Thanksgiving Planner

Updated: March 12, 2009

The holiday season has arrived. Which means it's time to make reservations for Thanksgiving dinner, or get all the fixings to host your own no-stress meal with caterers and gourmet takeout.

On this page:Open Restaurants, Takeout Turkeys & Treats, Catering Options, Gourmet Stores.

Open Restaurants

  1. 1 4 Star Rating: Recommended Cafe Del Rey
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    4451 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292 (map)

    Celebrating more than a hip new sign, this Marina-front staple will offer a three-course prix-fixe menu with everything from crepinette of guinea fowl to cider-glazed Niman Ranch pork chops. Adults $68; children $25.

  2. 2 4 Star Rating: Recommended Jar
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    8225 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036 (map)

    Suzanne Tracht will be putting a different (read: Asian) spin on tradition this holiday with items like oyster stew and turkey sausage stuffing. Adults $85; children $40.

  3. 3 3.5 Star Rating: Average Pinot Bistro
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    12969 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604 (map)

    Those spending the hoilday in the Valley can enjoy a home-cooked meal at this casual, family-friendly spot. The four-course dinner offers tasty options such as butternut squash soup and honey glazed ham. $45 adults; $19 children.

  4. 4 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Knoll
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    733 N West Knoll Dr, 3rd Fl, West Hollywood, CA 90069 (map)

    This Mediterranean-style cafe--hidden inside WeHo's Le Parc hotel--will serve a multi-course meal including the main bird, side dishes and dessert. To list a few menu items: Fall salad, homemade cornbread, smoked turkey, turkey neck gravy, apple crisp, and pumpkin ice cream. $44 per person.

  5. 5 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended La Cachette Restaurant
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    10506 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 (map)

    Known for deliciously light French cuisine, the Thanksgiving menu at this chic spot is distinctly more American, down to butternut squash soup and organic turkey. Adults $65; children $35.

  6. 6 4 Star Rating: Recommended Canter's Fairfax Restaurant
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    419 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036 (map)

    You can always count on this round-the-clock Fairfax District deli for a never-ending list of staples and warm comfort foods. Expect this 24-hour landmark to be filled with young actors away from home on the holiday.

  7. 7 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Laugh Factory Hollywood
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    8001 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90046 (map)

    An annual tradition, this popular Sunset Strip comedy club will be serving free turkey dinners plus live comedy from surprise headliners. Seatings are offered at 1pm, 3pm, 5pm and 7 pm. Be an early bird (so to speak) as no reservations are accepted.

  8. 8 4 Star Rating: Recommended Craft
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    10100 Constellation Blvd, Century City, CA 90067 (map)

    It's no wonder Tom Colicchio's Thanksgiving menu follows his mix-and-match approach, with choices like celery root soup and dry-aged Brandt beef ribeye. Turkey Day is probably the only day of the year it won't be overrun with CAA agents. $95 adults; $45 children

  9. 9 4 Star Rating: Recommended Cafe La Boheme
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    8400 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 (map)

    Celebrate the holiday in medieval style at WeHo's gorgeously gothic cafe, where the three-course menu includes lighter options like chilled oysters or heavier fare such as herbed giblet gravy. $48 adults; $24 children.

  10. 10 4 Star Rating: Recommended Jiraffe Restaurant
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    501 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (map)

    French comfort food makes for an unusual twist at this two-story Santa Monica favorite. Enjoy three courses with foodie-friendly options like pancetta-wrapped scallops and osso buco. $68 adults; $35 children; additional sides $5 each.

Takeout Turkeys & Treats

  1. 11 3.5 Star Rating: Average Zeke's Smokehouse BBQ
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    2209 Honolulu Ave, Montrose, CA 91020 (map)

    Forget DYI: This Montrose barbecue joint is offering la carte, all-natural smoked turkey with sourdough stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy.

