Indulge this Thanksgiving and leave the planning, shopping, cooking, and serving to the pros. Make a reservation at an upscale restaurant for a dinner to remember — and no dishes to clean up later. From candied yams to pumpkin pie, here are 12 options for a fun-filled family meal.
Ada’s On The River
Savor a three-course Thanksgiving dinner at Ada’s on the River, known for its wood-fired prime steaks, fresh seafood, and vegetarian dishes. Ada’s special holiday menu features a choice of appetizers, entrées, and desserts, including pan-seared crab cakes, smoky turkey breast roulade, and wood-fired prime rib. 3 Pioneer Mill Wy., Alexandria, $79 per person for adults, $29 for kids 12 and under
Ambar Clarendon
Ambar, an all-you-can-eat Balkan restaurant (and one of Northern Virginia Magazine’s Best Restaurants) will be open for lunch and dinner on Thanksgiving. In addition to its usual seasonal menu, it will also offer holiday dishes such as pumpkin soup, grilled turkey roulade, and roasted turkey. 2901 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, $54.99 per person all day
Barca Pier & Wine Bar
Head to the Alexandria waterfront for a Thanksgiving meal. In addition to its usual menu of tapas, Barca will offer two Thanksgiving specials. Try a turkey kofte with mint, cranberry chutney, and garlic sauce; and a dish of crispy brussels sprouts and sweet potato, topped with Aleppo-cinnamon honey and whipped feta. 2 Pioneer Mill Wy., Alexandria
Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant
Dine at Cooper’s Hawk with a masterful Thanksgiving menu of slow-roasted turkey, butternut squash soup, traditional stuffing, roasted green beans and carrots, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. A decadent pumpkin praline cheesecake makes the perfect dessert. 12130 Sunset Hills Rd., Reston, $34.99 per person for adults, $14.99 per person for kids 12 and under
Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse
Davio’s is cooking up a meal to remember this Thanksgiving, so make your reservations. Experience culinary delights like oven-roasted Vermont turkey, creamy potatoes, butternut squash, asparagus, creamy cipollini onions with fresh peas, and challah bread herb stuffing. Order special holiday desserts like housemade apple pie or pumpkin pie to top off the meal for an additional $15. 1902 Reston Metro Plz., Reston, $85 per person for adults, $35 per person for kids 12 and under
Eddie V’s
Gather the family and visit Eddie V’s for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Options like slow-roasted sliced turkey, brioche sage stuffing, French green beans with sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy mashed potatoes will make for an exquisite meal. Don’t forget to sample a pumpkin pie tartlet with pecan ice cream. 7900 Tysons One Pl., McLean, $50 per person for adults, $20 per person for kids
Founding Farmers
Founding Farmers’ two Fairfax County locations will serve shared plates, fresh salads, and your choice of a main course on Thanksgiving. Dig into turkey, ham, fried chicken, prime rib, and more, accompanied by sides like roasted autumn vegetables, cornbread stuffing, and sweet potatoes with pecan fig butter. A vegetarian option is also available. 1904 Reston Metro Plz., Reston; 1800 Tysons Blvd., Tysons, $47.50 per person for adults, $22.50 per person for kids 12 and under
Joe Theismann’s Restaurant
Indulge in a Thanksgiving buffet feast featuring stations for cold and hot items, salads, carved meats, breads and desserts. Dishes include New York strip, ham, roasted turkey blackened salmon with lemon-caper sauce, green bean casserole, and cornbread muffins. 1800A Diagonal Rd., Alexandria, $59 per person for adults, $19 per person for kids 12 and under
Mia’s Italian Kitchen
Mia’s Italian Kitchen will serve its all-day menu alongside a creative, Italian-inspired Thanksgiving prix fixe menu. Dive into three courses of curated dishes like wild mushroom risotto with butternut squash, as well as herb-roasted prime rib, honey-glazed turkey breast, and desserts like pumpkin panna cotta. 100 King St., Alexandria, $49 per person for adults, $19 per person for kids 12 and under
Royal Restaurant
Guests can enjoy Royal’s tasty Thanksgiving prix fixe option, as well as its regular dining menu. Dig into traditional holiday dishes like pumpkin soup, roasted turkey, prime rib, creamy garlic mashed potatoes, brioche stuffing, and more. 730 N. Saint Asaph St., Alexandria, $39 per person for adults, $15 per person for kids
The Majestic
This contemporary bistro-style restaurant offers Thanksgiving dinner featuring a five-course prix fixe menu with a variety of outstanding options. Dishes include pumpkin-apple soup, roasted turkey, maple roasted kabocha squash, baked macaroni and cheese, and more. The Majestic will also offer a more casual Thanksgiving bar menu with an array of starters, main dishes, sides, and desserts. 911 King St., Alexandria, $79 per person for adults, $29 per person for kids 12 and under
Trummer’s
This Clifton destination will serve a Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings. Consider four courses of family-style favorites like Anson Mills cornbread, baby kale salad, and green bean casserole with crispy shallots. Entrée options include rotisserie heritage turkey, spit-roasted porchetta, and whole-roasted daurade with sides of cranberry relish, garlic mashed potatoes, pretzel bread stuffing, and more. 7134 Main Street, Clifton, $90 per person for adults, $39 per person for kids 12 and under
Vola’s Dockside Grill
Vola’s Dockside Grill offers a three-course prix fixe menu on Thanksgiving that includes pan-seared, wild-caught rockfish, stuffed pork, and roasted turkey, accompanied by savory sides. Devour sublime desserts like a pumpkin tart or apple cinnamon cheesecake. 101 N. Union St., Alexandria, $49 per person for adults, $19 per person for kids 12 and under
Editor’s Note: This article has been amended to correct the price for Ambar Clarendon
Feature image of Thanksgiving dinner at Founding Farmers by Ken Fletcher
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