For me, Thanksgiving Day is best spent at the stove, tending to a starch-and-turkey spread while barking at family and invited guests who have the temerity to step foot inside the kitchen. I have culinary spells to cast.
Others, possibly you, would rather make a reservation and call it a day.
For that crowd, here are seven Orange County restaurants serving a swank Thanksgiving, from a celebrity chef’s new Disneyland spot to a brunch high on an Orange hill. While you will still need to make a few decisions, whether or not the turkey is done won’t be one of them. Word to the wise: Book sooner rather than later as tables tend to fill up quickly.
Five Crowns (Corona del Mar): The English country inn-style steakhouse will serve Thanksgiving from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Its posted menu lists turkey with stuffing, green beans and cranberry compote for $51. The $65 “Best of Both” combines prime rib and turkey, making it ideal for the indecisive. Apple cobbler and pumpkin bread pudding available for $15 each. 3801 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar; 949-760-0331, lawrysonline.com/five-crown
Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby (Downtown Disney): Celebrate Thanksgiving with fare from an angry Brit: Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby, the new-ish restaurant at Downtown Disney from the namesake celebrity chef, will add holiday-inspired fare to the restaurant’s modern British menu. Highlights include roasted turkey roulade served with thyme gravy, sourdough stuffing, glazed yams, fried Brussels sprouts and cranberry sauce. Dessert includes a pumpkin Bakewell tart with cinnamon frangipane, pumpkin jam, whipped cream and toasted almonds. Seasonal cocktails include the Ginger & Apple Cider Penicillin or a Spicy Pomegranate Margarita. 1553 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim; 714-780-3680, gordonramsayatthecarnaby.com/thanksgiving
Mayor’s Table (Newport Beach): Lido House’s Baja-inspired family-style feast will feature al pastor turkey, guajillo-coffee-crusted prime rib and ahi tuna. Warm blue-corn focaccia will start things off with shared plates including burrata and grilled persimmons. Pumpkin and Oaxacan chocolate tart and apple empanadas round out dessert. Seatings from 2 to 6 p.m. Cost: $95 per person (beverage pairing an additional $55); $40 per child 12 and under. 3300 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach; 949-524-8500, lidohousehotel.com/mayors-table-pacific-pub
Orange Hill (Orange): The hilltop Orange spot will serve a three-course brunch from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., beginning with sharable starters and a raw bar featuring oysters, shrimp cocktail and salmon nigiri. Entree choices include roast turkey with stuffing and gravy, prime rib Benedict, fried chicken and waffles and miso-glazed black cod. Pumpkin cheesecake, apple galette and an 11-layer chocolate cake are among the desserts served family-style. $98 for adults (bottomless mimosas add $30) and $25 for children. 6410 E. Chapman Ave., Orange; 714-997-1109, theorangehillrestaurant.com/thanksgiving-brunch
The Ranch (Anaheim): This Anaheim steakhouse offers an à la carte holiday menu featuring Mary’s turkey, prime rib, pumpkin ravioli with braised veal cheeks, along with sides like lobster mac and cheese. Steaks galore, of course, are also available for those who prefer red meat with their day of gratitude. Service runs from 2 to 9 p.m. Turkey entree costs $55, while the prime rib runs $82. Extra sides and desserts priced separately. 1025 E. Bali Road, Anaheim; 714-817-4200, theranch.com
Splashes at Surf & Sand (Laguna Beach): Expect a four-course prix fixe feast, served at the property’s oceanfront restaurant. Highlights will include pork belly with roasted baby turnips, Diestel Farms turkey, branzino, pumpkin Basque cheesecake and sticky apple pudding with currant reduction. The recently renovated dining room places the Pacific front and center, with an earlier reservation allowing you to appreciate it before dark. Seatings from noon until 8 p.m. Cost: $190 per guest. 1555 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, 888-579-8544, surfandsandresort.com
View at Vea (Newport Beach): Three courses with entree including sage-rubbed turkey, Chilean sea bass or stuffed acorn squash. Pumpkin pie or caramel apple cheese cake are the featured desserts. Seatings from 3 to 10 p.m. $151 per guest. 900 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949-640-4000, viewatvea.com