Thanksgiving Dinner in the City

Of all the holidays we celebrate, Thanksgiving might be the most food-focused. Sure, we gather with loved ones and take a moment to appreciate all the great things in our lives. But what is Thanksgiving without the feast? Thanksgiving dinner is hearty, delicious, and a lot of work.

If you’re not in the mood to host this year, or you just don’t have the time to prepare the meal, it doesn’t mean you have to forego Thanksgiving dinner altogether. In New York City, there’s no shortage of delicious options. Here are some restaurants that have incredible Thanksgiving menus this year. Make those reservations soon!

Reynard
Williamsburg
$95/person

The Wythe Hotel eatery offers New American fare all year-round, and Thanksgiving is no exception. Head to Reynard for its Turkey Day prix fixe menu, which includes wood-roasted cauliflower, coal-roasted honeynut squash, and, of course, turkey. (There’s also a beef option too if you aren’t a turkey fan.) End the delicious meal with hearth-roasted apple and ice cream, or chocolate pecan pie.

Sauvage
Greenpoint
$68/person

“We offer a new kind of transportive restaurant experience, far from the louche gardens of New Orleans and the dimly lit cocktail halls of past centuries,” reads Sauvage’s website. Reminescent of a French bistro without the strictly French menu, this neighborhood restaurant on the border of North Williamsburg and Greenpoint prioritizes precision, with a touch of whimsy. Experience Sauvage on Thanksgiving, when first course options like acorn squash soup and frisee and chickory salad will be featured. For the main course, there will be a heritage turkey option with all the fixings, plus alternatives like chestnut cavatelli.

Leopard at des Artistes
Upper West Side
Thanksgiving à la carte

Inside the 100-year-old Hotel des Artistes used to be Café des Artistes, which was frequented by famed art figures like Normal Rockwell and Marcel Duchamp. Today, Leopard at des Artistes sits in the same location as its legendary predecessor. Revel in the space’s history this Thanksgiving while you enjoy dishes like roasted butternut squash ravioli and roast turkey with Italian sweet sausage, whipped sweet potatoes, and cauliflower.

Red Rooster
Harlem
$55/person OR $65/person

Head to Harlem for Thanksgiving if you’re in the mood for comfort food. You have two delectable options at Red Rooster, the popular neighborhood spot founded by Marcus Samuelsson. If you prefer a prix fixe menu, enjoy dinner in Red Rooster’s main dining room. Dishes include sweet potato soup with a marshmallow meringue, jerk-roasted turkey, short ribs lovingly called “The Obama,” and an apple and quince tart. If you would rather indulge in a Thanksgiving buffet, head downstairs to Ginny’s Supper Club, the speakeasy-styled underground space that will make you feel like you’re back in the Harlem Renaissance.

Dirty French
Lower East Side
$98/per person

For a French spin on American traditions, have Thanksgiving dinner at Dirty French. Taking its cues from timeless French dishes and preparations, the brasserie-styled restaurant is found inside The Ludlow Hotel. On the menu are classics like stuffing, cranberry sauce, brussels sprouts, and pommes puree, also known as mashed potatoes. The French twist is evident in the choices of hors d’oeuvre, which include tuna tartare with smoked tomato and harissa, as well as a mille-feuille made with Trumpet Royale mushrooms, butternut squash, and red curry.

The Breslin
NoMad
$95/person

Found inside the Ace Hotel, The Breslin is a meat-centered contemporary British gastropub. On Thanksgiving Day, turkey will of course be the meat of choice on the menu. In addition, you will find a candied sweet potato soup along with a pumpkin and apple gallette. For an extra $55, you can also enjoy a wine pairing.

Il Buco Alimentari & Vineria
NoHo
$105/person

The offspring of the original il Buco, il Buco Alimentari & Vineria is both a dining experience and a production outpost. Just like Italian markets, meats are cured and breads are baked here. There is also a collection of cheeses, fresh-made pastas, and an original line of olive oils and sea salts. Of course, there’s a restaurant as well. Here, you can dine on a deliciously Italian turkey dinner that includes an autumn minestrone and ricotta cavatelli. You also have the option for a vegetarian menu.

Indian Accent
Midtown West
$95/person

Offering an inventive approach to Indian cuisine, Indian Accent explores progressive ideas in Indian food while maintaining traditional integrity. If you want to experience a different kind of Thanksgiving than what you grew up with, Indian Accent’s menu is worth trying. It offers roast turkey pinwheels with paneer, as well as tandoori cauliflower and sesame chili sweet potato.

Katz’s Delicatessen
Lower East Side
$90/person

For a quintessentially New York experience, visit Katz’s Delicatessen as they host their annual Thanksgiving all-you-can-eat dinner. There will be traditional holiday dishes like mashed potatoes, apple pie, and lots of turkey, alongside Jewish favorites like latkes, tsimmes, and of course, pastrami.

abcV
Flatiron
$98/person

Part of Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s medley of restaurants, abcV is completely vegetarian. It’s also inside a carpet shop. Head here if you’re in search of a delectable, completely plant-based Thanksgiving dinner. On the menu you will find honeynut squash, avocado lettuce cups, maitake mushrooms, and jelled cranberry.

Narcissa
East Village
$79/person

Found inside The Standard in Cooper Square, Narcissa features a rotating menu with seasonal produce from farms in the Hudson Valley. On Thanksgiving, the New American restaurant will serve a smoky Japanese sweet potato, pan-seared lamb, roasted turkey, and all the fixings.

Leuca
Williamsburg
$95/person

Inspired by Southern Italian cuisine, Leuca is known for its house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and rustic Italian dishes. This influence will be seen in Leuca’s Thanksgiving prix fixe menu as well, with dishes like sheep’s milk ricotta, cranberry mostarda, squash cappelletti, and apple crostata.

November 2018, for Halstead Real Estate blog