The pandemic has put a damper on eating out, even more so when it’s a celebratory occasion. With restaurants open for limited indoor seating or outdoor dining, many have also upped their takeout offerings. If takeout is more to your comfort level, several restaurants are offering elegant takeout meals that you can enjoy at home or your spot of choice.
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Where To Order Special Occasion Takeout in San Diego
When celebrating, consider these alternatives to eating out

MARKET Restaurant + Bar
Ordering takeout from Market is as close as you’ll get to eating at the restaurant where each dish incorporates seasonal ingredients. Takeout is a three-course chef’s tasting menu and includes a choice of starter, entree and dessert. Plan accordingly— ordering three days in advance is required.
International Smoke
Chef Michael Mina’s Del Mar restaurant is open for indoor and outdoor dining at last report but if you’re not prepared to eat anywhere except home, the restaurant’s to-go brunch, lunch and dinner options are worth ordering. One standout is the family feasts dinner available for two people or up to eight, and includes your choice of barbecue classics, East-meets-West cuisine, plant-based dishes or restaurant favorites.
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Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Included in Fleming’s regular takeout menu is their special “Flemings for The Family,” a three-course meal for four or more people. Starting at $60 per person, each meal includes choice of salad, entree, two sides and dessert. There’s also a gluten-free menu.
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George's at the Cove
The La Jolla landmark is back open for outdoor dining but the restaurant is still offering several takeout options, including a weekly three-course dinner available Thursday through Saturday. Customers can choose from a variety of entrees, which come with bread and cheese, a salad, and dessert. Bottles of wine can also be purchase. A family-style meal that feeds three to four people is available on Sundays and features a main course, salad, side dishes, and dessert.
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Hanna's Gourmet
Since the start of the pandemic, Hanna’s Gourmet has been offering dinner solutions to enjoy at home and there are a few rotating options that can qualify as special occasion meals. Examples include white wine-braised chicken, mirin-glazed salmon and the restaurant’s famous carrot cake, available by the slice or whole. Weekly pickups are on Sundays.
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SOICHI
Enjoy an leisurely omakase experience in the comfort of your own home. Soichi’s special omakase includes seven courses — appetizers, sashimi, chawanmushi, grilled fish, nigiri sushi, soup, and ice cream for $100 while a nigiri-based omakase features an appetizer, 12 pieces of nigiri, soup, and ice cream for $75. The Adams Avenue sushi bar is also offering 10% off on sake and wine ordered online.
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Tribute Pizza
Look beyond Tribute’s pizza menu and straight to the grill options if you’re looking for something special. Available Friday-Sunday, the restaurant serves up wood grilled items like honeynut squash, chicken wings, porchetta, wild Mexican shrimp and farmers market veggies. Tack on some cocktails to-go and you have yourself a full-fledged meal appropriate for any special occasion.
Cesarina
If a special lunch is in the plans, Cesarina has you covered. This Italian Point Loma hotspot takes the work out of planning with a special lunch for two or four people. Choose between a light, family-style lunch that includes salad, your choice of pasta, dessert and an option to add drinks for an additional cost.
Juniper & Ivy
Juniper & Ivy’s “comfort food to-go” changes from week to week and can be available for a party of one up to six. Paste entrees have included braised short rib and Swiss cheese ravioli. Suggested wine pairings and batch cocktails can be included for an additional cost.
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Kettner Exchange
Consider Kettner Exchange’s market boxes as special occasion meals you can have for one meal or spread out for several days. Previous menu items have included summer proscuitto soup, Thai shrimp salad kit and a pork shoulder rice bowl kit, along with a host of other ingredients for you to use at your leisure.
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse
Del Frisco’s meal kits require some effort at home but for the home cook, there’s little to no prep. Choose from a steak or salmon dinner for two, complete with salad, two sides, dessert and add-ons like truffle butter and lobster tail.
Top of the Market - San Diego
Top of the Market offers weekly takeout specials specific to each day. Mondays are pasta ($19), Tuesdays are lobster ($29) and Fridays are fish fry for two ($39).
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Huntress
At-home chefs wanting to put their own flourish to restaurant meals should consider Huntress’ dinner packages. From Asian-inspired salmon to the roasted chicken meal, each one requires a little bit of cooking and/or heating up. Orders must be placed by 11 pm on Wednesdays for a Friday afternoon pickup.
Nobu San Diego
Outdoor dining is currently available at this Gaslamp establishment but you can get almost the same experience at home with their takeout dinner. Choose from faves such as their famous black cod with miso, Japanese waygu and even nigiri. Pickup or delivery is available.
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