Organizing a Thanksgiving feast can be stressful, so why not go out for dinner and keep your kitchen clean? That’s what these spots in Florida aim to do: save you time from peeling the potatoes and cleaning up so you can spend more time with the family. For a stress-free holiday experience, check out these best places to dine out for Thanksgiving in Florida.
Omni Amelia Island Resort, Amelia Island
Pack in a vacation and Thanksgiving dinner in one at Omni Amelia Island Resort, located just 29 miles north of Jacksonville. This luxury property has plenty of on-site amenities to keep you busy throughout the day, including a white-sand beach, outdoor pools, and a day spa. Craving traditional Thanksgiving favorites? Enjoy a scrumptious buffet at Sunrise Cafe, which includes holiday favorites as well as prime rib, an array of salads, sides, desserts, and more. The hotel’s fine dining restaurant, Verandah, also has a special dinner menu, with the chef’s amuse-bouche and traditional Thanksgiving turkey and dessert, as well as live entertainment. Other restaurants at the Omni that are open on Thanksgiving are Falcon’s Nest with smoked turkey sandwiches, Southern Saltwater Turkey at Oceanside, and Thanksgiving dinner to go at Marche Burette.
More information here.
Rusty Pelican, Miami & Tampa
What’s better than a Thanksgiving meal? A Thanksgiving meal with a view, including stunning views over Biscayne or Tampa Bay. Rusty Pelican has locations in both Tampa and Miami and is known for its over-the-top 4-course brunch and a la carte dinner on Thanksgiving. Come hungry to enjoy brunch favorites like the salt-roasted turkey, steak & eggs benedict, mushroom pappardelle pasta, and more. Save enough room to indulge in the dessert platter, which includes mini homemade pumpkin pie, white chocolate cafe con leche, and other sweet treats. Alternatively, opt for a seafood fiesta at dinner with the crispy whole snapper and miso-marinated butterfish.
More information here.
Columbia Restaurant, St. Augustine
Boasting six locations across Florida, Columbia Restaurants is one of Florida’s oldest restaurant chains, serving locals for over 100 years, which means they’ve had time to perfect their Thanksgiving feast. Make a reservation this holiday season and enjoy traditional favorites with all the fixings, including roast turkey, Columbia stuffing, fresh vegetables, whipped potatoes, sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce, and giblet gravy. Hungry yet?
More information here.
The Alfond Inn - Winter Park
One of the trendiest boutique hotels in Florida, The Alfond Inn in Winter Park is home to the award-winning restaurant Hamilton’s Kitchen. On Thanksgiving, they’re having a chef-inspired feast with seating times at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. The menu includes sides like whipped golden Yukon potatoes, candied yams, and southern-style green beans, while mains include roasted whole turkey, slow braised short ribs, and braised chicken thighs. Your patronage helps fund The Alfond Inn at Rollins College Scholars Program, which awards Scholarships to deserving Rollins College Students, so dig into the Chef’s Selection of seasonal pies and desserts without the guilt.
More information here.
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
One of the best resorts in Orlando, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, is a favorite of families traveling to Disney and Universal Studios. Take a break this holiday season and enjoy the Farm-to-Table Thanksgiving feast at the on-site restaurant Primo. Here, you’ll find an a la carte fall menu with plenty to choose from, including turkey, local seafood, and fresh seasonal offerings from the Primo Garden.
More information here.
Burt & Max's - Delray Beach
Burt & Max’s is a neighborhood bar and grille in Delray Beach and the perfect pick for a stress-free Thanksgiving outing. In addition to their regular menu of made-from-scratch, modern American cuisine, you can enjoy butternut squash and sweet potato bisque, apple and cranberry salad, and citrus-herb roasted turkey with sides of apple-sausage stuffing, whipped Yukon gold potatoes, sweet potato gratin, green beans and shallots, cranberry mustard, and giblet gravy. If you have space for dessert, treat yourself to ‘burnt’ pumpkin cheesecake or warm apple pie cobbler. If you’re a dog lover, you’ll also love their Doggie Diner menu, which includes chef-prepared meals for your furry companion.
More information here.
The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, Amelia Island
The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island is known for two things: its renowned on-site restaurant, Salt, and the stunning ocean-view rooms with private balconies. Take a break this Thanksgiving weekend with a stay at this luxurious resort, where you can celebrate with their Thanksgiving events that offer impressive culinary presentations. Reservations are required at Salt, which offers a luxe Thanksgiving meal with a curated one pairing, while Coast restaurant will have a traditional slow-cooked Southern-inspired low-country Thanksgiving buffet. There’s also a Grand Feast, which includes an elaborate culinary, while kids can enjoy holiday crafts and games. If you’re there the day before Thanksgiving, don’t miss the official Christmas Tree Lighting with live music and a fireworks show.
More information here.
Max's Grille - Boca Raton
Max’s Grille in Boca Raton has Thanksgiving specials in addition to their full regular menu. The Traditional Turkey Dinner includes white and dark meat turkey, house-made potatoes, herb stuffing, roasted vegetable medley, cranberry sauce, and gravy. Save the stress of making your own feast, then reward yourself with pumpkin cheesecake, which includes an Oreo crumb crust, cinnamon whipped cream, caramel, and chocolate sauce.
More information here.
Yacht StarShip, Tampa
If you’re looking to make memories with the family this Thanksgiving, why not dine aboard a yacht while cruising Tampa Bay? You can let the crew handle all the Thanksgiving details while you kick back and relax in the fully air-conditioned yacht, then dig into a traditional feast. The executive chef will whip up the Thanksgiving spread of tasty seasonal favorites, and then after dinner, you can climb to the top deck and take in the beautiful skyline views, enjoy the fresh breeze, and listen to the DJ playing the latest hits.
More information here.
Reunion Resort & Golf Club - Orlando
Kick off this holiday season with Thanksgiving specials at Reunion Resort & Golf Club. Avoid an argument about who is going to clean the dishes and instead pull up a chair at 7593 Chophouse & Lobby for a feast that includes roasted butternut squash soup, oven-roasted turkey, and slow-cooked prime rib. The on-site Clubhouse will also have some seasonal dishes on offer, from Yukon gold mashed potatoes to maple-glazed roasted sweet potatoes and oven-roasted turkey. While staying here, you can also take advantage of the seven swimming pools, two playgrounds, a five-acre water park, and miniature golf, tennis, and pickleball courts. It’s the ultimate getaway for a family holiday.
More information here.
