22 Great Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in San Francisco (That Kids Love!)
In San Francisco, you can enjoy the Thanksgiviung holiday without having to do any cooking. With one of the best food scenes in the country and Michelin-star restaurants throughout the Bay Area, having someone else cook for you on Thanksgiving in San Francisco is a stress-free option.
With no side dishes to make and no dishes to clean, these are fantastic kid-friendly restaurant options that are open on Thanksgiving. You'll enjoy traditional turkey feasts in cozy settings, but without any preparations. The one thing you will need to do is act quickly and book a reservation, as places fill up fast. Keep reading for a delectable list of restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Francisco with outdoor dining, prix fixe menus, kids menus, and more.
Gobble up kid-friendly Thanksgiving crafts, games, and activities, and start planning Christmas and Hanukkah festivities with Polar Express trains near San Francisco. Check out all the festive fun in San Francisco in our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for San Francisco Bay Area Kids.
Happy Thanksgiving, and bon appétit!
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Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in San Francisco
1. International Smoke—Yerba Buena
Buffet is $130 per adult, $49 for kids 12 and under
Michael Mina and Ayesha Curry’s International Smoke is globally inspired, but itsThanksgiving buffet will please even the most ardent traditionalist. First, it is a true feast, with delicious starters, a carving station, tons of sides, custom cocktails, and dessert. Second, the menu has the greatest hits: SF sourdough stuffing, roasted turkey (and even barbeque options), whipped potatoes, mac and cheese, and assorted pies.
2. One Market—Financial District
$95 four-course dinner for adults, $49 for kids 10 and under
One Market has views of the Bay Bridge, trolley, and the Ferry Building. That alone is enough for my kids, but the food here is also amazing. My pick for the main course would be the roasted Diestel turkey with cornbread sausage stuffing, root vegetables, and shallot thyme gravy. If this sounds like your pick, too, be sure to reserve your table as soon as possible, as reservations were fully booked early last year.
3. STK Steakhouse—Union Square
$64 per adult, $29 for kids 12 and unde
Enjoy a live DJ while you feast on a delisious turkey dinner complete with cornbread and sage stuffing, shallot and thyme confit thighs, sauteed green beans with crispy shallots, maple-baked sweet potatoes, Yukon gold-mashed potatoes with parmesan crust, classic gravy and cranberry orange chutney. Make sure to leave some room for the spiced pumpkin pie.
4. Tommy's Joynt—Western Addition
$32 + tax per person
Any list of places to eat on Thankgiving in San Franciso has to include the iconic Tommy’s Joynt. This Western Addition Hofbrau has been open for Thanksgiving dinner for 75 years, and it is a whole vibe. Kids love the cafeteria-style trays, and there are no reservations. It is open until 7pm or until it sells out. Each tray has turkey or ham, stuffing, pumpkin pie, and two sides of your choosing (candied yams, mashed potatoes, green beans). Thanksgiving pre-orders for takeout are also available.
Take in beautiful Bay views while enjoying a Thanksgiving buffet. Photo courtesy of City Experiences
5. City Experiences Thanksgiving Cruise—The Embarcadero
$145+ per person for dinner, kids 3 and under are free
City Experiences hosts a delightful Thanksgiving dinner cruise in San Francisco that departs from Pier 3. The dinner cruise spans 2½ hours and features a lavish buffet-style Thanksgiving dinner. Children can stay engaged while parents savor their meals. Immerse yourself in the spirit of Thanksgiving with the backdrop of serene San Francisco Bay.
6. 3rd Cousin—Bernal Heights North
$145 three-course menu for adults, $49 for kids
Celebrate Thanksgiving at 3rd Cousin in San Francisco’s Bernal Heights with a cozy, three-course feast crafted by Chef Greg Lutes. The meal starts with a choice of dishes, including spaghetti squash fritters or a hearty potato and cauliflower cream soup. Main courses include a herb-roasted organic Diesel turkey with classic sides, roasted rib of beef, or a vegetarian pasta with seasonal mushrooms and truffles. The dinner wraps up with indulgent dessert options, including bourbon pecan pie and pumpkin pie.
