Best Thanksgiving Celebrations in Orlando

Don’t skip Thanksgiving. Let these Orlando Restaurants do all the cooking and cleaning for you!

** This post is updated as new information is received. Please bookmark for future reference as we add new awesome choices for Thanksgiving Celebrations in Orlando!**

It seems Christmas is everywhere! From department stores decorations up since well before Halloween, Starbucks peppermint and gingerbread lattes in stores, Christmas events at theme parks, to Christmas carols heard on the radio. It appears we have skipped over Thanksgiving. Don’t even get me started on Black Friday shopping now starting on Thursday afternoon. I don’t understand the rush. Isn’t it time we slowed down? Enjoyed and celebrated life a bit more? Stopped to be thankful just a bit more?

Thanksgiving is one of the best holidays of the year to gather with family and friends and celebrate around the dinner table. The purpose of Thanksgiving is to be thankful for the bounty (and all the many blessings it provides). So, let’s enjoy the bounty and be thankful for it. I do admit however, all the cooking and cleaning required is not always something to be thankful for.

If you’re looking for an amazing foodie feast, worthy of replacing your home cooked meal, here are my picks for Best Thanksgiving Celebrations in Orlando. They include both All-American feasts and around the world flavors. You deserve to take it easy. Slow down, relax and enjoy the Thanksgiving feast with your family and friends. Let these Orlando culinary geniuses do all the work for you. They are worthy of all your gratitude. Seriously, GO! Make reservations and enjoy the Best Thanksgiving Celebrations in Orlando!

The Alfond Inn at Rollins College

Winter Park’s charming-chic boutique hotel, The Alfond Inn, offers a sumptuous buffet menu highlighting the very best of the holiday and reflecting Florida’s rich bounty with locally sourced ingredients served at two seatings 1pm or 4pm in The Conservatory and Park Avenue Ballrooms. Highlights include cream of wild mushroom soup, Traditional Wedge Salad, Garden Greens with Seasonal Toppings, Fresh Fruit and International Cheese Display, Pumpkin-Cranberry Quinoa Salad, Garden Beets and Roquefort, Assorted Muffins and Freshly Baked Breads with Flavored Butters and Oil, carved local turkey, Carved Ham, Rum-Raisin Glaze, Braised Wagyu Beef Short Ribs, Southern Shrimp and Grits, Faroe Island Salmon, Sage Brown Butter, Classic Stuffing, Whipped Potatoes and Gravy, Candied Sweet Potatoes, Truffle Fingerling Potatoes, Roasted Garlic Aioli, Green Bean Casserole, Crispy Onions, Roasted Brussel Sprouts. Sweets display of Classic Pumpkin Pie, Southern Pecan Pie, Apple Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream and Chocolate Truffles. $69 adults, $29 children ages 5 – 12. Complimentary valet parking. For more information, visit TheAlfondInn.com For reservations call 407-645-6604. 300 East New England Avenue, Winter Park, FL. GO for a charming-chic Thanksgiving Celebration in Orlando!

Art Smith’s Homecoming Kitchen

Celebrity chef Art Smith brings all the flavors of home this Thanksgiving! Located at Disney Springs, the restaurant feels like you’re dining in the chef’s farm house, cozy comfortable and full of charm. The menu: Fresh-carved smoked turkey, old-fashioned country stuffing laced with minced fresh vegetables, from-scratch gravy with herbal nuances just like your momma used to make, slender pole beans steamed just until crisp-tender, a buttery cheddar biscuit, and house-made cranberry chutney with just the right amount of tart and sass to tame the richness of the meal. And save room for dessert. Try their delicious seasonal dessert, a pumpkin bread pudding served with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. Also Hummingbird cake is fantastic and the Shine Cake made with Moonshine will get you in the spirit. While your celebrating, don’t miss the Moonshine cocktails like Shine Tea or be really adventurous with Shine Flight. For more info, visit website. GO for a Southern Homecoming Thanksgiving Celebration in Orlando!

