14 California Dining Destinations Offering Warm Delicious Thanksgiving Celebrations
Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones and enjoying a delicious meal without the stress of cooking everything yourself.
California offers incredible dining destinations where you can celebrate the holiday with professionally prepared feasts that taste amazing. From elegant hotel restaurants to cozy neighborhood spots, these places take care of everything so you can focus on making memories with family and friends.
1. The Sea by Alexander’s Steakhouse – Palo Alto
When you want restaurant-quality food at home, this Palo Alto spot delivers the perfect solution. The Sea by Alexander’s Steakhouse offers a complete take-home Thanksgiving feast centered around a magnificent 7-pound prime rib that arrives seasoned and par-cooked.
You’ll get everything needed for an impressive dinner, including rich au jus, tangy horseradish, crisp Caesar salad, creamy mashed potatoes, indulgent mac and cheese, and your choice of creamed spinach or sautéed mushrooms. All you have to do is finish cooking the prime rib at home following their simple instructions.
Remember to place your order by November 22 to secure this premium feast. It’s an excellent option if you prefer celebrating at home with elevated cuisine.
2. MacArthur Park – Palo Alto
Are you someone who loves variety during holiday meals? MacArthur Park’s ‘Buffet at the Park’ gives you incredible options to satisfy every craving.
Their carving station features prime rib, turkey, and salmon, so everyone finds something they love. Beyond the proteins, you’ll discover fresh salads, tempting appetizers, barbecued chicken, ribs, butternut squash ravioli, and classic sides like mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and stuffing. Save room for the dessert selection that rounds out this feast beautifully.
Pricing is family-friendly at $65 per adult and $45 for kids twelve and under. Kids under three eat completely free, making this an affordable choice for families with little ones who want a stress-free Thanksgiving celebration.
3. Quattro at Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley – East Palo Alto
Luxury meets tradition at this Four Seasons restaurant where Thanksgiving becomes an all-day celebration. From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Quattro serves slow-roasted turkey with chestnut stuffing and pumpkin pie that honors the holiday perfectly.
What sets this experience apart is the sophisticated beverage program featuring a Pom Citrus Sparkler cocktail and a Champagne station that adds sparkle to your celebration. The elegant atmosphere makes you feel pampered while enjoying classic holiday flavors prepared by talented chefs.
Expect to pay $185 per adult, or $250 if you add the cocktail and wine pairing that elevates each course. Children’s plates are $60, making this a special-occasion destination for families wanting unforgettable Thanksgiving memories.
4. Harry’s Hofbrau – Redwood City
If you appreciate straightforward, hearty meals without fancy complications, Harry’s Hofbrau delivers exactly that. This Redwood City spot offers a set Thanksgiving meal that includes hand-carved turkey or ham as your protein choice.
Your plate comes loaded with mashed potatoes, stuffing, vegetables, gravy, a fresh roll, and cranberry sauce that brings everything together. Every meal includes a carvery salad and finishes with a slice of pie for dessert, giving you the complete traditional experience.
Available for both dine-in and takeout from noon to 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, this option costs just $30.95 per person. It’s one of the most budget-friendly ways to enjoy a full holiday meal without cooking or cleaning up afterward.
5. Scratch – Mountain View
How often do you get to customize your entire Thanksgiving dinner from appetizer through dessert? Scratch in Mountain View offers a prix fixe menu with remarkable choices at every course.
Start with chicory pear salad, roasted chestnut soup, chicken liver mousse, or deviled eggs before moving to entrees like roasted turkey, filet mignon, salmon mojo, five-spice duck breast, roasted cauliflower, or squash and barley stew. Finish with pumpkin pie, warm apple quince crisp, or caramel pecan cheesecake that satisfies any sweet tooth.
Optional add-ons include oysters, Brussels sprouts, green bean casserole, and pureed sweet potatoes. This flexibility means vegetarians, seafood lovers, and traditional turkey fans all leave happy and satisfied with their personalized holiday experience.
6. Iberia Restaurant – Belmont
Did you know Thanksgiving can have international flair while keeping traditional elements? Iberia Restaurant in Belmont serves family-style Thanksgiving with Spanish influences that create something truly special.
Their menu features turkey prepared two ways oven roasted and Cava braised alongside chorizo, sage and onion stuffing that adds unexpected flavor. You’ll also enjoy brandied mushroom and ham broth bisque, mixed lettuces with cornbread croutons, sweet potato and celery root gratin, mushroom and wild rice pilaf, and green beans.
Dessert choices include bread pudding with chocolate, pumpkin strudel, or baked custard. At $82 per person, $28 for children under twelve, and free for kids under five, this fusion feast offers memorable flavors. They also provide take-home meal options.
7. Lelé Kitchen – Los Gatos
It’s not every day you encounter Thanksgiving classics blended with Eastern European cuisine, but that’s exactly what makes Lelé Kitchen unforgettable. This Los Gatos restaurant creates a curated holiday menu available from noon to 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.
Sommelier Fedar Kamkou personally selects wines that complement each dish, creating perfect pairings that enhance the unique flavors. The fusion of American holiday traditions with Eastern European flair results in dishes you won’t find anywhere else, making this celebration feel fresh and exciting.
Pricing ranges from $49 to $158 per person depending on your menu selections and wine pairings. This wide range accommodates different budgets while maintaining the restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients and creative cooking techniques.
