Looking for the best places for Thanksgiving dinner in San Diego? Whether you want a luxury dining experience, a cozy family-friendly meal, or a gourmet takeout option, this guide has something for everyone. 

San Diego CA is home to a plethora of upscale dining experiences that promise to elevate your Thanksgiving celebration. Picture yourself indulging in a carefully curated menu, surrounded by elegant ambiance and impeccable service. Upscale restaurants in San Diego offer a variety of Thanksgiving menus, including both prix-fixe and a la carte options, making it easy to find something that suits your taste and budget.

This section highlights two standout venues: Lionfish and Covewood, each offering a unique twist on the traditional Thanksgiving feast. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a multi-course meal that showcases the best of California cuisine or prefer a dining experience complemented by stunning skyline views, these San Diego restaurants promise a Thanksgiving meal to remember.

family-brunchimage by AzmanL

Waterfront Views and Resort Ambiance

If you’re looking for beautiful scenery while you dine, these spots offer Thanksgiving with a view. Covewood at Mission Bay Resort serves a traditional holiday menu overlooking the bay. Kona Kai Resort provides a relaxed marina setting that works well for both couples and families. Lionfish at the Pendry Hotel in the Gaslamp adds a modern coastal twist in a stylish atmosphere. Morena Provisions offers take-home Thanksgiving meals if you’d rather pick up gourmet food and enjoy it near the beach or at home.

Family-Friendly and Group-Friendly Options

For families and larger groups seeking an inviting Thanksgiving meal, San Diego offers plenty of thoughtful options where kids and grown-ups alike feel comfortable and welcome. At resorts like Fairmont Grand Del Mar, you’ll find elegant family-style buffets with children’s pricing and activities to keep younger guests engaged. For take-home convenience, spots featured in San Diego’s holiday dining guides, such as Urban Plates, provide complete family-meal packages designed for comfort and ease at home. No matter your group size or age range, these venues help make Thanksgiving in San Diego stress-free, fun, and memorable. 

Budget-Friendly or Take-Home Thanksgiving Meals

If you want to keep things affordable or prefer to skip eating out altogether, these options make the holiday easy. Morena Provisions sells ready-to-heat turkey roulade and short rib meals. Rustic Root offers a to-go Thanksgiving package. Huntress may have earlier lunch seatings that are easier on the wallet. Bleu Bohème serves a three-course French-inspired dinner at a reasonable fixed price.

Upscale and Date-Night Worthy

For a dressed-up Thanksgiving with a gourmet touch, Huntress is known for dishes like truffle jus turkey. Herb and Wood offers a warm and elegant atmosphere with chef-driven sides. Addison in Del Mar, San Diego’s only Michelin three-star restaurant, guests can indulge in a world-class tasting experience that transforms the holiday meal into a work of art. For coastal elegance, JRDN at Tower23 in Pacific Beach pairs a special Thanksgiving dinner with oceanfront views and a sophisticated vibe. Whether you’re celebrating as a couple or just want to savor the season in style, these restaurants promise an unforgettable Thanksgiving evening.

Final Tip

Thanksgiving in San Diego is one of the busiest dining holidays of the year, so reservations are absolutely essential, especially for popular waterfront restaurants and upscale spots offering prix fixe menus. Many venues begin taking bookings as early as October and fill up quickly, so planning ahead can make all the difference. If you’re not sure about your holiday plans yet, consider pre-ordering a take-home feast, it’s one of the best ways to enjoy a chef-prepared meal without the stress of cooking or cleanup. Several local favorites, from resorts to boutique eateries, offer complete Thanksgiving packages with turkey, sides, and desserts ready to heat and serve at home. You’ll still get that festive meal (and maybe even leftovers) without spending the day in the kitchen. Whether you dine out in style or enjoy a cozy meal at home, San Diego’s Thanksgiving dining scene offers something for every appetite and schedule.