Heather PlattAcross L.A., esteemed chefs and their teams are alleviating the holiday stress by offering everything from elegant multicourse tasting menus to festive family brunch buffets to vegan prix fixe meals. There are even all-night drink specials and complimentary meals.
So forget the chaotic last-minute trip to Whole Foods and that epic pile of dirty dishes. Just make a reservation — and throw your Thanksgiving to-do list in the trash.
The Hungry Cat
Chef David Lentz is famous for his seafood-focused menus and impressive raw bars. But he annually shows off his versatility by offering diners a full Thanksgiving menu centering around a deep-fried turkey, with sides including Romano beans au gratin, chanterelle mushrooms with pecorino and roasted sweet potatoes with sherry brown butter, date and almond crumble. For those who can’t bear the idea of dining at the Hungry Cat without seafood, don’t fret; the complete à la carte raw bar and bar menus will be available at both the Hollywood and Santa Monica locations. Both locations will be open from 1 to 7 p.m. The Thanksgiving feast is $70, $35 for kids under 12. 1535 N. Vine St., Hollywood; (323) 462-2155; and 100 W. Channel Road, Santa Monica; (310) 459-3337. thehungrycat.com.
Saddle Peak Lodge; Credit: Saddle Peak Lodge
Saddle Peak Lodge
Head to the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains and dine surrounded by taxidermy in the rustic elegance of Saddle Peak Lodge. The Malibu Canyon institution will be open from noon to 8 p.m., offering a three-course menu for $95 per person ($45 for kids). The traditional offerings include pumpkin and Parmigiano-Reggiano soup and turkey with sage stuffing, yams, haricot vert, juniper cranberry sauce and gravy. For those not in the mood for turkey, Skuna Bay salmon, prime rib-eye steak and elk tenderloin are tempting alternatives. 419 Cold Canyon Road, Calabasas; (818) 222-3888, saddlepeaklodge.com.
Elk tenderloin at Saddle Peak Lodge; Credit: Saddle Peak Lodge
Bouchon
Celebrate Thanksgiving by way of France at Thomas Keller's Beverly Hill's outpost, Bouchon. The second-floor bistro will be open from noon until 9 p.m., serving a three course-menu for $80 per person with an optional wine pairing for $30. Children under 12 can eat for $40. A traditional turkey dinner with stuffing and gravy is available, but you might instead opt for sole meunière or Bouchon's famous melt-in-your-mouth flat iron steak frites. 235 N. Canon Drive, Beverly Hills; (310) 271-9910, Thomaskeller.com.
Tavern
Anyone who believes Thanksgiving is meant to be a home-cooked affair hasn’t tasted Suzanne Goin’s herb-roasted organic turkey or Brussels sprouts with pancetta and thyme. At Goin’s and Caroline Styne’s Brentwood hot spot, Tavern, diners can enjoy a complete Thanksgiving spread or a vegan “extravaganza” for $70 per person ($35 for children under 12; free for those under 4). The menu will be served from 1 to 8 p.m. 11648 San Vicente Blvd.; (310) 806-6464, tavernla.com.
Sambar's Thanksgiving turkey tikka masala; Credit: Sambar
Sambar
Want to spice things up? Chef Akasha Richmond offers an Indian-inspired Thanksgiving menu at Sambar in Culver City. The riffs on classics include roasted turkey porchetta “Tuscan-Indian” style with madeira pan gravy, turkey tikka masala, turmeric naan and tandoori-roasted mushrooms with chaat masala and lime. The elaborate buffet will be available from 2 to 7 p.m. and is $48 per person for adults ($28 for children 12 and under). 9531 Culver Blvd., Culver City; (310) 558-8800, sambarcc.com.
Deep-fried Thanksgiving turkey at the Pikey; Credit: Eric Shani
The Pikey
For many, Thanksgiving means one thing: day drinking into the night. For this, we have the Pikey. From 1 p.m. until 2 a.m., the acclaimed English pub will be serving slow-roasted turkey with turkey-leg sausage or confit and deep-fried turkey with sides such as sweet potatoes with date butter and crispy sage. Those in the mood for English fare will be happy to learn that the classic pub menu will be available. Fish and chips is a perfectly respectful Thanksgiving dinner. 7617 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood; (323) 850-5400, thepikeyla.com.
Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air; Credit: Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining
Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air
The swanky Bel-Air hotel will be serving a holiday feast from noon until 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Indulge in a four-course menu for $155 per person ($65 for children 12 and under). The holiday menu features items such as roasted pumpkin soup with cardamom cream, cranberry compote and pumpkin brittle, roasted heritage turkey with sage gravy and cranberry-quince chutney. 701 Stone Canyon Road; (310) 472-1211, wolfgangpuck.com.
