As the holiday season approaches, New York City lights up with a sense of festive anticipation. Below the fall foliage and cool breezes, the city's culinary scene is alive with preparations for an unforgettable Thanksgiving dinner. 

Maybe you’re not looking to cook a whole feast yourself — if that’s the case, NYC’s world-class restaurants have got you covered. The city is home to a diverse array of restaurants that blend tradition with innovation, offering delectable Thanksgiving feasts that will appeal to anyone. 

Here are 13 of the city's top eateries to head to for your 2023 Thanksgiving celebration.

Nice Matin

A welcoming brasserie known for its French Riviera vibe, Nice Matin offers a curated prix fixe Thanksgiving menu that exemplifies modern French-American cuisine. For $68 per person, guests can indulge in such comfort food as French Onion Soup, duck confit or roast turkey, pumpkin pie, and much more. This three-course dinner, offered in Nice Matin’s elegant, ambient surroundings, is the perfect way to spend Thanksgiving evening.

Jean-Georges

A Michelin-starred restaurant known for its elevated, innovative cuisine and world-famous founder, Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Jean-Georges is the perfect place for a sophisticated Thanksgiving experience. This year, the restaurant will be offering a six-course and ten-course prix-fixe menu for the holiday, with vegetarian options. The luxurious menu will include classics like roast turkey, as well as delectable, unexpected dishes like scallop crispy sushi. With a meal as elegant as this one, there will be much to be thankful for.

Gramercy Tavern

The bustling yet inviting Gramercy Tavern in the Flatiron District awaits you with a thoughtfully crafted Thanksgiving menu. Known for its farm-to-table approach, the restaurant offers a delightful dining experience that showcases the finest and freshest seasonal ingredients, in classic American dishes like braised beef short rib, cauliflower soup, and pumpkin tart. Gramercy Tavern’s offerings this Thanksgiving will warm you from the inside out.

Gotham Bar and Grill

Fantastic service and mouth-watering autumnal cuisine will greet you at Gotham Bar and Grill. Celebrate Thanksgiving in style at this esteemed restaurant, known for its contemporary American cuisine. Their holiday menu embraces tradition while incorporating some modern twists — are those dates with the foie gras? — resulting in a truly exceptional feast. 

Carbone

Transport yourself to mid-century New York at Carbone, a celebrity hotspot known for its classic Italian-American fare. Their Thanksgiving menu offers a nostalgic twist on holiday favorites, providing a comforting and indulgent experience. Reservations are hard to get, however, so plan ahead. But you won’t be disappointed by these legendary dishes, which put an Italian spin on everyone’s Thanksgiving favorites.

The River Café

Enjoy a waterfront Thanksgiving at The River Café, a stunning restaurant with breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. This fantasy locale offers a refined selection of dishes with its prix-fixe menu, which pays homage to the best seasonal ingredients. You’ll never forget a Thanksgiving spent with this jaw-dropping view — and you’ll also be treated to handmade chocolate and other confections.

Isabelle’s Osteria 

A more casual yet still luxurious Thanksgiving experience awaits at Isabelle’s Osteria, a warm and inviting eatery in Union Square. Their three-course prix-fixe menu features an array of choices that will cater to everyone’s tastes, from mushroom lasagne to butternut squash soup to olive oil cake. This Italian-inspired Thanksgiving dinner exudes comfort and elegance, making for a delicious and delightful feast.

Bar Boulud

Refined and renowned, Chef Daniel Boulud’s Lincoln Center-adjacent Bar Boulud is the place to go for a French take on Thanksgiving. Featuring culinary masterpieces that will appeal to even the most discerning of diners, Bar Boulud’s three-course Thanksgiving meal is traditional yet elevated. Why not celebrate Thanksgiving with a magical evening of nourishment that will transport you straight to the French countryside? 

Sarabeth’s

The hospitable, upscale Sarabeth’s, which has multiple locations across the city, offers the perfect environment for a classic Thanksgiving dinner. The mains on the relatively reasonably priced prix fixe menu include the iconic free range turkey dinner, filet mignon, and shrimp risotto; options for appetizers and desserts are just as pleasing, including Sarabeth’s famous crab cakes. No matter what you order, you are in for a spectacular, fulfilling meal.

The Ribbon

Indulge in a quintessentially New York dining experience at The Ribbon on the Upper West Side, where dishes are opulent and filling, paying homage to the spirit of Thanksgiving. Some of the best options on the Thanksgiving menu include pumpkin bread pudding, NY strip steak, and rotisserie turkey. Delight in a classically American meal in an elegant, cheery environment.

 Peak

One of the chicest restaurants in New York City, Peak is a restaurant that will make you feel like you’re on top of the world. Peak sits above the highest observation deck in the world, in Hudson Yards, offering diners a spectacular view. The menu lives up to the location, too, with a wide array of fine, modern à la carte options this Thanksgiving. 

Bodrum

Experience a Thanksgiving celebration with a twist at Bodrum, an oasis of culinary delights in NYC's Upper West Side. As the city buzzes with holiday cheer, Bodrum offers a refreshing take on this cherished occasion with a less traditional, yet equally enchanting feast. From sumptuous Turkish-inspired dishes to innovative culinary creations that dance on the palate, Bodrum invites you to break away from convention and embark on a gastronomic journey that transcends the ordinary Thanksgiving spread.

Leyla

Whether you're a seeker of unconventional culinary experiences or simply looking for a new way to celebrate gratitude, Leyla beckons. Experience Thanksgiving differently this year – immerse yourself in a fusion of cultures, flavors, and moments of pure culinary delight. At Leyla, Thanksgiving takes on a unique hue with the fusion of Turkish and Mediterranean flavors. Indulge in a symphony of dishes, from the rich Eggplant Caviar to the iconic Lahmacun, each bite a testament to the culinary artistry rooted in these vibrant cultures.

 

Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones to express gratitude and celebrating the spirit of the season with a delicious meal. These thirteen NYC restaurants all offer a wide range of tantalizing options for your Thanksgiving dinner. 

From upscale fine dining to contemporary American cuisine, each establishment infuses its unique style into the holiday festivities, ensuring you a holiday well spent.

Book your Thanksgiving trip to NYC today with The Lucerne. And while you’re here, don’t miss the iconic Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, a beloved tradition that fills the streets with spectacular floats and joyful performances.