during Thanksgiving. 

Chef’s Choice

Thanksgiving dinner should be fulfilling, and that’s what this place promises. You can start with their crab ceviche or white shrimp and then move on to the main course that offers fresh seafood options, such as scallops and much more. 

The desserts include a coconut flan or a berry and vanilla ice cream to complete the meal. Along with this, you can also order mimosas, sparkling wine, and other drinks that are available.

Location and Contact

17. Nova Kitchen and Bar

Nova Kitchen and Bar

Why it’s a must-visit?

A gorgeous restaurant with warm lights and large windows offering a spectacular view of their patio covered with trees, and the city is where you’d want to be this holiday. Beautiful chandeliers adorning the walls add to the place’s elegance and charm. 

It can seat a lot of people due to its grand dining space, and people who reserve a table will get a grace period of 15 minutes. Walk-ins can also visit the restaurant. 

Chef’s Choice

The dishes you order would have a taste of Asian flavors along with an American touch. Your classic dishes would be served with a twist in a completely new manner. So this Thanksgiving, be prepared for a traditional yet modern feast with their pork rib, teriyaki chicken, or their crab roll, which offer a peek into the Asian culture. 

Their extensive menu has a lot to offer, so you can try as many things as you like because it’s called a “feast” for a reason.

Location and Contact

18. Gulliver’s Restaurant

Gulliver's Restaurant

Why it’s a must-visit? 

As soon as you step inside this restaurant, you’d be teleported to 18th century England as it houses several ceramic and glass objects and priceless collections of prints of the Gulliver’s Travels illustrators. 

It’s almost like a museum, but instead of being boring, you’d have a lot of fun at this place and it is perfect for celebrations that are all about remembering your roots. This restaurant’s charm is especially at night with the fireplace, lights, and other Thanksgiving decorations.

Chef’s Choice

You can’t miss out on their slow-roasted beef, which is one of their specialties when you’re here. In addition, their prime steaks are juicy and full of flavors, and the salmon and lamb are also excellent options to order. They serve large portions so that you aren’t disappointed with the meal’s quantity. 

An English trifle is a perfect English dessert option that you must try to be a part of the theme that they offer and enjoy a proper English meal.

Location and Contact

19. Georgia’s Restaurant

Georgia's Restaurant

Why it’s a must-visit?

This family-owned restaurant offers a safe haven in the form of food where your soul would feel satisfied, and you’d certainly be happy with whatever you order. It’s the definition of comfort and peace with its casual atmosphere that feels like home, maybe because of the warm smiles of the staff or the decor and setting of the place.

It’s great for large groups of people who wish to celebrate an occasion, such as Thanksgiving, or those who are just looking for good food and time. 

Chef’s Choice

The best part is that you can pre-order your food to ensure a smooth dining experience. You can try their fried chicken and BBQ ribs and pair them with their popular Jambalaya. They also serve delectable side dishes, like chili mac, potato salad, cornbread, and a lot more variety. 

Their dessert menu is also quite extensive, with Peach Cobbler, Pound Cake, Lemon cake, etc. As I said, soul food is what you can expect at this place.

Location and Contact

20. Fable and Spirit

Fable and Spirit

Why it’s a must-visit?

Just like its name, this place seems like it’s from a fable with its elegant and beautiful interior and the backdrop of the shimmering sea that instantly creates a warm space in your heart. In 2020, it was awarded the “Restaurant of the Year” because of the magical escape it offers its customers. 

If you wish to revel in its beauty, dinner is the right time to visit this place because that’s when you get the full effect of the place, and you’d be left awestruck. 

Chef’s Choice

Their dinner menu includes a great variety of dishes, but we’d recommend you try their Hawaiian blue prawns, smoked short rib, and fable burger. The other options are as delicious as these, so you can order anything from the menu. As for the desserts, their bread pudding would be the perfect partner to your meal and would bring that Thanksgiving spirit in you. 

You can even order takeout, and they’d personally assist you in choosing a beverage, such as a wine or a cocktail, that would suit your palate. Isn’t that amazing?

Location and Contact

Conclusion

That’s all, folks. You can now take your pick from these 20 Thanksgiving Restaurants Orange County that we reviewed and spend a memorable holiday with your family and friends.

There’s a special mention of restaurants that are perfect for night hours, and some of them even offer dinner delivery, so that’s even better.

A thanksgiving dinner, lunch, or breakfast, anything works as long as it’s in a perfect place with the people you love.

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