Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and if the thought of roasting a turkey, coordinating side dishes, and cleaning up afterward makes you want to take a nap, you’re not alone. Luckily, Del Mar has you covered with plenty of options to enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving meal without spending the entire day in the kitchen. Whether you want to dine out with ocean views, pick up a ready-made feast, or support community efforts, this coastal town knows how to celebrate the holiday in style.
Dine Out and Soak Up the Views
If you’re ready to trade your apron for a reservation, several Del Mar restaurants are rolling out the red carpet for Thanksgiving diners. Jake’s Del Mar offers a scenic oceanfront experience with a prix-fixe menu featuring everything from fresh seafood to roasted meats and indulgent desserts. Reservations are required, so don’t wait until the last minute to secure your spot. There’s nothing quite like watching the waves crash while someone else does the dishes.
For a more elevated experience, Fairmont Grand Del Mar is pulling out all the stops with two distinct options. You can choose Amaya’s refined three-course tasting menu featuring delicacies like scallop ceviche and rosemary turkey roulade, or opt for the Grand Ballroom’s lavish family buffet with all the traditional favorites. Both options run from 12 PM to 8 PM on November 27, and with buffet prices at $195 per adult and $85 per child, it’s a splurge that saves you from grocery shopping and cleanup duty.
Looking for Italian flair? Il Fornaio Del Mar is serving up a four-course Thanksgiving feast for just $59 per adult and $25 for children 12 and under. It’s a great middle ground for families who want something special without breaking the bank.
Takeout Meals: All the Flavor, None of the Stress
Maybe you love the idea of Thanksgiving at home, but could really do without the cooking marathon. That’s where takeout comes in. Great Maple has created a Thanksgiving Dinner Box that brings elevated comfort food straight to your table.
Expect goodies like fall squash soup with caramelized apple, thyme-rosemary roasted turkey breast, maple mashed yams, and pumpkin pie with a gingersnap graham cracker crust. Pickup is available on November 27, and boxes start at $220. It’s the kind of meal that makes you look like a culinary genius without lifting a whisk.
If you’re in the mood for classic steakhouse vibes, Five Crowns in nearby Corona del Mar offers Thanksgiving dinners to go. You can order now for pickup on November 27, making it easy to plan ahead and avoid the holiday rush.
How to Reserve Early and Avoid Disappointment
Here’s the deal: Thanksgiving is one of the busiest dining days of the year, and popular spots fill up fast. Whether you’re booking a table or ordering takeout, early reservations are your best friend. Most restaurants are accepting reservations now, and some takeout options are limited. Don’t be the person scrambling on November 26 hoping for a miracle. A little planning goes a long way, and in the future, you will be grateful when you’re not stuck with last-minute options or, worse, cooking from scratch.
Check restaurant websites directly or use platforms like OpenTable to see what’s available. Many places also offer special deals for early bookings, so you might even save a few bucks while securing your spot.
Make This Thanksgiving Memorable
Whether you’re toasting with champagne at a luxury resort, picking up a gourmet meal to enjoy in your pajamas, or supporting local businesses, Del Mar makes it easy to create a Thanksgiving that’s all about gratitude and good food. The best part? No one has to argue about who’s doing the dishes. So go ahead and book that table, place that order, or simply enjoy the fact that this year, Thanksgiving dinner is someone else’s job. Cheers to that.
Sources: jakesdelmar.com, fairmont.com, ilfornaio.com, thegreatmaple.com, lawrysonline.com, opentable.com, sandiegomagazine.com, kmcoastal.com
Header Image Source: ilfornaio.com
