12 Florida Restaurants Serving Thanksgiving Dinner So You Can Skip The Cooking
One Thanksgiving dinner on this list gets served inside a house built in 1884, with wraparound balconies. Another happens at a Korean steakhouse where beef gets grilled right at your table.
I love that the holiday can stretch that far.
Florida takes turkey day in some fun directions. You’ll find a French spot, a family-style feast with a piano player, and a 1921 house with rotating art from a modernism museum.
There’s even a lakeside buffet.
Honestly, the best part is simple. Someone else roasts the bird, mashes the potatoes, and scrubs the pans while you sit there looking thankful.
I can’t think of a better trade for a holiday afternoon. Your oven gets a day off, and your family gets your full attention instead of your back at the stove.
1. Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’
Fried chicken and doughnuts on the same plate tells you exactly what kind of place this is. Homecomin’ leans hard into Southern comfort with a Florida twist.
The kitchen focuses on farm-to-table cooking that highlights local ingredients. That makes it a natural fit for a holiday built around harvest and gratitude.
Thanksgiving has been a real event here, with a full holiday feast offered for pickup in past years. It’s an easy way to bring that classic Thanksgiving spread to your own table.
Before the main course, you can start with Church Lady Deviled Eggs or Fried Green Tomatoes. Both feel like something a favorite aunt would carry to the potluck.
The regular menu also brings shrimp and grits, braised short ribs, and the Hallelujah Biscuit. Portions run generous, so pace yourself if you plan on dessert.
And you should plan on dessert. Sweets are one of the things this kitchen does best.
The space is roomy, which helps when your group includes cousins, grandparents, and that uncle who brings opinions. Kids get their own menu, and high chairs are on hand.
Live music adds a little extra fun to the room. It turns a regular dinner into something that feels like a party.
Since it sits at Disney Springs, you can stroll and shop after the feast. Booking ahead is a smart move for the holiday.
Bring stretchy pants and a thankful heart. Your plate of Southern comfort waits at 1602 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830.
2. COTE Miami
Turkey usually doesn’t share the spotlight with a tableside grill, but this Miami steakhouse plays by its own rules. COTE is a sleek Korean steakhouse where premium cuts get grilled right in front of you.
For Thanksgiving, the restaurant has offered a curated multi-course feast. Guests reserve specifically for it, and it’s easy to see why.
The regular-menu star is the Butcher’s Feast. It brings spicy marinated galbi alongside beautifully marbled ribeye.
Want to go big? The Grilled Japanese A5 Miyazaki Ribeye is the kind of order you’ll talk about until next November.
Beef isn’t the only story, either. The Scallion Salad, Dwenjang Stew, and Cote Bibimbap give the table some balance.
Steak and eggs with caviar shows up as a small starter that packs a big punch. The egg souffle is another highly recommended pick.
The room feels upscale and a little romantic, with a trendy edge. It’s a fun change of pace if your family is tired of the same old casserole lineup.
Groups do well here, since cooking at the table turns dinner into a shared show. Nobody at your table has to wash a single pan.
Lunch is served most days too. Dinner, though, is where this place really shines.
Reservations are required, so lock in your holiday table early. Valet parking makes arrival easy.
Your untraditional Thanksgiving adventure starts near the Design District. Find the grill waiting at 3900 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137.
3. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
Lobster mashed potatoes might be the most persuasive argument ever made for skipping your own kitchen. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood serves them in Tampa, and they’re just the start.
This elegant spot pairs seafood and steak in a polished, upscale room. Families have chosen it for Thanksgiving dinner and left very satisfied.
Some holiday guests even skip the turkey and go straight for a steak. Nobody’s judging, since the filet mignon and tomahawk get serious attention here.
Seafood lovers have plenty to chase. Think Chilean sea bass, Maine lobster bisque, crab fried rice, and The Shellfish Tower.
Sides deserve their own fan club. Truffle mac and cheese and au gratin potatoes sit right next to those famous lobster mashed potatoes.
