The hard work has been done on your behalf so you do not have to stress out when searching for a great dining spot this holiday season. Below you will find a list of some of the best restaurants in Orange County that are open on Thanksgiving Day.
There is nothing that screams Thanksgiving like a big family dinner and everyone gathered around the TV for football. On the other hand, there are times when you just don’t want to deal with the pressure of having to spend a long time cooking and cleaning during the holidays.
Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Thursday, November 28, 2024.
Note: Reservations in advance are recommended for all locations on this list.
Il Fornaio – Irvine
Address: 18051 Von Karman Ave, Irvine, CA 92612
https://www.ilfornaio.com/
It is not surprising that Il Fornaio is one of the most amazing Italian restaurants in the area, having a great atmosphere the moment you walk in and delicious food to accompany that. Their special Prezzo Fisso menu is available, as well as offering an ala carte menu.
The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar
Address: 3131 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92663
https://www.thewinerynewport.com/
Address: 2647 Park Ave., Tustin, CA 92782
https://www.thewinerytustin.com/
One of my favorite Orange County restaurants is the Winery, an upscale steakhouse that offers a wide selection of food and wine options that will keep you coming back time and time again. Their Thanksgiving Day menu gives you a wide selection of their many dinner offerings, including turkey!
Citrus City Grille
Address: 122 N Glassell Street, Orange, CA 92866
https://citruscitygrille.com/
This family-owned Old Towne community favorite is open for Thanksgiving Dinner! For this holiday, they’re offering a 4-course pre-fix dinner with soup and salad, your choice of turkey or ham, and dessert. You can also choose from an ala carte menu and some of their regular menu’s instagram-worthy main dishes.
Prego
Address: 2409 Park Ave, Tustin, CA 92782
https://www.pregooc.com/
Prego is frequently offering fresh made pasta in an intimate setting, paired with excellent service. The holiday offerings they have are among the best you can find in Orange County. Prego’s prix fixe menu includes a starter of fresh baked bread and the option of soup or salad, and turkey breast as an entrée paired with focaccia stuffing, glazed brussel sprouts, and creamy potato purée.
Tangerine Room
Address: 1030 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802
https://www.tangerineroom.com/
There is no doubt that the food at Anaheim’s Tangerine Room is some of the best food you can find. It is made with some of the freshest local ingredients and the menu rotates along with the season. This year they have a special Thanksgiving buffet, running from 12PM-8:30PM that includes a carving station, seafood, antipasto, and a sweets table.
Las Brisas
Address: 361 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
https://www.lasbrisaslagunabeach.com/
If you decide to visit Las Brisas Laguna Beach for your Thanksgiving dinner, you will be treated to not only a delicious three-course meal, but also a stunning view of the ocean. Situated right behind the Laguna Art Museum, their patio overlooks Heisler Park and Laguna Beach.
Lumberyard
Address: 384 Forest Ave #10, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
https://www.lblumberyard.com/
Lumberyard Restaurant in Laguna Beach is a great upscale place anytime of the year, but in addition to their regular offerings they also have a great three-course Thanksgiving dinner. You’ll get a meal your whole family can enjoy with this special holiday menu.
Tocca Ferro
Address: 1775 S. Clementine Street, 2nd Floor, Anaheim, CA 92802
https://www.toccaferrochophouse.com/
The JW Marriott Anaheim Resort’s Italian Chophouse, Tocca Ferro, is serving a mouthwatering buffet this Thanksgiving. The decadent buffet brunch will feature an array of delicious options including assorted artisan rolls, roasted garlic and rosemary mashed potatoes, classic turkey stuffing, and more! There will be a chef’s carving station with garlic pepper-crusted turkey, honey-glazed spiral cut ham, and herb-crusted NY strip loin.
Haven Point Provisions & Spirits
Address: 17941 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, CA 92614
https://www.sonesta.com/sonesta-hotels-resorts/ca/irvine/sonesta-irvine/
Haven Point Provisions at Sonesta Irvine is hosting their inaugural Thanksgiving dinner feast. This fresh and exciting concept features creative, contemporary cuisine, and the Thanksgiving Menu will highlight holiday favorites with a Southern California twist. The family-style Thanksgiving meal prepared by Executive Chef John Ruiz and his team features a four-course menu.
Domenico’s on the Lake
Address: 27782 Vista Del Lago, Mission Viejo, CA 92692
https://domenicosrestaurant.com/locations/domenicos-lake-mission-viejo/
Located right on Lake Mission Viejo, Domenico’s on the Lake is a beautiful place to spend Thanksgiving with your family. Domenico’s is offering a delicious 3-course Thanksgiving day meal that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.
