Our family got in the habit of seeking out restaurant buffet options for Thanksgiving dinner back when we used to celebrate with my in-laws. It’s kind of an annual hobby to figure out good places to go.

Unfortunately, it takes some digging to find out which restaurants offer a Thanksgiving BUFFET (not just a dinner) and then it’s challenging to navigate popular review sites which make you jump through hoops with photo slideshows or clicking to their site instead of another.

I just wanted a simple LIST split into Thanksgiving Buffets, Thanksgiving Dinner, and even a Thanksgiving To Go or Thanksgiving Takeout options for taking the meal home.

I hope my list helps you make plans and answers your “What restaurants are open for takeout on Thanksgiving?” and “What’s open on Thanksgiving?” questions this year. Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 23rd in 2023.

I revise my list in late October / early November every year and many times leading up to the holiday (November 20th, 2023 restaurants updated and new ones added today!) – so check back often. Restaurants often don’t release their Thanksgiving reservations or menu until late October!

2023 Thanksgiving Dinners Orange County

All updated for Thanksgiving 2023! I go through and check all the links multiple times each week – and I will say that some reservations are filling up already!

If it isn’t updated I will have a 2022 marker at the beginning of the post, then you can at least get an idea from 2022 menus and prices. I have also added NEW markers for places readers have suggested recently that are newly added for 2023.

2023 Thanksgiving Buffets in Orange County

We are back to 14+ Thanksgiving buffets! I can’t tell you the BEST Thanksgiving buffet in Orange County, but you should be able to figure out which one is a good fit for you from this list!

Look further down the post for:

• Thanksgiving dine-in restaurants
• Thanksgiving takeout options
• and Thanksgiving treats.

NEW Thanksgiving Food Coma at Paséa in Huntington Beach – “Buffet in Paséa’s iconic Blue Room, complete with oceanfront views, carving stations, favorite fall dishes, a kids buffet and more.” $110 for adults, $40 for kids 4 – 12 years old, complimentary for kids 3 years old and younger. Pricing excludes tax and gratuity. Two hour maximum seating time. For large parties, please ensure all tickets are purchased together in one order. You do have to purchase NON-REFUNDABLE TICKETS at the time you reserve. Here’s the menu.

The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach has buffet options for 2023!

• Coliseum Pool & Grill Thanksgiving (1:30pm-9:30pm) – Buffet Menu ($145 per adult, $35 for children 12 and under. Pricing excludes additional alcohol, tax & service charge. 20% gratuity will be added to parties of 6 or more.)
• Pelican Grill & Bar Thanksgiving BRUNCH – Buffet Menu ($195 per adult, $66 for children 12 and under. Pricing excludes additional alcohol, tax & service charge. 20% gratuity will be added to parties of 6 or more.)

Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa – Feast of Flavors Buffet in the Huntington Ballroom ($145 adults, $75 children 4-12, ages 3 and under free, does NOT include 20% tax & gratuity)

Heirloom Farmhouse Kitchen Thanksgiving Buffet ($105 per adult, $35 per child ages 12 & under + tax and 20% service charge) – 2 hour max dining time and you need to pay for parking.

Hendrix Restaurant in Dana Point – Thanksgiving Buffet (adults $85, kids 12 years and under $19)

Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet ($225 per guest, $120 per child (3 to 9). Pricing is exclusive of tax and F&B House and Staff Charge. Seating is pre-assigned in event space.). It is an incredible spread, but you must pre-pay so there are no cancellations. Extensive menu available on the reservation page.

Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet at The Laguna Cliffs Marriott above Dana Point Harbor – A Thanksgiving dinner buffet from 2pm-7pm for $165 per adult, $79 for 4yo-11yo children. Tax & gratuity not included.

Driftwood Kitchen Laguna Beach – Thanksgiving Buffet ($125 per person, $25 kids 12 and under)

Goofy’s Kitchen at Disneyland Hotel – Brunch Buffet ($60 plus tax adults – 10 & up, $32 plus tax kids – 3-9) and Dinner Buffet ($85 plus tax adults – 10 & up, $35 plus tax kids – 3-9)

Storyteller’s Cafe at Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel – Brunch Buffet and Dinner Buffet priced the same as Goofy’s Kitchen

Tangerine Room at the Westin Anaheim Resort – This may be your best bet for variety of food at a relatively reasonable price ($85 adult, $45 kids under 12 – tax & gratuity not included). Click on the Thanksgiving menu tab. Reserve through Open Table.