Save room for the Bananas Foster Butter Cake. It’s rich, sweet, and a fine replacement for a pie you didn’t have to bake.
Live jazz adds a classy soundtrack to the evening. It feels a little like a holiday movie, minus the snow.
Kids are welcome, with high chairs and a kids’ menu available. That makes it easy to bring the whole crew, from grandkids to grandparents.
Doors open at 4 PM daily, so plan an early dinner if you want a relaxed pace. Reservations are recommended, especially around the holiday.
The Westshore location is handy for visitors staying near the airport. You’ll find the feast at 4400 W Boy Scout Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607.
4. Chophouse Thirteen
Steakhouse chefs know their way around a big roast, so trusting one with your turkey makes perfect sense. In Jacksonville, Chophouse Thirteen has served a traditional Thanksgiving feast that guests call out of this world.
The restaurant is a refined chophouse built around Black Angus steaks and fresh seafood. On the holiday, that skill gets pointed at the classics.
Families have gathered here for Thanksgiving and walked away with a great experience. It’s the kind of meal that gets talked about at the next reunion.
On a regular night, the menu runs from a 6-ounce Filet Mignon to a 14-ounce Prime New York Strip. Seared scallops and crab cakes keep seafood fans happy.
The sides are just as tempting. Parmesan risotto, whipped potatoes, and crispy Brussels sprouts round things out nicely.
Lobster bisque is another favorite worth ordering. A trio of shrimp, scallops, and filet mignon is pure overachiever energy.
The atmosphere is upscale but comfortable, with knowledgeable staff guiding you through the menu. It works for a romantic dinner or a big family table.
Vegan and vegetarian guests get full menus, which is a big win for mixed groups. Nobody gets stuck with just a dinner roll.
The restaurant opens at 4 PM and closes on Sundays. Holiday hours can differ, so check ahead before you go.
The Mandarin area along San Jose Boulevard is easy to reach from much of the city. Your table waits at 11362 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223.
5. Aviles Restaurant
A Thanksgiving buffet in the nation’s oldest city? St. Augustine makes a fine backdrop for a holiday feast, and Aviles Restaurant sits right on its bayfront avenue.
This casual hotel restaurant serves European-inspired cooking for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On Thanksgiving, it has hosted a buffet with lots to choose from.
A buffet is a beautiful thing on a holiday. Picky eaters, big eaters, and dessert-first rebels can each build their own perfect plate.
The regular menu shows off serious cooking chops. Lamb chops come with potato ribbons, gold fingerling mashed potatoes, and grilled asparagus spears.
Breakfast fans have their own reasons to visit. Aviles French Toast and biscuits and gravy make a strong case for an early start.
Portions run large, and the plates look beautiful. That’s a nice combo when you’re feeding a hungry family after a day of sightseeing.
Coffee and dessert are strong points here too. A sweet finish is part of the deal.
Speaking of sightseeing, the historic district is right outside. You can stroll past old streets and the bayfront before or after your meal.
Families will find high chairs and a kids’ menu. A private dining room can help if your group is on the larger side.
Reserving early is a smart move around the holiday. That way, your only job is showing up hungry.
Bring your walking shoes and your appetite for history. Aviles welcomes you at 32 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, FL 32084.
6. M Waterfront Grille
Calling a meal the best Thanksgiving dinner ever is a bold claim, yet this Naples spot has earned that kind of praise. M Waterfront Grille serves upscale New American food with water views to match.
Its traditional Thanksgiving dinner has a strong reputation. Expect classic holiday flavors served with polish.
You can sit indoors or grab a spot outside near the water. Either way, the Naples setting beats staring at your own sink full of dishes.
The regular menu is loaded with tempting picks. Sea bass, miso halibut, short ribs, and an 8-ounce filet mignon compete for attention.
Salads here aren’t an afterthought. The beet salad with goat cheese and the fig, bacon, apple, and blue cheese salad both stand out.
Lobster lovers can choose a hot or cold lobster roll. Surf and turf sliders are a fun option for sharing.
Dessert brings a vanilla crème brûlée that’s worth the extra bite. Generous portions mean you may want to split it.
