Get us in your inbox

Search
Thanksgiving
Photograph: ShutterstockThanksgiving

The best restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Francisco

Skip the dishes and the fuss—let the best restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Francisco handle the holiday for you

Clara Hogan
Written by
Clara Hogan
Advertising

If you're in charge of the feast (or even a side or two), Thanksgiving can be a lot of work—but it doesn't have to be. If you don't feel like dirtying the kitchen for hours on end this year, maybe it's time to let someone else take charge and serve you. Luckily in San Francisco, talented chefs at some of the best restaurants across the city are cooking up delectable Thanksgiving meals. So, consider stepping out of the kitchen and into one of the San Francisco restaurants to simply enjoy Thanksgiving fare without the prep or clean up. 

When is Thanksgiving? 

Thanksgiving lands on Thursday, November 23, 2023. 

What restaurants are open on Thanksgiving in San Francisco? 

Holiday meals of all persuasions are available at these top restaurants: classic turkey and stuffing dinners, decadent truffle-laden prix fixe feasts, and everything in between. Book a reservation at one of these Thanksgiving restaurants. All you have to bring is your appetite.

Where to go for Thanksgiving in San Francisco

  • Hotels
  • Chain hotels
  • Nob Hill
  • price 3 of 4

The iconic Fairmont San Francisco does the holidays right (giant Christmas gingerbread house, anyone?), and Thanksgiving is no exception. This year, the classic holiday feast is a lavish buffet spread ($169 per person; $95 for kids under 12) with live music in their Laurel Court restaurant, an elaborate Renaissance-inspired dining room.

Head to Michael Mina restaurant Estiatorio Ornos for a four-course Thanksgiving feast. The restaurant, a Mina partnership with Girair “Jerry” Goumroian, is cooking up a holiday experience for $125 per person. Begin with a tasting of spreads (hummus, tzatziki, and more), followed by a first course featuring avgolemono soup, grilled octopus, fattoush salad, or ahi tuna tartare. Entree choices range from turkey or wagyu to grilled lavraki or king salmon; an assortment of shareable sides accompanies. End the meal with a Greek-inspired dessert of candied citrus ravani, a carrot and semolina cake.

Advertising
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 3rd Cousin (@3rdcousin)

3rd Cousin, a neighborhood gem in Bernal Heights, is a humble spot, but not without accolades, landing on the Michelin Guide this year. Treat yourself to a three-course Thanksgiving here for $134 (children $49), with an option wine pairing for $59. The first course gives an option of soup or salad, followed by the main course: a choice of herb-roasted turkey or roasted rib of beef (or vegetarian pasta), each served with elevated takes on all the classic fixings (sausage stuffing, yams, whipped potato, green bean casserole, to name a few.) End on a sweet note with an old-fashioned bourbon pecan or pumpkin pie. Takeout is also an option.

  • Restaurants
  • British
  • Yerba Buena

This distinguished London-inspired brasserie has been combining a very American tradition with decadence from across the pond since 2014. The Cavalier will host its annual four-course meal that includes an amuse, an appetizer, an entree (turkey, ribeye, salmon, or mushroom tempura), various sides, and classic desserts.

Advertising

For a French spin on a traditional Thanksgiving meal, book a table at modern French bistro La Société, located inside the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown Soma. For $88 per person, you can enjoy a four-course prix fixe menu. Start the meal with a baguette and autumn salad, followed by a chestnut veloute (soup). For the main course, choose between a turkey breast or paupeitte, served with brussels sprouts and butter-whipped potato. End the meal with a sweet tartee tatin. 

If you are looking for a true feast, head to Michael Mina and Ayesha Curry’s International Smoke for a buffet of traditional and seasonal dishes. Dishes include pumpkin soup with salsa macha; roasted cauliflower with harissa aioli, cilantro, and mint chutney; entrees such as roasted turkey, cedar grilled salmon, and Wagyu prime rib; and sides including sourdough stuffing with country sausage, and Brussels sprouts with maple vinaigrette and crispy shallots. Save room desserts: apple cobbler, pumpkin pie, and a dark chocolate parfait. The buffet is $120 per adult and $49 for kids.

Advertising

Villon, a chic American restaurant helmed by Michelin-starred Executive Chef Jason Fox inside the SF Proper Hotel, offers Thanksgiving dinner. The curated four-course prix fixe menu showcases the California autumn ingredients and serves an elevated take on the holiday while maintaining the traditional spirit of Thanksgiving. A festive beverage selection is available, as well as a wine pairing.

Advertising

Chef Mark Dommen of One Market is offering a three-course Thanksgiving menu. Choose from a first course, main course, and dessert for $95 per adult and $49 per child 10 years and under. The restaurant is highlighting classic fall flavors for 2023, with entrees including roasted Diestel turkey, spit-roasted Berkshire pork loin, or pan-seared king salmon. Make sure to save room for an apple hand pie or pumpkin tart.

Recommended

    More on Thanksgiving

      You may also like
      You may also like
      Advertising