Best Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in San Francisco (That Kids Love!)

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, the 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. Tommy’s Joynt — Western Addition 

$32 + tax per person 

A list for places to eat 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. They’re open until 7pm or until they sell out. Each tray has turkey or ham, stuffing, pumpkin pie, and two sides of your choosing (candied yams, mashed potato, 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

4. City Experiences Thanksgiving Cruise — The Embarcadero

$125+ per person for dinner, kids three and under are free

City Experiences is hosting a delightful Thanksgiving dinner cruise in San Francisco that departs from Pier 3. The dinner cruise spans two and a half hours and features a lavish buffet-style Thanksgiving dinner. As you soak in the captivating sights from the boat, children can stay engaged while parents savor their meals. Immerse yourself in the spirit of Thanksgiving with the backdrop of the serene San Francisco Bay. 

5. 3rd Cousin — Bernal Heights North

$139 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 like 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

6. Lake Chalet — Oakland

$85 three-course menu for adults, $37.50 two-course menu for kids

Awarded Best Restaurant View for 2023 (thank you, Lake Merritt), Lake Chalet is once again offering a Thanksgiving dinner to remember. Every year, they are 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.  

7. Zino — Berkeley

$90 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 & 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. 

8. City Experiences Berkeley Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise 

$120+ per person for dinner, $80+ for brunch. Kids three and under are free

Similarly 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 the one 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. They also have a brunch buffet earlier in the day with traditional brunch fare and a station just for kids. 

Peninsula Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving

9. Pasta Moon — Half Moon Bay

$89 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, and if you’re not tied to the traditional turkey option, I recommend the lasagna. 

10. Menlo Tavern — Menlo Park 

Prices vary by item

Melo Tavern gains inspiration from collegiate eating clubs, and it is one of the most relaxing places on the peninsula for me because the aesthetics are immaculate. The patio has multiple cheerful firepits with semi-circular seating that fits our whole family. Their regular menu is all available for Thanksgiving, and they have included some festive additions. 

11. McArthur Park — Palo Alto 

$65 for adults, $45 for children. Kids three & under are free

MacArthur Park in Palo Alto invites guests to enjoy a classic Thanksgiving buffet in a charming, historic setting. From 11 AM to 5 PM on Thanksgiving Day, guests can savor a range of holiday favorites like 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. Photo courtesy of Insalata’s

12. Insalata’s — San Anselmo

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 at this table. Thanksgiving dinner includes family-style appetizers, soup, salad, and main course options for traditionalists, vegetarians, and vegans. Dessert has four options, and I wish you the best of luck choosing only one. Insalata’s also has a Thanksgiving takeout menu. 

13. Salito’s Crab House & Prime Rib — Sausalito 

$49.99 three-course menu for adults, $24.99 for kids

Enjoy Thanksgiving with a scenic waterfront view. Salito’s will have a special Thanksgiving menu consisting of a Caesar Salad, roasted turkey breast with gravy, stuffing, cranberry relish, and pumpkin pie. If you prefer to opt for something less traditional, they’ll be serving their daily menu as well. 

14. 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 their 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. Then, a trio of desserts to round out this farm-to-table work of art. 

15. 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 like the seafood offerings The Trident is known for like oysters, crab, or San Francisco’s favorite cioppino.  

South Bay Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving

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Devour a traditional Thanksgiving meal in a cozy setting. Photo courtesy of Il Fornaraio

16. Il Fornaraio — San Jose

$59 for adults, $25 for children 12 and under

Il Fornaraio makes it to 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, 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. 

Restaurants for Thanksgiving Takeout

17. Farmshop — Marin

Embracing its “farm” namesake, this Marin-based restaurant proudly sources its Thanksgiving offerings from local California farmers and artisanal providers. Stars of the feast 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 conveniently find Farmshop within Marin’s Country Mart. 

18. 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. Their 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. 

19. 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 with a minimum of 48 hours ahead of the pickup date and time. Check the individual stores for Thanksgiving hours. 

Happy Thanksgiving, and bon appétit!