  2. 12 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Hotel Bel-Air
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    701 Stone Canyon Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90077 (map)

    Be fancy without the footwork. Bel-Air's swankiest hotel is crafting full gourmet roast turkey dinners to-go this holiday. But it'll cost you: $375 for six people.

  3. 13 4 Star Rating: Recommended Joan's on Third
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    8350 W Third St, Los Angeles, CA 90048 (map)

    Got gourmet tastes but culinarily challenged? This charming cafe and market is where you can find everything from roasted turkey and gravy to old-fashioned stuffing and cranberry chutney.

  4. 14 4 Star Rating: Recommended Real Food Daily
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    514 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (map)

    Give turkey-eating the bird: Vegan diners can order a gourmet feast from either the Santa Monica or WeHo location of this animal-free eatery, including faux turkey breast and pumpkin pie with tofu whip.

  5. 15 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Whole Foods Market
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    6350 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036 (map)

    The go-to spot for all things organic, this eco-friendly mart is where to get a full roasted free-range turkey dinner, or a veg-friendly meal to go. Just make sure you order your bird a few days in advance.

Catering Options

  1. 16 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Aliotta's Catering
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    4485 Torrance Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503 (map)

    An Italian feast that can serve a small village. Aliotta's Thanksgiving menu is customized for big events like banquets, private parties and more. Catering may be available the day of, so call ahead for details.

  2. 17 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Innovative Dining Group Catering
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    8425 West Third St, Los Angeles, CA 90048 (map)

    For an Eastern twist, enjoy fun Japanese and pan-Asian food options. Off-site catering is available the day of Thanksgiving as well.

  3. 18 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Elements Food Group Llc
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    107 S Fair Oaks Ave Ste 110, Pasadena, CA 91105 (map)

    Consider an upscale spread from this gourmet kitchen--it's closed on the actual holiday, but you can pick it up one to two days in advance and reheat. Just be forewarned: All orders must be placed by Nov. 22.

  4. 19 4 Star Rating: Recommended LA Spice Catering
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    5651 W Manchester Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90045 (map)

    Two turkey menus are available this season at $20 to $40 per person: The "Magical Holiday Feast" and "Simple Supper." Other holiday menus are also available if sirloin's more your kind of meat.

  5. 20 4 Star Rating: Recommended Vivoli Cafe Catering
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    7994 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046 (map)

    Catered food is available on Nov. 26 to bring home and reheat. Full menu of Italian fare, available in half and full pan servings.

Gourmet Stores

  1. 21 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Bel Air Prime Meats
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    2964 N Beverly Glen Cir, Los Angeles, CA 90077 (map)

    The usual selection of top-grade meat is seasonally supplemented with rotisserie turkeys, stuffing, yams, souffles and more.

  2. 22 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Silverlake Wine Co
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    2395 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039 (map)

    Impress your guests or hosts with a boutique label from this neighborhood wine shop's artisanal collection.

  3. 23 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Susina Bakery
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    7122 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036 (map)

    Put in an order at least 48 hours in advance for the signature cream cheese-pumpkin pie. The store will be open Thanksgiving Day until 4pm.

  4. 24 3.5 Star Rating: Average Woodland Hills Wine Co
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    22622 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364 (map)

    With an exhaustive selection of domestic and international labels--particularly French Burgundies--this West Valley store is a great one-stop shop for meal pairings and hostess gifts.

  5. 25 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended La Provence Patisserie
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    8950 W Olympic Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 (map)

    Take your pick of a variety of to-go desserts, from French macaroons and flourless chocolate cake to pumpkin mousse pie and lemon tarts.

  6. 26 4 Star Rating: Recommended Clementine
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    1751 Ensley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024 (map)

    Hit this quaint Century City mainstay to load up on fuss-free side dishes like butternut squash soup, roasted winter vegetables and gooey pecan pie.

  7. 27 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills
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    419 N Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (map)

    There's nothing like a little fabulous fromage to sate empty stomachs before the full-on feast begins. Pick up some tasty treasures at this cheese mecca.

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