Thanksgiving at Terrine; Credit: François Renaud
Terrine
At Terrine, chef Kris Morningstar will be celebrating the restaurant's first Thanksgiving by serving an all-you-can-eat holiday buffet. From noon until 9 p.m enjoy a traditional menu in a festive, communal atmosphere. The $45-per-person price tag can't be beat. 8265 Beverly Blvd., West Hollywood; (323) 746-5130, terrinela.com.
Catch at Hotel Casa del Mar
The restaurant at the vintage-fabulous Hotel Casa del Mar will serve a three-course, prix fixe menu for $90 per person, offering a mix of traditional Thanksgiving fare along with some elegant seafood options, like a lobster cake with remoulade, watercress and pomegranate. Everything comes with a panoramic view of the Pacific. The special menu will be served from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. 1910 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica; (310) 581-5533, hotelcasadelmar.com.
Mélisse
If multiple Michelin stars are your thing, head to Mélisse, where chef/owner Josiah Citrin is offering a three-course menu for $95 per person ($42 for kids under 8). Traditionalists can dine on turkey with chanterelle mushrooms, apple and brioche stuffing, and pomegranate gravy. But Citrin will pull out all the stops to show off what Mélisse is really about, serving a variety of other options including whole, roasted, dry-aged prime rib with horseradish jus; Maine diver scallops with artichoke, black truffle and roasted potato jus; and crispy Eastern bass with melting fennel and Champagne truffle reduction. The prix fixe menu is available from 3 to 7:30 p.m. 1104 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica; (310) 395-0881, melisse.com.
Craft
Tom Colicchio's West Coast outpost of his NYC favorite will be open on Thanksgiving, serving a $125-per-person, three-course menu. First-course items, such as kale and fennel salad and nduja sausage, and sides such as roasted Brussels sprouts, sausage and raisin stuffing and Yukon Gold potato purée will be served family-style. 10100 Constellation Blvd., Century City; (310) 279-4180, craftrestaurantsinc.com.
Five-layer herring pesto from Doma Kitchen; Credit: Heather Platt
Doma Kitchen
For the Manhattan Beach lot, there's laid-back Doma Kitchen, which will be open from 2 until 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving. The tiny, casual strip-mall restaurant will be serving a special holiday menu for $55 per person. Doma's Thanksgiving menu features unexpected outside-the-box dishes such as five-layer herring pesto and whole stuffed pumpkin with ground chicken meatloaf. 3562 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach; (310) 647-3157, domakitchen.com.
Thanksgiving at Viviane; Credit: Viviane
Viviane
From Stephane Bombet and executive chef Michael Hung, Viviane is the newest addition to the Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills. The midcentury-inspired design by Kelly Wearstler will make for a stylish Thanksgiving celebration. Chef Hung's three-course menu includes turkey with rosemary and sage gravy, roasted sugar pumpkin with bourbon honey glaze, brioche with wild mushrooms and truffle stuffing — and desserts include caramel pear tartine with quatre-épices ice cream and pomegranate reduction. Wash it all down with spiced mulled cider or one of the special Thanksgiving cocktails. The menu will be served from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. and is $68 per person. 9400 W. Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills; (310) 407-7791, vivianerestaurant.com.
Jar
Suzanne Tracht hosts a traditional Thanksgiving dinner from 1 to 8 p.m. at her West Hollywood restaurant, Jar. The three-course menu consists of a choice of starters served à la carte and a turkey spread served family-style for $90 per person for adults, $45 for children under 12.8225 Beverly Blvd, West Hollywood; (323) 655-6566, thejar.com.
Circa 55
The poolside restaurant at the Beverly Hilton Hotel will have a Thanksgiving brunch buffet from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for $79 for adults and $36 for children. The buffet encompasses everything from raw oysters to a caviar station to carved roasted turkey, prime rib and glazed ham. In the evening, Circa 55 offers a five-course prix fixe Thanksgiving dinner menu available from 6 to 10 p.m. for $60 per person. 9876 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills; (310) 887-6055, beverlyhilton.com.
Bourbon Steak at the Americana
A steakhouse located in a mall might not sound like the most promising dining option for your holiday feast. But Bourbon Steak from Michael Mina's restaurant group is the exception. On Thanksgiving, the celebrated steakhouse will be offering a $59 prix fixe menu with $25 optional wine pairings. After feasting on a selection of chef Kyle Johnson's creations, such as roasted heritage turkey with sage stuffing or ancho chili-marinated skirt steak with pumpkin purée and walnut streusel, walk it off and get a head start on your holiday shopping at the surrounding stores. 237 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale; (818) 839-4130, michaelmina.net.
