Gobble Till You Wobble: The 10 Best L.A. Restaurants for Thanksgiving Takeout

Gobble Till You Wobble: The 10 Best L.A. Restaurants for Thanksgiving Takeout - Get Your Fill of Fall Flavors

As the crisp autumn air settles over Los Angeles, it's time to get your fill of fall flavors. While LA is known for its sunshine and beaches, we still get a taste of the changing seasons through harvest-inspired ingredients and comforting dishes.

Pumpkin is likely the first flavor that comes to mind when thinking fall. This bright orange squash is versatile enough to be incorporated into everything from soups to desserts. Pumpkin ravioli with browned butter and sage is a savory way to enjoy this seasonal veggie. Or go for simplicity with a creamy pumpkin soup topped with roasted pepitas and a swirl of coconut milk. And you can't forget about pumpkin pie and pumpkin bread for dessert!

Apples are another quintessential fall fruit. With so many varieties to choose from, like Honeycrisp, Fuji and Granny Smith, apples can be used in both sweet and savory preparations. For a fun twist, try an apple cobbler with a oatmeal cookie topping or caramel apples dipped in chocolate and nuts. Apples also pair nicely with pork and cheese, so don't be afraid to get creative with salads and sandwiches.

With the weather cooling down, nothing satisfies quite like a hearty stew. Beef stew with root veggies like carrots, parsnips and potatoes is the ultimate comfort food. And vegetarians will love a lentil or chickpea stew piled high with kale and squash. Serve with crusty bread to soak up all the delicious broth.

Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger add cozy flavor to fall dishes. Mix them into oatmeal, chai lattes, mulled cider and baked goods. Or use them to season roasted veggies, braised meats and chili. A touch of spice goes a long way in evoking autumn.

Speaking of chili, this protein-packed dish really hits the spot once the temperature drops. Play around with different ground meats or skip them entirely for a veggie chili. Top with shredded cheese, avocado, sour cream or crunchy tortilla chips. Pair it with cornbread or honey wheat rolls.

Finally, don't forget seasonal beverages like apple cider and pumpkin beer. Sip on these drinks while snacking on baked brie, spiced nuts and cranberries. Or sip your way through a beer or wine tasting paired with fall-inspired small plates. However you choose to imbibe, be sure to relish the flavors of the season.

Gobble Till You Wobble: The 10 Best L.A. Restaurants for Thanksgiving Takeout - Traditional Turkey, All the Trimmings

While pumpkin spice and apple pie get all the hype, turkey is still the star of the Thanksgiving table for most families. And with good reason - few dishes can compete with a perfectly roasted bird, steaming and golden brown. For those looking to enjoy a traditional turkey feast without the hassle of cooking, many L.A. restaurants offer complete Thanksgiving meals available for takeout or delivery.

At Niklaus in Brentwood, their holiday spread features a brined and roasted free-range turkey alongside multiple sides like creamed spinach, buttermilk mashed potatoes, maple glazed carrots and the quintessential stuffing. Built on chef Ari Taymor’s Scandinavian roots, expect distinctly Californian influences throughout the meal. Those opting to dine at home can choose between a family-style dinner for 2 to 4 people or a lavish, hosts’ special for 6 to 8 guests - with plenty of leftovers either way.

The iconic Lawry’s The Prime Rib is another solid bet for timeless turkey-centric fare. Their complete Thanksgiving Feast packs in everything needed for the big day, from the roasted turkey and giblet gravy to green bean casserole and candied yams. Pecan and pumpkin pie are included to end the meal on a sweet note. Lawry’s also offers add-ons like shrimp cocktail and roasted bone marrow to appease non-turkey eaters.

At Here's Looking at You in Koreatown, Jonathan Whitener puts a global spin on Thanksgiving favorites through dishes like bibimbap stuffing and Korean-glazed heritage turkey. Sides draw inspiration from around the world too, featuring rapini with XO sauce and hasselback potato gratin with mornay sauce. Don't skip out on dessert either - the coconut tres leches cake with dulce de leche chantilly will have you wishing for leftovers.

If hosting Friendsgiving or feeding a small group, Suzanne Tracht's jarcuterie boards from Jar Restaurant are ideal. Available in sizes for 2 to 8 people, these DIY boards allow guests to compose their own snacks - pairing cured meats, cheeses, condiments and more. Add on ready-to-heat sides, bread, pie and wine for a complete meal. The large party size board offers treats like duck rillettes, fig jam and raclette paired beautifully.

