Best Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving Dinner San Diego

23 Best Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving Dinner San Diego – 2024

ByKashish Jamal Hashmi

Thanksgiving is around the corner, and it’s time to get into the festive mood. But before that, have you decided whether you’re going to dine in or order take out? Or where are you going to celebrate the holiday? Well, we’ve got you covered.

San Diego offers excellent places to visit during the holidays for a thanksgiving meal, if you’re not in the mood to cook. So check out these Thanksgiving Restaurants San Diego suggestions in this article that are open day and night. Some of them specifically serve dinner. This way, you can check off at least one task from your list.

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Best Thanksgiving Restaurants San Diego This Year

Thanksgiving is the best time of the year, because you can stuff your face with your favorite food. However, the primary issue is “where to eat?” So the restaurants open thanksgiving are mentioned below. You can visit them any time from morning to evening, but with prior booking.

1. 20|Twenty

20|Twenty

Why it’s a must-visit?

Like its name, this restaurant is quite unique with a beautiful view of the Pacific Coastline. It’s located in the quaint and picturesque coastal town of Carlsbad, so its charming vibe adds to your experience at this place.

It offers indoor and outdoor dining, so if the weather’s good, you can sit out on their patio to dine-in. The moment you enter, you’d be engulfed in its romantic ambiance, making it perfect for a date. You can dine here from morning till night.

Chef’s Choice

On Thanksgiving, you can try their pan-seared bass and cabernet-braised short ribs complimented with celery root puree. Vegans can also find meals suiting their preferences. 

Those looking for a more traditional feast can enjoy their slow roasted turkey cornbread stuffing and giblet gravy. Delicious! Your meal is incomplete without desserts, and their pumpkin or chocolate pecan pie is scrumptious, and you can’t miss out on it. 

2. VAGA Restaurant and Bar

VAGA Restaurant and Bar

Why it’s a must-visit?

Your eyes and mouth are in for a treat because of this gorgeous thanksgiving restaurant. Their reservation system is quite effective, so make sure you book a table before going. 

The intimate and classy vibe of this place is everything you’d want for a peaceful thanksgiving celebration. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all available here, so you can go any time of the day to satiate your hunger. Their service is considered top-notch and the oceanic view with your meal is the perfect combination. 

Chef’s Choice 

This restaurant offers a delicious five course meal for the holiday, which makes sure that all your cravings are satisfied. You can expect onion rolls caramelised with honey kosho butter, deviled eggs, and stuffed dates. There are vegan and vegetarian options as well; however, they are limited. 

Other items offered in this meal are the root vegetable croquettes, and turkey roulade with corn and chorizo stuffing. You can even pair this with your preferred wine. 

3. L’Auberge Del Mar

L’Auberge Del Mar

Why it’s a must-visit?

L’Auberge is another sea facing restaurant, which is considered the heart of Del Mar. It overlooks the Pacific Ocean, and is situated in a beautiful coastal village. Your visit to this place would be a memorable one because of their attentive staff, excellent service, and scrumptious food. 

Chef’s Choice

Apart from their juicy traditional turkey, this restaurant also offers Cypress Grove goat cheese and sweet onion tart. If you’re not interested in having Turkey this holiday, then try their Snake River Farms aged prime rib, as an alternative to turkey. 

For desserts, their California Olive Oil cake is a best-seller. There’s also a separate menu for children, so parents don’t need to worry about their child throwing a tantrum. 

4. Coasterra Modern Mexican

Coasterra Modern Mexican

Why it’s a must-visit? 

This restaurant is located on Harbour Island, so people can enjoy the beautiful view of the sea from downtown San Diego to the Coronado Naval Base. It even has outdoor dining on their huge terrace, giving it a romantic vibe. 

The contemporary interior of the restaurant as well as its chic look is what draws the visitors to dine-in here. Their customer service is 10/10, and it’s the best place for large groups. 

Chef’s Choice

Before moving on to the main course, it’d be an excellent choice to order Deb’s Coconut Margarita. All the drinks offered by this restaurant are delicious. For the main course, their carne asada and Maine lobster are the talk of the town. 

Their churros are home-made, and are a must-try. It’s paired with spiced milk chocolate, salted cajeta and strawberry sauces. My mouth’s already watering. Unfortunately, they don’t allow takeout. 