East Bay Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving
7. Lake Chalet—Oakland
$85 three-course menu for adults, $37.50 two-course menu for kids
Lake Chalet once again offers a Thanksgiving dinner to remember. Every year, it is so enthusiastic about creating a family-friendly Thanksgiving tradition, and the enthusiasm is contagious. You’ll have your choice of clam chowder or coconut curry to start, turkey, salmon, or ravioli as entrees, and pumpkin cheesecake or apple crisp for dessert.
8. Zino—Berkeley
$98 for adults, $45 for children. Kids five and under are free
Zino's Thanksgiving buffet at the Hotel Shattuck Plaza in Berkeley offers a delicious, family-friendly feast with a variety of Thanksgiving classics and seasonal flavors. Highlights include apple-and-thyme brined turkey, prime rib, salmon, a seafood station, and an array of sides and desserts, all served in a warm, festive setting. With options for adults and children, it’s a great way to celebrate the holiday without the cooking and cleanup.
9. City Experiences Berkeley Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise
$153-plus per person for dinner. Kids 3 and under are free
Similar to the City Experiences Thanksgiving cruises in San Francisco, if your kids are going through a boat phase, this Thanksgiving dinner cruise in Berkeley is for you. Everyone can get dressed up, there is plenty of room to explore onboard, and your kids will definitely find something they want to eat from this enormous buffet.
Peninsula Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving
10. Pasta Moon—Half Moon Bay
$95 three-course menu for adults, $25 two-course menu for children 12 and under
Pasta Moon has been one of our family’s favorite spots for almost 15 years. It’s newly remodeled, but still cozy inside and out. Each course has four or five options, traditional Thanksgiving sides. If you’re not tied to the traditional turkey option, I recommend the lasagna.
11. Menlo Tavern—Menlo Park
Prices vary by item
Menlo Tavern draws inspiration from collegiate clubs, and it is one of the most relaxing places on the peninsula, with immaculate aesthetics. The patio has multiple cheerful firepits with semi-circular seating that fits a whole family. Its regular menu is all available for Thanksgiving, with some festive holiday additions.
12. McArthur Park—Palo Alto
$75 for adults, $50 for children. Kids 3 and under are free
MacArthur Park in Palo Alto invites guests to enjoy a classic Thanksgiving buffet in a charming, historic setting. From 11am to 5pm on Thanksgiving Day, guests can savor a range of holiday favorites, including prime rib, roasted turkey, and mesquite-grilled salmon at the carving station, alongside seasonal salads, comforting sides, and decadent desserts from Faz Bakery. With its Colonial-inspired ambiance and roots as a cherished local landmark, MacArthur Park creates a warm, community-centered dining experience perfect for celebrating with family.
North Bay Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving
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A delicious Thanksgiving feast awaits at Insalata's. Photo courtesy of the restaurant
13. Insalata’s—San Anselmo
$80 for adults, $40 for kids 12 and under
Another year on Michelin’s Bib Gourmand list, Insalata’s is one of the best value-for-money spots in the Bay. Not only is the food delicious, but kids feel welcome, and parents won't feel stressed. Thanksgiving dinner includes family-style appetizers, soup, salad, and main course options for traditionalists, vegetarians, and vegans. Dessert has four options; I wish you the best of luck choosing only one. Insalata's also has a Thanksgiving takeout menu.
14. Salito's Crab House & Prime Rib—Sausalito
$49.99 three-course menu for adults, $24.99 for kids
Enjoy Thanksgiving with a scenic water view. Salito's offers a special Thanksgiving menu consisting of a Caesar salad, roasted turkey breast with gravy, stuffing, cranberry relish, and pumpkin pie. If you prefer something less traditional, it serves its daily menu as well.