Bahama Breeze

Enjoy an island-inspired Thanksgiving with live music all day at Central Florida’s Bahama Breeze locations (Kissimmee, Lake Buena Vista and Orlando International Drive). The restaurant will be serving an exclusive, one-day only Thanksgiving menu featuring Jerk Turkey and pork with flavorful sides like cranberry-pineapple chutney, cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes and cinnamon mashed sweet potatoes. End your Caribbean feast with Pumpkin Praline Pie. Bahama Breeze’s full menu will also be available. For more information and hours visit BahamaBreeze.com

Canvas Restaurant & Market

Canvas Restaurant & Market in Lake Nona will offer a 3-course prix fixe menu for $30 per person, in addition to their a la carte menu. The special holiday menu includes Curried Butternut Squash Bisque, Turkey Roulade served with ciabatta and chorizo stuffing, chèvre whipped potatoes, and pancetta French beans. Chocolate Pecan Pie completes the festive meal.
Thanksgiving Hours of Operation: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. (restaurant) and 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. (market). Reservations can be made on www.canvaslakenona.com or via phone at 407.313.7800

Plus, this holiday season, Canvas Restaurant & Market will also be offering holiday pies to-go! Holiday pie choices include: Chocolate Pecan Bourbon ($20), Apple Streusel ($18) and Traditional Pumpkin ($18). Pies must be ordered by 10 p.m. on Tuesday, November 21 and are available for pickup on Wednesday, November 22 through Thursday, November 23. 13615 Sachs Avenue, Orlando, FL 32827

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House

Known for their killer prime-aged steaks around the world, this elegant addition to the Orlando restaurant scene on International Drive will serve a prix fixe Thanksgiving menu featuring elevated takes on traditional items including Slow Roasted Turkey Breast with Apple-Sausage Stuffing and Pecan Pie a la Mode, complimented by flavorful new cocktails and an award-winning wine list. The entire full dinner menu will also be offered for those looking for a non-traditional Thanksgiving meal – including Charred Octopus, Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras, Simply Prepared Scallops, Spaghetti Squash Gratin and Creamed Corn with Blistered Shishito Peppers. This is a perfect option for families where not everyone at the table wants the traditional turkey dinner. The a la carte menu with a variety of steaks and seafood will be available as well. For reservations, 407-351-5074 or DelFriscos.com GO for a steak dinner Thanksgiving Celebration in Orlando! 9150 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819

DoveCote Brasserie

The French inspired brasserie in Downtown Orlando hosts Thanksgiving dinner from 1 pm to 7 pm. The family style meal prepared by Chef Proprietor Clay Miller will feature DoveCote signature dishes plus Thanksgiving classics, including various hors d’oeuvres like Chicken Liver Pate and Country Pork Terrine, Tuscan Kale Salad, and as well as Dutch Valley Roasted Turkey with Turkey Gravy & Cranberry Port Chutney with Whipped Yukon Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, Braised Kale, Bacon, Chili & Garlic, and Cornbread Stuffing. End on a sweet note with petit fours and pumpkin tartlets. For reservations call (407) 930-1700, for more information visit DoveCoteOrlando.com GO for a Delightfully French Thanksgiving Celebration in Orlando! Adults are $52/per person, children (ages 4-12) are $18/per person and children under 4 are free. The optional beverage pairing is $19/per person.

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood

Eddie V’s has become a Orlando Restaurant Row favorite for good reason. Classical fine dining service, well prepared inventive steakhouse fare and a relaxed setting with beautiful lake views, make Eddie V’s a must-visit luxury experience in Orlando, worthy of the splurge. Open from 11am-8pm on Thanksgiving Day, they will be offering their full a la carte menu as well as a traditional Thanksgiving turkey menu with all the trimmings. Make this a true celebration with your choice of bubbly including Roederer Champagnes. Free valet parking. For reservations call 407-355-3011. 7488 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando, FL. Read about my dining experience at Eddie V’s. GO for a Glam Thanksgiving Celebration in Orlando!