5. Mister A’s

Mister A’s

Why it’s a must-visit?

Let me just say that this restaurant is located on the 12th floor, and nothing can beat the view it offers. You can see everything, from the streets of Hillcrest to the downtown skyline. 

You can’t get over the experience you’ll have here with attentive staff, quick service, and a place perfect for a date, party, hangout with friends, or a family dinner. You can visit this place any time of the day. 

Chef’s Choice 

The highlight of their menu is the Maine lobster “strudel” with Cognac lobster sauce and mushrooms. So you must definitely order this when you visit. Apart from this, their duck confit and duck breast paired with huckleberry sauce and orange reduction, and Cedar River Farms beef duo with béarnaise sauce is a favorite of customers. 

To wash it all down, order one of their top-notch cocktails with a twist on the classics, such as their Thai gimlet infused with Stoli vodka, serrano-infused mango, basil and lime. Their dessert menu offers a strawberry shortcake, salted caramel, and chocolate bar topped with peanut praline crisp, and brown butter popcorn ice cream. 

6. The Prado at Balboa Park

The Prado at Balboa Park

Why it’s a must-visit?

Thanksgiving can become quite hectic, with people coming over or you going over to someone’s house, or maybe spending a day out with your loved ones. So to end the day on a good note as well, eating at this restaurant would be a start. 

The gorgeous interior, and cozy ambiance of this place would make you swoon. There’s indoor and outdoor seating, and the service is quite quick. You won’t regret visiting this beautiful place. 

Chef’s Choice 

Once you look at the menu, you wouldn’t be able to resist ordering their skewers trio, which includes beef, chicken, and shrimp with different flavorful sauces and Asian slaw as appetizers. 

You can order anything from their main course menu, but to feel the festive vibe, order their slow roasted prime rib or paella. As for desserts, who can ignore a mouth-watering cream cheese flan or chocolate whoopee pies covered with toasted pecans, vanilla bean fluff, and bacon-raspberry sauce. 

Afternoon and evening is the perfect time to go over to this place. Do make reservations before visiting. 

7. Urban Plates

Urban Plates

Why it’s a must-visit?

One of the highlights of Urban Plates was their attentive and friendly staff along with quick service. They offer indoor and outdoor seating with a beautiful view of the city. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and would tempt you to visit this restaurant. 

They have modern interiors with a rustic appearance, which exudes a charming vibe. You can come here for any occasion, be it a friendly or romantic date, corporate meetings, etc. 

Chef’s Choice

Thanksgiving is incomplete without turkey, and this place offers one of the best herb roasted, stuffed turkey breast along with gravy, bread, and cranberry sauce. Their a la carte menu also offers other side dishes and main course options. 

Vegans can also rejoice because this restaurant also takes into consideration their preferences, and has a lot of dishes for them as well. They offer lunch and dinner, so make sure you visit them during their working hours. 

8. Island Prime

Island Prime

Why it’s a must-visit?

Who doesn’t enjoy eating food while looking at a breathtaking view? This restaurant offers a view of the city skyline and Coronado. They only offer indoor dining and is the best choice of location for any celebration. However, if you wish to dine outdoors, then their C level restaurant would be the place to go. 

Their interior decor is modern and classy with a blend of glass, dark wood, polished stone, and large windows to offer a panoramic view of the water from everywhere. This place’s charm is 24*7, so you can visit it either in the morning or evening. 

Chef’s Choice 

The holidays call for favorite seasonal dishes, such as Diestel Turkey or Center Cut Filet Mignon. For drinks, Deborah’s Mai Tai would add the right blend of holiday spirit in you. Their lobster tostada, lobster sherry bisque, etc are popular appetizers. However, you could also choose their crusted ahi in a soy caramel, black garlic rice and charred asparagus, etc. 

Desserts include a banana split, which is a combination of chocolate, peanut butter ice cream, and bread pudding. 

9. Giuseppe Restaurant and Fine Dining

Giuseppe Restaurant and Fine Dining

Why it’s a must-visit?

Giuseppe is one of the most highly rated restaurants because of their service, excellent staff, and finger-licking food. They also provide catering service for grand parties, weddings, or any other occasion. 

They are open till evening, so you can visit this place any time of the day. You’re in for a treat once you visit this place. 

