Where to Dine in Carlsbad this Thanksgiving 2025
Thanksgiving is a day to relax, give thanks and celebrate with family and friends. This year, skip the stress of cooking and experience a coastal celebration in Carlsbad. From indulgent brunch buffets with ocean views to elegant prix fixe dinners and festive to-go bites, local restaurants are ready to make your holiday meal memorable. However you choose to celebrate, you’ll find plenty of ways to savor Thanksgiving in true Carlsbad style.
Thanksgiving Feasts Worth Gathering For
Save yourself the hassle of running around the kitchen and focus on spending time with loved ones at one of these delicious Thanksgiving feasts on Nov. 27.
Thanksgiving on the Coast at Cape Rey
At Cape Rey Carlsbad you can experience a delightful coastal Thanksgiving at Chandler’s Oceanfront Dining located at the Cape Rey Carlsbad. Offering multiple options that can fit around your holiday plans, it’s the ideal spot to celebrate the special day.
The Brunch Buffet is the star of the show and will feature a bountiful spread of traditional dishes alongside chef-curated dishes that are sure to satisfy everyone. You’ll find a gourmet omelet and eggs benedict station, a carving station, garden of salads and so much more. Reservations are strongly recommended, just choose a seating time between 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to enjoy the buffet.
For those who like to start the day off early, their All-American Breakfast Buffet and a la carte Kids menu will be served prior to the Brunch Buffet starting at 7 – 10 a.m. In the evening, their Prix Fixe three-course dinner will include holiday offerings, with seating times between 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Dinner with a “VUE” at Omni La Costa
Feast on a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with spectacular views of the championship golf course at Omni La Costa’s VUE. This three-course curated meal will showcase seasonal ingredients and focus on comforting autumn flavors to embrace the spirit of the season. The menu includes perfectly roasted turkey, roasted squash and other mouthwatering fall dishes. Better save room for dessert, because who could resist a pumpkin Basque cheesecake or chocolate pecan pie to end the day? Reserve your table ahead of time, with seating available from 3 – 8 p.m.
A Gourmet Feast at Park Hyatt Aviara
For a leisurely morning, the Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet at Ember & Rye is a great spot to take it slow but still indulge in a hearty Thanksgiving meal. Running from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. the buffet is family friendly and a table must be reserved.
The buffet will include numerous options including all the festive fall favorites alongside a seafood, salad and breakfast table. There will also be an assortment of baked goods, pastries as well as offerings for vegetarian diners. The menu is nothing short of decadent so come prepared to feel stuffed because you will definitely want to try a bit of everything!
If dinner is more your style, Ember & Rye will be including some Thanksgiving Dinner Specials alongside their regular dinner menu to celebrate. The specials will be offered during the usual dinner service between 5:00 and 8:30 p.m.
Festive Brunch on the Green
Enjoy with a festive brunch for the whole family at The Crossings at Carlsbad. Take in the gorgeous views of the fairways and greens with the Pacific Ocean in the distance while you celebrate with your loved ones. Reservations are required and the seating is open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., giving you the flexibility you need to celebrate the holiday at a time that suits you best.
The spread will include turkey with all the fixings, honey glazed ham, baked brie en croute and so much more! Enjoy bottomless mimosas or cheers to a wonderful day with one of their signature holiday cocktails. For the youngest diners there will be a dedicated kids station full of favorites like mac & cheese and chicken bites.
A Very Carlsbad Thanksgiving
Embrace the laid-back spirit of Carlsbad and keep the holiday relaxed by letting local restaurants take care of some of the cooking.
Holiday Pies from Village Kitchen and Pie Shoppe
Serving up classic comfort food, The Village Kitchen and Pie Shoppe is a family-owned restaurant that has been a Carlsbad staple since 1996. All of their house-made pies are crafted with love and include iconic flavors such as pumpkin and pecan pie as well as more unique ones like boysenberry. Place an order for one of their mouthwatering holiday pies to complete your Thanksgiving meal, and be sure to pick up on Nov. 26 as they will be closed on Thanksgiving day.
Thanksgiving Treats from Pop Pie Co.
A newer gem in Carlsbad Village, Pop Pie Co. offers flavorful pies inspired by global flavors. Pre-order one of their specialty holiday pies for pick up on Wednesday Nov. 26 or Thanksgiving Day on Nov. 27. These freshly baked pies are perfect if you want to impress guests, bring to a friendsgiving or guarantee yourself a cozy night at home. Their holiday lineup includes Pumpkin Cream Cheese, Salted Caramel Crumble or Chocolate Pecan Chess Pie. They are also offering a delicious vegan Apple Cranberry Ginger Crumble for preorder as well!
Thanksgiving To-Go at Green Dragon Tavern and Museum
If you aren’t in the mood for cooking this year, the Green Dragon Tavern has got you covered. Place an order for your Thanksgiving meal to be picked up on Wednesday Nov. 26., and you’ll be all ready to enjoy the day ahead. The tavern offers plenty of dishes for groups, as well as individual plates that include turkey breast and all the usual fixings. Simply fill out their takeout form and email it ahead of the big day to make your holiday meal effortless.
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Gather your loved ones, savor the flavors and make this Thanksgiving one for the books in Carlsbad.