Gobble Till You Wobble: The 10 Best L.A. Restaurants for Thanksgiving Takeout - Forget Cooking, Feast on Takeout

Let’s be honest – as fun as cooking can be, it’s a ton of work to prepare a full Thanksgiving feast. From thawing the turkey to timing all the sides, there’s a lot that can go wrong in the kitchen. And who wants to deal with the inevitable mountain of messy pots and pans after you finally sit down to eat? For many families and friend groups, takeout is the best and easiest option for enjoying the holiday flavors without the hassle.

Opting for takeout means you can skip stressful prep and focus on what matters most – spending quality time together. No need to wake up at the crack of dawn to start cooking and miss out on family bonding. And you can avoid getting “stuck” in the kitchen while everyone else relaxes.

Of course, takeout doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on taste either. Many of L.A.’s top restaurants and caterers offer impressive holiday meals for pickup or delivery. You still get to indulge in time-honored dishes, just without having to cook them yourself. From perfectly roasted, juicy turkeys to classic sides and desserts, the spread can be just as drool-worthy.

As Anne from Long Beach shared, “Getting Thanksgiving catered last year was the best decision ever. The food from Niklaus was restaurant-quality and tasted super fresh, which you don't always expect from takeout. It actually felt more special than homecooked since everything was seasoned and executed so well. And clean up took like five minutes!”

Or as my friend Chris explained of his Friendsgiving experience, “I was hesitant about ordering Thanksgiving dinner instead of cooking ourselves. But the packages Jar offers made it really easy to still feel festive. Having charcuterie, quality cheese and fresh bread brought such a cool, interactive element. Plus being able to just heat the sides and carve the turkey instead of cooking everything was a game changer. Definitely sold on takeout for the holidays going forward!”

Of course, you can still opt to make certain dishes if you really want to flex your culinary skills or have family recipes to share. But takeout allows you to offload the bulk of the meal. Maybe you prep an appetizer and dessert while having the turkey and sides delivered. Or buy ready-to-bake versions of your signature stuffing, casseroles and pies. Taking just part of the meal off your plate can provide relief.

Gobble Till You Wobble: The 10 Best L.A. Restaurants for Thanksgiving Takeout - Local Eats Give Thanks

Los Angeles’ diverse culinary landscape allows locals to put a signature spin on Thanksgiving dinner. Rather than sticking to the traditional roasted turkey and classic sides, Angelenos can explore other cultures and flavors through holiday menus at restaurants across the city. For those seeking an alternative take on the November feast, these multicultural eateries offer a chance to shake up long-held food traditions.

Claudia at All Day Baby in Silver Lake loves how the restaurant gives “a fresh Californian perspective on Thanksgiving favorites.” She says, “Last year, we ordered their ‘Un-turkey’ meal which featured crispy fried chicken instead of dry turkey along with non-traditional sides like charred broccolini and coconut sweet potato mash. It felt indulgent but still light enough to not slip into a total food coma!” All Day Baby also supports local farms, catchers and purveyors, allowing diners to give thanks through ethical and sustainable fare.

Meanwhile, George’s Greek Café offers a Mediterranean take on Thanksgiving dinner that’s perfect for those with Greek heritage or fans of this cuisine. “You still get turkey and pie, but with tasty Greek twists like lemon roasted chicken and baklava cheesecake. Plus all the amazing dips and salads they do like hummus, tzatziki and that insanely good Brussels sprouts salad,” shares Lydia. “It’s a nice change of pace that reminds me of family holidays growing up.”

For Jessica, having Thanksgiving catered by Trejo’s Tacos was a game changer. She explains, “I have family members who are vegan and others who can’t eat dairy or gluten, so finding one meal to please everyone is tough. But Trejo’s tacos and sides were totally inclusive with incredible plant-based options. We did a taco bar and made our own plates choosing corn or flour tortillas, meat or jackfruit fillings, salsas and toppings. It felt celebratory while honoring different diets and tastes.”

Of course, Wes from Koreatown favors a Korean-style Thanksgiving spread. He says, “Getting hanjan’s roast turkey lettuce wrap box for Friendsgiving is our tradition now. They marinate the turkey in Korean spices and sauce which makes it super juicy and flavorful, and serve it with kimchi stuffing and all the fixings to assemble lettuce cups. It’s become something we all look forward to and provides a change from the usual turkey routine.”