15. Farm at Carneros Resort—Napa
$145 for adults, a la carte menu for children
This family-style feast presents classic Thanksgiving dishes prepared with fresh produce from the culinary gardens right on the farm. Dinner opens with pumpkin soup with a wild pecan granola and a farm salad. The main course is free-range turkey with cranberry relish, gravy, sourdough, brioche stuffing, vegetables from the garden, potato puree, and Parker house rolls. A trio of desserts round out this farm-to-table work of art.
16. The Trident—Sausalito
Prices vary by item
Celebrate Thanksgiving with stunning views of San Francisco Bay. The Thanksgiving menu at The Trident is expansive. Go for a traditional turkey dinner with the Pilgrim Platter for $48 per person, which includes a Diesel turkey or heritage ham with an array of delectable sides. Or opt for something less traditional, including seafood offerings. The Trident is known for oysters, crab, and San Francisco's favorite cioppino.
South Bay Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving
RELATED: Top Holiday Activities and Christmas Events in San Francisco Bay Area for Kids
Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal in a cozy setting. Photo courtesy of Il Fornaraio
17. Il Fornaraio—San Jose
$59 for adults, $25 for children 12 and under
Il Fornaraio makes every local Thanksgiving list for a reason. It is familiar, in the coziest, most trustworthy sense of the word. There are white tablecloths, but it’s not too fancy for the family. This year's dinner starts with butternut squash soup and Insalata invernale. Then, enjoy the dreamiest roasted turkey and gravy, with stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, yams, and green beans. Dessert is traditional pumpkin pie with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. You can also order your Thanksgiving dinner to-go at the same price per person.
18. Left Bank Brassiere—San Jose
$79 per person
Located in bustling Santana Row in San Jose, Left Bank offers a four-course prix-fix dinner with a French twist for Thanksgiving. The feast includes all the favorites, including persimmon salad, buttternut squash soup, hand-carved turkey, steak, tons of sides, and, of course, a slice of pumpkin or apple pie (topped with ice cream, of course). After dinner, take a stroll downtown.
19. Meso Mediterranean—San Jose
Varies by item
"Meso", meaning "middle," brings families together for a Mediterranean-inspired Thanksgiving prix-fix menu in downtown San Jose. Enjoy appetizers such as fried brie, main course choices including turkey, slow-cooked lamb shank, branzino, roasted vegetable moussaka, or vegan gnocchi, and delicious desserts such as pumpkin pie or chocolate lava cake.
Restaurants for Thanksgiving Takeout in the San Francisco Area
20. Farmshop—Marin
Embracing its farm roots, this Marin-based restaurant proudly sources its Thanksgiving offerings from local California farmers and artisanal providers. Stars include Diestel Family Farms turkey and Snake River Farms Kurobuta ham. Traditional Thanksgiving essentials share the menu with indulgent treats like caviar. Don't forget to pre-order. You can find Farmshop within Marin's Country Mart.
21. Bi-Rite Market—San Francisco: Mission District, Alamo Square, & Russian Hill
Bi-Rite’s Thanksgiving to-go brings the flavors of San Francisco right to your table, with fresh ingredients sourced from local Bay Area farms and purveyors. Its thoughtfully prepared holiday dishes—from organic turkey to seasonal sides and pies—celebrate the region’s unique flavors. Bi-Rite’s commitment to sustainable, community-focused practices shines through in every item, giving you a holiday meal that’s as local as it is delicious.
22. Whole Foods — Multiple Locations
If you find yourself looking for a last-minute option, do not delay on Whole Foods’ Thanksgiving menu. It is so delicious that I go there all November long. Meal options are available for different serving sizes. Holiday meals must be placed a minimum of 48 hours ahead of pickup date and time. Check the individual stores for Thanksgiving hours.
Places featured in this article:
International Smoke
Tommy's Joynt