Fogo de Chao

Although Thanksgiving is an American holiday, it doesn’t mean you can’t spice it up with flavors from around the world. Enjoy the Brazilian flair at Fogo de Chao with a gourmet salad bar of over 30 dishes including cured meats and Brazilian side dishes and let the gaucho chefs bring over 16 cuts of fire roasted meats right to your table. The pao de queijo (warm cheese bread) and garlic Picanha signature top sirloin steak are a must-eat but don’t miss the traditional Thanksgiving favorites included in the regular dinner price. Menu price includes all selections of fire-roasted meats carved tableside, Roasted turkey breast with au jus, Market Table & Feijoada Bar, Traditional Brazilian side dishes, Homemade cranberry relish, Brazilian sausage and apple dressing, and Sweet potato casserole. Kids under 6 eat free for an added bonus. For reservations call 407-370-0711. 8282 International Drive, Orlando FL. GO for an International Thanksgiving Celebration in Orlando!

Four Seasons Orlando Resort

Orlando’s only five diamond resort has your Thanksgiving holiday covered with a variety of dining options:

Thanksgiving at Ravello:

FourSeasons.com/Orlando

Thanksgiving at Capa:

For those who wish to celebrate Thanksgiving but perhaps not necessarily with turkey, there are several additional options available at Four Seasons Resort Orlando. Guests can celebrate with Goofy & His Pals at the Character Breakfast in Ravello, offered on Thursday, November 23, 2016 from 7:30 to 11:00 am. PB&G will also offer its standard menu from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, as will Plancha at the Tranquilo Golf Clubhouse. For dining reservations, call 407 313 6161. Go for a Five Diamond Thanksgiving Celebration in Orlando!

Hemispheres at Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport

Thanksgiving travel may give you pause and cause you to hesitate going to the Orlando International Airport, however you may miss out on one of the most unique dining spots in town. Here you can indulge in a fantastic buffet spread in a relaxed, newly re-designed setting after a $3 Million dollar renovation with spectacular views of the airport runways. Located on the 9th floor of the airport hotel, it is the complete antithesis of the hustle and bustle of holiday travel occurring just outside their doors. As you watch the planes coming and going off the runway, this dinner may inspire your next family vacation. Valet parking is complimentary. 407-825-1315 OrlandoAirport.Hyatt.com GO for a Travel Inspired Thanksgiving Celebration in Orlando!

Highball & Harvest at Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes Orlando

With a modern approach to Southern cooking, featuring locally sourced product, some of it grown at the on-site Whisper Creek Farms, this casually swanky eatery at The Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes Orlando Resort has the rustic feel of the season. Enjoy a festive family style feast of traditional dishes complemented with their own Cider Press Punch, seasonal micro-brews and sparkling wine. 407-393-4648. Highball & Harvest GO for a rustic chic Foodie Thanksgiving Celebration in Orlando!

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress

The Lake Buena Vista resort offers multiple options to celebrate the holiday:

LakeHouse:

LakeHouse

Hemingway’s
Dinner at the iconic Hemingway’s includes a plated as well as family style service with Rosemary-Citrus Brined and Roasted Fresh Free Range All Natural Turkey, Apple, Leek, Celery and Sage Stuffing, Classic Yukon Gold Potato Mash with Butter and Crème, and much more, including dessert. For more information and reservations, click here. GO for classic Florida style Thanksgiving Celebration in Orlando!

