A Coastal Thanksgiving in Newport Beach and Corona del Mar

As autumn settles over the Southern California coast, Thanksgiving in Newport Beach and Corona del Mar offers an inviting blend of coastal serenity and elevated dining. The holiday feels different here. Softer. Brighter. A moment to slow down while the ocean moves at its steady rhythm. Instead of managing a kitchen full of pans and timers, you can savor the day knowing some of the region’s most celebrated chefs are doing the work for you.

 

A longtime favorite in the heart of Corona del Mar, Five Crowns creates an atmosphere of warmth that feels perfectly suited for Thanksgiving. Their dine-in holiday menu features traditional roast turkey and classic sides prepared with the restaurant’s signature attention to detail. They also offer Thanksgiving dinners to go, with family-style packages designed for gatherings of various sizes. It is an ideal choice for those who want the ease of an at-home celebration without the preparation.

 

For a refined holiday experience, the holiday dinner at Pelican Hill’s Andrea sets the tone for a sophisticated Thanksgiving. Their four-course menu leans into Tuscan inspiration, offering a serene and leisurely dining experience surrounded by the resort’s timeless architecture and expansive coastal views.

 

The Bungalow’s relaxed but polished atmosphere makes it a local go-to for holiday dining. Their multi-course Thanksgiving offering includes traditional turkey as well as elevated entrées like prime rib or lobster, making it well suited for groups with varied tastes.

 

For guests who prefer an abundant spread, Balboa Bay Resort’s Thanksgiving brunch presents a generous lineup. Carved turkey, seafood displays, fresh crepes, waffles, and seasonal specialties come together in a bright waterfront setting that captures the spirit of the day.

 

Celebrating Thanksgiving on the water adds a beautiful dimension to the holiday. City Cruises offers a Thanksgiving dinner cruise with a freshly prepared buffet, live music, and panoramic harbor views. The smooth movement of the boat and the glow from waterfront homes create a memorable backdrop for gathering with loved ones.

If the restaurants around town are not the right fit for your gathering, a private chef can bring the celebration directly to your table. Chef Dusty V is a trusted local favorite known for curated, in-home dining experiences that elevate the holiday in a distinctly personal way. From fully customized menus to seamless service, it is a refined option for guests who want a relaxed Thanksgiving at home without lifting a finger.

Ease and comfort
Dining out or bringing in a prepared feast removes the stress that often overshadows the holiday. Here, Thanksgiving can be enjoyed at a natural pace, without the constant pull of the kitchen.

Variety for every celebration
From long, multi-course meals to lively brunches, harbor cruises, or private chef experiences, Newport Beach and Corona del Mar offer Thanksgiving options that match a range of styles and traditions.

Coastal ambiance
The ocean air, golden-afternoon light, and familiar charm of the community create a relaxed setting that makes the holiday feel truly restorative.

1. Reserve early since Thanksgiving is one of the busiest dining days of the year at local favorites.
2. Consider take-home feasts like those offered by Five Crowns if you want restaurant quality at home.
3. Bring a light layer for those waterfront dinners or outdoor patio tables where the coastal breeze picks up after sunset.
4. Plan ahead for parking especially in areas near Corona del Mar Village or the harbor.
5. If hosting at home, secure private chef services well in advance since Thanksgiving week books quickly.

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Thanksgiving in Newport Beach and Corona del Mar brings together the beauty of the coastline and the comfort of exceptional hospitality. Whether dining beside the harbor, gathering in a beloved neighborhood restaurant, bringing home a carefully prepared feast, or hosting with the help of a private chef, the holiday becomes less about preparation and more about presence. Here, gratitude feels effortless, carried by good company and the rhythm of the sea.