Traveling during the holidays is exciting and fun, and the best part, you don’t have to be in the kitchen. Exploring the Pacific Coast Highway during Thanksgiving gives you endless possibilities of fun between whale watching, hiking, and seeing everything set up for the holidays. The downside, though, is missing that delicious home-cooked meal that is a tradition for Thanksgiving.
Fortunately, many restaurants are open, welcoming you in for a Thanksgiving meal. These restaurants are perfect for getting the holiday feeling and a delicious meal all throughout Monterey County.
Fandango
- Address: 223 17th St, Pacific Grove CA
Fandango is a Mediterranean restaurant, but you will still bring a turkey to your table for Thanksgiving. Enjoy a roasted turkey with all the fixing or a filet of roasted beef with Bearnaise Sauce. Not a fan of either? You can also dig into a honey-roasted ham with Hawaiian sauce or take a lighter option with grilled fresh Salmon. Vegetarians can enjoy tortellini mason with basil cream sauces, and Fandango has all the class Thanksgiving desserts. The meal is $75 per person for adults and $35 per child.
Esteban Restaurant
- Address: 700 Munras Ave, Monterey CA
Esteban’s is a fan favorite in Monterey, so it’s not shocking they’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner. You have your option of a dine-in or to-go option. They offer a three-course turkey meal with a winter squash bisque or spinach salad. Your main meal will consist of turkey, cranberry sauce, and gravy with sides including mashed potatoes and roasted root vegetables, Spanish chorizo pear Ad Astra stuffing and dinner rolls. They never forget dessert, a caramel apple pie or pumpkin pie. They’re in restaurant meal is similar to the to-go, or you can choose their a la carte dishes from their California-inspired Spanish menu.
Jacks Monterey
- Address: Two Portola Plaza, Monterey CA
Jacks will bring all the Thanksgiving traditions alive at their restaurant this year. Enjoy a three-course meal that is paired with award-winning wines. Your meal will include a beet salad, turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce. You have two options when it comes to dessert, pecan pie or pumpkin pie. The meal costs $54.95 per person, and reservations are required.
Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa
- Address: 400 Cannery Row, Monterey CA
Eat as much as you want for Thanksgiving at the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa with their Thanksgiving buffet. The buffet will be prepared by Chef Michael Rotondo and will have all your Thanksgiving favorites available. Enjoy roasted turkey, prime rib, holiday sides, and seasonal salads. Fun options also include a raw bar, cheese and charcuterie, and various desserts. Reservations are recommended for this fantastic dinner.
Peter B’s Brewpub
- Address: Two Portola Plaza, Monterey CA
You’ll have everything you need at Peter B’s Brewpub. Craft beer- big screen televisions and a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, all without the hassle of you having to cook it. Their dinner includes turkey and gravy, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and a slice of pumpkin pie, all for $28.95.
Monterey Marriott
- Address: 350 Calle Principal, Monterey CA
The Monterey Marriott will have a feast of a meal the entire family can enjoy. Head out to their endless Thanksgiving feast, which includes all your holiday favorites. Among the options will be turkey, gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and a plethora of delicious desserts.
Old Fisherman’s Grotto
- Address: 39 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey CA
Spend Thanksgiving along the ocean at Old Fisherman’s Grotto. The menu includes roasted turkey, whipped potatoes, candied yams with marshmallows, and vegetables. Dinner starts at $35 for adults and $19.50 for children. The doors open at 11 am, and you can also choose to order off their regular menu.
Lucia Restaurant and Bar
- Address: 415 W Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley CA
Lucia Restaurant and Bar will hold an all-you-can-eat buffet for Thanksgiving. Meals start at $125 for adults and $55 for children and include Lucia’s signature cuisine. Besides that, you’ll have options for all your favorite traditional Thanksgiving menu items.
Grasing’s Restaurant
- Address: NW Corner of Mission and 6th St, Carmel CA
Grasing will have a Prix Fixe Thanksgiving dinner for anyone who stops by. Dinner will include butternut squash soup, forest mushroom tart, salad, red abalone, roasted turkey, sea bass, ravioli, grille filet mignon, and an assortment of delicious desserts. Reservations are a must; the meals start at $85 for adults and $35 for children.
Pacific’s Edge
- Address: 120 Highlands Dr, Caramel-by-the-Sea CA
Pacific’s Edge will host a four-course meal on Thanksgiving starting at 10 am. The menu includes butternut squash soup, roasted beet and berry salad, turkey, smoked ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and two dessert options. Dinner costs $65, and reservations are always recommended.
Although you’re not home for the holidays doesn’t mean you can’t keep the tradition of eating a delicious Thanksgiving meal together. These restaurants do an amazing job and preparing Thanksgiving dinner for you and going the traditional route, or not, depending on what you want.