The best restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Francisco

The iconic Fairmont San Francisco does the holidays right (giant Christmas gingerbread house, anyone?), and Thanksgiving is no exception. This year, the classic holiday feast is a lavish buffet spread ($169 per person; $95 for kids under 12) with live music in their Laurel Court restaurant, an elaborate Renaissance-inspired dining room.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Estiatorio Ornos (@estiatorioornos)

Head to Michael Mina restaurant Estiatorio Ornos for a four-course Thanksgiving feast. The restaurant, a Mina partnership with Girair “Jerry” Goumroian, is cooking up a holiday experience for $125 per person. Begin with a tasting of spreads (hummus, tzatziki, and more), followed by a first course featuring avgolemono soup, grilled octopus, fattoush salad, or ahi tuna tartare. Entree choices range from turkey or wagyu to grilled lavraki or king salmon; an assortment of shareable sides accompanies. End the meal with a Greek-inspired dessert of candied citrus ravani, a carrot and semolina cake.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 3rd Cousin (@3rdcousin)

3rd Cousin, a neighborhood gem in Bernal Heights, is a humble spot, but not without accolades, landing on the Michelin Guide this year. Treat yourself to a three-course Thanksgiving here for $134 (children $49), with an option wine pairing for $59. The first course gives an option of soup or salad, followed by the main course: a choice of herb-roasted turkey or roasted rib of beef (or vegetarian pasta), each served with elevated takes on all the classic fixings (sausage stuffing, yams, whipped potato, green bean casserole, to name a few.) End on a sweet note with an old-fashioned bourbon pecan or pumpkin pie. Takeout is also an option.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Cavalier SF (@thecavaliersf)

This distinguished London-inspired brasserie has been combining a very American tradition with decadence from across the pond since 2014. The Cavalier will host its annual four-course meal that includes an amuse, an appetizer, an entree (turkey, ribeye, salmon, or mushroom tempura), various sides, and classic desserts.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by La Société Bar & Café (@lasocietecafe)

For a French spin on a traditional Thanksgiving meal, book a table at modern French bistro La Société, located inside the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown Soma. For $88 per person, you can enjoy a four-course prix fixe menu. Start the meal with a baguette and autumn salad, followed by a chestnut veloute (soup). For the main course, choose between a turkey breast or paupeitte, served with brussels sprouts and butter-whipped potato. End the meal with a sweet tartee tatin. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by International Smoke (@internationalsmoke)

If you are looking for a true feast, head to Michael Mina and Ayesha Curry’s International Smoke for a buffet of traditional and seasonal dishes. Dishes include pumpkin soup with salsa macha; roasted cauliflower with harissa aioli, cilantro, and mint chutney; entrees such as roasted turkey, cedar grilled salmon, and Wagyu prime rib; and sides including sourdough stuffing with country sausage, and Brussels sprouts with maple vinaigrette and crispy shallots. Save room desserts: apple cobbler, pumpkin pie, and a dark chocolate parfait. The buffet is $120 per adult and $49 for kids.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by PALETTE TEA HOUSE 彩籠 (@paletteteahouse)

Want to go out, but not necessarily a fan of turkey or the standard Thanksgiving fare? Head to Palette Tea House, located inside Ghirardelli Square, to indulge in a dim sum feast. Order as many dumplings and bao on Thanksgiving as your heart desires. Open from 11am to 6pm, reservations require a $15 deposit per person, which will be refunded once you dine.