Thanksgiving is around the corner, and if you’re still in that pandemic-inspired takeout mood—or just don’t feel like making a mess in your kitchen—NoVA restaurants have plenty to offer, whatever your taste. Whether you want to go traditional with turkey and mashed potatoes or are looking to experience new flavors with a globally inspired menu, there’s still time to order a delicious meal for one, two, or a whole crew.
Traditional Feasts
AhSo Restaurant
Each meal may only feed one, but it’s a feast you won’t forget, with heirloom squash soup with pepitas, turkey roulade with cornbread turkey-sausage stuffing, and cranberry-orange compote. Oh, and don’t forget the mashed potatoes and shallot gravy, green beans with crispy onion, sweet potato casserole with pecans, apple crisp, and pumpkin cheesecake. 22855 Brambleton Plz., Ste. 108, Brambleton; $55 per person
Magnolias at the Mill
Magnolias had us at “sage butter-rubbed twelve pound turkey with giblet gravy,” but, sure, we’ll certainly enjoy that sherry-mushroom green bean casserole, herbed-focaccia-and-sausage stuffing, and Grand Marnier cranberry sauce, too. If you want to get extra fancy, add on a bottle of Laurent-Perrier Rosé for $99. 198 N. 21st St., Purcellville; $250, serves up to 6
Thanksgiving, but Hold the Turkey
Matchbox
Love Thanksgiving, but not turkey? Matchbox has a special baby back ribs package for the holiday, featuring two full racks slow-cooked for 18 hours and smothered in house-made barbeque sauce. Choose two accompaniments, like chipotle-honey cornbread and broccolini, and your choice of mushroom or turkey gravy. Additional sides, soups, and desserts are also available à la carte. Multiple locations: Ashburn, Reston, Fairfax, and Arlington; $95, serves 4-5
Wildfire
If turkey isn’t on the menu for this year, it’s hard to go wrong ordering to-go beef from a steakhouse. Wildfire’s roasted tenderloin of beef is served with shallot-balsamic sauce, and you can choose from over a half-dozen sides like cranberry relish, creamed spinach, mushroom-herb stuffing, and sweet potato-pecan casserole. And don’t forget dessert, like Door County cherry pie or flourless chocolate cake. 2001 International Dr., McLean; $129.95, serves 4-5; $245.95, serves 8-10. Sides priced à la carte.
Globally Inspired Fare
Taco + Piña
Choose from entrees like achiote-roasted salmon, smoked and roasted pulled turkey gratinee with creamy poblano rajas, and smoked turkey tamales. Traditional Thanksgiving sides get a Mexican twist with options such as mole-spiced, roasted sweet potatoes, plantains with pecan pie granola, and roasted poblano mac and queso. 4041 Campbell Ave., Arlington; $69, serves 4-6
Lebanese Taverna
Enjoy a Lebanese-style whole roasted turkey with spiced rice (think cinnamon, allspice, and cloves) and toasted nuts like pistachios, almonds, and pine nuts. Sides include everything from traditional mashed potatoes and autumn vegetables to arnabeet, mudardara, and roasted za’atar potatoes. And don’t forget dessert! Choose from baklava-crusted pumpkin cheesecake, whole knafe, or shabeyet. Multiple locations: McLean and Arlington; $180, serves 8-10
Pescatarian, Vegetarian, & Vegan Options
Yayla Bistro
Nosh on a first-course mezze platter of cacik, ezme, falafel, and hummus, before you dive into the main course of either bronzino, penne pasta, or Greek salad. Finish off the meal with a delicious dessert of baklava or apricot delight. 2201 N. Westmoreland St., Arlington; $36 per person
Whole Foods
OK, so it’s not a restaurant, but most vegans will probably agree that Thanksgiving takeout is difficult to find. And the options at Whole Foods sound delicious even if you aren’t vegan. Vegan chef and cookbook author Chloe Coscarelli curated an inventive take on the traditional Thanksgiving meal with things like a cremini mushroom roast, miso creamed greens, coconut sweet potato casserole, jalapeño cornbread dressing, and more. À la carte menu also available. Multiple locations, including Vienna, Springfield, Tysons, and Fair Lakes; $39, serves 2
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