Updated for Thanksgiving 2023
Perhaps the most coveted food holiday nationwide, Thanksgiving Day in D.C. marks the start to a festive season of decadent meals, family gatherings, and sometimes frantic planning and logistic-strategizing.
For the whole month of November, late night TV hosts pass jokes about crazy relatives, grocery stores stock the shelves with unusual amounts of canned pumpkin, and countless families realize their oversized, too-proud turkey won’t fit in the newly purchased All-Clad roasting pan, only to make an emergency trip for the cheap, doubled-up tin foil roasters.
Find the best Thanksgiving Restaurant in DC near me
If you are in a hurry to salvage your Thanksgiving dinner, here is a quick guide to restaurants serving Thanksgiving in Washington, D.C. that might be right for your group.
Click the link if you are looking for things to do in Washington, D.C. over Thanksgiving?
Which restaurants in Washington DC offer vegan or vegetarian Thanksgiving menus?
- Founding Farmers
- Equinox Restaurant by Todd Gray
- DC Vegan (order takeout Thanksgiving HERE)
- Sticky Finger Diner (take out only- HERE)
Which restaurants in Washington DC have kid-friendly Thanksgiving menus?
- Fiola Mare
- Unconventional Diner
- Osteria Morini
- Bidwell DC
- Founding Farmers
- Central Michel Richard
- Via Sophia
- ilili Restaurant
- La Vie
- City Cruises Thanksgiving Lunch Cruise
Check out our full guide to the best Thanksgiving dinners in DC with kids below.
Which restaurants in Washington DC offer Thanksgiving dinner takeout or delivery?
- Unconventional Diner
- Osteria Morini
- Bidwell DC
- Central Michel Richard
- ilili Restaurant
- La Vie
See our full list to the best Thanksgiving takeout at the end of this article
Nitty Gritty Details about Thanksgiving in D.C.
Where can I eat Thanksgiving dinner in Washington DC?
You can eat at home, picking up take out from a number of restaurants in D.C., as well as grocery stories across the region. Alternately, you can book a table at one of our favorite D.C. restaurants serving Thanksgiving dinner.
Last, but not least, you can beg friends to let you come over to eat their homemade feast. We love to host a “Friendsgiving” for all our friends who don’t have family in town like us.
What restaurants in Washington DC are open on Thanksgiving?
Check out our detailed guide to the best restaurants in DC that are open on Thanksgiving day below.
What kind of Thanksgiving menus do restaurants in Washington DC offer?
You can find everything from the traditional roast turkey with stuffing and gravy, all the way to more modern fare, which could be Cornish game hens, roast duck, and even vegan options. Many DC restaurants are also putting a cultural spin on their menus, highlighting the flavors of Mexico, the Middle East, Morocco, and different European countries (Thanksgiving lasgana is a thing, I swear!).
How much does it cost to eat Thanksgiving dinner at a restaurant in Washington DC?
On average, you can expect to pay $25-$350 per person for a Thanksgiving meal at a restaurant in D.C.
You may find a few spots that are higher or lower, especially if you stretch what is on your Thanksgiving table (we always have Japanese dumplings, which are just as cheap on Thanksgiving as any other day of the year), and you watch your alcohol intake. The price of alcohol can add up quick, blowing your Thanksgiving holiday budget.
Do I need to make reservations for Thanksgiving dinner at a restaurant in Washington DC?
Yes, due to the popularity of Thanksgiving, you will want to make a reservation at any restaurant you wish to visit. If you have a larger group (more than two), you definitely need to let the restaurant know ahead of time.
What makes a great Thanksgiving in D.C.?
A successful Thanksgiving meal relies on dependable nostalgic flavors, that somehow as a nation, are universally agreed upon. Sweet potato casserole with toasted marshmallows is not liked across the board, but recognized as a classic. Savory soaked bread cubes accurately represent the steadfast nature of the American people.
And cranberry sauce is irreplaceable, but divide those who make it fresh from those who demand only the canned stuff.