Majestic Garden Hotel near Disneyland and their Garden Court Bistro Thanksgiving Buffet – limited items, but lower price. ($42 adults, $19.50 children 3-12 years of age).

El Torito All-You-Can-Eat Thanksgiving Buffet (Dana Point Harbor, Anaheim, Irvine, Tustin, Westminster, Yorba Linda) – “Come enjoy an All-You-Can-Eat Thanksgiving Buffet with a Turkey and Ham carving station, apple-jalapeno stuffing, chipotle-honey sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, Taco Station, Your Mexican Favorites, Soups and Salads, Dessert Bar with Pumpkin Pie, Unlimited Champagne and more! We will also be offering $5 Margaritas and Beers all-day.” Adults $38 and Kids $12.

Balboa Bay Resort Thanksgiving Buffet (adults $120, children $60 and does not include tax or gratuity. Members and hotel guests enjoy special pricing. 7 day cancellation policy.)

O’Neill’s Bar & Grill at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo ($110 per adult or with unlimited Champagne option for $130, $49.95 for kids 5-12 years old with children under 4 free.) Tax and 20% service charge will be automatically added.

Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Thanksgiving Buffet “Feast of Flavors” – 12pm-4pm buffet for $145 adults, $75 kids ages 4-12. Sales tax and 18% gratuity added.

2022 Mrs. Knotts Chicken Dinner Restaurant at Knotts Berry Farm – Thanksgiving Champagne Buffet (Book ahead of time)

NOT in OC, but definitely an experience!

Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego is an iconic historic property with a pretty amazing Thanksgiving buffet which will be in their new Southpointe Ballroom this year for the first time. It’s worth going for the dessert buffet alone! $195 adults and $100 for children (4-10 years old). Children under 3 get complimentary buffet with paid adult.

NEW Thanks to Heather @ocparentguide for sending my way. Aquarium of the Pacific Thanksgiving Lunch (Long Beach) – Thanksgiving lunch buffet between 11am-4pm and the price of the buffet includes Aquarium admission for non-members. “You can meet over 12,000 animals from the world’s largest ocean, then savor a traditional spread to be served buffet style. A full cash bar and seasonal cocktails will be available for purchase. Reservations will be offered hourly between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on our Rooftop Veranda dining area overlooking Rainbow Harbor.” $95 per adult (ages 12+), $67.50 per Child (ages 3-11) includes Aquarium admission. Members get a bit of a discount since they already get aquarium admission! $70 per adult Aquarium member, $47.50 per Aquarium member child.

Notes:

• I included prices for the buffets just for comparison purposes. Some of these restaurants may already be fully booked for the holiday.
• In some cases, you may need to pay in advance at the time you make your Thanksgiving reservation. Make sure you call and confirm prices and details when you make your reservation.
• Some reservations are brunch, some midday meals, some dinner.
• These prices can be daunting and they can be something you save up for all year long. We have eaten humble meals at home and saved up for these kinds of incredibly memorable experiences.

2023 Thanksgiving Dine-In Dinners in Orange County

NEW Prego Restaurant at The District in Tustin – Italian dine-in specials priced separately, also 3 Course Traditional Dine-In Menu (adults $65, children under 10 $30). There is a to go option in the next section.

NEW Great Maple (Anaheim location ONLY at Paradise Pier Hotel) – Serving a special Thanksgiving prix-fixe in addition to their All-Day Menu. “Enjoy specials like the Maple Brined Turkey & Buttermilk Fried Turkey Duo, or the Rosemary Apple Cider Ham & Luxardo Glazed Ham Duo (or both!) served with all the fixings. Don’t forget to save room for dessert! Reservations can be made on their website: thegreatmaple.com/reservations. Newport Beach and Pasadena locations will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.

NEW Citrus City Grille in Orange – 4-course Prix-Fix menu for $45 adults and $22 children. Or order off the menu for a la carte items.

NEW Brio Tuscany Grille in Dana Point – Dine in from 2pm-7pm. Menu not available for dine-in, but also offering takeout.