MOOR

For a unique twist on “unlimited dining”, this new culinary hotspot celebrating all things local at Gaylord Palms Resort is featuring an unlimited a la carte menu where you order from an extensive selection of small plates, fresh fruit dishes, cheeses, waffles and biscuit creations like chicken and waffles and country ham biscuits, and larger plates including Key West Benedict with yellow tail snapper and Crab Cake Benedict. All this in addition to a local Turkey Carving Station, Bacon Bar with varieties of house-cured bacon. And if that wasn’t enough, you get to indulge in a Bloody Mary Bar and Bacon Cinnamon Rolls. Everything included for a set price per person. Eat up! When they say MOOR (Mindful Of Our Resources) they really meant MORE! Request to dine on the 60ft sailboat docked in the lagoon for an extra special treat for the kids and kids at heart. Valet parking complimentary. 407-586-1101 Gaylord Palms GO for a one-of-a-kind Thanksgiving Celebration in Orlando!

Morimoto Asia

At Morimoto Asia, Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s first Pan-Asian restaurant located in Disney Springs at Walt Disney World, the restaurant will be serving a special Thanksgiving treat for those looking for an Asian twist. Enjoy a spin on the traditional holiday staple and try the Peking Turkey Dinner, served with roasted pork fried rice “stuffing,” Japanese-style candied yams, cranberry-litchi chutney and Szechuan peppercorn gravy. For reservations, visit their here.

Norman’s Orlando

Award-winning chef and culinary legend, Norman Van Aken, together with Executive Chef Andres Mendoza bring you a Thanksgiving Feast worthy of indulgence. In addition to the New World Cuisine a la carte menu which features a fusion of Latin, Caribbean and Asian recipes with traditional European technique, a special four course menu with various delicious choices for each course is offered from 5pm-9pm on Thanksgiving Day. Highlights include Thai butternut squash bisque, Sheep Empanadas, House Bacon Wrapped Turkey, Snapper al ajillo, and pumpkin semifreddo to close this amazing dinner. Free valet parking. Reservations required, call 407-393-4333. 4012 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando FL. GO for an award-winning Thanksgiving Celebration in Orlando!

Paddlefish

This Thanksgiving, the spectacular seafood restaurant Paddlefish at Disney Springs will be serving up a traditional Southern herb roasted turkey breast, cornbread stuffing, brown butter mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and pan gravy. Adults can enjoy this feast for $34 and kids for $17. Their regular menu of seafood specialties will also be available. For more information visit paddlefishrestaurant.com

Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant

For an Irish twist to your holiday, this authentic Irish Pub in Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney) is serving an incredible feast. Come as you are to enjoy live music and dance while digging in for butter and herb roasted turkey breast on mashed potatoes with apple sage and sweet onion stuffing, smoked bacon Brussels sprouts, duck-fat roasted potatoes, cranberry and plum chutney served with traditional gravy. The meal is a deal: $27.95 for adults; $14 for children. Don’t fret if turkey isn’t your entrée of choice – the full Raglan Road menu will be available. Gobble gobble! I guarantee this will be the most festive spot on the block. For reservations call 407-938-0300 RaglanRoad.com GO for an Irish Hooley Good Time Thanksgiving Celebration in Orlando!

Rosen Centre Hotel

Executive Chef Mike Rumplik and his team at Rosen Centre Hotel are masters of Holiday brunch buffets. By far the best value in town, guaranteed to have you as stuffed as the Thanksgiving turkey when you finish this dining extravaganza of over 55 dishes. Offering an insane selection of antipasto, seafood, sushi, tapas, soups, salads, pasta station, holiday favorites roasted Tom Turkey with all the trimmings, Island rum glazed ham, and a full breakfast station with Eggs Benedict, omelet and waffles made to order. Save room for the extensive dessert display including warm spiced apple & cranberry compote over vanilla ice cream, a flowing chocolate fountain and lots of mini Swiss sweet shots. If that was not enough, unlimited champagne and mimosas are included. See the full menu here. Open from 11am-7pm. $45.95 for adults and $17.95 for kids. Free valet parking. For reservations call 407-996-2385. 9840 International Drive, Orlando, FL. GO for the most extensive champagne brunch Thanksgiving Celebration in Orlando!