The mood is quiet and romantic, but families fit right in. High chairs and a kids’ menu are available for younger guests.
Weekend brunch starts at 11 AM, which is handy if you’re turning the long weekend into a mini vacation. Dinner reservations are recommended for the holiday.
After your meal, the nearby beaches of Naples are perfect for a sunset stroll. Head over to 4300 Gulf Shore Blvd N, Naples, FL 34103.
7. Michael’s On East
A turkey dinner that tastes homemade, served with live piano music nearby, sounds like a fair deal. Michael’s On East in Sarasota has delivered exactly that on Thanksgiving.
The restaurant focuses on sophisticated New American plates and monthly specials. Its modern setting feels classy without trying too hard.
Thanksgiving here has featured a traditional turkey dinner with real homestyle comfort. You get the nostalgia of grandma’s kitchen without the flour on your shirt.
If turkey isn’t your thing, the regular menu has strong options. The herb-crusted Colorado rack of lamb and Duck Two-Ways are both showstoppers.
Filet mignon topped with jumbo lump crab gets high marks for tenderness. Truffle mac and cheese makes a great sidekick.
Dessert is a big deal here. Pick between a crème brûlée and a Chocolate Blackout Cake, or get both for the table.
Live music adds a fun layer to the evening. The piano lounge gives the place a touch of old-school glamour.
Groups and families are welcome, with high chairs on hand. It’s fancy, yet nobody needs to whisper.
Vegan and vegetarian guests have full menus to explore. Outdoor seating is also available when the Florida weather cooperates.
Reservations are required, so plan early. The restaurant usually closes Sundays and Mondays, and holiday hours may differ.
Sarasota’s beaches and arts scene make a perfect excuse to turn dinner into a weekend trip. Your holiday table waits at 1212 S East Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239.
8. Little Paris French Cuisine
Who says Thanksgiving can’t come with a French accent? Little Paris brings classic French cooking to Tallahassee, and its holiday dinner has earned glowing reactions.
Guests have described its Thanksgiving meal as exceptional. Some even rank it among the best they’ve ever had.
Normally, the menu reads like a love letter to France. Steak frites, French onion soup, croque monsieur, and quiche make strong cases for a return trip.
Even the bread gets attention here. Your pickiest relative might fill up before the entrees arrive.
Seafood fans can try the sea bass or a seafood crepe. Escargot and lamb are there for the adventurous eaters at your table.
The setting is upscale, with intimate tables and lovely ambiance. It’s the kind of spot where you’ll want to linger over dessert.
Speaking of which, desserts are one of the highlights. Pair one with coffee and call it a perfect holiday finish.
Portions are filling and reasonably sized, so you won’t roll out the door. Well, maybe a little.
Lunch and dinner are served Tuesday through Saturday, with a break between services. Dinner reservations are recommended, especially around Thanksgiving.
Late November is lovely for a stroll around the Market Square shops. It’s a nice way to work up an appetite.
Ready to swap pumpkin pie dreams for a little Parisian flair? Find this slice of France at 1355 Market St a7, Tallahassee, FL 32312.
9. Bagatelle
Eating Thanksgiving dinner in a house built in 1884 is a pretty great flex. Bagatelle sits on Key West’s famous Duval Street, wrapped in balconies made for people-watching.
Diners have celebrated the holiday here with a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. You get the classic feast with a tropical setting on the side.
Seafood is the heart of the regular menu. Fresh grouper, whole snapper, and tuna poke show off what island cooking can do.
Starters are a party on their own. Lobster mac and cheese, octopus, crab cakes, and brussels sprouts with bacon make the lineup.
Land lovers can go for the filet mignon. Truffle fries with parmesan are basically mandatory for the table.
The wraparound balconies give you a front-row view of Duval Street life. Rooftop seating is also part of the fun.
The vibe mixes casual island charm with a dressy, historic edge. You can show up relaxed and still feel fancy.
Breakfast and brunch are served too, starting at 9 AM. That’s handy if you want to make a full day of it.