El Torito – Multiple Locations
If you’re looking for a unique way to spend thanksgiving, El Torito’s fresh and bold flavors are sure to delight! While there isn’t a special menu for Thanksgiving, there’s options like delicious mesquite-grilled fajitas, and selections of their signature tacos.
Chart House Restaurant
Address: 34442 Street of the Green Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629
https://www.chart-house.com/location/chart-house-dana-point-ca/
There is no better place to celebrate a special occasion with family and friends than at Chart House Restaurant in Dana Point, a charming restaurant located just steps from the ocean. Offering a 3-course thanksgiving meal, you get incredible options like port glazed mahi and a traditional turkey dinner.
Stella’s
Address: 17 Monarch Bay Plaza, Dana Point, CA 92629
https://www.stellasitalian.com/
If you’re in the mood for Italian this Thanksgiving season, Stella’s is the perfect place for you! Starters like crab cakes, bruschetta, and clams, as well as entrees like brick oven lasagna or mouthwatering linguini bolognese, are sure to satisfy.
Black Angus Steakhouse – Multiple Locations
If you’re looking for a traditional turkey feast without breaking the bank, Black Angus Steakhouse is the best place to go. You get all of the traditional fixings of a Thanksgiving dinner, including pumpkin pie to end things.
Texas De Brazil
Address: 13772 Jamboree Rd, Irvine, CA 92602
https://texasdebrazil.com/locations/irvine/
While Texas De Brazil is the perfect place for any special occasion, they really shine on Thanksgiving – in addition to their regular menu, they have side offerings of sweet potato casserole and sausage stuffing, as well as coming around with roasted turkey.
Henry’s Coastal Cuisine
Address: 21100 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
https://www.waterfrontresort.com/dining/henrys-coastal-cuisine
Located at The Waterfront Beach Resort, Henry’s Coastal Cuisine is going all out this thanksgiving season. Here you’re treated to a high end 4-course meal with complimentary champagne for the table and a wonderful view of the ocean.
Habana
Address: 708 Spectrum Center Dr Suite 708, Irvine, CA 92618
Address: 2930 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, CA 92626
https://www.restauranthabana.com/
For Thanksgiving this year, Habana is offering an incredible 4-course meal that gives you plenty of options to choose from – including a mojito salad to start, a traditional turkey dish, and a rich Caribbean flan to end off the meal.
Bistango
Address: 19100 Von Karman Ave, Irvine, CA 92612
https://www.bistango.com/
Bistango is well known for their upscale New American Cuisine and their Thanksgiving menu doesn’t disappoint. For the holiday, you get the choice of a kabocha squash soup or an arugula and butternut squash salad to start, a turkey entrée, and the choice between a creamy pumpkin cheesecake, or an apple strudel to end the meal.
Bayside Restaurant
Address: 900 Bayside Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660
https://www.baysiderestaurant.com/
Thanksgiving at Bayside is an experience that you do not want to miss out on. Not only is the 3-course menu incredible, but the beautiful atmosphere and the live music that is played makes it an unforgettable experience.
A+O Restaurant
Address: 1221 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92663
https://www.balboabayresort.com/restaurant/a-o-restaurant-bar/
Located in the Balboa Bay Resort, A+O Restaurant is offering an incredible Thanksgiving dinner buffet this year. With a carving board of different meats, sides on the buffet like porcini ravioli and scalloped potatoes, and even a raw bar with fresh shucked oysters.
Pacific Hideaway
Address: 500 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
https://pacifichideawayhb.com/
Located right across from Huntington Beach, Pacific Hideaway is a great pick for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner in a stylish setting. You’ll get your choice of oven-roasted turkey or prime rib with all of your favorite holiday side dishes, with a slice of a rich chai-spiced butter cake for dessert.
Wind & Sea Restaurant
Address: 34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629
https://windandsearestaurant.com/
If you’re looking for an incredible dinner with a beach view, Wind & Sea is the perfect place to stop. With a Prix-fixe menu including all the traditional sides, you have the choice between turkey, Atlantic salmon, and top sirloin steak.
Romano’s Macaroni Grill
Address: 13652 Jamboree Rd., Irvine, CA 92602
https://www.macaronigrill.com/
For dinner at Macaroni Grill, you can have a full Thanksgiving traditional feast. Instead of opting for pumpkin pie though, you have the choice between a delicious pumpkin cannoli or a pumpkin tiramisu. Their full regular menu is also available.
Hendrix
Address: 32431 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
https://www.hendrixoc.com/
This year, Hendrix is having a Thanksgiving buffet where you can indulge in some incredible choices like roasted Omaha prime rib, turkey, and a Scottish salmon filet in addition to some delectable sides like cauliflower and asparagus risotto.
