• Posted byby Elle-Rose
  • 5 minute read

Are you on the hunt for restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Santa Barbara, California? Join me as I run through the best options for the entire family!

Have you been trying to pin down restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Santa Barbara, California for the holidays this year? Maybe (like me) you don’t fancy spending the day in the kitchen, and you’d rather someone else do the hard work!

Never fear, as I’m here to find you some wonderful restaurants that are open on Thnaksgiving in the Santa Barbara area.

From fine dining spots to authentic Italian joints, you’ll hopefully find something you can’t wait to try.

The Thanksgiving vibes are in full swing!

Here’s a helpful map of the restaurants listed below:

Caruso’s

Image credit: rosewoodhotels.com

First up on my list of restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Santa Barbara, California, it’s Caruso’s!

You’ll find this spot inside the Rosewood Miramar Beach and it serves an incredible prix-fixe menu. And from Master Chef Massimo Falsino, no less!

This is one of the restaurants on my list that serves both brunch and dinner.So, you can just pop along when it suits you.

You can expect classic holiday goodies (think turkey and mashed potatoes!), but everything has a slight Italian flair.

Convivo

Image credit: convivorestaurant.com

Convivo has been a popular pick for restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Santa Barbara, California for years.

Not only do you get your pick of a three or four-course Thanksgiving feast, but you can even pick your meat of choice. Short ribs, beef, roasted turkey – the choice is entirely yours!

And that’s just the start of what makes this one of the best restaurants on this list.

When you throw in the almond crumble, pumpkin tarts, and ice cream, you’ll truly have a Thanksgiving feast on your hands! It’s pricey, but I think it’s worth shelling out for.

Stonehouse Restaurant

Image credit: sanysidroranch.com

Next up on my list of the best restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Santa Barbara, California – it’s Stonehouse Restaurant!

This spot is super fine dining chic and even boasts a seasonal garden packed with herbs and spices.

As you’ll be getting a four-course meal, you’ll also want to make sure you’re arriving hungry! You’ll still be getting a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings at Stonehouse.

But look out for the fresh, local ingredients and fine dining flair with the plating – it’s all in the details!

Cold Spring Tavern

Image credit: coldspringtavern.com

You can’t beat Cold Spring Tavern. It’s a great spot for a hearty Thanksgiving dinner, but it’s almost impossible to arrive as a walk-up guest. So, booking is essential here.

Now we’ve got that out of the way, let’s look at the food!

The prix-fixe Thanksgiving menu usually includes turkey and prime rib, but there’s also a pescatarian option.

And for sides, expect to find corn chowder, mashed potatoes, green beans, and all the fixings.

It’s one of the mid-range restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Santa Barbara, and comes in at under $100 per adult.

This makes it a decent option for larger families that want a high-end experience without going fine dining.

Bouchon

Image credit: bouchonsantabarbara.com

Serving gorgeous Central Coast cuisine, it’s the perfect place to visit for local goodies. And during the holidays, things get even better.

Bouchon serves a three-course feast that includes roast turkey, marbled Yukon mashed potatoes, and candied yams.

Oh, and a pretty upscale turkey confit sourdough stuffing, of course!

Keep your eye out for a savory pan gravy and a seasonal compote too – they just add to the magic.

Finch & Fork

Image credit: finchandforkrestaurant.com

Finch & Fork might have a funky name. But it’s worth checking out, I promise. It specializes in upscale American grub that’s prepared fresh each day by its super-skilled team of chefs.

And you can TELL.

From the glazed pork belly to the filet mignon and candied yams, everything here screams upscale.

Plus, you can finish your dining experience with an indulgent slice of pecan or pumpkin pie.

Talk about the perfect Turkey Day at one of the best restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Santa Barbara, California!

Ca’Dario

Image credit: finchandforkrestaurant.com

If you’re on the hunt for restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Santa Barbara, California, then you’ll adore Ca’Dario.

It typically serves a four-course meal with turkey and all the fixings.

But you’ll also get to sample Italian favorites and sides with a bit of a holiday-inspired twist.

They change slightly year on year, but you canexpect beautifully glazed meat to make an appearance!

Louie’s California Bistro

Image credit: www.louiescalbistro.com

Louie’s California Bistro belongs on any list of restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Santa Barbara, California.

It’s tucked inside the very posh Upham Hotel (the oldest operating hotel in the state, BTW!). So, you can expect stunning high ceilings, bougie balconies, and incredible architecture around every corner.

When it comes to the dinner, you should expect soups and salads along with roasted turkey,

And don’t worry – there’s plenty of stuffing and cranberry sauce to go with the many sides.

Oh, and don’t forget their amazing pumpkin desserts. Whether that’s pie, cheesecake, or flavored whipped cream, you need to try a bite before heading off.

Plow + Angel

Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/sanysidroranch/

If you’re on the lookout for relaxed restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Santa Barbara, California, I’ve got you.

Plow + Angel is slightly more laidback (despite its three-course dining experience!).

That’s largely down to its rustic setting on the San Ysidro Ranch, but it’s also because the staff is so dang friendly.

You’ll find plenty of old-school dishes here like turkey with all the trimmings.

But you can always pick one of the chef’s incredible seasonal dishes if you’re after something slightly different.

Harbor Restaurant

Image credit: harborsb.com

Harbor Restaurant is next up on my list of restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Santa Barbara, California.

Now, I love that the dinner runs from 12 pm until 9 pm for maximum eating time (flexible schedules, FTW!).

But it’s the amazing carving station that puts this place over the top.

Whether you’re craving local seafood, amazing bottomless champagne (yep, really!), or seasonal desserts – you’ll find them all here.

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

The Hilton’s Thanksgiving Buffet is the stuff of legends, and the Santa Barbara Beachfront’s version is no different!

This hotel houses one of the best restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Santa Barbara, California.

It serves fresh seafood, amazing cornbread stuffing (seriously, it’s GREAT), and even stone fruit.

Oh, and did we mention that it’s one of the restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Santa Barbara, California with coastal views?

Talk about a hole-in-one!

The Chandelier Ballroom at Rosewood Miramar Beach

To round off our list of restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Santa Barbara, it’s the wonderful and magical Chandelier Ballroom.

Considering how upscale this spot is, it’s not too expensive.It’s usually around $175 for adults and less for kids, but you get a lot of food and it’s all super fresh. You can grab food during the brunch window from 12 pm to 3 pm.

Along with an old-school turkey dinner, there will be entertainment for both kids and adults. Phew!

And just so you know, kids under 4 dine free here.

So, it’s a great option for saving money if you’re searching for restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Santa Barbara, California.