Celebrate a Stress-Free Thanksgiving with these San Diego Restaurants

Take the stress out of hosting and cooking this Thanksgiving and let the culinary experts take care of it. From elevated buffets, take-home packages and artisan pies, these San Diego restaurants have got you covered! 

Photo Credit: Kimberly Motos

Vistal - Thanksgiving Dinner with a View 

Join Vistal at InterContinental San Diego for an unforgettable holiday buffet, set against the stunning backdrop of San Diego Bay! The abundant, delectable buffet will delight every palate, featuring a Cold Seafood Display with freshly shucked oysters, snow crab claws, U12 poached shrimp, chilled mussels, baby scallop salpicon, and a smoked trout dip, along with a variety of Antipasti like grilled artichokes, fresh italian meats, artisanal cheese selection, local jams and pickled vegetables, fresh breads, a Spice Winter Squash Soup with toasted pumpkin seeds and cinnamon creme-fraiche, Bistro Salad, Fall Fattoush Salad, and a Fall Caesar Salad. Savor the carving station featuring Whole Roasted Turkey and Pepper Crusted Prime Rib, plus a pasta station with Short Rib Tortellini and Casarecche with Sicilian Almond-Tomato Pesto. For entrees, enjoy Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin, Everything Crusted Salmon, and Miso Marinated Black Cod. Sides are elevated classics, like the Lumache Lobster Mac & Cheese & Garlic Bread Crumbs and Sweet Potato Casserole Croquettes. There’s always room for dessert, especially for these showstoppers, including Apple Pie, Pumpkin Pie, Caramel Cheesecake, Chocolate Filled Beignets, Chestnut Mousse Shooters, and more. Reservations can be made via Resy, and are priced at $115 for adults, $75 for children ages 5-12, and complimentary for kids under 4, this Thanksgiving feast will be one for the books. 

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lakehouse Hotel

Brickmans at Lakehouse Resort - Country Club Chic Thanksgiving 

Delight in a memorable Thanksgiving celebration surrounded by stunning golf course views and a relaxing atmosphere at Lakehouse Resort’s on-site dining destination, Brickmans! The turkey day-buffet will feature Thanksgiving classics such as Oven Roasted Turkey with classic gravy and cranberry sauce, Braised Beef Short Rib, Apple Cider & Clove Glazed Ham, and Citrus Maple Glazed Salmon. Enjoy seafood specials such as a Chef Selection of Artisanal Meats & Cheeses, Smoked Salmon Platter, and a Shrimp Cocktail. Pair main courses with sweet and savory sides such as Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Brown Sugar Glazed Yams, Lemon Oregano Seasonal Squash, Green Bean Casserole with wild mushroom and garlic cream and crispy onion strings, Sausage & Sage Stuffing, and Cornbread. Satisfy your sweet tooth with classic Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie, as well as additional Assorted Cakes, Cookies and Bars. Seatings are available from 10am-4pm and cost $85 per adult and $25 per child under 10. Reservations can be made through OpenTable. 

Photo Credit: Diana Rose Photography

Draft at Belmont Park - Classic Thanksgiving by The Beach

Stuff yourself beachside at Belmont Park with an over-the-top Thanksgiving buffet at Draft. Indulge in Roasted Turkey with cranberry sauce, classic gravy, and sausage-apple stuffing, Honey Baked Ham with an orange-pineapple glaze, and Prime Rib with au jus and horseradish. Enjoy these main courses with delicious sides such as Whipped Red Mashed Potatoes with roasted garlic and cheddar cheese, Macaroni and Cheese with an herb crust and three cheese blend, Green Bean Casserole with wild mushroom cream and crispy onions, Roasted Brussel Sprouts with bacon and balsamic glaze, and Roasted Sweet Potatoes with maple and garlic. After dinner, enjoy a variety of sweet treats including Pumpkin Pie, Apple Pie, Seasonal Cookies and Assorted Pastries. Three seating times are available, 12pm-1:30pm, 1:45pm-3:15pm and 3:30pm-5pm. Reservations can be made online and are priced at $70 for adults and $25 for children ages 12 and under. For groups of 6 or more guests, please email: draftvip@draftsandiego.com. 

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Juniper and Ivy

Juniper and Ivy - High Caliber Thanksgiving at Home

Back by popular demand, Juniper and Ivy’s highly anticipated 2024 Thanksgiving at Home menu allows for an elegant, no-fuss feast. Serving six to ten guests, this thoughtfully crafted feast allows hosts to skip the stress of cooking with an exceptional meal made with the same hyper-local ingredients and elevated flavors that have made Juniper and Ivy a beloved San Diego institution. The Thanksgiving at Home package includes Herb Roasted Turkey with cider gravy and classic cranberry sauce, sides like Mac and Cheese with pork belly and schmaltz crumble, Green Beans with sweet garlic vin and chili crisped walnuts, Black Kale and NorCal Chèvre, Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, Miso-Maple Candied Yams, Parker House Rolls with honey butter, as well as Pastry Chef Amanda Santiago’s Pumpkin Pie. Availability for these holiday packages is very limited, so be sure to reserve packages early via the Juniper and Ivy website!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of The Sweet & Savory Collective 

Pop Pie Co. - Perfect Pies for Everyone 

Get ready to savor the flavors of fall with Pop Pie Co’s seasonal pies, available for preorder starting on Friday, November 1st! Celebrated for its all-day pie menu and led by the talented duo of Steven Torres and self-proclaimed “Thai Pie Guy” Gan Suebsarakham, this cherished San Diego destination invites you and your loved ones to experience delicious specialty holiday pies. Each pie features Executive Chef Gan’s signature all-butter crust, filled with an enticing mix of sweet and savory globally inspired flavors, including the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Pie with pumpkin custard, tangy cream cheese, house-made pumpkin spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, clove), topped with toasted pepitas; Salted Caramel Apple Crumble with fuji, red, and granny smith apples, topped with a buttery oat crumble and a hint of orange zest and house spices, Bourbon Pecan Pie, which includes fresh pecans, rich molasses, brown sugar, vanilla, and a touch of orange zest and sea salt, and the Apple Cranberry Vegan Pie, a delightful blend of crisp apples and tangy cranberries, wrapped in a perfectly flaky crust. For those with divided dessert preferences, Pop Pie Co. has you covered –  customizable mix-and-match pies ensure everyone gets their favorite slice! Pies can be ordered online from any San Diego location starting November 1st through the Pop Pie Co. website for the pickup dates of Wednesday, November 27th, and Thursday, November 28th, or via phone for guests desiring a pickup date outside of the two pickup dates.