Families will find high chairs and a kids’ menu. Groups are welcome, and a private dining room can host bigger gatherings.
After dinner, Mallory Square and its sunset celebration are just a short stroll away. Few holiday walks beat that one.
Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on a holiday weekend. Swap your oven mitts for flip-flops and head to 115 Duval St #6505, Key West, FL 33040.
10. Florida Room at The Fort
A Southern-inspired restaurant overlooking a pickleball court might not sound like a Thanksgiving pick, but it works beautifully. Florida Room at The Fort sits lakeside in Fort Lauderdale.
The holiday has featured a Thanksgiving buffet here. Guests have loved it so much that some booked the place again for holiday parties.
On regular days, the menu mixes comfort with a healthy streak. Short rib meatloaf might be the most comforting thing on it.
Specialty fried chicken is a signature, and the hot honey fried chicken sandwich brings a sweet kick. Gourmet flatbreads round out the lineup.
Want something lighter? Fresh tuna tartare and spicy rigatoni give you options beyond the fryer.
Dessert comes as Key Lime Pie in a Jar. It’s a perfectly Florida way to finish a holiday meal.
The lakeside setting is a big part of the appeal. Outdoor seating lets you enjoy the South Florida sunshine while you eat.
Live music adds energy, and the vibe is casual with an upscale touch. Dogs are welcome outside, so the family pup can tag along.
The restaurant is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, so check holiday plans in advance. Reservations are accepted.
Turkey with a view of the water sounds like a solid plan. Make your way to 891 SW 34th St Building B, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315.
11. Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber
A piano player, fried chicken, and a family-style board heaped with holiday food? Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber has been serving old Florida charm in Clearwater Beach for a long time.
Its Thanksgiving dinner comes family style, with platters meant for passing around. It’s basically your family table, except someone else does the dishes.
Big groups feel right at home here. The restaurant has handled holiday dinners for very large families on vacation.
The menu leans classic. Fried chicken, prime rib, grouper, and seafood platters are the kind of dishes that never go out of style.
Starters include escargot and French onion soup. Maine lobster tails and pan-seared scallops bring the seafood glamour.
Sides stay comforting, like a loaded baked potato and fresh broccoli. Think of it as a retro supper club with sand nearby.
Multiple dining rooms give the place a fun, rambling feel. They add to the retro charm.
The live piano music is a big highlight. It turns a turkey dinner into a little bit of a show.
Dinner runs nightly from 5 PM, and reservations are recommended for the holiday. Kids are welcome, with high chairs and a kids’ menu.
Before or after dinner, Clearwater Beach’s famous white sand is just steps away. A sunset walk is the perfect dessert chaser.
Gather your crew and your appetite for nostalgia. The piano is ready at 447 Mandalay Ave, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767.
12. 1921 Mount Dora
Dinner and an art show in one trip? 1921 Mount Dora serves Florida-inspired cuisine in a 1921 house with rotating art from the Modernism Museum.
Thanksgiving dinner here comes highly recommended for its ambiance and attentive service. It’s a lovely pick for a quieter, small-town celebration.
The kitchen has a real love for Florida flavors, with plenty of locally sourced ingredients. Prime rib and venison have both appeared on the table.
Short ribs and halibut are other memorable picks.
Starters are fun and a little fancy. Roasted oysters, bluepoint raw oysters, and milk buns are great for sharing.
Mains like duck breast, quail, and pork belly with scallops make the menu feel special. It’s elevated, yet still approachable.
The art inside is part of the experience. Rotating pieces mean the walls might look different on your next visit.
Families are welcome, and high chairs are available. Groups can ask about the private dining room.
Outdoor seating is available if you’d rather dine in the fresh air. Dogs are allowed outside too.
Mount Dora itself is a charming lakeside town with plenty of shops and antique stores. Make a day of it before your meal.
Weekend hours start at 1 PM, so an afternoon feast is possible. Dinner reservations are recommended, especially around the holiday.
Ready for turkey with a side of modern art? Head to 142 E 4th Ave, Mt Dora, FL 32757.