Bosscat Kitchen & Libations in Orange and Irvine – Dine in menu with choice of Entrees, Accompaniments, and Desserts. $60/person (+$10 if you choose the Prime Rib entree). Separate web pages for Irvine menu and Orange menu.

Texas de Brazil in Irvine – Serving regular dinner menu plus “serving our regular dinner menu all day alongside some special holiday favorites including roasted turkey, peppercorn gravy, sweet potato casserole, Italian sausage stuffing and steamed green beans.” Location opens at noon. Make reservations.

The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach has Tasting Menus two of their restaurants for the evening hours.

• Coliseum Pool & Grill Thanksgiving BRUNCH – Menu PDF (A la carte menu)
• Pelican Grill & Bar Thanksgiving DINNER – Menu PDF ($155 per adult + tax & gratuity)

Montage Laguna Beach also has two options. One is a family-style meal and the other is ordering off a set menu.

• Montage Laguna Beach “Ballroom Brunch Buffet” (set menu $245+ per adult, $75+ per child)
• Montage Laguna Beach “The Loft Tasting Menu” (four courses $180+ per adult, $55 per child 12 & under)

Summit House OC in Fullerton – 3 course dine-in menu

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar 3-Course Thanksgiving – 3-course and children’s menu at Newport Beach and Anaheim locations. Starting at $59.

Water Grill in Costa Mesa – 3-course Thanksgiving menu ($68 per person, $24 children 12 and under).

Napa Rose at Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel – 4 course prix fixe meal ($140 per adult, $35 per child)

Orange Hill Restaurant – Thanksgiving Day Experience – 4 course menu for Thanksgiving Brunch or Seasonal Dinner menu ($92 adults, $35 children, $30 Bottomless Mimosas)

Bucca di Beppo Italian Restaurant Dine-In Thanksgiving served family style in Anaheim and Huntington Beach restaurant locations

Urban Plates – Family meals for 4 priced around $100 and you can add extra sides + desserts to go. Locations in Brea, Tustin at the Marketplace, Irvine, Aliso Viejo.

The RANCH Restaurant and Saloon Anaheim – Thanksgiving menu where you pay for what you order and a children’s menu for $45.

Bistango Fine Dining in Irvine – Prix-Fixe menu for $79 for adults or kids for $39

Salt Creek Grille in Dana Point – Go to Menus tab and then click on the drop-down for More Menus to see their Thanksgiving offering. Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner is $55 adults and $25 for children – with a choice of starter and dessert. Also vegetarian, fish, and prime rib options available for a slightly different price.

Five Crowns in Corona del Mar – this is a Lawry’s restaurant so Prime Rib is the main feature on their Thanksgiving menu.

Bayside Restaurant Newport Beach – 3-course Thanksgiving menu ($79 per adult, $39 per child).

Harvest Restaurant at the The Ranch Laguna Beach – Thanksgiving menu with a la carte specials

Chart House in Dana Point – Thanksgiving with a view. This is part of the Landry’s family of restaurants. No price listed.

Habana in Irvine Spectrum or Costa Mesa – see their Cuban cuisine Thanksgiving menu on the 3 course menu for $65 per person

Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ Thanksgiving Dinner – ($34.99 for adults, $18.99 for kids).

Pacific Hideaway Thanksgiving Dinner Special – ($55 adults – food only, $35 kids 12 & under, $15 glass of wine or specialty cocktail) at the Kimpton Shorebreak Hotel

McCormick & Schmicks Restaurant in Anaheim – Traditional Turkey Dinner for dining in ($38 adults, $15 kids).

Wind & Sea Restaurant in Dana Point Harbor – Thanksgiving Dinner with choice of fresh oven-roasted turkey, fresh grilled Atlantic salmon, or prime top sirloin steak with all the trimmings for $49-$59 per person with children eating at half price.

Harpoon Henry’s in Dana Point Harbor – Dinners similar to Wind & Sea with choice of oven roasted turkey ($49), Atlantic salmon ($49), mahi-mahi macadamia ($49), or prime rib ($65) and each entree includes: a Caesar salad, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, seasonal vegetables, cranberry sauce, warm dinner rolls, and pumpkin pie. Children selections for those under 12 years old (turkey, turkey sliders, hamburger sliders, prime rib).

