The 11 Best Restaurants For Thanksgiving Dinner in NYC

This blog post is all about where to have Thanksgiving dinner in NYC.

If you’re planning to spend Thanksgiving in New York City, you’re in for a treat.

From iconic fine-dining experiences to cozy local gems serving traditional turkey feasts, the best restaurants for Thanksgiving dinner in NYC offer something for everyone.

Whether you’re traveling solo, celebrating Friendsgiving, or gathering with family, there’s no better place to soak up the holiday spirit than the Big Apple.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through what to expect when spending Thanksgiving in NYC.

From the festive buzz and cool autumn weather to tips for planning ahead, and of course, the top spots to enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner in NYC.

So grab your stretchy pants, bring your appetite, and let’s dig into where to celebrate your Thanksgiving dinner in NYC.

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This blog post is all about Thanksgiving dinner in NYC.

Table of Contents

Spending Thanksgiving in New York

There’s nowhere in the world quite like New York City during Thanksgiving.

Between the crisp autumn air, the smell of roasted chestnuts on Fifth Avenue, and the buzz of anticipation before the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the city feels like a real-life movie set.

New Yorkers love Thanksgiving. It’s one of the most celebrated holidays of the year, marked by family gatherings, elaborate dinners, and plenty of good food.

Even if you’re visiting from abroad or travelling solo, the city welcomes everyone to join in.

Thanksgiving dinner in NYC combines tradition with that unmistakable Manhattan energy: dazzling lights, steaming cups of cider, and restaurants that go all-out with multi-course feasts.

Whether you’re gathering with friends for Friendsgiving, travelling as a couple, or spending the day sightseeing before a hearty meal, you’ll find something special here.

What Will the Weather Be Like for Thanksgiving in New York?

Expect chilly but festive autumn weather in New York around Thanksgiving.

The holiday falls on the fourth Thursday of November, when temperatures usually range between 4°C and 12°C (40°F–55°F).

You’ll still get those gorgeous fall colours with golden trees lining Central Park and crunchy leaves underfoot, but it’s cold enough for cosy scarves, gloves, and a hot drink in hand.

If you’re heading to the Macy’s Parade, dress warmly and bring layers. Early mornings can be freezing, especially when standing along the parade route.

Will New York Be Busy for Thanksgiving?

Yes, but in the best possible way.

Thanksgiving week is one of New York’s busiest and most exciting times of the year.

The Macy’s Parade alone attracts millions of spectators, and with Black Friday shopping the next day, expect big crowds around midtown and major department stores.

Hotels and restaurants book up weeks (if not months) in advance, so make sure to reserve your Thanksgiving dinner in NYC early.

Especially if you’re planning to eat anywhere near Times Square, the Upper West Side, or Midtown.

But despite the crowds, there’s a warm, joyful energy in the air.

Locals and visitors come together to celebrate, and the entire city feels festive, like one big holiday family.

How to Spend Thanksgiving in New York City

If you’re planning a full day in NYC before your Thanksgiving dinner, here’s how to make the most of it:

Thanksgiving Morning:

Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, either in person (the route runs from Central Park West to Herald Square) or from your hotel TV with breakfast in bed.
Take a walk through Central Park afterwards, as it’s stunning this time of year.

Thanksgiving Afternoon:

Visit a New York museum (some, like MoMA and The Met, may have reduced hours).
Warm up with a coffee or hot chocolate from a local café, or stroll through Bryant Park Winter Village if it’s already open.

Thanksgiving Evening:

Sit down for your Thanksgiving dinner in NYC at one of the city’s best restaurants (see below).
Afterwards, take an evening walk through Rockefeller Center to see the early holiday lights or enjoy a nightcap at a cozy Midtown bar.

Best Restaurants for Thanksgiving Dinner in NYC

Whether you’re after a traditional turkey feast, a modern twist on classics, or an upscale dining experience, New York’s restaurants deliver in style.

Here are some of the best places to have Thanksgiving dinner in NYC this year.

1. The Churchill (Flatiron)

If you’re looking for a cozy, authentic, and welcoming spot to have your Thanksgiving dinner in NYC, The Churchill is a fantastic choice.

I’ve personally had Thanksgiving dinner here, and it was one of the warmest, most festive experiences I’ve had in the city.

The traditional three-course menu usually features roast turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, vegetables, and a classic pumpkin or pecan pie dessert.

The tavern’s wooden interiors and warm lighting make it feel just like home, making it the perfect place for an intimate meal with friends.

2. The Smith (Multiple Locations)

The Smith is a go-to for modern American comfort food with a lively atmosphere.

For Thanksgiving dinner in NYC, they serve a special menu that typically includes roasted turkey, maple-butter sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and hearty gravy.

The Smith is ideal if you want somewhere upbeat but casual, especially if you’re celebrating a Friendsgiving or dining with a group.

3. Le Jardinier New York (Midtown)

If you’re looking for a refined and modern Thanksgiving dinner in NYC, Le Jardinier is a stunning choice.

Located in Midtown, this Michelin-starred restaurant led by Executive Chef Andrew Ayala, offers a seasonal and refined Thanksgiving menu that blends luxury with creativity.

