Are you searching for the best restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego? Well, you’ve come to the right place!
If you don’t feel like cooking at home this year, you might be looking for the best restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego.
Not all of us have the time (or cooking skills!) to cook up a big Thanksgiving dinner at home, so knowing which restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego is a great idea if you fancy eating out instead.
Or maybe you’re currently visiting San Diego as a tourist, and you don’t have a kitchen in your hotel room / AirBnB.
Whatever the reason, don’t panic! There are plenty of restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego to enjoy on the day!
So, let’s get into it!
Please note: Things are always subject to change, especially in hospitality. Please always double-check directly with the restaurant, just in case their hours or menu has changed since the time of writing.
Here are our favorite restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego!
20|Twenty
To kick off our list of restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego, we have 20|Twenty Grill and Wine Bar.
This restaurant offers a seriously delicious prix-fixe menu that’s packed with glorious picks like pan-seared bass, cabernet-braised short ribs, and a host of delicious desserts (chocolate pecan pie, anyone?!).
This is one of the most popular restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego, as it’s renowned throughout the city for its coastal dishes, locally-sourced ingredients, and elegant dining area.
As a result, I’d say that this is one of the restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego that you’ll want to call ahead for.
Oh, and did we mention their incredible cocktail menu that rotates throughout the year? It’s bound to elevate your Thanksgiving dinner, so don’t be afraid to ask your waiter for the list!
VAGA Restaurant & Bar
Another one of our favorite restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego is VAGA Restaurant and Bar.
Owned and run by chef Claudette Zepeda, this incredible spot is the perfect place to visit for a five-course prix-fixe menu this Thanksgiving. It’s pricey at ~$135 per person, but it’s well worth the investment.
This is also one of the restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego that offers wine pairings. I’d say it was worth it if you’ve got the cash to splash, but don’t worry otherwise!
As soon as you arrive, you’ll be enchanted by the cozy décor, waterfront views, and stellar service.
But you’ll be equally blown away by the caramelized onion rolls (a ridiculously decadent way to start a Thanksgiving feast!), the stuffed dates, and the incredible turkey roulade.
It’s a fantastic choice for restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego!
Read more about Thanksgiving: 15 restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Dallas
Adelaide
If you’re on the hunt for restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego that boasts an incredible menu, reasonably-priced prix-fixe menu, and delicious local ingredients, then you can’t go wrong with Adelaide.
This has always been one of our favorite restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego, as the owners pride themselves on using ingredients like Snake River Farms aged prime rib and Cypress Grove goat’s cheese in their specialist menu.
The bougie ingredients truly elevate each dish, and it explains why this is one of the restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego that’s always booked out.
Although adults will have to shell out $85 per person, you’ll save if you’re visiting with kiddos – they only pay $45 for three courses!
So, this is one of the restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego that can save you some serious dough.
Read more about Thanksgiving: 20 amazing restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Seattle!
ARLO
If you’re looking for restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego, check out ARLO for a multi-course menu that’ll make your mouth water.
This place is known for serving delicious takes on traditional Thanksgiving goodies, and you’ll find everything from bleu cheese gougére amuse to smoked turkey meatballs on the menu here.
We’d say that this was among the best restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego when it comes to affordability. Adults will pay ~$65 for their multi-course dinner, which we feel is a steal for a high-class meal.
Read more about exploring San Diego: 38 fun things to do in San Diego at night!
Urban Plates
Next on our list of the best restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego? It’s Urban Plates!
This is one of the restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego that has been popular for years, as it offers excellent takeout and dine-in options for families.
You can expect to find classic dishes like herb-roasted turkey breast, cranberry relish, and bread in your basket, but you can add to your feast with their a la carte menu.
Although the takeaway basket is great, this is one of the restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego that’s gorgeous and modern, and budget friendly too.
So, we recommend nabbing a reservation and enjoying the large windows and high ceilings if you’re able to.
Read more about San Diego: 15 restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Diego
Cardellino
Cardellino is among the most popular restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego, and it offers an amazing take-home feast that any family will appreciate.
The menu serves between 6 and 8 people (depending on how hungry you are!) and includes a free-range turkey, beet salad, potatoes, root vegetables, stuffing, and several desserts.
The banana bread loaf and snickerdoodle swirl ice cream are heavenly together – just FYI.
Although it’ll set you back $325, it’s worth the investment.
And hey, you’ve got to pay for convenience when you’re searching for restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego!
Read more about Thanksgiving: 21 fast food restaurants open on Thanksgiving!
Callie
Callie is tucked away in the East Village, and it will always be one of our favorite restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego.
This place is known for its family-friendly spread that usually includes an enormous heritage turkey, sage sausage, pumpkin ravioli, ricotta salad, and an amaretti crumble to finish.
You can expect wonderful flavors and a pleasant atmosphere here, and you’ll even get to take a turkey sandwich home to enjoy for dinner.
