Tara FinleyThanksgiving is just around the corner. If you feel like enjoying the holiday without the extra serving of stress that comes with planning and preparing an elaborate meal, join us at one of the many restaurants in Irvine that offer decadent buffets or memorable plates. Using our stomachs as a trusted guide, here are our suggestions for a great Thanksgiving meal that you don’t have to cook! Given the popularity of those listed, advanced purchase or reservations are strongly encouraged.
Habana
If you’re looking to spice up your Thanksgiving experience, check out Habana’s Cuban-inspired Thanksgiving buffet. From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on November 28, Habana will be serving Caribbean spice roasted turkey breast, smoked pork loin, yucca mashed potatoes, coconut cream pie and much, much more. Known for their delicious food, lively atmosphere and house mojitos, this is a great spot to enjoy turkey day.
708 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine; $65 adults, $38 kids under 10; restauranthabana.com/irvine.
(Courtesy of Davio’s)
Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse
If one thing is sure, it’s that you won’t ever have a bad meal at Davio’s. If you’re craving classic dishes this Thanksgiving, Davio’s is offering a plated feast from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the 28. The meal includes oven-roasted organic turkey, Yukon Gold creamy potatoes, green beans, challah bread stuffing, homemade apple pie and more. Children under 12 get their own plate of turkey, stuffing, creamy potatoes and gravy. Sad about missing out on Thanksgiving leftovers? Davio’s offers “Tomorrow’s Turkey Sandwich” to go; a decadent sandwich stuffed with turkey, cranberry apple chutney, gravy, and of course, stuffing.
8420 Von Karman Ave #100, Irvine; $65 per person, $23 kids under 12; davios.com/irv.
The Backyard at Hotel Irvine
Looking for something casual and kid-friendly this Thanksgiving? The Backyard at Hotel Irvine puts a twist on the holiday, offering not only food, but fun as well. Complete with food stations, a dessert station, live music, face painting, a photo booth, lawn games, a petting zoo and more, this is a celebration that’s sure to put smiles on the faces of all members of the family. Seatings are at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Menu items include breakfast favorites, smoked salmon, shaved Brussels sprouts, pumpkin bisque, roasted turkey, apple cranberry cobbler and more. The kids’ buffet serves up cheesy noodles, tater tots, meatballs and steamed broccoli.
17900 Jamboree Road, Irvine; $79 adults, $37 children ages 5-12; hotelirvine.com/holidays.
Eats Kitchen & Bar
Also located inside Hotel Irvine, Eats will be hosting a traditional sit-down dinner from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving. Their main course includes your choice of oven-roasted turkey or honey-glazed ham, mashed potatoes, sage stuffing, cranberry sauce and more. A starter butter lettuce salad and dessert of brule-ed pumpkin tart can be added for an additional fee.
17900 Jamboree Road, Irvine; prices vary; hotelirvine.com/eats-kitchen-bar.
Del Frisco’s Grille
This Thanksgiving, Del Frisco’s is offering a special menu that combines their classics with traditional Thanksgiving dishes. Serving up starters such as butternut squash bisque and cheesesteak eggrolls, holiday entrees like herb & citrus butter roasted turkey along with steaks, seafood and sides, this is the place you want to go if you your party has a range of tastes. If there’s a sweet tooth in the group, they’ll be happy to choose from desserts like peanut butter chocolate pie and molten chocolate cake. Open during regular restaurant hours.
772 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine; prices vary; delfriscosgrille.com.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
If you’re looking to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal this holiday, Ruth’s Chris will be hosting a sit-down dinner where guests will savor oven-roasted turkey breast with sausage and herb stuffing along with homemade gravy and cranberry relish. Each meal comes with a pumpkin cheesecake and vanilla ice cream dessert, along with your choice of starter and side. We recommend their sweet potato casserole, one of the best we’ve ever had.
2961 Michelson Drive, Suite A, Building 10, Irvine; $41.95 adults, $14.95 kids; ruthschris.com.
Urban Plates
If you want to host Thanksgiving dinner at home, but don’t feel like cooking, Urban Plates is taking reservations for their Turkey Family Feast, which feeds a family of six to eight people. The menu includes free-range turkey breast, mushroom stuffing, gravy and all your favorites. Already fully cooked, all you have to do is heat it up! They also offer family sides to go, along with whole desserts like fresh apple pie and their seasonal pumpkin walnut cake. If you want to dine in, they’re open Thanksgiving day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
3972 Barranca Parkway, Irvine; prices vary; urbanplates.com/thanksgiving.
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