The Ultimate Guide to Thanksgiving Dinner in New York City
- By: Meera Rathod
Leave the cooking (and clean up) to the pros…
As autumn paints the city in hues of gold and crimson, New York transforms into a picture of festive cheer and culinary delight. This Thanksgiving, why not trade hours in the kitchen for an unforgettable dining experience crafted by the city’s finest chefs? From cozy uptown eateries to chic downtown bistros, New York City’s vibrant restaurant scene is serving up delicious feasts that blend tradition with innovation. Whether you’re craving a classic turkey dinner or an international twist on holiday favorites, we’ve curated a selection of the most enticing spots to celebrate the season. Gather your loved ones and let these exceptional restaurants set the stage for a Thanksgiving you won’t forget.
Sojourn
Tucked away in the Upper East Side, Sojourn invites you to a Thanksgiving feast that’s as abundant in flavor as it is in choices–all for a welcoming $75 prix fixe. Start your meal with appetizers that set the tone for indulgence: the earthy butternut squash and kale salad offers a fresh twist on seasonal greens; the spicy tuna tartare crostini delivers a delightful kick; and the creamy burrata paired with roasted tomato almond pesto is nothing short of sublime. When it comes to the main courses, Sojourn ensures you’re spoiled for choice. Beyond the classic turkey, the menu boasts nearly a dozen entrées to satisfy every craving. Sink your teeth into the dry-aged strip steak, perfectly seared and full of robust flavor. For something a bit more decadent, the duck breast served with bigs in a sumptuous wine sauce is a must-try. Seafood lovers will relish the black linguini tossed with spice lobster arrabbiata–a dish that marries heat and richness beautifully. As the feast winds down, don’t overlook the desserts. The blueberry ricotta cheesecake offers a creamy, tangy delight, while the flourless chocolate cake with Nutella filling is pure indulgence with every bite.
Essential by Christophe
If you’re yearning for an opulent twist on Thanksgiving tradition, look no further than Essential by Christophe on the Upper West Side. Chef Christophe Bellanca invites you to a four-course feast priced at $180 per person, where French haute cuisine meets seasonal American flavors. The culinary journey commences with elegant starters like foie gras accompanied by apple-pear chutney and a delicate cider emulsion, succulent red king crab, or hiramasa paired with creamy avocado and a zest of yuzu. The second course elevates the experience with choices such as marinated langoustines, scallops nestled with sunchokes and drizzled with a fennel-shoyu sauce, or a steamed and caramelized cheese soufflé enriched with chestnut emulsion and crowned with wite truffles. For the main event, options range from a tender venison loin to a beautifully prepared traditional turkey, satisfying both the adventurous and the purists at heart. Dessert is a decadent affair featuring pumpkin pie adorned with silky coffee ice cream or a refreshing Vacherin layered with clementine marmalade, infused with orange blossom, and complemented by kaffir lime sorbet.
103 W 77th St, New York, NY 10024
@essentialbychristophe
L’Amico
For those seeking an Italian-infused Thanksgiving, L’Amico offers a delightful departure from the traditional feast. This charming eatery blends rustic Italian flavors with holiday classics, crafting a dining experience that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Priced at $98 per person and serving from 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., L’Amico’s special menu invites you to savor the season in style. Begin your culinary journey with starters like the velvety butternut squash soup or the crispy parmesan sformato–a delicate Italian custard that’s crispy on the outside yet irresistibly creamy within. For the main course, indulge in wood-fired roasted heritage turkey accompanied by a rich pork sausage stuffing. Alternatively, the roasted dry-aged prime rib offers a succulent option for those craving hearty comfort. To elevate your experience, consider the optional wine pairing for an additional $38 per person. L’Amico’s extensive selection of Italian and international wines is thoughtfully curated to complement the nuances of each course, turning your meal into a true gastronomic event.
849 6th Ave, New York, NY 10001
@lamiconyc
Gabriel Kreuther
Gabriel Kreuther offers an exquisite French fine dining experience just steps from Bryant Park for those who desire a Thanksgiving steeped in elegance. Priced at $265 per person and seating from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the four-course prix-fixe menu is a symphony of seasonal flavors and culinary artistry. Begin your feast with sophisticated starters like chestnut panna cotta, delicately citrus-cured tuna loin, or the signature sturgeon and sauerkraut tart–a nod to Chef Kreuther’s Alsatian roots. The entrées elevate traditional holiday fare with options such as roasted turkey roulade prepared with meticulous attention, or the Green-Walk Hatchery trout cooked on a cedar plank, infusing the fish with a subtle smoky aroma. Dessert is an affair to remember, featuring a lavish pie cart brimming with sweet indulgences to conclude your meal on a high note. Optional wine pairings are available to perfectly complement each course, enhancing the overall experience. The restaurant’s refined ambiance, characterized by warm lighting and tasteful décor, provides an intimate setting ideal for a memorable Thanksgiving celebration.
41 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036
@gabrielkreuther
Cafe Fiorello
For a Thanksgiving that blends tradition with the vibrant energy of the city, Cafe Fiorello offers a festive dining experience right across from Lincoln Center. Priced at $85 per person, their holiday menu includes a complimentary toast to set the celebratory mood. Start your meal with a choice of enticing appetizers such as a warming squash soup, a fresh little fem salad, or a savory seafood risotto that nods to the restaurant’s Italian flair. The main course features succulent turkey served with classic sides: flavorful stuffing, creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, and rich gravy–all the comforting tastes of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. To conclude your feast on a sweet note, choose between a slice of spiced pumpkin pie or a tangy cranberry pecan pie. For those seeking variety, Cafe Fiorello also provides their full à la carte menu alongside the holiday offerings.
1900 Broadway, New York, NY 10023
@cafefiorello
No matter which dining experience you choose, these exceptional restaurants are ready to make your Thanksgiving unforgettable. Embrace the opportunity to create new traditions while savoring remarkable flavors in the heart of New York City. Reserve your table soon, and get ready to celebrate a holiday full of warmth, gratitude, and culinary delight!