Chef’s Choice 

Giuseppe is a reliable source for your thanksgiving a la carte catering. You can order their hors d’oeuvres, turkey dishes, desserts, and much more. The best part is that this restaurant offers turkey of different sizes. 

Gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options are available as well. You can order food from their website this holiday, and relish the Turkey day feast. 

10. George’s at the Cove

George’s at the Cove

Why it’s a must-visit?

A favorite of tourists with their ocean view restaurant in Southern California is a must-visit place this thanksgiving. This restaurant is the one that introduced the concept of a tiered restaurant, and was successful in it. 

Their service is exceptional and you’d have a memorable dining experience here. They offer an open terrace for the best view of the ocean, and you can visit it any  time of the day. 

Chef’s Choice

George’s offers both dine-in and takeout options to its customers. So those who wish to eat at the restaurant can order their roasted turkey with turkey sausage stuffing, and mashed potatoes. This dish is best complemented with roasted Brussel sprouts-apples-onions, gravy and cranberry sauce. A complete thanksgiving feast. 

If you’re ordering takeout, then you must try their turkey sausage stuffing, gravy, as well as pies. Thanksgiving at home can also feel amazing if you have delicious food. 

11. Serea Coastal Cuisine

Serea Coastal Cuisine

Why it’s a must visit?

Enjoy this beautiful restaurant with sophisticated and comfortable ambiance, and a view of the beach. The fresh breeze from the sea, and the gorgeous interior decor is the best way to celebrate thanksgiving. 

They even offer outdoor seating, and nothing can beat that. Their service is also top-notch, and won’t give you any reason to complain. 

Chef’s Choice

This restaurant brings the sea to the table through their exquisite meals and adds a Mediterranean touch to it. For the holiday, they’d be serving a three course prix fixe menu with smoked turkey and white truffle lobster bisque. Desserts are a must, and their pumpkin brulee pie would leave you craving for more. 

If you’re visiting with your family, their menu offers a two pound roasted lobster, butternut squash lasagna, and smoked tri tip roast. So you’re all set to welcome thanksgiving with scrumptious food. 

12. Sea180 Coastal Tavern

Sea180 Coastal Tavern

Why it’s a must-visit?

Another gem with an oceanic view of the Imperial Beach is the best place to celebrate your thanksgiving, and enjoy with your friends, family or loved ones. Outdoor seating is available, and it’s essential to make a reservation before visiting. 

Its classy yet cool vibe is the perfect combination to relish your food, and have a gala time. It can entertain large groups as well. You can visit either for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Private dining is also available for those who prefer an intimate setting. 

Chef’s Choice 

Visiting a restaurant during a holiday is one of the best parts of the occasion because of the festive feast. Similarly, for thanksgiving, Sea180 offers a three course meal including turkey roasted in the oven, sea scallops, beef short ribs, etc. 

Vegans and vegetarians can also find excellent food options here. You can also order anything from their menu for takeout. 

13. The Grant Grill

The Grant Grill

Why it’s a must-visit?

This restaurant is rich with history, since it was established in 1951 and has continued to offer excellent ambiance and food to the customers. It’s the kind of place that you’d want to be seen at because of its popularity, and traditional touch. 

This upscale restaurant has live music, and private dining, and is excellent for large groups as well. Their white banquet with sleek, and modern decor accentuates its beauty. It’s open from morning till evening, so visit it as per your convenience. 

Chef’s Choice

The Grant Grill houses a rooftop garden from where they source most of the ingredients for their dishes. Their cocktails are also an exceptional blend of delicious flavors, especially El Popeye, and The US Grant Centennial Manhattan cocktails. 

They offer an a la carte menu with uni atop angel hair pasta to an excellently cooked beef tenderloin. Their desserts are scrumptious with options such as s’mores, and Tahitian Squash Cake topped with Amaretto ice cream. They also offer a brunch menu. 

14. The Med

The Med

Why it’s a must-visit? 

This spacious restaurant offers three dining room options:

  1. A street-facing patio
  2. A dining room with large windows giving a view of the Pacific Ocean
  3. A terrace overlooking the ocean  

Its classy ambiance with an excellent view serves perfect holiday goals. Their staff is friendly and the service is quick. It’d be great if you reserve a table beforehand. 

