Thanksgiving Dining Guide 2025: Best Thanksgiving Dinners in South Orange County

Your Guide to Thanksgiving Dining in South OC 🍂🧡

As we head into Thanksgiving week, many of you are finalizing your plans with family and friends. Some love hosting at home and others prefer to relax and enjoy a beautiful holiday meal out by the coast. I am often asked for recommendations this time of year, so I put together a comprehensive guide to the best Thanksgiving dining options across our local communities. From Dana Point and Monarch Beach to Laguna Beach, San Juan Capistrano, and San Clemente, there are so many wonderful restaurants offering special holiday menus.

Whether you are looking for an elegant oceanfront celebration, a classic turkey dinner with all the traditional sides, or a cozy historic setting, South Orange County truly delivers. Our coastal resorts and neighborhood favorites shine during the holidays with everything from lavish buffets and chef driven menus to warm family style meals by the water.

This year I am also including one of my favorite places for take home Thanksgiving meals. For those who want to enjoy a beautiful holiday dinner at home without spending the whole day in the kitchen, this is such a nice option.

Below is a curated list of all the top spots offering dedicated Thanksgiving meals this year. Each includes a description of what they are known for along with dishes typically featured on their menus and pricing when available. If you are still deciding where to celebrate, I hope this guide helps you find the perfect place to enjoy a beautiful holiday dinner with the people you love.

Wishing you all a wonderful start to the holiday week and if you need any help with reservations or local recommendations I am always here.

Thanksgiving Dining Options in South Orange County 🦃✨

Dana Point and Monarch Beach 🌊🌴

The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel RAYA
Three course Thanksgiving dinner
Time 5 to 9 PM
Price $162 adult, $65 child
Menu includes butternut squash bisque, smoked turkey with chorizo and cornbread stuffing, roasted root vegetables, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin panna cotta or spiced apple tart.
A refined coastal dining experience.

Ritz Carlton Grand Ballroom Thanksgiving Brunch
Luxury holiday buffet
Price approximately $250 adult and $95 child
Prime rib and turkey carving stations, chilled seafood, sushi, fresh pasta, charcuterie, and an elaborate dessert room.
Perfect for families and groups who love a festive buffet.

Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach AVEO Table and Bar
Brunch Buffet and Prix Fixe Dinner
Brunch includes carved organic turkey, prime rib, seafood towers, ahi poke, French toast, salads, and desserts.
Dinner features roasted turkey with fennel herb stuffing, braised short rib, sweet potato puree, Brussels sprouts, cranberry orange relish, and chocolate espresso torte.
Brunch price $220 adult and $75 child
Dinner price $185 adult
A beautiful indoor and outdoor setting with coastal elegance.

Monarch Bay Beach Club (members and resort guests)
Family style Thanksgiving dinner
Price $78 adult and $40 child
Menu includes roast turkey with cranberry orange compote, mashed potatoes, Parker House rolls with honey butter, sage stuffing, roasted vegetables, and pumpkin cheesecake.
Oceanfront, intimate, and always a guest favorite.

Salt Creek Grille Dana Point
Traditional Thanksgiving dinner served 2 to 7 PM
Menu highlights herb roasted turkey with gravy, garlic mashed potatoes, stuffing, seasonal vegetables, prime rib, salmon, and pumpkin pie.
A warm neighborhood atmosphere perfect for a cozy holiday meal.

Chart House Dana Point
Dedicated Thanksgiving menu
Typical offerings include slow roasted turkey with cornbread stuffing, macadamia crusted mahi, prime rib, sweet potato mash, roasted vegetables, and hot chocolate lava cake.
A beautiful harbor view setting with classic holiday dishes.

Gianna Take Home Thanksgiving (Dana Point) 🌿🥧
A perfect option for anyone wanting a chef prepared dinner without the work. Gianna typically offers roasted turkey breast or whole turkey, truffle mashed potatoes, honey glazed Brussels sprouts, classic gravy, cranberry relish, and delicious desserts like pumpkin cheesecake or their signature gelato.
Easy to reheat, beautifully packaged, and always delicious.
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Splashes Surf and Sand Resort
Four course Thanksgiving dinner offered noon to 8 PM
Price $180 adult
Dishes include kabocha squash and porter soup, pan seared scallops, Diestel Farms turkey with chorizo chestnut stuffing, sweet potato raviolo, braised short rib, spot tail bass, and pumpkin creme brulee.
Oceanfront dining with waves just below the windows.

Driftwood Kitchen
Thanksgiving buffet from noon to 5 PM
Price approximately $125 adult and $40 child
Includes carved turkey, house made stuffing, maple glazed ham, chilled seafood, gourmet sides, and an extensive dessert table.
A relaxed and scenic coastal buffet.

Las Brisas
Four course Thanksgiving prix fixe
Menu may include lobster bisque, roasted squash soup, citrus cured salmon, turkey with jalapeno cornbread stuffing, and cinnamon spiced pumpkin flan.
A festive holiday meal with a California Mexican influence.

Harvest at The Ranch Laguna Beach
Thanksgiving buffet or prix fixe
Dishes include heritage turkey with sage gravy, smoked brisket, cedar roasted fish, apple cranberry chutney, and warm bread pudding.
A cozy canyon setting with a warm, rustic feel. 🍂

Montage Laguna Beach Studio
Family style Thanksgiving feast
Price approximately $235 adult
Menu often includes citrus brined turkey, truffle potato puree, lobster veloute, artisanal sausage stuffing, and hand crafted desserts.
A refined, culinary focused holiday dinner.

Montage Laguna Beach The Loft
Four course holiday tasting menu
Price approximately $185 adult and $55 child
Known for Dungeness crab parfait, red kuri squash bisque, kona kampachi, heritage turkey with brioche herb stuffing, and pumpkin semifreddo.
One of the most elegant Thanksgiving meals in Orange County.

San Juan Capistrano 🌿🕯

Tavern at the Mission
Traditional Thanksgiving dinner
Approximate price $75 adult and $35 child
Menu features lobster bisque, clam chowder, roast turkey with giblet gravy, herb stuffing, prime rib, sea bass, pumpkin pie, and apple crisp.
Warm and historic setting near the Mission.

Ysidora Inn at the Mission
Thanksgiving feast served 1 to 10 PM
Includes carved turkey, Spanish inspired dishes, salads, roasted vegetables, and holiday desserts.
A charming courtyard atmosphere with European character.

San Clemente 🌊🦃

Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar San Clemente Pier
Traditional Thanksgiving dinner and to go feasts
Menu typically includes roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, prime rib, grilled vegetables, and pumpkin pie.
The ultimate classic Thanksgiving by the ocean.

Summary 🌟

South Orange County offers so many wonderful ways to celebrate Thanksgiving. From oceanfront resort dining and picturesque terraces to warm, traditional family favorites and delicious take home options, there is truly something for everyone. Whether you choose an elegant buffet, a coastal prix fixe dinner, or a relaxed meal at home, I hope your holiday is filled with delicious food and meaningful time with the people you love.

If you would like help choosing the right spot or want the links for reservations and take home orders, I am always happy to help.