Roy’s

Roy’s will be open Thanksgiving Day and is inviting its guests to join them for a special holiday dinner especially prepared by Roy’s local Chefs. Guests can choose from a special Thanksgiving Dinner menu ($39.95 per person) or Roy’s Classic Prix Fixe Menu (starting at $49 per person). The Thanksgiving menu incorporates fresh flavors with traditional dishes such as the Pan Roasted Teriyaki Glazed Turkey and decadent sides like the truffle mashed potatoes. Roy’s Classic Prix Fixe menu provides an iconic selection of Roy’s classic dishes that blends fresh ingredients with flavors of the islands. Each menu includes a starter, entrée and dessert and recommended wine pairings. 7760 West Sand Lake Road, Orlando. 407-352-4844

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Ruth’s Chris Steak House is offering 3-course turkey dinner that’s $39.95 for adults, a $12.95 children’s menu, and Thanksgiving sides-to-go. For sides-to-go, guests can purchase orders of Sweet Potato Casserole or Creamed Spinach for $29.95 each (serves 10-12). Orders need to be purchased in advance. For more information visit website.

Seasons 52

The seasonally inspired Seasons 52 Altamonte Springs and Dr. Phillips locations serve up a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings, featuring Plainville Farms Roasted turkey raised on family farms never, ever given antibiotics. Full menu also available. Don’t miss the seasonal cocktails like the Cranberry Sage with Prairie Organic Gin and of course the mini indulgences are a must! For more information and reservations, visit Seasons52.com GO for a Seasonally Terrific Thanksgiving Celebration in Orlando!

Tapa Toro

You’ll find a traditional taste of Spain for your Thanksgiving holiday at this new I-Drive 360 eatery. Don’t miss checking out the Paella Pit. Holiday menu includes Paella and dessert, full Spanish Tapas menu also available. Their nightly Flamenco dancers will have you make-believe you have traveled to Spain. 407-226-2929 TapaToro.Restaurant GO for a Spanish infused Thanksgiving Celebration in Orlando!

Taverna Opa

If you are not a fan of turkey, Taverna Opa is the perfect place to celebrate Thanksgiving in Orlando! Give the holiday a Grecian twist and indulge in lamb instead with a three course menu featuring Greek favorites horiatiki traditional Greek salad, spanakopita spinach pie and keftedes Greek meatballs, and roasted lamb. For reservations call 407-351-8660. Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive, Orlando, FL. GO for the non-turkey of Thanksgiving Celebrations in Orlando!

The Capital Grille

The Capital Grille will offer its full dinner menu plus their Executive Chef’s take on a traditional Thanksgiving meal for $39 per adult/$15 per child. Both Orlando locations will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. In addition to serving its signature dishes, the restaurant will offer Slow-Roasted Turkey with Brioche Stuffing, French Green Beans with Marcona Almonds and Cranberry Pear Chutney, accompanied by Sam’s Mashed Potatoes to share. Extend the dinner experience with our once-a-year-only Pumpkin Cheesecake available for $10. Additionally, The Capital Grille’s wine lists are comprehensive and varied: over 3,000 bottles of more than 350 Old and New World selections, housed in a floor-to-ceiling, temperature-controlled wine kiosk as well as 25 wines by the glass. This legendary steakhouse is bound to make everyone’s holiday a delicious one! Click here for more information.