Chef’s Choice 

The Med offers New American Cuisine and Thanksgiving is all about trying traditional dishes with a modern twist. You can try their local lobster Benedict, Angus burger, mushroom soup, etc. 

They also craft their own cocktails, as well as classics. You can also pair your food with an amazing selection of wines. Vegan and vegetarian options are also available on their menu. 

15. San Diego Mission Bay Resort

San Diego Mission Bay Resort

Why it’s a must-visit?

This indoor/outdoor restaurant overlooking the Pacific Ocean offers a serene, and gorgeous view while dining. You’d get the full package of a beachy vibe with sun, sand, and the sea breeze. 

They offer three dining options, all of them offering a waterfront view. You can dine here any time of the day, and unwind. 

Chef’s Choice

Thanksgiving is quite a huge celebration at this resort, as they go full out with the festivities. You can opt for their three course meal with Diestel turkey, and butternut squash bisque, and for those with a sweet tooth, a bourbon pecan pie tart is the perfect way to end your meal. 

Your palate will feel blessed once they taste the delicious dishes this place has to offer. 

16. Parc Bistro Brasserie

Parc Bistro Brasserie

Why it’s a must-visit? 

This restaurant is open the whole day, and is a well known French restaurant offering the best service. You can also book a private dining room for small or large parties. The ambiance of the place is also top-notch with a relaxed atmosphere to help you enjoy the food and company of others.

Their warm hospitality and commitment to providing the best dining experience to people makes it a worthy suggestion for thanksgiving. 

Chef’s Choice

The highlight of this restaurant is their French dishes and seafood, which is made from fresh and organic ingredients. The baguette and other items are made from scratch every day. For the holiday, they offer a three course prix fixe menu, and you can taste their famous lamb cassoulet, wild mushroom ravioli, and the pumpkin mascarpone pie as a sweet dish. 

Pair it with their mouth-watering shrimp cocktail, and you’re all set. You’d leave with a satisfied smile, wishing to come back again.

San Diego Restaurants for Thanksgiving Dinner

17. Bleu Boheme

Bleu Boheme

Why it’s a must-visit?

If you prefer an indoor dining space, then this restaurant is perfect. It has stone walls, and dim lighting, with a candlelight dinner for every table. As for the service, you won’t have to wait for long for the food to arrive and the staff is also friendly and experienced. 

The lively scene at the bar, and the decor would teleport you to the French era. The restaurant is spacious, even if it’s in a darker setting. This restaurant is open only for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday. 

Chef’s Choice 

Those who are in favor of mixing it up a little this Thanksgiving should definitely try their coq au vin, which is typically known as the peasant chicken. Another time on the menu worth ordering is the wine dish with salty bacon and caramelized onions. 

Instead of the traditional turkey feast, why not replace it with the Filet mignon? In addition, the restaurant offers three different sauces to relish this dish. Following their French heritage, the dessert options you should choose from are profiteroles, or chocolate mousse. You can pair these dishes with the best French wine. 

18. Et Voila

Et Voila

Why it’s a must-visit?

This bistro exudes French vibes, and is perfect for a dinner date. Its vibrant and modern decor offers a perfect dining experience, and their service as well as their food makes it a worthy find. 

Outdoor seating is also available here, and the right time to visit this place is at night. They also offer private dining, but it’d be wise to make a reservation beforehand. 

Chef’s Choice

Let’s start with their famous cocktails, such as Lillet rose apéritif or maple-thyme Old Fashioned with walnut bitters, which are one of the best blends this place offers. Since it’s Thanksgiving, you must order their ravioli aux champignons, homemade pillowy pasta with white truffle oil, and port wine mushroom sauce. Trust me, you wouldn’t feel like sharing this dish. 

You could also go for the classics, such as escargots, duck confit or coq au vin. This restaurant has a lot to offer with its French onion soup, chestnut gnocchi and yam mousseline, etc. However, they don’t offer dinner delivery at home. 

19. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar

Why it’s a must-visit? 

This restaurant is a popular food chain, which has two branches in San Diego. Its lively ambiance and the casual vibe is perfect for a friend’s hangout, or a family picnic. 

You’d be happy with their service as well, and you should visit this place during dinner time because that’s when you get the full effect of its beauty. Moreover, since it’s a steakhouse, that makes it perfect for the thanksgiving holiday. 