My family falls into the former, and every year it’s the cranberry sauce production that solicits the strongest memories from Thanksgivings past…when my grandma and I followed the expertly precise recipe from an Ocean Spray cranberry bag, before throwing caution to the wind and chucking a whole sliced orange into the pot.
I look forward to slicing those oranges all year long.
Why You Should Skip Thanksgiving at home
But if there’s one thing Thanksgiving does NOT do well, it has to be the kitchen’s elusive capacity for an ungodly amount of dirty dishes. There’s rarely a year they don’t pile up at an aggressive rate, only to be sitting in and around the sink when we’re all way too full to move, let alone load the dishwasher.
The task is so daunting, it’s often bumped to the subsequent Friday morning, before or after Black Friday madness.
Best D.C. Restaurants for a Thanksgiving Meal
If you’re looking to avoid the holiday clean-up, don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen, or crave a Thanksgiving meal with a restaurant refresh, check out these amazing DC restaurants culinary offerings, who will cook—and clean—so you and your family can just enjoy the day.
Fiola
- Address: 601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington DC 20004
- Seating Times: 4pm-8pm
- Family friendly: unknown
- DETAILS
The ‘Thanksgiving Harvest Feast’ at downtown’s Fiola celebrates the season of giving and thanks with a promise to represent the generosity of their Italian roots and heritage. The 8-course menu includes an amuse bouche, appetizer, pasta, entree and side, and dessert—all prepared with autumnal ingredients from partner Chancellor’s Rock Farm.
Fiola Mare
- Address: 3100 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007
- Seating Times: 2pm-8pm
- Family friendly? YES
- DETAILS
Another Fabio Trabocchi child and sister restaurant to Fiola, Fiola Mare honors the holiday with a feast of their own. The Turkey Day meal, coined ‘A Celebration of Thanksgiving’, empowers diners to choose from an a la carte selection or indulge in a 4-course Italian Mediterranean coastal spread.
Unconventional Diner
- Address: 1207 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
- Seating Times: 11am-8pm
- Family friendly? YES
- DETAILS
Thanksgiving dinner at Unconventional Diner makes sense in every possible way. Comforting fundamentals are reimagined on a limited menu from 11am to 8pm in the groovy and cozy modern dining room.
NOTE: Unconventional Diner also has a ‘Thanksgiving Dinner At Home’ option for pick-up only.
Osteria Morini
- Address: 301 Water St SE, Washington, DC 20003 (The Yards Park)
- Seating Times: 12pm-8pm
- Family friendly? Yes
- DETAILS
Navy Yard’s resident waterfront Italian destination is capturing the essence of Thanksgiving with a 3-course family-style dinner from 12pm to 8pm on Turkey Day. Italian inspiration merges with American staples for a new but recognizable Thanksgiving feast. Kids menu available.
NOTE: Osteria Morini offers a ‘Thanksgiving To-Go Package’ available for pick-up only.
Blue Duck Tavern
- Address: 1201 24th St NW, Washington, DC 20037
- Seating Times: 12pm-8:30pm
- Family friendly? Yes
- DETAILS
Blue Duck Tavern presents memorable fine-dining year round, but the a la carte 3-course meal on November 25 is truly something special. The prepaid menu changes year-to-year, but dinner guests can rest easy with a guaranteed bounty of warm fall flavors. The audaciousness ranges from adventurous to conventional classics, so diners can choose the nature of their Thanksgiving meal.
Note: Thanksgiving feasts to take home are also available.
Bidwell DC
- Address: 1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
- Seating Times: 2pm-7pm
- Family friendly? Yes
- DETAILS
Union Market’s Bidwell Restaurant is making a statement with a feast true to traditional Thanksgiving table classics. From 2pm to 7pm, guests can enjoy a selected appetizer and shareable feast of turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes for the entire table. Reservations and walk-ins are both welcome.
Note: Bidwell also offers ‘Bidwell Thanksgiving Dinner In Your Home’ available for pick-up only.