The Polite Pig at Disney Springs

From The Swine Family that brought you renowned The Ravenous Pig and Cask & Larder, comes a casual concept full of flavor. The Polite Pig at Disney Springs will be open from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. on Thanksgiving day serving A la carte menu selections including signature dishes like the Smoked Chicken Wings with pickled carrots; House-Smoked Brisket with coffee rub; The Southern Pig Sandwich with pulled pork, fennel-apple slaw, tangy mustard bbq and Duke’s mayo; and Crispy Brussels Sprouts with whisky-caramel. Visit www.politepig.com for more information. 1536 Buena Vista Drive, Orlando, FL 32830

TR Fire Grill

This casual chic restaurant in Winter Park will serve up TR a 3-course Thanksgiving menu for only $29 per person. It includes a salad/soup, entrée and dessert. Guests can choose from a House BLT Salad, Caesar Salad, Pork & Kale Soup for the first course and a will receive a Turkey Dinner with sausage, cornbread stuffing, Yukon Gold Smashed Potatoes, Gravy, Maple Glazed Carrots, Cranberry Tangerine Sauce for the second course. To top it off, guests can choose from the seasonal Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake or the Seasonal Cobbler with warm vanilla ice cream for the third and final course. The kid’s meal will be a 2-course meal for $16 which includes the Turkey dinner and a scoop of Ben & Jerry’s® ice cream for dessert. For Reservations, call (407) 708-3600. TRFireGrill.com 1035 North Orlando Ave, Suite 101, Winter Park, FL 32789

Urbain 40

Spend a swanky holiday in 1940’s ambiance with superb cuisine by chef Tim Keating. Urbain 40 in Dellagio, Restaurant Row Sand Lake area, will offer a 3-course prix fixe menu for $49 per person. The Thanksgiving Prix Fix Menu includes Choice of Pumpkin Bisque, Chef’s Seasonal Salad, or Crepe Urbain to start. Entree Choice of Slow Roasted Turkey Breast and Dark Meat Roulade, Lemon-Myrtle Scented Salmon, Wild Red Shrimp Pasta, or Slow Braised Pork Shank. Finish the glorious meal with Choice of Heirloom “Apple Pie” Creation or Caramelized Pear-Studded Croissant Bread Pudding. Reservations can be made at urbain40.com or 407-872-2640. 8000 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando, FL 32819

Thanksgiving at Disney Theme Parks

Heading to Disney Parks this Thanksgiving? No need to skip the turkey dinner. Many of Disney Parks restaurants are serving up a spread of holiday cheer with all the fixings. See the roundup below for a cornucopia of thankful flavors:

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Satu’li Canteen

Disney’s Magic Kingdom & Epcot

Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Inn and Cafe

Sunshine Seasons

Worth the Drive: 1921 by Norman Van Aken, Mt. Dora

Located outside of Orlando but worth the drive is 1921 by Norman Van Aken in the charming town of Mt. Dora. On Thanksgiving enjoy a special 3-course prix fixe menu for $65 per person. Menu includes choice of Chestnut & Foie Gras Stuffed Turkey Roulade or Brown Sugar Glazed Smoked Ham with Pineapple Chutney, Fixin’s like Milk Buns with Artisanal Butter, Smothered Green Beans with Wild Mushrooms and Crispy Shallots, Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow and Candied Pecans, Sourdough Stuffing and Citrus Cranberry Sauce and House-Made Seasonal Pies. Thanksgiving Hours of Operation: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Reservations can be made on online at 1921nva.com or via phone at 352.385.1921. 142 East 4th Avenue, Mount Dora ∙ 352.385.1921

Worth the Drive: Elevage at Epicurean Hotel, Tampa

Visit the hotel for all foodies, Epicurean Hotel in Tampa this Thanksgiving holiday. Indulge in Élevage restaurant 3-course feast by two-time James Beard Foundation Best Chef South semi-finalist, Chad Johnson. He’s crafted a bountiful menu with apropos sides and desserts to properly elevate your holiday experience. Enjoy creative twists on the classics, including Curry Pumpkin Soup, Grilled Quail, Sage Roasted Turkey, Crispy Duck Confit, Braised Short Rib, Apple Crisp, Pumpkin Bread Pudding and so much more! Thanksgiving hours: 11AM-10PM. Reservations online. 1207 S. Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606.