Thanksgiving is a holiday that brings people and families together with a big delicious meal. However, this meal is also A LOT of work, so why not go out and leave the cooking to someone else? The 11 restaurants below located throughout Florida offer a unique experience on Thanksgiving, each with their own eclectic menu. They are also extraordinary to dine at any time of year. No stress, no clean-up and options that will please everyone’s palette!
We have rounded up our top 11 Thanksgiving restaurant picks based on reviews, menus, availability and our own personal experiences. They are all a must-try!
11 Best Restaurants for Thanksgiving in Florida:
Columbia (Tampa, Sarasota, St. Augustine, Clearwater Beach, Orlando)
Founded in 1905 by Cuban immigrant Casimiro Hernandez, Sr., the Columbia Restaurant is Florida’s oldest restaurant℠, and the largest Spanish restaurant in the world.
“We went to the Columbia for an early dinner thanksgiving day and the meal was excellent. My in-laws and wife ordered the Thanksgiving special that everyone loved. The turkey was perfect and the sweet potato casserole was so good. I ordered some Cuban food from their regular menu that was excellent as always.” – TripAdvisor Review
Café Boulud (Palm Beach)
Café Boulud Palm Beach is Chef Daniel Boulud’s award-winning restaurant at the heart of the historic
Brazilian Court Hotel, steps from Worth Avenue and stretches of white sandy beach. Since opening in
2003, the restaurant has become one of Palm Beach’s most coveted dining destinations, earning
four stars in the Forbes Travel Guide and Wine Spectator’s “Best of Award of Excellence.”
The French-American menu, created by Chef Daniel Boulud and Executive Chef Dieter Samijn, parallels that of Café Boulud New York with a touch of South Florida flavor.
“Great food, drinks and atmosphere. Hands down a must go to on Palm Beach island. The rotating menu keeps all the dishes fresh and locally sourced so you won’t be able to get the “same dish” which keeps things new.” – Google Review
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant (Tampa)
Cooper’s Hawk passionately believes that food and wine hold the power to forge lasting connections, setting the table for a life well lived. Come and experience a meal filled with memorable moments built upon food, wine, and friendship. Cooper’s Hawk has created a modern, casual dining experience with warm hospitality in an inviting upscale setting. The culinary team has designed a contemporary American menu infused with flavors from around the world. Each dish is made fresh in our scratch kitchen, incorporating peak-of-season ingredients, and listed with a bin number to guide you to your selection’s perfect wine match.
“A wonderful fine dining experience restaurant – where the food is prepared for you in such a delicious manner that your palate wants more. The service is very good with the pairing of the wine and decadent desserts. The portions are well sized to meet your expectations. The wine range is is also very popular with the local crowd.” – Google Review
Matador Room (Miami Beach)
Inspired by its rich history and 1950s glamour, world-renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten has reinvented the iconic MATADOR ROOM with reimagined menus that offer his interpretation of Caribbean, Spanish, and Latin and South American cuisines. Seasonal menus are composed of small and large plates that embrace the freshest, locally sourced, seasonal produce.
“Great and cozy restaurant, inside a hotel. We sat inside, because of the heat. Service was absolutely top notch, everyone was so friendly and knowledgeable. The bread came with this amazing dipping sauce that the chef is famous for, and I don’t even know how to describe it. Spicy, sweet, it’s great for dipping and I used it on my tacos. We started with Charred Octopus with Crispy Potatoes, Smoked Paprika and Herbs, and it was superb! My main course was Griddled Florida Black Grouper Tacos and my friend had Glazed Short Rib Tacos, which she described as best short ribs she has ever eaten. The place also has a great wine selection. Great place for a visit, if you’re in town.” – Google Review
Byblos (Miami Beach)
Byblos represents a marriage of Eastern Mediterranean cuisine with strong influences from both traditional and local ingredients. Using time-honoured classic techniques and modern methods, our dishes showcase the regionally specific spices and flavours of the Eastern Mediterranean seaboard. The menu is a true coastal and cultural mosaic, served family style in a convivial atmosphere.
