• Posted byby Elle-Rose
  • Updated:
  • 8 minute read

If you don’t fancy cooking at home this year, here are some lovely restaurants for Thanksgiving dinner in San Francisco.

If, like me, you don’t fancy cooking Thanksgiving dinner at home this year – you might be searching for the perfect restaurant option instead.

Look, we know that not everyone fancies cooking on Thanksgiving. Maybe you don’t have the time, maybe you don’t have the skills! (For me, it’s a bit of both!).

Well, hopefully, my list will give you plemnty of ideas and inspiration!

My list of restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Francisco is made up of lots of fantastic choices, and I’ve tried my best to include locations to suit different budgets, and different tastes too. From traditional Thanksgiving food, to dishes a little more adventurous!

A helpful map of all the restaurants featured below…

I thought it’d be useful to provide a map with all the restaurants mentioned below. That way, you can see which places are closest to your hotel / apartment.

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.

International Smoke

Image credit: https://internationalsmoke.com/

The first place on our list of restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Francisco is International Smoke – and it’s a doozy!

This is one of my all time favorites for Thnaksgiving, because it goes all-out on its buffet. 

Serving up everything from delicious Wagyu prime rib to smoked turkey with cranberry and truffle gravy, you’ll be piling your plate high as you return for seconds and thirds.

If you have room for dessert, be sure to try out their apple crumble pie which melts in the mouth. It’s the perfect finish to your Thanksgiving dinner in San Francisco.

Considering how much food you get served, there’s a lot of value here. Costing ~$89 for adults and just under $40 for kiddos, it’s a decent deal that’s worth shelling out for.

Read more about San Francisco restaurants: Top 12 restaurants for Christmas Eve dinner in San Francisco

Bouche

Image credit: https://www.bouchesf.com/

Bouche is the next spot on my list, and I think you’re going to love it. It’s not a classic American feast you’ll find here, but a dazzlingly elegant French prix-fixe menu that’ll take your taste buds to paradise.

This is Thanksgiving with a french twist!

This is one of the restaurants on my list that operates on a small-plate concept, so you’ll be able to sample bite-sized servings of everything from butternut squash soup to a glorious roasted turkey with broccolini.

Oh, and don’t leave without trying the uber-rich pecan pie!

Not all restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Francisco have decent hours – but Bouche does! Serving diners from 11 am to 9 pm, this spot is a great choice for early risers and night owls!

Read more about San Francisco food: Top 15 upscale restaurants in San Francisco

3rd Cousin

Image credit: https://www.3rdcousinsf.com/

If you’re on the hunt for Thanksgiving dinner with a relaxed but elevated neighborhood vibe, we’ve got you covered.

3rd Cousin is one of the restaurants on my list that has been adored by locals for years, and it’s known for its range of global dishes, locally foraged ingredients, and fascinating flavor combinations.

You’ll adore their roast Diestel turkey, but you’ll also appreciate their incredible sausage stuffing, whipped potato, yams, giblet gravy, and green bean casserole. 

Seriously, if we had to pick restaurants open on Thanksgiving that nailed sides – 3rd Cousin would be at the top of the list. It’s an awesome choice for Thanksgiving dinner in San Francisco.

Before leaving, make sure you try their incredible pumpkin pie with whipped cream! This is a fantastic choice for restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Francisco.

Zingari Ristorante & Jazz Room

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

Zingari Ristorante & Jazz Room is located on Post Street, and it is the perfect place to visit for a bougie Italian take on Thanksgiving this year.

Alongside their delicious three-course turkey dinner, you’ll be able to order a la carte dishes from their usual menu. It’s a brilliant choice for Thanksgiving dinner in San Francisco.

Personally, I think this is a fantastic option for people with families and kids, especially because of the live entertainment options.

You need to book a spot in the piano rooms well in advance (and it costs slightly more – typically around $25!). But I feel it makes this one of the more unique experiences, so it’s certainly worth it.

Read more about San Francisco food: The best late-night restaurants in San Francisco

One Market

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

Oh man, I couldn’t write a list of restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Francisco without mentioning One Market!

This glorious hotspot is known for its upscale Thanksgiving dinner that includes favorites like white bean soup, beet salads, and a delicious spit-roasted Berkshire pork loin. Turkey is on the menu too, but the loin is just so tender – oof.

This place is right on Market Street, so you can spend time wandering around the Yerba Buena Gardens or checking out the Flood Building from afar.

Overall, this is one of my favorites, as it’s atmospheric, relatively affordable, and conveniently located. A true trifecta if you will!

It’s a solid pick for Thanksgiving dinner in San Francisco.

Read more about San Francisco: 35 romantic date ideas in San Francisco

Brenda’s French Soul Food

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

We adore a classic Southern food fest, which is why Brenda’s French Soul Food just had to make my list.