Sfoglina
- Address: multiple locations
- Van Ness: 4445 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
- Downtown: 1099 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
- Rosslyn: 1100 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22209
- Family friendly? Yes
- DETAILS
Sfoglina pasta wafts way beyond the District limits, but on Thanksgiving Day, feasters can dine at any location and order both full all-day menu items and holiday specials. From 2pm to 8pm, butternut squash agnolotti, roast turkey, and a pumpkin cream dessert grace the Italian-kissed tables.
Note: Thanksgiving at home meals are available.
Founding Farmers
- Address: 1924 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington DC 20006 (Also available at sister restaurants Farmers Fishers Bakers and Farmers & Distillers)
- Seating times: 11am – 8pm
- Family friendly? Yes
- DETAILS
Founding Farmers is a favorite among both locals and tourists, so diehard enthusiasts can flock to the Pennsylvania Avenue venue to enjoy fresh breads, roasted turkey or honey-glazed ham, and an overall Thanksgiving comfort food spread.
NOTE: Vegan main available.
Gravitas
- Address: 1401 Okie St NE, Washington, DC 20002
- Seating times: 12pm-8:30pm
- Family friendly? No
- DETAILS
Gravitas is a little off the beaten track, but a 4-course tasting menu is expected to draw from all over the city for a reimagined Thanksgiving meal. Family-style sides mimic crowded dining room tables at home, but course selections modernize traditional plates. Reservations are available from 12pm to 8pm.
Central Michel Richard
- Address: 1001 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
- Family friendly? Yes
- DETAILS
Skip the hassle of Thanksgiving day prep and instead join Central for an autumn meal of thanks with French influence. Bites of pumpkin, turkey, and sweet potato rally behind French favorites like steak frites and French Onion Soup.
Kids (and some adults) will love that there in chicken nuggets and mac n’ cheese on the menu too.
Note: Thanksgiving Dinner To- Go available
Equinox Restaurant by Todd Gray
- Address: 818 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006
- Seating times: 3pm-7pm
- Family friendly? No
- DETAILS
A varied mix of Mediterranean and American flavors collide at Equinox’s Thanksgiving celebration. A complimentary ‘Oyster & Oyster Mushroom Roast’ is offered for all reserved diners on the Equinox patio (mushroom roast for vegetarians).
NOTE: Plant-based menu options are also available.
Kinship
- Address: 1015 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
- Seating times: 5:15pm & 7:30pm
- Family friendly? unknown
- DETAILS
As a recent Oprah 2021 Favorite Things inductee, Kinship is ready to ring in all holiday festivities with their ‘Dining Room Thanksgiving’. The 4-course prix-fixe menu steals inspiration from the everyday ensemble with a first course and second course, a main dish for the table, and dessert.
Much like Kinship’s everyday menu, the Thanksgiving spread changes every year, but some current highlights include a Maine lobster French toast with a toasted sesame mousse, pumpkin soup with apple fritters, and garlic thyme bread pudding.
Via Sophia
- Address: 1001 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
- Seating times: 11am-8pm
- Family friendly? Yes
- DETAILS
Take part in Via Sophia’s modern osteria atmosphere inside the famous Hamilton Hotel for a 3-course pre-fixe Turkey feast. Cider glazed squash, gingerbread tuile, and pumpkin cheesecake capture the creativity at Via Sophia’s Thanksgiving feast.
The gorgeous black and white marble studded dining room will be seating hungry Thanksgiving diners from 11am to 8pm.
Kingbird at the Watergate Hotel
- Address: 2650 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037
- Seating times: 12pm-7pm
- Family friendly? Yes
- DETAILS
Thanksgiving pizza for all (mid-November through Thanksgiving), but if you want a traditional feast, book your table at Kingbird for a four-course holiday menu.
Opal
- Address: 5534 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20015
- Seating times: 1pm-6pm
- Family friendly? unknown
- DETAILS
Opal and Nina May are both open on Thanksgiving, featuring a feast for the senses for those looking for a traditional turkey, sides and dessert.