Coming in at ~$80 for adults and ~$35 for kids 10 and under, we think this is one of the restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego that offers great value for money.
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
If you’re looking for kid-friendly restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego, consider the search over with Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa.
This place is famous for its delicious Thanksgiving Brunch, and kids under 5 dine FREE. Don’t worry though – if you have older kids, their age is what you’ll pay!
It’s a great deal, and you’ll be able to chow down on Thanksgiving favorites, French toast, and fresh eggs as you take in the glorious garden views around you.
It’s easy to see why it’s one of the best restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego, right?
Read more about Thanksgiving food: What do you eat on Thanksgiving Day?
Mongolian Hot Pot
We’re all about having a traditional turkey dinner around the holidays, but why not try something different this year?
Mongolian Hot Pot is one of the most unique restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego, and it’s usually open for lunch and dinner on Turkey Day.
Their holiday menu is like their usual fare, and you’ll find a wonderful selection of fresh veggies, handmade noodles, soup broths, and premium proteins on offer.
If you don’t feel like dining in, this is one of the restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego with a stellar takeout option – score!
Read more San Diego inspiration: 45 truly unique things to do in San Diego!
Bub’s @ the Beach
If you haven’t found any restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego that tickle your fancy, why not try Bubs @ the Beach?
It may be a touch unconventional, but this place offers one of the most affordable Thanksgiving dinners in town.
For just $12, you’ll get a mega-serving of turkey, mashed potatoes, dinner rolls, and cranberry sauce. You’ll only get one plate during your visit, but it’s enough – we swear.
This is one of the restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego that allows you to dine-in or grab takeout, so don’t worry if you want to enjoy your dinner with PJs at home!
Read more about Thanksgiving: 17 restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Chicago
Pacific Beach Ale House & Backyard Kitchen Tap
Pacific Beach Ale House & Backyard Kitchen Tap is one of the ultimate restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego. Seriously, it never disappoints.
Not only will you get a three-course Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings, but the price is almost unbeatable.
You can dine in for ~$31.95 per person or grab a family to-go hamper for anywhere between $149.95 and $195.95 (it depends on the size; in case you were wondering!).
Offering everything from classic roast turkey to creamy mashed potatoes and cranberry jelly, this is one of the restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego that never disappoints.
Herb & Wood
When it comes to the best restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego, no list is complete without mention of Herb & Wood.
Although it’s on the pricey side, it’s one of the best restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego if you’re looking for an elevated experience and interesting ingredients.
You’ll spend your time chowing down on melt-in-your-mouth shortbread before diving into any of their three signature pies. In case you were wondering, the pumpkin pie with chai ice cream is a winner.
Seriously, it’s a major reason that this place made it onto our list of the best restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego!
Read more about San Diego: Top 20 best restaurants in San Diego with a view!
Ranch 45
Okay, so we couldn’t create a list of the best restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego without mentioning Ranch 45!
This place is incredibly cool, and the dishes are almost too good to eat. Yep, almost.
What makes this one of the more unique restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego is the customizable menu.
While many restaurants offer a single main course or dessert, this place offers you the choice of Cornish game hen, prime rib, or turkey. So, you can craft your perfect dinner from scratch!
The meats may be the main event, but this spot made our list of the best restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego because of its desserts.
With everything from apple crisp to classic pecan pie on offer, you’re guaranteed to be rolling yourself home. No regrets.
Read more about San Diego: 24 things to do in Old Town, San Diego
Cafe Sevilla
If you adore open kitchens, reasonable prices, and seriously good food, then you’ll adore everything that Café Sevilla has to offer.
As you might have guessed from its name, this is among the top Spanish restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego. So, although you can expect a few classic dishes, they’ll each be served with a twist.
We’re partial to the turkey served with Black Forest ham, but you might appreciate the sinful cinnamon ginger whip that tops the homemade pumpkin pie.
Whatever you order, you’re unlikely to begrudge paying $49.50 per person for the privilege!
STK Steakhouse
The final place on our list of the best restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego had to be STK Steakhouse.
You can either dine in or head out with a takeout hamper, but you won’t feel short-changed by either choice. I mean, there’s a reason this place has a reputation for being one of the finest restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego!
While you’re here, you’ll dig into thyme-seasoned turkey thighs, sauteed green beans, and delicious Yukon mashed potatoes with a sinful parmesan crust.
Although this is one of the restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego that charges for dessert (criminal, we know), the spiced pumpkin pie is worth the additional charge.
Overall, expect to pay ~$59 per person to dine in or ~$119 for their two-person takeout deal.
Read more about San Diego: Top 20 places for Mexican food in San Diego
We hope this list of restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego has been helpful! And you discovered some delicious places to visit!
Which of these restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego would you like to eat at?
Read more about San Diego: 26 things to do alone in San Diego
