What are the 12 Best New York Restaurants This Year for Thanksgiving?

Here is our round-up of the best restaurants in New York City (NYC) that are open and serving Thanksgiving dinner this year, including family friendly and vegan options in Manhattan and Brooklyn.

What are the Best NYC Restaurants open for Thanksgiving?

Planning to spend Thanksgiving in New York? Excellent idea! It’s one of the most festive and joyful days in the entire year in the city. There’s a legendary parade, wonderful window-shopping, world-class food options, and a plethora of ways to burn off the calories afterward.

For those planning to be in the city and not inclined to cook, we’re sharing our insights on the best restaurants for a memorable Thanksgiving dinner in New York City. Rest assured, there are plenty of options, from upscale takes on a traditional turkey dinner to non-traditional adventures. Vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, food allergies, picky eaters in the party – one of the joys of New York is that there’s a perfect restaurant somewhere in the city for everyone.

Here are our expert Food Editor’s thoughts on twelve outstanding options for Thanksgiving dinner in New York this year.

What are the Best New York City Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving this year?

1. Eleven Madison Park

If you’re looking for a truly memorable Thanksgiving meal, our pick is Eleven Madison Park. How could it be a bad idea to celebrate at the best restaurant in the world? Chef Daniel Humm plays with the traditional holiday flavors and ingredients, while breathing new life into them. And now that their menu is entirely plant-based, this is the perfect destination for all the vegans and vegetarians. Choose between seats in the Lounge and seats in the Main Dining room. Book now on Tock.

2. Craft

For a somewhat more traditional family-style dinner, Tom Colicchio’s Craft restaurant has you covered with a classic meal. The main courses and sides fall in more familiar holiday territory, with an all-natural, free-range turkey, braised beef short rib, squash risotto, mushroom wellington, and of course – stuffing, sweet potatoes, and vegetables. And for dessert? Apple crisp, pumpkin pie, and spiced doughnuts. $395.00 per person

3. The Dutch

Are you staying in SoHo? We have you covered. Andrew Carmellini’s perennially hip restaurant, The Dutch, is also serving Thanksgiving dinner. You get your choice of fun starters, which include wagyu steak tartare, buffalo style turkey wings, and curry butternut squash soup among other options – perfect if you’re celebrating with varied palates. This is followed by their modern take on the classic turkey and fixings, with a choice of three different pies and one cake for dessert. $165.00  per person for the 3-course menu; $68.00 per child under 12. Reservations available now.

4. Balthazar

If you plan to be in SoHo, but prefer an iconic New York City restaurant to celebrate Thanksgiving, Balthazar is your best bet. Balthazar has been a see-and-be-seen spot in the city for twenty years, serving reliably good French fare. Call 212-965-1785 to make your reservation and find out more information. A Balthazar meal is always an experience to remember, so you really can’t go wrong.

5. Boulud Sud

If you’re planning to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and will be spending time on the Upper West Side, Boulud Sud is the way to go. There are a plethora of options for each of three courses, which include some traditional options as well as some fun new plates.  Start with an octopus à la plancha or paté en croûte, then move to a roasted squash agnolotti or a seared Mediterranean sea bass – or, of course, a Thanksgiving turkey. And for dessert, a pumpkin pavlova and an apple flan – two enticing options we haven’t seen on the menu anywhere else. $150.00 per person, and $65.00 per child under 12.

6. Meadowsweet

For the Brooklyn-based crowd, there are plenty of fun options. Meadowsweet in Williamsburg serves a three-course menu with traditional items, as well as non-traditional options for the folks who aren’t jazzed about turkey. We’re intrigued by the roasted Romanesco cauliflower. $125 per person, and $45.00 per child under 12.

7. Vinegar Hill House

A little further south in Brooklyn is Vinegar Hill House, between DUMBO and Fort Greene in the Vinegar Hill neighborhood. Vinegar Hill House is known for their wonderful wood-burning oven, where they turn out delicious roast meats. For Thanksgiving, they’re serving a pre fixe menu which will fill your desire for a home-cooked traditional holiday meal. Reservations now available on Resy.

8. Daniel

Any meal at Upper East Side restaurant Daniel feels like a special occasion. And if you’re dining with a group of four or more, tickets are still available for the main dining room. For $295.00 per person, you’ll enjoy a pre-fixe meal with elevated interpretations of the classic holiday dishes.

9. Le Crocodile

Williamsburg’s Le Crocodile is always a hit, and we’re very excited about their family-style pre fixe menu for Thanksgiving. However, you won’t find any turkey at the Wythe Hotel’s French restaurant. Instead, choose between halibut with chestnuts and sauce noisette, and a whole roasted capon – a bird that is more flavorful than both chicken and turkey. For dessert, pumpkin pie and cranberry tart. $155.00 per person, and $55.00 per child under 10.

10. Cote

Korean Steakhouse Cote is one of a kind, and their Thanksgiving menu has our mouths watering.  This is an Omakase meal, meaning for $125 per person, you receive a feast of delicious courses pre-selected by the chef. It will include the best cuts of prime and America wagyu beef, turkey mandoo, sticky rice stuffing, savory egg souffle, and many other delights. Perfect for those who want something other than the traditional meal.

11. Pastis

Another gem from Keith McNally of Balthazar fame, and another perfect place to spend the holiday. Pastis is doing a simple and delicious pre-fixe with all your Thanksgiving favorites. Herb roasted turkey with mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, turkey sausage stuffing, Brussels sprouts, and traditional pies for dessert. If you want a meal that’s just like Mom used to make it – only better – this may be your 2023 destination.

12. Corner Bar

From the Nine Orchard Culinary Team, Corner Bar is one of the hot new restaurants of 2022. Why not ring in their first Thanksgiving with them? This is going to be a multi-course family-style meal, for $165 per person, and $75.00 per child under 12. Reach out to info@cornerbarnyc.com with any questions.

What are the Best New York Restaurants for Thanksgiving?

That’s our take on the best restaurants in New York City (NYC) open and serving Thanksgiving dinner this year, including family friendly and vegan options in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Whether you eat in or out, we hope you have a terrific time this holiday in Gotham, dear reader.