Cafe Gratitude's complimentary Thanksgiving plate; Credit: Cafe Gratitude
Cafe Gratitude Arts District
If vegan Thanksgiving doesn’t sound enticing, consider that the menu at downtown L.A.’s Cafe Gratitude is free. From 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. (or while supplies last) the restaurant will be giving out a complimentary plate of red lentil holiday loaf, pecan cranberry apple raw stuffing, mashed potatoes with mushroom gravy, roasted vegetables with rosemary and mixed greens with persimmon, pomegranate and balsamic, with a fruit spritzer to wash it all down. 300 S. Santa Fe Ave., downtown; (213) 929-5580, cafegratitude.com.
Thanksgiving at Artisan House; Credit: Aliza J. Sokolov
Artisan House
The Thanksgiving brunch buffet at Artisan House downtown is a great option for anyone who doesn’t want to break the bank on a turkey dinner. The $30 spread includes a carving station set up with roasted turkey, turkey roulade stuffed with brioche and wild mushrooms, and house-cured honey-baked ham. A buffet station allows guests to indulge in truffle mac and cheese along with a smorgasbord of other seasonal treats. An assortment of pies and desserts makes this bargain even sweeter. 600 S. Main St., downtown; (213) 622-6333, artisanhouse.net.
Culina
The beautiful restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel will be serving an all-day, family-friendly Thanksgiving brunch. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., enjoy traditional fare such as carved roasted turkey, rustic country stuffing, house-made cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes. Breakfast offerings like eggs Benedict and Belgian waffles will be served until 3 pm. Keeping in line with its Italian menu, Culina also will be serving a selection of antipasto dishes. Caprese salad, risotto and eggplant parmigiana will be available after 3 p.m. A hot carving station and an array of seafood including sushi, oysters, Alaskan crab legs and Cambridge House smoked salmon also will be available. There's a children’s buffet with chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, beef and turkey sliders, sweet mashed potatoes and assorted cupcakes and cookies. The opulent brunch is available for $109 for adults and $54 for children 5 to 12; children younger than 4 eat free. 300 S. Doheny Drive, Beverly Grove; (310) 860-4000, culinarestaurant.com.
Brussels sprouts from Crossroads; Credit: Crossroads Kitchen
Crossroads
Vegans looking for a more formal dining experience should head to Crossroads, which will be serving a four-course “forest-to-table” Thanksgiving menu for $75 per person. From noon until 5 p.m., guests can enjoy the holiday-inspired, plant-based menu — including butternut squash bisque, rosemary and hazelnut scallopini, sweet potato biscuits and pumpkin mousse — from chef Tal Ronnen. 8284 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood; (323) 782-9245, crossroadskitchen.com.
Roasted squash salad at Cast in Santa Monica; Credit: Cast
In addition to those listed above, here are some L.A. restaurants also offering special Thanksgiving menus.
- Cafe Pinot is offering a $59 three-course prix fixe from 2 to 8 p.m. ($19 children under 10)
- Patina is serving a $70 three-course or $85 four-course menu from 1:30 to 7 p.m. ($35 for children under 10)
- Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro is offering a four-course menu for $58 per guest $16.95 for kids 12 and under.
- Fig Santa Monica is offering a $84-per-person Thanksgiving menu.
- Akasha is serving a traditional Thanksgiving menu for $70 per person, $35 for children 12 and under.
- Scarpetta will be offering a $108-per-person ($38 per child 5 to 12) Thanksgiving buffet from noon until 5 p.m.
- The Bazaar by José Andrés at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills will be open on Thanksgiving serving a special holiday menu.
- Mr. C Beverly Hills is serving a four-course, $89-per-person menu with optional wine pairings for $35 per person.
- Cleo Hollywood offers seatings at 3, 5 and 7 p.m. for its $65-per-person four-course feast.
- Plant Food and Wine is serving a $55 vegan prix fixe with $22 optional wine pairings.
- Zinc at the Shade Hotel in Manhattan Beach is serving a four-course meal for $60 for adults and $25 for children 12 and under.
- Fogo de Chao is offering a churrasco-style Brazilian Thanksgiving from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. for $56.95 per person in downtown L.A. and $61.95 per person in Beverly Hills. Children ages 7 to 12 are half-price and children under 6 eat for free.
- Le Petit Paris will be serving a three-course, prix-fixe menu for $48 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Playa Provisions will be serving a special $30 Thanksgiving dinner from 3 to 8 p.m.
- Cast at the Viceroy Santa Monica is serving a special Thanksgiving buffet from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. for $65 per person, $35 per child (10 and under); kids under 5 eat free.
- Bottega Louie is offering a $55-per-person menu as well as à la carte holiday options.
- The Barton G is offering a lavish three-course Thanksgiving feast for $65 per person.
- Revolutionario, the North African restaurant on West Jefferson Boulevard, is hosting a pay-what-you-can Thanksgiving dinner. Chef Farid Zadi will be serving the menu all day from noon until 9 p.m. for a suggested price of $14 per person.
Holiday doughnuts; Credit: Barton G. L.A.
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