The 7 Most Luxurious San Diego Restaurants Serving Thanksgiving Dinner In 2025

Planning your perfect Thanksgiving feast for 2025 in San Diego requires up-to-the-minute information, as the most coveted reservations—especially those with ocean views—book up months in advance. This year, on Thursday, November 27, 2025, the city's top culinary destinations are rolling out decadent, chef-driven menus and luxurious buffets that elevate the traditional holiday meal far beyond your grandmother's kitchen. Whether you seek a grand, historic buffet on Coronado Island or a refined, coastal-inspired prix-fixe experience, this guide details the freshest, most exclusive dining options available.

The San Diego dining scene is offering a wide range of experiences this year, from high-end, multi-course dinners featuring elevated takes on turkey and stuffing, to convenient, gourmet take-home meal boxes. We have compiled the essential list of venues, menus, pricing, and locations so you can secure your spot and enjoy a truly stress-free holiday celebrating gratitude and exceptional cuisine.

The Grandest Buffets and Iconic Coastal Dining Experiences for 2025

For many San Diegans, Thanksgiving is synonymous with a spectacular buffet or a multi-course meal served with a view of the Pacific Ocean or the sparkling San Diego Bay. These venues represent the pinnacle of holiday luxury, offering a lavish spread and unparalleled atmosphere.

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1. Hotel del Coronado: The Iconic Crown Room Buffet

The legendary Hotel del Coronado, affectionately known as "The Del," hosts arguably the most famous Thanksgiving event in Southern California. This historic landmark transforms its beautifully restored venues, including the majestic Crown Room with its soaring sugar pine ceilings and the elegant Ocean Ballroom, into a holiday spectacle.

• The Experience: A decadent, all-you-can-eat buffet featuring classic Thanksgiving dishes alongside elaborate carving stations, chilled seafood, and a massive array of gourmet desserts. The ambiance is pure, historic San Diego luxury, often with live music.
• Pricing & Details: The 2025 Thanksgiving buffet is priced at approximately $245 per adult and $95 per child. Reservations are essential, and guests should inquire about early-bird rates which may offer a slight discount. The event is scheduled for Thursday, November 27, 2025.
• Location Entity: Coronado Island.

2. George's at the Cove: La Jolla's Ocean View Prix-Fixe

Nestled in the heart of La Jolla, George's at the Cove is a celebrated San Diego institution known for its sweeping ocean views and commitment to fresh, regional ingredients. Their Thanksgiving offering is a refined, three-course, family-style prix-fixe dinner that focuses on quality over quantity.

• The Menu Highlights: The meal typically begins with elevated starters like a badgerflame beets & feta salad before moving to the main course of perfectly roasted Diestel turkey. The experience is complete with traditional sides and a selection of holiday desserts.
• Pricing & Details: The 2025 prix-fixe dinner is offered for $90 per person, with a reduced price of $45 for children under 12. This is an excellent choice for those seeking a more intimate, sophisticated holiday experience overlooking the Pacific.
• Location Entity: La Jolla.

3. Sally's Waterfront Dining: Downtown Bay Views

Sally's Waterfront Dining, located at the Manchester Grand Hyatt right on the San Diego Bay, provides a spectacular downtown setting for your holiday meal. The venue has been recently reimagined, offering an elevated and inviting atmosphere.

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• The Experience: Sally's is known for its seafood, but for Thanksgiving, they offer a special holiday dinner menu. Guests can enjoy their meal with stunning views of the bay and the city skyline, a perfect backdrop for a memorable holiday.
• Location Entity: Downtown San Diego / 1 Market Place.

Elevated Dining and North County Destinations

Moving beyond the immediate coastal areas, San Diego’s North County and resort dining scene offers high-end, chef-driven alternatives that are equally impressive, often featuring unique twists on the classic turkey dinner.

4. Ember & Rye: Steakhouse Luxury with a Holiday Twist

Located at the Park Hyatt Aviara in Carlsbad, Ember & Rye is a high-end steakhouse offering a luxurious, à la carte approach to Thanksgiving. This is the spot for those who appreciate premium cuts and innovative culinary techniques.

• The Menu Highlights: While traditionalists can enjoy the Smoked Turkey entree (priced around $52), the menu also features unique, bold options like kurobata porchetta and a rich Crab and Lobster Bucatini. Dessert is a highlight, featuring a decadent Pecan Pie with a Maple Passionfruit Caramel and Brown Butter Ice Cream.
• Location Entity: Carlsbad / North County San Diego.

5. ARLO: Mission Valley's Reader's Choice Buffet

Situated in the newly renovated Town and Country Resort in Mission Valley, ARLO San Diego is a Reader's Choice winner for Best Hotel Restaurant. They are hosting an all-day Thanksgiving buffet that is a favorite among locals for its extensive selection and lively atmosphere.

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• The Experience: The buffet is known for its wide variety, including starters like a Treviso & Apple Salad and a Beet & Feta Salad alongside all the classic mains and sides. It’s an excellent option for families who want a high-quality, diverse spread without the ultra-high price tag of the coastal resorts.
• Location Entity: Mission Valley / Town and Country Resort.

The Best Gourmet Take-Home Feasts for 2025

For those who prefer to host at home without the stress of cooking, San Diego’s chefs have prepared fully cooked, gourmet Thanksgiving meal boxes. These chef-prepared take-home feasts are a popular choice, blending convenience with culinary excellence.

6. Great Maple: Michelin-Approved Dinner Box

The Great Maple in Hillcrest, a Michelin-guide approved establishment, is famous for its comprehensive Thanksgiving Dinner Box for pickup. This package is perfect for a small gathering and ensures a high-quality, cohesive meal.

• The Menu Highlights: The box, starting at approximately $220, includes a full meal featuring Fall Squash Soup, Thyme & Rosemary Roasted Turkey Breast, Butter Mashed Potatoes, and Roasted Sweet Yams with Smoked Bacon & Maple. Pickup is scheduled for Thursday, November 27, 2025.
• Location Entity: Hillcrest.

7. Gourmet Take-Out Alternatives and Local Entities

Beyond the major restaurants, several local entities offer excellent prepared meals and sides, providing a seamless holiday experience. la Madeleine offers a French-inspired "Take & Heat Feast" with options like Oven Roasted Turkey Breast and Applewood Smoked Ham. For gourmet sides and desserts, local markets like Vons and bakeries like Sugar & Scribe are go-to spots for holiday pies and specialty items.

San Diego’s culinary scene also embraces unique traditional side dishes. Look for menus featuring elevated classics like butter truffle roasted turkey, butternut squash ravioli, and innovative preparations of cranberry sauce and focaccia bread. For a historical nod, remember that early settlers in Old Town celebrated harvest-style meals with corn, beans, and squash, a tradition subtly honored by the city’s use of fresh, local autumn vegetables today.

Other notable restaurants often open for Thanksgiving include Coasterra (Harbor Island), Sessions by the Bay (National City), and Brickmans Restaurant and Bar (Downtown). Always check their official websites for the most current 2025 menu and reservation details.

Essential Thanksgiving 2025 Reservation Tips

Due to the high demand for dining out on Thanksgiving, especially at waterfront and resort locations, securing your reservation immediately is critical. The most popular time slots (mid-afternoon) will be the first to sell out. For take-out options like the Great Maple Dinner Box, pre-ordering deadlines are strict and often fall a week or two before the holiday. Don't wait—confirm your plans with these top San Diego restaurants today to ensure your 2025 holiday is as relaxing and delicious as possible.