If you love comfort food, you’ll love it here.

On Turkey Day, you’ll usually be able to choose from a whole turkey dinner (which regularly sells out – so book fast!) or the turkey breast dinner. It needs to be roasted at home, but it always turns out perfectly thanks to the incredible basting.

Alongside your at-home turkey feast, you’ll be able to grab green beans with garlic butter, whipped potatoes, gravy, an incredible cranberry compote, and a bunch of biscuits for that Southern kick.

The Cavalier

Image credit: https://www.thecavaliersf.com/gallery/

If you’re a Brit living in San Francisco who wants a taste of home this holiday season, you’ll love the next spot on my list of restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Francisco.

The Cavalier is a British-themed brasserie that usually offers gastropub bites and delicious cocktails in a relaxed setting.

On Thanksgiving, you can expect an amazing four-course prix-fixe menu that includes everything from perfectly cooked turkey breast to melt-in-your-mouth ribeye.

If you want something even more decadent, add on the optional caviar service and a few cocktails! It’s a Thanksgiving dinner in San Francisco with a fun twist.

It’s easy to see why this is one of our favorite choices, but please – make sure you get a booking in early.

Read more about San Francisco: 15 restaurants open on Christmas Day in San Francisco

The Fairmont

Okay, I’ll admit it – sometimes we want to take on Thanksgiving with a spring in our step and a touch of elegance. 

Offering gorgeous city views, excellent food, live music, and incredible service, this is among our top picks for Thanksgiving dinner in San Francisco.

So what’s the food like? Well, you’ll be able to choose from cheese plates, cold meats, turkey and stuffing, chutney, pot roast, and so much more.

Oh, and don’t forget the mini cakes, bread pudding, and tarts that they roll out for dessert.

Whether you’re here for the late afternoon or evening seating, you’re bound to agree that The Fairmont is one of the best options in the city for Thanksgiving.

Jaranita

Image credit: https://www.jaranitasf.com/

If you’re on the hunt for restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Francisco that are slightly less traditional, give Jaranita a whirl.

This place puts its spin on Thanksgiving dinner by serving roasted chicken, salads, empanadas, and a sinfully delicious veggie fried rice. 

Oh, and if you’re partial to pork belly, they offer an amazing Crispy Pork Belly Package that’ll blow you away!

It feeds up to four people, making it an ideal choice for nuclear families who want to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner in San Francisco at home this year.

Read more about San Francisco food: 20 amazing dessert places in San Francisco

Lolinda

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

If you’re looking for unique (and ridiculously meaty) restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Francisco, then Lolinda is going to be the perfect choice for you. 

This is Argentinian fare done right, and you can expect a bunch of well-seasoned sides, delectable meat dishes, and impeccable desserts if you dine here.

We suggest ordering the whole turkey dinner if you can (it serves up to six, making it a great deal!). It’s an epic Thanksgiving dinner in San Francisco!

If you have smaller appetites, this is one of the only places that also offers a half-turkey!

Throw in the chorizo stuffing, Brussel sprouts, and mashed potatoes, and you’ll be really cookin’.

Luce

Image credit: https://www.lucewinerestaurant.com/gallery

This spot serves an incredible mix of traditional eats and Italian favorites, making it one of the best restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Francisco for adventurous eaters.

You can expect to find classic dishes like rosemary-roasted turkey and Brussels sprouts. BUT…you’ll want tokeep an eye out for their focaccia stuffing and incredible garnet yam puree that takes things to a new level!

They usually open the dining room between 3 pm and 8 pm. So, if you’re searching for restaurants open on Thanksgiving in SF with flexible seating times – this is a great choice!

Park Chalet

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

This place is known by locals for its gorgeous stone fireplace, glass ceiling, and impeccable brunch.

It’s also a wonderful place to dine on Thanksgiving – so we’ll add that to the list too!

Tucked away in Ocean Beach, this spot allows you to take a gorgeous stroll through Golden Gate Park before settling in for an enormous three-course meal.

You’ll find firm favorites like butternut squash soup and roasted turkey, but you can also lump on a la carte appetizers like their incredible calamari.

You’ll be unbuckling your belt and rolling home!

Read more about San Francisco food: 6 famous places to eat in San Francisco

Harris’

Image credit: https://www.harrisrestaurant.com/

The next spot on our list of restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Francisco is Harris’. This place is an upscale steakhouse, popular with meat-lovers all across the city.

This is one of the restaurants open on Thanksgiving that serve up their classic menu, alongside some Thanksgiving specials too. So you can kind of be flexible with what you order.

If you really want to treat yourself this Thanksgiving, go for the Seared & Sliced Japanese A5 Wagyu Ribeye 6oz. Wow!

Just remember to reserve early, as it’s among the most popular places in the city on Thanksgiving.

I hope my list of restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Francisco has given you some great ideas!