The Winery Restaurant (Tustin) – 3 course Thanksgiving menu for $85

Duke’s Huntington Beach – Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner special with a Duke’s twist or order from the regular menu. ($33 adults, $16 kids). Takeout options, too. Ocean view!

Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach – Watertable Restaurant 3-course Thanksgiving meal for $95/per person.

The Capital Grille in Costa Mesa – Thanksgiving plates with mashed potatoes for the table ($50 adults, $20 children – dessert and sweet potato side not included).

Kings Fish House in Laguna Hills – see the Thanksgiving menu for the 3 course meal for $46 adults, $16.50 for kids

Jack’s Restaurant in Dana Point – Thanksgiving menu where you pay for what you order. Maximum 8 guests.

2022 Black Angus (Fountain Valley, Buena Park, Santa Ana) – Turkey Feast for $25.99 (adults) and $11.99 (kids). Reservations available for 2023, but no menu or pricing.

Choosing Your Options for Thanksgiving Dinner To Go

We have done our Thanksgivings so many different ways over the years.

You can get the complete meal or just parts of the meal while you prepare the rest at home.

As I see it, here are your options:

Option #1 – You can order only the MAIN COURSE (turkey, prime rib, vegetarian option) and make the SIDES and DESSERTS yourself.

Option #2 – You can order just the MAIN COURSE and SIDES, but make the DESSERTS yourself.

Option #3 – You can order the whole deal: MAIN COURSE, SIDES, and DESSERTS.

Option #4 – You can concentrate on making a homemade Thanksgiving feast and just grab DESSERTS from your favorite bakery or specialty grocery.

Many of these are ORDER AHEAD – so don’t wait until the last minute to put in your order! Especially this year, they may need some extra time to get supplies.

Where to Order Thanksgiving Dinner Takeout in Orange County

NEW Prego Restaurant at The District in Tustin – 2 Course Traditional Thanksgiving Feast to Go ($50 per person). 1st course is a Caesar salad, 2nd course is the Main + Sides: “Slow Roasted All White Meat Turkey, Green Beans & Carrots, Creamy Potato Purée, Focaccia Stuffing, Turkey Gravy & House Cranberry.” Dessert is an add-on. Orders must be placed by November 21st.

NEW The Yellow Chilli at The District in Tustin – Meal to serve 4-6 people includes: “Whole Tandoori Chicken, Grilled Masala Potatoes, Saffron Rice, Makhanwala Paneer, Garlic Naan, Butter Naan, Raita, Pumpkin Cake.” Must order by noon on November 22nd. Only $109 for the full feast.

Bosscat Kitchen & Libations in Orange and Irvine – Takeout feast for 4 people at $199. Separate web pages for Irvine menu and Orange menu (just scroll down past the dine in menu).

Taste Catering in Lake Forest – A reader let me know she caters her Thanksgiving meal from this spot. There is an eatery serving lunch during the week, but they offer catering orders for pickup on Thanksgiving day — you must pre-order.

Texas de Brazil in Irvine – “Pre-order your Thanksgiving feast today! With two sizing options to feed all of your friends & family, our Thanksgiving takeout feasts come fully cooked and ready to reheat at home with instructions provided.” Sizing options feed 4-10 people. 

Thanksgiving with Porchbox Restaurant Laguna Hills – order a la carte trays that feed 8-12 people to mix and match (priced separately) or order “The Whole Meal” for $340. Order by November 18th and pick up on November 23 to reheat on Thanksgiving Day.

Hendrix Restaurant Thanksgiving Feast To Go (feeds 8-10 people for $350, order by November 20th and pick up between 11am and 2pm on Thanksgiving Day)

Stefano’s Golden Baked Hams in Yorba Linda (feed 4-6 people with a holiday ham or turkey plus 6 sides for $195)

Bad to the Bone BBQ in San Juan Capistrano – order your dinner ahead of time and reheat at home on Thanksgiving Day

Heritage Craft Barbecue in San Juan Capistrano – check out their pre-order which must be in by November 17th and it sells out fast!!!

