Thanksgiving in San Luis Obispo is a special time, filled with the promise of delicious food and cherished gatherings. If you’re looking to take a break from the kitchen this year or simply want to explore the diverse culinary scene SLO has to offer, you’re in luck! Several fantastic restaurants in San Luis Obispo are opening their doors on Thanksgiving Day, offering a range of dining experiences from traditional feasts to innovative holiday menus. Whether you’re craving a classic turkey dinner with all the trimmings or something a little more adventurous, San Luis Obispo’s restaurants have something to satisfy every palate this Thanksgiving. Let’s explore some of the top spots where you can enjoy a memorable Thanksgiving meal.
Granada Hotel & Bistro
Located at 1130 Morro Street, San Luis Obispo, the Granada Hotel & Bistro offers an elegant setting for your Thanksgiving celebration. Priced at $75 per person, their special three-course prix-fixe menu is available from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM and promises a delightful culinary journey. Diners can choose their main course from an array of enticing options including turkey prepared in two different styles, pan-seared salmon, roasted acorn squash pappardelle for a vegetarian option, and succulent roast beef. To explore the full Thanksgiving menu and secure your reservation, you can visit their website here. For those looking to extend their evening, the hotel bar, Nightcap, will be serving small bites and drinks from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Café Roma
Café Roma, situated at 1020 Railroad Ave., San Luis Obispo, is a beloved local spot offering a warm and inviting atmosphere for your Thanksgiving dinner. Open from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Café Roma is presenting a special Thanksgiving menu that includes a first course, entree, and dessert. The entree selections cater to various tastes, featuring organic roasted turkey, tender beef short ribs, fresh Pacific salmon, and homemade ricotta & spinach ravioli for vegetarians. Families with young children will appreciate the dedicated kids’ menu offering choices of turkey or pasta for children aged 12 and under. For reservations and more details, contact them at 805-541-6800.
Alex Madonna’s Gold Rush Steak House
For a truly iconic San Luis Obispo Thanksgiving experience, consider Alex Madonna’s Gold Rush Steak House, located within the Madonna Inn at 100 Madonna Road. Open from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, this steakhouse offers a festive holiday menu priced at $49.95 for adults and $29.95 for children. The Thanksgiving menu features classic entrees like roast turkey, honey-cured ham, and roast duck, all accompanied by fresh dinner rolls, a choice of homemade soup or salad, and delectable sides such as snap peas, whipped potatoes, or candied yams. Guests can also enjoy select items from their regular Steakhouse menu. View the complete menu and make your Thanksgiving reservations online. For phone reservations, call 805-784-2469.
Luna Red
Luna Red, nestled at 1023 Chorro Street in San Luis Obispo, provides a vibrant and flavorful Thanksgiving buffet experience. Open from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Luna Red’s Thanksgiving buffet is priced at $68 for adults, $35 for ages 8-12, and $24 for ages 3-7. Prepare to savor Thanksgiving classics with a unique Luna Red twist. Indulge in slow-roasted turkey with traditional trimmings or opt for their mouthwatering slow-roasted prime rib. For those seeking non-traditional options, the buffet boasts bacon-wrapped dates, elote ‘ribs’, a made-to-order taco bar, and a chilled shellfish station featuring snow crab clusters and jumbo shrimp cocktail. Vegan and vegetarian guests will find plenty to enjoy with options like a tortilla soup bar, a Mediterranean display, and market vegetable paella with house-made soy-rizo. Secure your spot for this bountiful feast by making reservations online.
Apple Farm Restaurant
The Apple Farm Restaurant, located at 2015 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, is a charming and family-friendly destination for a classic Thanksgiving feast. Serving from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, their special Thanksgiving buffet is priced at $49 for adults and $25 for ages 12 and under. The buffet promises a memorable dining experience centered around slow-roasted turkey and honey-glazed ham, accompanied by all your favorite holiday side dishes and desserts. Reservations are required for dining in and can be made by calling 805-544-6100. For those who prefer to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner at home, the Apple Farm offers a convenient take-out option, allowing you to choose one entrée and one dessert for $29. You can view their Thanksgiving buffet menu online.
1865 Craft House & Kitchen
Join the Thanksgiving celebration at 1865 Craft House & Kitchen, situated at 1865 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo. They are hosting a Thanksgiving buffet experience from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with the last seating at 7:15 PM. The buffet is priced at $67 for adults and $23 for ages 3-12. Their carving station is a highlight, featuring prime rib, turkey prepared two ways, cedar plank salmon, and honey-baked ham. Vegetarian and vegan guests will find a variety of delicious options, alongside traditional Thanksgiving sides and desserts. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling 805-439-3739. For more details about their Thanksgiving event, visit their website.
Piadina at Hotel San Luis Obispo
Piadina, the onsite restaurant at Hotel San Luis Obispo located at 877 Palm St, is offering a delightful Thanksgiving buffet from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The buffet is priced at $75 for adults and $37.50 for children. Piadina’s Thanksgiving buffet features classic holiday favorites with highlights including oven-roasted turkey, rosemary roasted sous-vide turkey breast, and sage & onion brioche stuffing. Delectable side dishes such as Brussels sprouts with serrano ham vinaigrette and creamy mac & cheese complement the main courses. Guests can also enjoy a pizza station and a tempting dessert board featuring pumpkin cheesecake, lemon meringue tarts, and more. The full Thanksgiving menu is available online. For reservations, call 805-234-9969.
Ox + Anchor at Hotel San Luis Obispo
Ox + Anchor, also located within Hotel San Luis Obispo at 877 Palm St, will be open on Thanksgiving Day from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Unlike a buffet, Ox + Anchor will be offering their regular menu alongside a special Roasted Heritage Turkey dish priced at $48. The Thanksgiving special includes roasted turkey breast, brussel sprouts, mac & cheese, potato puree, and brioche stuffing. This option is perfect for those who prefer a traditional plated Thanksgiving meal within a sophisticated steakhouse setting. For reservations, please call 805-234-9968.
The Oak Grill at Hotel Cerro
Celebrate Thanksgiving at The Oak Grill, located inside Hotel Cerro at 1119 Garden St, in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo. The Oak Grill will be open from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM and again from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Thanksgiving Day. They will be offering a special Thanksgiving entree alongside their regular menu of locally inspired dishes. This provides a flexible dining experience, whether you’re looking for an early Thanksgiving meal or a later dinner. For parties of 10 or fewer, you can easily book online. For larger parties of 10 or more, please email their event planning manager at [email protected] to arrange your reservations.
This Thanksgiving, San Luis Obispo offers a wonderful array of dining options to make your holiday special. From elegant prix-fixe menus to bountiful buffets and classic steakhouse fare, you’re sure to find the perfect restaurant to celebrate with family and friends. Remember to make your reservations early, as these popular restaurants are likely to fill up quickly for Thanksgiving Day.