Lyle Washington DC
- Address: 1731 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009
- Seating times: 11am – 3pm and 5pm – 10pm
- Family friendly? No
- DETAILS
The Bombay Club
- Address: 815 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006
- Seating times: 5pm-9:30pm
- Family friendly? No (no children under age 8)
- DETAILS
Order a la carte or enjoy the prix-fix menu featuring sweet potato tikki, turkey tikka, and of course, pumpkin cheesecake.
L’Ardente
- Address: 200 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
- Seating times: 2pm-8pm
- Family friendly? Yes
- DETAILS
Choose from a meat or vegetarian main when you dig into this Italian-inspired Thanksgiving dinner. Just make sure you leave room for the Mousse di Patate Dolci.
SUCCOTASH
- Address: 915 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004
- Seating times: 12pm-8pm
- Family friendly? Yes
- DETAILS
If you are on the hunt for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner in Washington, D.C., with a southern twist, SUCCOTASH is the one spot you will want to make a reservation ASAP.
With a slew of starters, multiple mains and sides (turkey, ham, stuffing, mac n’ cheese, and more), two desserts (pumpkin cheese cake and chocolate bourbon pecan pie), and a specialty cocktail (Campfire cider: Warm Apple Cider, Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Charred Cinnamon, Cardamom, Demerara), you will leave this D.C. hote spot full of warmth, happiness and good cheer.
Note: Vegetarian substitutes available, including Smoked Tofu, Veggie Stuffing and Cashew Gravy
Café Riggs
- Address: 900 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004
- Seating times: 12pm-9pm
- Family friendly? Yes, but no kids discount pricing
- DETAILS
Enjoy a prix fixe menu with starters like French onion soup, Quinoa and pumpkin salad, or roast duck with black truffle cream. Your main is of course turkey with a side of brussel sprouts and pomme puree (mashed potatoes). Just make sure you save room for pumpkin pie or apple crumb pie for dessert.
Rasika Penn Quarter & Rasika West End locations
- Address: 633 D St NW, Washington, DC 20004
- Seating times: 11:30 am – 2:15 pm for Lunch and 4:30 pm – 9:15 pm for Dinner.
- Family friendly? No (no children under age 8)
- DETAILS
Rasika is for those looking for a bit of an alternative to the traditional Thanksgiving meal of turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, and we find nothing wrong with that!
Enjoy an Indian twist on a few favorites, like brussel sprout dosa, turkey chettinad, roasted coconut green beans, and a slice of pecan coconut jaggery pie for dessert.
ilili Restaurant
- Address: 100 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024
- Seating times: 3pm – 8pm
- Family friendly? Yes
- DETAILS
ilili puts two of our favorite things together this Thanksgiving– family dinners and Middle Eastern food. This year ilili Restaurant is offering a family-style prix fixe menu that everyone will enjoy. Enjoy cold mezza like hummus, labne and fattoush (my family eats these by the tub), hot mezza (falafal and smoked beets), as well as entrees (turkey roulade and lamb shank), before you dive in a pumpkin candy bar topped with vanilla gelato or apple pie with caramelized apples and labne creme chantilly.
NOTE: Thanksgiving feast takeaway available too
Bastille Brasserie & Bar
- Address: 606 N Fayette St, Alexandria, VA 22314
- Seating times: 12pm-6pm
- Family friendly? unknown
- DETAILS
Dig into a three-courses American feast with French flair when you step into Bastille this Thanksgiving. While there will be turkey on the menu, you will also see beef, braised pork cheeks and belly, monk fish, and salmon. Of course deseert will include a selection of French cheeses, chocolate cake, a gateau au citron, and many more goodies you and your family and friends will enjoy.