Polly’s Pies (Fullerton, Huntington Beach, Laguna Hills, Los Alamitos, Orange, Santa Ana, Yorba Linda) – Lots of options to feed 6 or more with a Whole Turkey Feast $189.99 plus tax and tin deposit, Sliced Ham Feast $179.99 plus tax and tin deposit, Everything But the Bird with sides only $89.99 plus tax and tin deposit, and all of their Famous Pies priced individually.

Bucca di Beppo Italian Restaurant Thanksgiving Feast to Go in Anaheim and Huntington Beach ($90 serves 3 or $149 serves 6). Pick it up cold to reheat or hot right before serving.

Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ – Get Thanksgiving Family Feast which feeds 10 or more for $319.99 or Thanksgiving Supper which serves 6 or more for $199.99. You can also just order the main course protein or desserts. Lots of options here! Must pre-order.

Duke’s Huntington Beach – You can get a single portion of the Thanksgiving meal to go for $33. Or you can feed a family of 4 for $125. Extra sides and desserts available a la carte.

The Capital Grille in Costa Mesa – Thanksgiving sides at home. Get a full set up of prepared sides to serve 4 people for $135.

Urban Plates – Family meals, sides, desserts to go. Locations in Brea, Tustin at the Marketplace, Irvine, Aliso Viejo. $175 for a feast that serves 6-8 people includes 2 sides, $30 for additional sides by the pan.

McCormick & Schmicks in Anaheim – order a Thanksgiving Feast To Go for 4-6 people for $236.50. Must place orders before November 20th.

Popeye’s – Order your Cajun-Style Turkey and have it delivered to your door. $99 for turkey. “The Cajun-Style Turkey is delivered to your door pre-cooked so all you have to do is thaw, heat, serve & enjoy. Feeds approximately 8-12 people.”

NEW Brio Tuscany Grille in Dana Point – To-Go options are: Complete Traditional Turkey Breast Dinner To-Go ($169), Chicken Parmesan Meal ($149), Eggplant Parmesan Meal – Vegetarian ($149), or Herb Roasted Black Angus Tenderloin ($269). Must order by November 20th.

2022 Black Angus (Fountain Valley, Buena Park, Santa Ana) – Turkey feasts to go for 4 ($104), 8 ($208), or 12 people ($312) with the option for ordering whole pumpkin pies

2022 Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant Thanksgiving  Turkey or Ham Take Home Dinners – $189 and save 10% if you are a season passholder

Bristol Farms – Order fully cooked meals from the deli department. Choose pickup or delivery. Locations in Irvine at Irvine Spectrum, Newport Beach, and Yorba Linda.

Whole Foods Market – shop holiday meals by entering your state/store.

Albertson’s/Pavilions/Vons Market – Order turkey, ham, or roast beef holiday meals (choose your store, this link is set to Pavilions on Alicia Parkway)

Ralphs – order “Holiday Meal Bundles” by choosing your store

Gelson‘s – Order prepared holiday meals online and pickup

A few other places to pick up your turkey if you are cooking at home:

• Bristol Farms
• Wild Fork (Laguna Niguel, Costa Mesa, Mission Viejo)
• The Butchery (Brea, Costa Mesa, Crystal Cove)

Thanksgiving Treats

Porto’s Bakery Thanksgiving – has a few seasonal options including a Turkey & Gravy version of their delectable potato balls! (I tried last year and they are YUM!). Also pumpkin cheesecake and danishes.

Urth Caffé – offers pre-order for their “famous” Thanksgiving pies to pick up in the days before Thanksgiving. You have to order before November 20th. There are locations in Orange and Laguna Beach.

Blue Scoop Creamery – Ice cream pies for Thanksgiving!! They have Bourbon Pecan Chip, Pumpkin, or Cookies & Cream.

Elisa Marie Baking – a favorite stand at Farmer’s Markets and you can find her bakery items at hotels & gourmet food shops in OC. She has a Thanksgiving menu with pies, cornbread, and pecan bars. Yum! Support a small business woman!

Pop Pie Co. in Costa Mesa – Offering Thanksgiving Pies. Pre-sale until Friday, November 17th. 9 inch pies for 6-8 people. Choose from: Pumpkin Pie, Bourbon Pecan, Salted Caramel Apple Crumble, or Apple Cranberry Ginger Crumble.

If you’re looking for fun things to do Thanksgiving week, read my post on 7 Fun Ways to #OptOutside During Thanksgiving!