Expect beautifully plated dishes made from fresh, local ingredients including Jaindl Farm turkey, housemade tagliatelle with decadent black truffles, and succulent grilled beef tenderloin.

The restaurant’s sleek glass interiors and botanical theme make it the perfect backdrop for a sophisticated Thanksgiving celebration.

4. Tavern on the Green (Central Park West)

For a storybook Thanksgiving dinner in NYC, Tavern on the Green is unbeatable.

Set right inside Central Park, it’s one of the most beautiful restaurants in the city. Think fairy lights, chandeliers, and a roaring fireplace.

Their Thanksgiving menu is a gourmet take on the classics, with options like roasted turkey, prime rib, and butternut squash soup.

You’ll also have a front-row seat to Central Park’s autumn beauty.

5. Balthazar (SoHo)

Balthazar is a New York institution and an elegant choice for Thanksgiving dinner in NYC.

Their French-inspired Thanksgiving menu blends traditional flavours with a European twist: roast turkey, cranberry sauce, and rich sides served with fine wines.

It’s always bustling, always beautiful, and perfect for those who want to feel like they’re in a scene from a classic New York movie.

6. Benjamin Steakhouse (Midtown)

For those craving a traditional yet hearty Thanksgiving meal, Benjamin Steakhouse delivers one of the best classic dining experiences in Manhattan.

Known for its perfectly aged steaks and elegant wood-panelled interiors, Benjamin serves a special $109 Thanksgiving prix fixe menu featuring organic Traditional Thanksgiving Turkey with stuffing, roasted yams, potatoes au gratin and cranberry relish, alongside highlights from Jumbo Lump Crab Cake to Pumpkin Soup and New York Cheesecake.

Whether you’re celebrating with family or hosting a Friendsgiving, it’s the ideal spot for a cozy and indulgent Thanksgiving dinner in NYC.

7. Carmine’s (Times Square)

If you’re celebrating Thanksgiving with a big group, Carmine’s is perfect.

Known for its family-style Italian-American meals, they serve up a massive Thanksgiving feast that’s designed for sharing, including turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and even pasta.

It’s a fun, lively option that captures the spirit of the day.

8. The River Café (Brooklyn)

For a luxurious dinner with unforgettable skyline views, head to The River Café under the Brooklyn Bridge.

This Michelin-starred restaurant offers a refined Thanksgiving tasting menu with dishes like roasted duck, truffle mashed potatoes, and pumpkin souffle.

It’s romantic, refined, and the perfect setting for a memorable Thanksgiving dinner in NYC.

9. Freemans (Lower East Side)

If you love hidden gems, Freemans is tucked down a charming alley off the Bowery and feels like stepping into a rustic countryside lodge.

Their Thanksgiving menu changes yearly but always includes hearty, locally sourced dishes and warm, cosy vibes.

It’s the perfect choice for those who want something a bit different and authentically New York.

10. Sea Fire Grill (Midtown)

If you’d prefer something a little different this Thanksgiving, The Sea Fire Grill offers a fresh and elegant take on the holiday feast.

Their special Thanksgiving menu this year includes a $109 prix fixe menu centering an Organic Heritage Turkey with herb sourdough stuffing, alongside pumpkin and pecan pie, oyster rockefeller and roasted Kabocha Squash soup.

The upscale yet welcoming atmosphere makes it perfect for couples or small groups wanting to celebrate in style.

Sea Fire Grill New York City Thanksgiving

11. Perry St (West Village)

For a more modern, minimalist Thanksgiving dinner in NYC, Perry St offers a refined dining experience from chefs Jean-Georges and Cedric Vongerichten.

Expect perfectly plated dishes, creative takes on traditional sides, and stunning views over the Hudson River.

It’s ideal for couples or anyone looking for a sophisticated take on the holiday.

Thanksgiving Tips & Traditions in New York

Book early: Many restaurants fill up by late October, so reservations are essential.
Plan your route: Public transport runs on a limited schedule on Thanksgiving, and many streets are closed for the parade.
Consider a Friendsgiving: If you’re visiting with friends, book a restaurant that offers group dining or family-style menus for a more relaxed celebration.
Leave room for dessert: From pumpkin pie to pecan tarts, every restaurant in New York takes Thanksgiving desserts seriously.

Celebrate Thanksgiving in New York

Whether you’re dining beneath chandeliers in Central Park, tucking into turkey at a local pub, or gathering friends for a cosy Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving in New York City is one of those truly special experiences that feels straight out of a movie.

Book your dinner early, bundle up for the parade, and take time to savour the little moments like the smell of roasted chestnuts, the sound of carollers in the subway, and the warmth of a good meal shared with others.

In a city that never sleeps, Thanksgiving brings a rare pause, and a whole lot of heart.

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By Orlagh Shanks

Orlagh Shanks is the Editor of Orlagh Claire, an award-winning travel and lifestyle blog.
After working in the PR & Influencer Marketing industry, Orlagh quit her job to travel Asia for 12 months and moved to Sydney, Australia where she is now a full-time travel blogger and content creator sharing travel tips and recommendations for all 30 of the countries she’s visited so far.

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This blog post is all about Thanksgiving dinner in NYC.

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