8. Farmhouse Inn Restaurant – Forestville
Sonoma County’s wine country provides the perfect backdrop for an intimate Thanksgiving celebration. Farmhouse Inn Restaurant offers a farm-to-table experience where ingredients come from nearby farms and producers who care about quality.
Their chefs prepare turkey and seasonal vegetables that showcase California’s incredible agricultural bounty during autumn. The rustic yet refined atmosphere makes you feel like you’re celebrating at a friend’s beautiful countryside estate rather than just another restaurant.
Reservations fill quickly because locals know this hidden gem delivers exceptional food and warm hospitality. The combination of outstanding cuisine, local wines, and the inn’s charming setting creates memories that last long after the holiday ends. Check their website early to secure your spot for this year’s celebration.
9. The Plumed Horse – Saratoga
Though this Saratoga restaurant might sound like a whimsical name, The Plumed Horse takes Thanksgiving seriously with Michelin-level culinary expertise. Their multi-course tasting menu transforms traditional holiday dishes into artistic creations.
Each plate arrives beautifully presented with attention to color, texture, and flavor combinations that surprise and delight your palate. You’ll taste familiar Thanksgiving ingredients prepared using techniques that elevate them far beyond ordinary holiday cooking.
The intimate dining room seats limited guests, ensuring personalized service throughout your meal. Wine pairings selected by their knowledgeable staff complement each course perfectly. Expect to invest significantly in this experience, but food enthusiasts consider it worthwhile for the exceptional quality and creativity displayed in every single bite and presentation detail.
10. Nepenthe Restaurant – Big Sur
Where else can you enjoy Thanksgiving dinner while watching waves crash against dramatic coastal cliffs? Nepenthe Restaurant in Big Sur offers breathtaking Pacific Ocean views that make your holiday meal absolutely unforgettable.
Their Thanksgiving menu features roasted turkey with all the traditional accompaniments, but the real star is the spectacular scenery visible from nearly every table. The outdoor terrace lets you feel the ocean breeze while savoring each bite of your holiday feast.
Big Sur’s remote location means you should plan ahead for accommodations if you’re traveling from afar. The journey along Highway 1 is scenic but winding, so allow extra time. Despite the effort required to reach this destination, countless visitors return year after year for this magical combination of nature and cuisine.
11. Lawry’s The Prime Rib – Beverly Hills
Are you a prime rib enthusiast who wants that as your Thanksgiving centerpiece instead of turkey? Lawry’s in Beverly Hills has been famous for their roasted prime rib since 1938, and they bring that expertise to their holiday celebration.
Servers wheel gleaming silver carving carts right to your table, slicing perfectly cooked beef to your preferred thickness while you watch. Traditional Thanksgiving sides accompany the prime rib, along with their legendary spinning salad bowl that’s been a signature since the restaurant opened.
The old-school elegance and theatrical tableside service create a sense of occasion that feels special for the holiday. Families with multiple generations often choose Lawry’s because everyone appreciates the timeless quality and reliable excellence they’ve maintained for decades.
12. The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa Restaurant – Riverside
Historic architecture surrounds you at this Riverside landmark where Thanksgiving takes on special grandeur. The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa Restaurant serves holiday dinner in spaces adorned with stunning Spanish Colonial Revival details and seasonal decorations.
Their traditional Thanksgiving buffet includes carved turkey, ham, seasonal sides, and desserts that satisfy every preference. The hotel’s famous Festival of Lights begins around Thanksgiving, meaning you can enjoy millions of twinkling lights after your meal while strolling the grounds.
Families often make this an overnight experience, booking rooms to fully enjoy the decorations and avoid driving after dinner. The combination of excellent food, beautiful surroundings, and festive atmosphere creates a complete holiday experience. Reservations for both dining and accommodations should be made well in advance.
13. Balboa Bay Resort – Newport Beach
If you prefer celebrating Thanksgiving with waterfront views and coastal breezes, Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach delivers exactly that experience. Their restaurant overlooks the harbor where yachts bob gently while you enjoy your holiday meal.
The menu balances traditional Thanksgiving favorites with California coastal influences, incorporating fresh seafood options alongside turkey and classic sides. Floor-to-ceiling windows ensure every seat offers views of the sparkling water and boats passing by throughout your celebration.
Southern California’s mild November weather often allows for comfortable outdoor dining on their patio. The resort atmosphere feels relaxed yet refined, perfect for families wanting a less formal holiday experience. Consider extending your celebration with a post-dinner walk along the nearby beach or harbor boardwalk under the stars.
14. Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa – Rancho Santa Fe
When you want Thanksgiving to feel like a complete getaway, Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa in Rancho Santa Fe provides luxury accommodations paired with outstanding holiday dining. Their restaurant serves a gourmet Thanksgiving menu featuring locally sourced ingredients prepared with California creativity.
The resort’s tennis courts, spa facilities, and beautiful grounds give families activities before and after the meal. Many guests book casitas for the entire weekend, transforming Thanksgiving into a mini-vacation that removes all stress from the holiday.
San Diego’s pleasant November climate makes outdoor dining possible, letting you enjoy your feast surrounded by rolling hills and Mediterranean-style landscaping. Though prices reflect the resort’s five-star status, guests consistently praise the exceptional service and attention to detail that makes this splurge feel worthwhile.