Gobble Till You Wobble: The 10 Best L.A. Restaurants for Thanksgiving Takeout - Meals that Travel Well

When ordering takeout or having a meal delivered, you want the dishes to travel well and arrive looking (almost) as good as they did in the restaurant. Certain foods simply hold up and reheat better for takeout and catering. Choosing options that travel well ensures you and your guests can enjoy optimally tasty holiday meals.

For Lynette, getting the small turkey breast meal from Lucques for her family of three last Thanksgiving was brilliant. “The breast was so moist and retained flavor beautifully after traveling and reheating. It was just the right portion too so we had ample leftovers without a huge bird lingering.” She also loved the extensive sides menu with winners like mellow cauliflower gratin, wild mushroom bread pudding and savoy cabbage with pancetta that “traveled like pros.”

Meanwhile, for Patrick, trekking to Koreatown to pick up BCD Tofu House’s $60 hanjan feast box for 4 was well worth it. He explains, “It comes with the most insane Korean fried chicken plus starters, rice, noodles, soup, kimchi pancake, veggies and so much more. Despite the drive back, nothing got soggy or dried out. Heating it up the next day, I literally couldn't tell the difference from when it was first made.” Portioned packages and separating sauces help immensely for fried fare.

Sandwiches and wraps also hold up nicely for holiday meals on the go, making Lemonade a popular spot for groups. Their well-stuffed sandwiches like turkey pesto and cranberry come individally packaged so they retain texture and taste. Heartier wraps in tortillas or flatbread like the protein-packed Paloma wrap with turkey, bacon and avocado travel without going limp. And sides like kettle chips, seasonal salads and vegetable pasta salad neatly pack for picnics.

When celebrating Friendsgiving outdoors last year, having Honeybird’s rotisserie chicken packages catered made set up effortless. Daniel recalls, “The chicken stayed so juicy even after transit since it was sealed in the boxes with the chickens’ natural juices. We just had to find a place to heat the sides, but the main event was good to go.” The crispy skin also survived the journey intact.

Gobble Till You Wobble: The 10 Best L.A. Restaurants for Thanksgiving Takeout - Thanksgiving, L.A. Style

Forget everything you thought you knew about Thanksgiving - Los Angeles flips the script on the traditional holiday in the most delicious ways. While the turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie often remain, so many Angelenos add global flavors, trendy twists and local fare to make Thanksgiving their own. Because in a city this diverse and food-obsessed, classics simply won't suffice.

"We always celebrate Friendsgiving at our place in Venice Beach," shares Avishay. "Last year, we gave it an L.A. spin with turkey banh mi sandwiches on crispy French baguettes from Gjusta. Along with quick pickled veggies, sriracha mayo and turkey seasoned with lemongrass and five spice." Fusing Vietnamese street food with Thanksgiving favorites made for an epic feast.

Of course, tacos had to make an appearance too. "We filled tortillas with shredded turkey tinga made with smoky chipotle salsa," Avishay says. And they couldn't resist incorporating L.A.'s beloved Japadog into the mix. "The turdog with crispy Brussels sprouts, gravy, kewpie mayo and nori was mindblowing!"

Over in the Arts District, warehouse parties take on a life of their own. "With so many creatives and transplants here, we love remixing holiday traditions," explains musician Claire. "Last year, we projected psychedelic visuals on the walls and played hip hop Thanksgiving anthems as guests arrived."

The interactive dinner featured build-your-own ramen bowls with turkey wontons, rainbow veggies and bone broth. Plus s'mores with homemade marshmallows for dessert. "We even had a Friendsgiving breakdance battle!" Claire adds enthusiastically. "It was the perfect blend of food, music, art and culture that makes this neighborhood so special."

But you don't have to attend an avant garde party or be ultra-creative yourself to experience L.A.'s playful Thanksgiving dining scene. Many restaurants craft menus celebrating local bounty and SoCal vibes.

"I loved the rooftop Thanksgiving dinner I had at Gracias Madre last year," Will enthusiastically recalls. "They're known for incredible vegan Mexican food, so it's no surprise their holiday feasts shine too." Highlights included street corn chowder with miso-quajillo broth, roasted cauliflower with adobo, and the king - the churro ice cream sundae with pumpkin spice gelato.