The Saga and Quadrant
- Address: 1190 22nd St NW, Washington, DC 20037
- Seating Times: available Thursday-Sat of Thanksgiving week
- Family friendly? Yes
- DETAILS
Join Executive Chef Enrique Limardo and Head Chef Mile Montezuma at The Saga and Quadrant for an epic meal that you can enjoy not just on Thanksgiving, but the Friday and Saturday after too, which is perfect if you have more than one group of friends or the in-laws to feed this holiday season.
You will start your meal with the “Autumn Salad” (crispy brussel sprouts, roasted green beans, stuffing crumbles, goat cheese, apples, pecans), before moving onto the “Thanksgiving Dinner Feast” with confit turkey breast, Truffle mash potato, gravy, and cherry and cranberry sauce.
Leave room for pumpkin pie though! The Seven Reasons Group pastry team is adding a little almond sable and tonka bean cream to your pumpkin spiced pie.
Del Mar
- Address: 791 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024
- Seating times: 2pm-8pm
- Family friendly? No
- DETAILS
Del Mar is District Wharf’s unofficial fine-dining Spanish culinary operation, and their ‘Thanksgiving at Del Mar’ guarantees tried-and-true a la carte favorites in addition to Thanksgiving themed specials—striking a perfect balance between American tradition and Spanish seafood elegance.
Indoor and outdoor dining is available from 2pm to 8pm.
Charlie Palmer Steak
- Address: 101 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001
- Seating times: 12pm-8pm
- Family friendly? unknown
- DETAILS
Turkey isn’t the only entree served at Charlie Palmer Steak’s Thanksgiving Day ‘craft-your-own’ 3-course prix-fixe feast. Meat lovers can swap the turkey main for filet mignon or the ‘porterhouse for 2’. Dinner reservations are available from 12pm to 8pm.
Art and Soul at YOTEL Washington DC
- Address: 415 New Jersey Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
- Family friendly? YES
- DETAILS
This award-winning hotel restaurant spotlights Washington DC’s omnipresent modern-American food influence with a 3-course customizable meal served from 12pm to 7pm. Supplemental charcuterie boards and house made breads cost a little extra, but reinforce the ritual of a decadent holiday dinner.
La Vie
- Address: 88 District Square SW 5th floor, Washington, DC 20024
- Seating times: 3pm-9pm
- Family friendly? Yes
- DETAILS
The Thanksgiving spread at La Vie highlights French cuisine’s decadent potential. A 4-course prix-fixe menu notes truffle mac and cheese, candy yams with creme fraiche, and brined roasted turkey. Dinner reservations are available from 2pm to 8pm at the scenic waterfront location.
NOTE: Thanksgiving-to-Go available
City Cruises Thanksgiving Lunch Cruise
- Address: 580 Water Street SW, Washington, DC (Pier 4 at District Wharf)
- Seating times: Board: 12:30pm, Cruise: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
- Family friendly? Yes
- DETAILS
Take to the water with the City Cruises two-hour Thanksgiving lunch boating extravaganza. On board, passengers will enjoy a tasty Turkey day buffet, unlimited coffee and tea, and stunning Washington DC views from the Potomac River, all with DJ entertainment. Arrive at District Wharf’s Pier 4 by 12:30 to board the cruise for a prompt 1:00pm departure.
Alternatives to Thanksgiving Dinner in DC
The following restaurants are open and serving their regular menu offerings on Thanksgiving Day.
- Bombay Club: 815 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006
- Del Friscos: 950 I St NW Suite 501, Washington, DC 20001
- Rasika: Penn Quarter: 633 D St NW, Washington, DC 20004 / West End: 1190 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037
- Convivial: 801 O St NW, Washington, DC 20001
- Compass Rose: 1346 T St NW, Washington, DC 20009
- Le Diplomate: 1601 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
- Cielo Rojo: 7056 Carroll Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912
- All Purpose: Shaw only: 1250 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
- Barcelona Wine Bar: 1622 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 / 3310 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016
Where to Find a Take Out Thanksgiving Dinner in D.C.
