A few things are certain—almost—when it comes to Thanksgiving dinner. First, while some establishments close for the day, others embrace the meal in a big way. Second, there will be turkey. Chefs will take the opportunity to use up the squash in their pantry. Finally, it’s good to let someone else do the cooking—and the cleaning.
There are restaurants and grocery stores, such as Basil or Elroy’s, offering take away dinners. But here are some of the places friends and families can reserve a table, sit and enjoy Thanksgiving. We can’t fit entire menus in this space (some are quite generous), but we can give some fun highlights.
Carmel
GRASING’S RESTAURANT
Obligatory gourd: Butternut squash soup.
Stuffing: Sage, sausage and cornbread.
Don’t want turkey? There are options like sea bass, veal, prime rib and gnocchi.
Why go? Only dinner offering huckleberry in a dessert.
PACIFIC’S EDGE
Obligatory gourd: Butternut squash bisque.
Stuffing: Water chestnut and sourdough.
Don’t want turkey? There’s ham, salmon or a vegetarian option.
Why go? The view is amazing.
SHEARWATER TAVERN
Obligatory gourd: Pear and butternut squash soup.
Stuffing: Sourdough.
Don’t want turkey? Pick something from the regular menu.
Why go? It’s a hidden gem, with plenty of parking.
Carmel Valley
COVEY GRILL
Obligatory gourd: Butternut squash soup.
Stuffing: Chestnut and sourdough.
Don’t want turkey? Options include steak, salmon or vegetarian lasagna.
Why go? Pecan pie, which should always come with an exclamation mark.
LUCIA RESTAURANT & BAR
Obligatory gourd: Pumpkin and barley salad.
Stuffing: Apple-sausage.
Don’t want turkey? No matter. There’s beef, fish, lamb, pasta and more.
Why go? You can’t – it’s booked solid. But they also have a buffet dinner (see below)
LUCIA RESTAURANT & BAR (Buffet)
Obligatory gourd: Roasted butternut squash and apple soup.
Stuffing: Apple-sausage.
Don’t want turkey? Go for seabass, prime rib or spinach cannelloni.
Why go? Do we need to remind you it’s the Bernardus Lodge?
Marina
SALT WOOD KITCHEN & OYSTERETTE (Buffet)
Obligatory gourd: Smoked winter squash bisque.
Stuffing: Brioche.
Don’t want turkey? How about ham, halibut and a vegetarian option.
Why go? A raw bar.
Monterey
ESTÉBAN RESTAURANT
Obligatory gourd: Squash and roasted pepper bisque.
Stuffing: Chorizo, chestnut and sourdough.
Don’t want turkey? Substitute from the menu.
Why go? Great patio.
JACKS RESTAURANT
Obligatory gourd: No. Hope you like beets.
Stuffing: Traditional.
Don’t want turkey? Substitute from the menu.
Why go? Great cocktails.
MONTEREY COOKHOUSE
Obligatory gourd: Butternut squash soup.
Stuffing: They don’t specify, but they have it.
Don’t want turkey? Go for prime rib or seafood pasta (hint: it includes lobster).
Why go? They smoke stuff, including turkey.
MONTEREY MARRIOTT (Buffet)
Obligatory gourd: Nope. Roasted poblano soup instead.
Stuffing: Cornbread.
Don’t want turkey? Other options exist. See below.
Why go? There’s a crabcake station
MONTEREY PLAZA HOTEL (Buffet)
Obligatory gourd: Roasted butternut squash is in a salad.
Stuffing: Cornbread and turkey sausage.
Don’t want turkey? Prime rib, sea bass, pasta are all good.
Why go? There’s a raw bar and charcuterie.
OLD FISHERMAN’S GROTTO
Obligatory gourd: None
Stuffing: Fruit, nut and sourdough.
Don’t want turkey? Substitute from the menu.
Why go? It’s a tradition.
PETER B’S BREWPUB
Obligatory gourd: Nope.
Stuffing: Traditional.
Don’t want turkey? Sub from the menu. Maybe wings (see below).
Why go? Football on the TVs.
PORTOLA HOTEL (Buffet)
Obligatory gourd: Roasted acorn squash is a side option.
Stuffing: Traditional.
Don’t want turkey? Prime rib, ham and fish of the day. Not bad.
Why go? Pecan pie.
SARDINE FACTORY
Obligatory gourd: Butternut squash bisque.
Stuffing: Sage dressing.
Don’t want turkey? The Sardine Factory has you covered.
Why go? It’s the Sardine Factory
SEA ROOT (Buffet)
Obligatory gourd: Butternut squash soup.
Stuffing: Traditional.
Don’t want turkey? Ham or salmon (or both; it’s a buffet).
Why go? 14 dessert options, plus a kid’s menu. And it's also a gem.
Pacific Grove
ASILOMAR (Buffet)
Obligatory gourd: Roasted pumpkin soup.
Stuffing: Sourdough.
Don’t want turkey? A lot of options here.
Why go? Bonfire and s’mores afterward.
FANDANGO
Obligatory gourd: Sorry.
Stuffing: Chestnut.
Don’t want turkey? There will be roast beef, ham, salmon or pasta.
Why go? Old world charm, naturally.
WILD FISH
Obligatory gourd: Nope. Vichyssoise instead.
Stuffing: None (no turkey here).
Don’t want turkey? No problem. Swordfish or roasted eggplant.
Why go? It’s the only swordfish dinner.
Seaside
BAYONET & BLACK HORSE (Buffet)
Obligatory gourd: Not here.
Stuffing: Cornbread.
Don’t want turkey? Prime rib, salmon and pasta. How about that?
Why go? Actual green bean casserole. With crispy onions.
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