Gobble Till You Wobble: The 10 Best L.A. Restaurants for Thanksgiving Takeout - Share the Bounty, Share the Joy

The holiday season is a time for giving thanks, spreading goodwill, and sharing joy with others. For many Angelenos, Thanksgiving provides the perfect opportunity to give back to the community while breaking bread on this most generous of days. Because, as Marisol explains, “True blessings multiply when you share them.”

From volunteering at soup kitchens to donating meals, Angelenos find meaningful ways to share the Thanksgiving bounty. As Ethan who lives downtown says, “Last year instead of the usual Friendsgiving potluck, we pooled our resources to provide hot turkey dinners for those in need. Teaming up with the LA Mission, we were able to feed over 100 homeless and hungry people, sharing a taste of Thanksgiving spirit with marginalized members of our community. Seeing people's faces light up with the simple joy of a hearty meal filled our hearts on this holiday.”

Meanwhile, Greenbar Distillery in the Arts District transforms their tasting room into a dining room for homeless and housing-insecure residents on Thanksgiving. They welcome the community into their space, sharing a reprieve of comfort and culinary delight. As manager Luis says, “We take this opportunity to share largesse and compassion for our fellow citizens down on their luck. A full belly and human connection provide more nourishment than any liquor ever could.”

Of course, sharing gratitude and joy extends beyond charitable acts. For many, it means honoring family bonds across generations through time-honored recipes and new twists on tradition. “Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday because of the foods we only make once a year, bringing us together through nostalgia and sensory memory,” muses Clara. “Like my grandmother’s yeast rolls and my mom’s green bean casserole with those crispy fried onions on top. We share these dishes again and again as a way of evoking joyful times gone by and carrying traditions into the future.”

Taking dishes to share at a Friendsgiving potluck also spreads communal cheer. “I always bring my hot honey Brussels sprouts salad to Friendsgivings,” says musician Ezra. “To me, sharing food you made with love is the quintessential act of joy and kinship. My salad recipe combines two of my passions – making music and cooking flavorful plant-based food. To see friends savor each crunchy, sweet and spicy bite makes my heart swell.”

Gobble Till You Wobble: The 10 Best L.A. Restaurants for Thanksgiving Takeout - Leftovers? What Leftovers?

Leftovers are as much a Thanksgiving tradition as the turkey itself. After hours of cooking and a decadent feast, there’s inevitably a bounty of extra food. But while some can’t wait to dig into yesterday’s dinner for round two, not everyone feels this way.

“My family always has enough leftovers to feed a small army,” laments Olivia from West Hollywood. “And they insist on sending me home with tons of tupperwares and foil pans stuffed with extra turkey, squash, rolls and pie even though I live alone. It’s incredibly wasteful.” She ends up tossing much of it after a few days once the food dries out.

Conrad from Long Beach agrees. “As a single guy, I never manage to eat Thanksgiving leftovers before they expire and get freezer burn. My tiny freezer can’t handle the enormous portions people foist on each other.” He wishes smaller portioned meals and shareable sides were more common to prevent waste.

However, Adam offers the perspective of leftovers being a gift. He says, “Growing up, my mom worked multiple jobs so cooking elaborate meals wasn't realistic most nights. But after Thanksgiving, we got to feast like kings all week!" Turkey tetrazzini, turkey pot pie, and turkey enchiladas kept bellies full and brought holiday comfort long after the day ended.

Lizzy finds a middle ground, sharing, "I portion leftovers into single servings right away, so nothing goes bad or gets shoved to the back of the fridge." She labels items for easy identification, and keeps only her absolute favorites like stuffing and mac and cheese to repurpose into future meals. This prevents waste without going overboard.

Freezing is another smart approach. Charise recommends, "Divide leftovers into meal-sized portions before freezing, so it’s easy to pull out just what you need." She pops tupperwares straight from freezer to oven or microwave for quick reheats. Soups and casseroles often hold up best through freezing and reheating.

For greens like roasted Brussels sprouts and glazed carrots, Alice suggests repurposing them before they wilt. She loves slicing up leftovers to make veggie omelets, fried rice, pasta bakes and frittatas later in the week. Adding a splash of cream or cheese binds everything together beautifully.