The following restaurants are featuring unique Thanksgiving meal options for pick-up. Meal components are designed to be reheated and served in the comfort of your own home.
- Belga Cafe: 514 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
- Ambar Capitol Hill: 523 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
- Little Pearl: 21 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003
- Maydan: 1346 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009
- Duck and the Peach: 300 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
- Tail Up Goat: 1827 Adams Mill Rd NW, Washington, DC 20009
- 1789: 1226 36th St NW, Washington, DC 20007
- RPM Italian DC: 650 K St NW, Washington, DC 20001
- Rose’s Luxury: 717 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003 (Delivery also available)
- Makan: 3400 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20010
- Colada Shop at District Wharf: 10 Pearl St SW, Washington, DC 20024 (offering Pumpkin Dulce de Leche and coffee pecan pie for pick-up)
- Hank’s Oyster Bar: 701 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024
- Officina: 1120 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
- CUT by Wolfgang Puck: 1050 31st St NW, Washington, DC 20007
- J. Hollinger’s Waterman’s Chophouse: 8606 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20910
- Lapis: 1847 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC 20009
- Chang Chang: 1200 19th St NW ste 110, Washington, DC 20036
- Bourbon Steak: 2800 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007
- Alta Strada – Washington, DC: 465 K St NW, Washington, DC 20001 (pop-up bakery)
- Centrolina: 974 Palmer Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001
- Carmine’s Italian Restaurant – Washington D.C.: 425 7th Street NW at, E St NW, Washington, DC 20004
- Smokecraft Modern Barbecue: 1051 N Highland St, Arlington, VA 22201
- Belga Cafe: 514 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
- ilili: 100 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024
Additional reporting by Mikaela Bloom
Frequently Asked Questions about Thanksgiving in Washington, D.C. (FAQ)
Which restaurants in Washington, D.C., are open on Thanksgiving Day?
Many restaurants in Washington, D.C., open their doors on Thanksgiving Day to offer special holiday meals. Popular options include Old Ebbitt Grill, Founding Farmers, and Clyde’s of Gallery Place. Check our list of recommended Thanksgiving restaurants for more choices.
What types of Thanksgiving meals are offered at these restaurants?
Restaurants in D.C. typically offer a range of Thanksgiving menus, including traditional turkey dinners with all the fixings, as well as creative and international options. Explore our Thanksgiving menu guide to see what each restaurant is serving.
Do I need to make reservations in advance for Thanksgiving dining in D.C.?
It’s highly advisable to make reservations in advance, as Thanksgiving is a popular dining day in Washington, D.C. Many restaurants book up quickly. Our reservation tips can help you secure a table for your Thanksgiving meal.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options available at these Thanksgiving restaurants?
Yes, many Thanksgiving restaurants in D.C. offer vegetarian and vegan menu choices, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a special holiday meal. Check our guide for vegetarian and vegan Thanksgiving options for specific restaurant recommendations.
What are the average prices for Thanksgiving dining in Washington, D.C.?
Prices for Thanksgiving dining can vary widely depending on the restaurant and the menu. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $100 or more per person for a Thanksgiving meal. Consult our price range guide for more details on specific restaurant costs.
Can I get Thanksgiving takeout or delivery from D.C. restaurants?
Yes, some D.C. restaurants offer Thanksgiving takeout or delivery options for those who prefer to enjoy the holiday meal at home. Our takeout and delivery list will help you find the right restaurant for your needs.
Are there any special Thanksgiving events or entertainment at these restaurants?
Some restaurants in Washington, D.C., may offer live music, special holiday events, or entertainment as part of their Thanksgiving dining experience. Explore our entertainment options guide for more information.
Looking for a Washington DC Hotel?
- Hotel Hive – Affordable, trendy, pet-friendly hotel
- Eaton Hotel – Stay in the heart of DC
- Four Seasons Hotel Washington DC – DC luxury at it’s best
- Kimpton Hotel George – Great for families and pets
- Willard InterContinental Washington – Historic hotel right near the White House