Chef’s Choice 

This steakhouse offers a wide variety of dishes, which includes iceberg wedges with blue cheese dressing, deep fried calamari paired with lemon dipping sauce, etc. The name of the restaurant indicates the heavy influence of steak here. Therefore, you can find everything from filets, rib-eyes to New York strips. 

But that’s not the only thing it serves, as they also have pork, chicken and some seafood options as well. Pair these with your favorite wine, and voila, your taste buds would thank you. 

20. Cardellino

Cardellino

Why it’s a must-visit? 

This Italian American restaurant can house several people and entertain large groups as well. They also offer private dining and takeout. Indoor and covered outdoor seating is available, so you can choose a table as per your preference. 

Their interior would leave you awestruck, and it’d add more to your experience here while dining. Visiting here at night time for dinner would be a good decision. 

Chef’s Choice 

The chef at this place is popular for his experimental dining, and the food offers some bold flavors, with simple ingredients. But since it’s the holiday, you must order their turkey, herb bouquet, millionaires potato, red beet salad, roasted vegetables, and so on. 

For desserts, their snickerdoodle swirl ice cream, roasted banana bread loaf and 12 ounces of Trust whole bean coffee is the most ordered dessert at this restaurant. So if you’re planning on visiting this place on Thanksgiving, then their pre-order for the take home feast has begun.

21. Callie

Callie

Why it’s a must-visit?

Callie means “the most beautiful” and that is the right way to describe this restaurant. It has a romantic yet classy vibe, and can host large groups of people. Their service is impeccable, and is in the perfect location in the East Village. 

Reservation is a must, though if you wish to get a table here. Also, dining here at night adds more to its beauty.

Chef’s Choice

There are only a few days left for thanksgiving, and Callie has already started planning their family style spread. You can never get anything better than their Diestel turkey with Tuscan sage sausage, and brown butter cranberry sauce. But that’s not all, they also offer vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian options in their menu as well. 

You can also enjoy their braised Moroccan lamb shank with apricots, almonds, and cilantro, and complete this meal with a pumpkin cheesecake mousse. Their Mediterranean cuisines offer a flavorful experience to the customers. Before leaving, you’d be gifted a leftover turkey sandwich, isn’t that amazing? 

22. Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse

Why it’s a must-visit?

To get the full effect of the San Diego Bay, visit this restaurant perched at the second floor for the best view. Imagine having dinner with a view of the sea. This restaurant is classy and upscale, so it’s perfect for special occasions, such as thanksgiving. 

Reservations are available at this place, and it’d be wise to book a table beforehand. Fridays and Saturdays are the best nights here, so try to visit during that time, if possible. 

Chef’s Choice

As the name suggests, this steakhouse is all about USDA Prime Steaks, and the chefs here follow the age-old recipe of the owner Ruth. However, there are other dishes as well that this place serves, such as chicken, veal chops, lamb, Maine lobster, ahi, and a variety of salads. 

You can enjoy their side dishes, which includes creamed spinach, mashed, fried, and baked potatoes, etc. Wine always compliments these dishes, so order one right away. 

23. Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine

Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine

Why it’s a must-visit? 

This restaurant takes seafood to another level with its two story place, and beautiful view. The decor of the place is modern with natural lighting, and is quite welcoming. The ambiance is lively and vibrant, which would give you major holiday feels. 

You can even choose private dining for an intimate experience. The best time to visit them is in the evening because they are popular for their night life. 

Chef’s Choice 

Even though this restaurant mainly serves seafood, it still has quite a unique take on Thanksgiving feast. If you’re in favor of trying something new, then go for their fried turkey and waffles with wild turkey maple syrup. Also, their experienced mixologists create handcrafted cocktails that are a must-try. 

Their food includes seasonal ingredients with a twist. Even their desserts are unconventional, such as a pumpkin roll brimming with pumpkin cream cheese and abuelita chocolate sauce and spiced pepitas on top. Their fresh and flavorful dishes are an excellent choice this holiday. 

Conclusion

Don’t wait till the last minute to find a good Thanksgiving Restaurant San Diego because they’ll soon be full as the holiday approaches. So make a booking right away in any one of the gorgeous places listed above, be it for lunch or dinner, and enjoy Turkey day without any hassle with your family, friends or loved ones.

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