“From the entrance on the red carpet to us getting our table. It was smooth and well coordinated. Our server came and introduced himself, he was friendly and professional . The decor was one of the reasons I chose the restaurant it was cozy but chic at the same time and ambiance and music were fitting. Every course of the Miami spice menu were executed well. The flavors were balanced and the Mediterranean stood out. I really liked the server, don’t remember the name but he said call him “the Turkish guy” food was great, and so was everything else! Definitely will be back!!” – Google Review
Marina Jack (Sarasota)
The Dining Room features an award winning wine list and an exceptional menu featuring the regions finest steaks, seafood and pasta. The Dining room is a perfect place to relax and enjoy your dining experience overlooking the inter-coastal waterway of Sarasota.
The MDR dinner menu will be featured, along with holiday specials throughout the day starting at 11am. Specials will include a Traditional Roasted Turkey with Mashed Potatoes, Savory Herb Sausage Stuffing, Gravy, Green Bean Almondine and Cranberry Sauce. Other Specials will include a Pepper Crusted Prime Rib served with Horseradish Sauce and Au Jus.
“This place is awesome! Highly recommend. The food was superb and the service was top notch. Everything we ordered was cooked to perfection. My family ordered several different menu options: the stuffed half Maine lobster, the crab cakes, the crab crusted snapper, the shrimp and asparagus scampi and the key lime pie. Would definitely return!” – Google Review
The Mansion (Melbourne)
The Mansion, a three-story house at 1218 E. New Haven Ave., Melbourne, was originally known as The Queen Anne. Worlds collide – backed by an intriguing history The Mansion is all about the marriage of fantastic food and top notch wine, liquor, and beer cellars.
“Excellent social dining experience! Indoor and outdoor seating, including an adults only balcony with a great view of the ocean. The nacho platter is great and big enough to feed 6. The Fish Tacos were a favorite at our table. Manager was able to pull together a big table with no notice on a crowded night, service was fantastic. The selection in The Cellars was amazing, it’s fun to just browse the labels and take in the decor.” – Google Review
The Rusty Pelican (Tampa)
Escape to Florida’s most beautiful tropical hideaway, right on the waters of Tampa Bay. Known for serving the freshest local seafood, like Crab-Stuffed Gulf Grouper and Crispy Whole Local Snapper, as well as classic cuts of savory beef, the Rusty Pelican offers an unforgettable culinary experience.
Give thanks with family and friends at The Rusty Pelican Tampa this Thanksgiving! Make a reservation for a Three-Course Brunch from 10AM to 3:30PM or A la Carte Dinner with a traditional Turkey Special from 5PM to 9PM.
“One word to describe this restaurant “Awesome.” From the entry to exiting, They are welcoming and you feel great! The deco, ocean view, service, food. Manager and Servers come to check you on you to make sure everything is good. Carmen and Ramon (in training) they were exceptional. We loved everything and must recommend.” – Google Review
400 Beach Seafood & Tap House (St. Petersburg)
Nestled on the waterfront Beach Drive in Downtown St. Petersburg Florida, 400 Beach Seafood and Taphouse delivers a Nouveau American approach to the menu using thoughtful and approachable ingredients with a strong focus on local farmers and ranchers.
The resident sommelier has curated a wine list that is inspired by both renowned winemakers as well as esoteric finds. Imaginative cocktails and a diverse tap list showcasing many of the local breweries round out the unmatched beverage program.
“Sat outside enjoying the waterview. Our waitress Alisha was very attentive to our table of three. You can create your own charcuterie board. My husband got the fish and chips, my daughter got the lamb saddle, I got the scallops. All three dinners were cooked to perfection. We will definitely be back.” – Google Review
Yacht Starship Cruises & Events (Tampa & Clearwater)
With two decades of service, Yacht StarShip’s dining cruises have become a seaworthy staple. Cruise the waterways of Tampa Bay or Clearwater while enjoying a premier dining experience and an open bar that’s free at sea on select cruises.
“Had the most amazing night. Good food and a awesome DJ. Amazing adventure.” – Google Review
“Had a great time on the dinner cruise. Food was high quality. Buffet style all you can eat. Alcoholic Drinks were also included. Boat was very well maintained. Highly recommend! Can’t wait to do it again.” – TripAdvisor Review
Farmers Market (Fort Myers)
Inside dining will be unavailable on Nov 25, but take out will be available from 11 am until 3pm for delicious family style meals.
“Homey eatery serves the same big portions and same great quality of a Southern Grandma, and has been doing so since the 1960’s. The lunch and dinner specials don’t come with one side; they come with THREE!” – USA Today Review
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