The Cellar
Address: 305 N Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92832
https://cellardining.com/
A wonderful 2-hour dining experience will be offered at The Cellar this Thanksgiving, complete with a 3-course meal for you to enjoy. The dinner includes soup or salad to start, turkey, prime rib, or sweet potato gnocchi for the main course, and three decadent desserts to choose from.
Taste of Beauty
Address: 18420 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
https://www.thetasteofbeauty.com/
Taste of Beauty’s vegetarian options might be exactly what you’re looking for this year if you want a light fare to accompany your holiday festivities. While they don’t have a traditional menu for Thanksgiving, they’re offering a complimentary appetizer to everyone and a bottle of wine to parties of 3+.
RTE 22
Address: 12015 Harbor Blvd, Garden Grove, CA 92840
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/snaas-anaheim-marriott-suites/dining/
Located in the Anaheim Marriott Suites, RTE 22 is an incredible place to gather with friends and family, especially during their Thanksgiving feast. You get full access to the salad bar, turkey or prime rib for your entrée, and your choice from the dessert spread to end off an incredible meal.
Larsen at Hotel Laguna
Address: 425 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
https://www.hotellaguna.org/larsen
If you’re looking for an upscale experience this Thanksgiving, Larsen at Hotel Laguna is the perfect place. The incredible cuisine and atmosphere makes the price for this holiday dinner incredibly worth it.
Orange Hill
Address: 6410 E Chapman Ave, Orange, CA 92869
https://www.theorangehillrestaurant.com/
Orange Hills Thanksgiving Day brunch is the perfect way to spend the morning before the big day with family and friends if you wish to spend the evening at home. Here, you get to indulge in a four-course brunch with some incredible breakfast dishes like lobster benedict.
Rusty Pelican
Address: 2735 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92663
https://www.rustypelican.com/
Since 1972, The Rusty Pelican has been a beloved restaurant for special occasions in the Newport area, especially Thanksgiving. Guests will be delighted to dine on a turkey or prime rib dinner with plenty of delicious sides and pumpkin pie!
Benihana
Address: 2100 East Ball Road, CA 92806
4250 Birch Street, Newport Beach, CA 92660
https://www.benihana.com/
If you’re looking for a truly unique Thanksgiving experience, Benihana will not disappoint! While there’s no Thanksgiving centric menu, Hibachi offers everyone the chance to enjoy the delicious food they love on Thanksgiving.
Top Of The V
Address: 1601 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805
https://www.topoftheviv.com/
With a basque-twist on Thanksgiving favorites, Top Of The V is one of the most unique picks on the list. You and your family can enjoy dishes like salt cod with a red pepper stew, and a delicious pumpkin spiced basque cheesecake to cap things off.
The Cannery
Address: 3010 Lafayette Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92663
https://cannerynewport.com/
The Cannery’s Thanksgiving Day dinner is one that cannot be missed. Everyone is sure to find something they love with options like truffled butternut squash soup and lamb shank with kalamata olive crumble. They will also be serving prime rib and turkey with everything.
Splashes At Surf & Sand
Address: 1555 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
https://www.surfandsandresort.com/waterfront-dining-laguna-beach/splashes
A stunning ocean view sets the backdrop for your Thanksgiving feast at Splashes. You’re treated to some incredible food like a flavorful scallop dish, turkey with chorizo and chestnut stuffing, and a butternut tagliatelle with a pistachio pesto.
Want to pick dinner up and eat at home instead? Check out this list of places serving
Thanksgiving Dinner To-Go!
More Local Favorites Open On Thanksgiving
- Goofy’s Kitchen at Disneyland Hotel – 1150 Magic Way, Anaheim, CA 92802
- Heirloom Farmhouse Kitchen – 7905 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, CA 92618 See the menu
- Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant – 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA 90620
- The Ranch Restaurant – 1025 E. Ball Road, Anaheim, CA 92805
- The Resort at Pelican Hill – Pelican Grill & Bar, Coliseum Pool & Grill: 22701 Pelican Hill Road South, Newport Coast, CA 92657
- Tartan Room – 2652 N Tustin Street, Orange, CA 92865
Chain Restaurants Open On Thanksgiving
- Applebee’s
- Boston Market
- Buca Di Beppo
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- The Capital Grille
- Chart House
- Cracker Barrel
- Denny’s
- Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse
- Fogo de Chao
- Maggiano’s Little Italy
- Marie Callender’s
- McCormick & Schmick’s
- Medieval Times
- Morton’s Steakhouse
- McDonalds
- Papa John’s
- Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
- Wendy’s
If you visit any of these restaurants, let us know by tagging us on Instagram at our handle @enjoyorangecounty or use the hashtag #EnjoyOC to be featured on our page!
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