From the first harvest of 1621 to modern-day celebrations, Thanksgiving has long revolved around lavish feasts. As delicious as these are, we know cooking can be daunting and time-consuming, so why not take a break this year? Head to these South Florida spots to enjoy the holiday without stress getting in the way.
Sugarcane Raw Bar & Grill
Located in Midtown Miami, Sugarcane Raw Bar & Grill is making things easy (and very tasty) for everyone this Thanksgiving. Offering The Feast, a name that speaks for itself, diners can indulge in an array of holiday classics like brined turkey, cornbread stuffing, turkey gravy, mashed potatoes, garlic-roasted green beans and sweet potato souffle. With the restaurant’s Turkey Gone Wild cocktail and Pumpkin Spice Pecan Cheesecake, eating here could easily become a new family tradition.
Where: 3252 N.E. 1st Ave., Miami
For more information, visit sugarcanerawbargrill.com.
Photo by Ruben Cabrera
Ben’s Kosher Deli
For kosher foodies who don’t want to miss out on Thanksgiving celebrations, Ben’s Kosher Deli is offering traditional delicacies for dine-in and take-out. Menu items include entrées like turkey breast with stuffing and gravy or a 15 lbs. whole roast turkey. For sides, options like roasted red potatoes with garlic and rosemary, fresh string beans, sweet potato pudding and fruit noodle pudding hit all the holiday notes. Of course, Ben’s classics, like chicken soup with matzo balls and mini knishes are available for those who want to give their meal a Jewish twist. For dessert, apple pie, rugalach and a fresh fruit salad bowl provide variety. Reservations are highly recommended.
Where: 9942 Clint Moore Road, Boca Raton
For more information, visit bensdeli.net.
Photo courtesy of Ben’s Kosher Deli
Gianni’s at The Villa Casa Casuarina
Housed inside the former Versace Mansion (where legendary fashion designer Gianni Versace used to live before his untimely passing), Gianni’s at The Villa Casa Casuarina is an opulent Mediterranean restaurant perfect for any grand occasion. For the holiday, guests can look forward to indulging in a Thanksgiving Turkey special as well as à la carte options from Executive Chef Valter Mancini, including Burrata, Eggplant Tortino, Lobster Spaghetti and Fresh Fruit Plate for dessert. For a dreamy celebration, choose among the restaurant’s extravaganza areas like the Garden Dining Room, the Roman Room with romantic statues, the iconic courtyard or the terrace overlooking the mosaic-filled pool and garden. Reservations are highly recommended.
Where: 1116 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach
For more information, visit vmmiamibeach.com/giannis/.
Photo courtesy of Gianni’s at The Villa Casa Casuarina
Hutong
Say thanks this year with a fine-dining Chinese flair in Miami’s Hutong restaurant. Loyal patrons will be excited to know Hutong has included a new Flaming Peking Turkey on its Thanksgiving menu. Classic dishes like the Dim Sum Platter, Halibut Red Star Noodles and Ma La Chilli Prawns will also be available for those craving a less traditional Thanksgiving meal. End on a sweet note with desserts like Hong Kong Milk Tea Tiramisu or the Golden Treasure Bowl, a signature dessert platter filled with sweet surprises. Reservations are highly recommended.
Where: 600 Brickell Ave., Miami
For more information, visit hutong-miami.com.
Photo courtesy of Hutong Miami
Gary Rack’s Farmhouse Kitchen
More than a place to eat, Gary Rack's Farmhouse Kitchen's core values center on being a place for family and friends to gather and create lasting memories. And what better way to celebrate Thanksgiving than in a welcoming setting where your holiday cravings are met with a side of fun? Indulge in Butternut Squash & Apple Soup (with salted caramel and crispy apple skin), Honey Brined Organic Heritage and Homemade Pumpkin Pie (with caramel and Chantilly cream) with family and friends.
Where: 399 S.E. Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton
For more information, visit farmhousekitchenboca.com.
Photo courtesy of Gary Rack’s Farmhouse Kitchen
Stiltsville Fish Bar
Seafood lovers can also partake in the holiday’s celebrations thanks to Stiltsville Fish Bar, a relaxed and casual restaurant in the heart of Miami’s Sunset Harbor neighborhood. On Thanksgiving, the restaurant is whipping up a special three-course menu with items like Crispy Calamari, Ceasar salad, Scallop and House Made Pork Belly Miso and Smoked Fish Dip for starters. Main dishes include Char-Grilled Pumpkin Swordfish and Bay Leaf & Citrus-Crusted Fried Turkey Breast, with sides like Local Jamaican Sweet Potato and Pink Peppercorn Marshmallow, Cranberry Smash and Grilled Green Beans. As if all this wasn’t enough, delicious desserts like Coconut Key Lime Pie and Grandma’s Carrot Cake are also part of the grand feast.
Where: 1787 Purdy Ave., Miami Beach
For more information, visit stiltsvillefishbar.com.
Photo courtesy of Grove Bay Hospitality Group
JWB Prime Steak & Seafood
Nestled inside the popular Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort, JWB Prime Steak & Seafood will be serving a three-course menu boasting holiday favorites like local burrata with warm tomato soup, slow-roasted turkey with mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and gravy and pumpkin cheesecake. Before heading home, take a leisurely stroll along Hollywood’s Beach boardwalk — you’ll be thankful for that, too.
Where: 1111 N. Ocean Dr., Hollywood.
For more information, visit margaritavillehollywoodbeachresort.com.
Photo courtesy of Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort
Le Jardinier
Treat yourself to luxury dining on Nov. 23 at Le Jardinier, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Miami’s vibrant Design District. Dining at this modern French establishment always leaves diners in a state of pure happiness, and rightly so. For Thanksgiving, start with the Golden Beet Salad (red beets mostarda, goat cheese, granola and cocoa nibs) or the Sunchoke Velouté (glazed salsify, toasted pine nuts and chili oil). Then, order King Salmon (dill glazed carrots, spiced labneh, ginger scallion) or, to keep things holiday-related, Organic Turkey (roasted root vegetables and cranberry) paired with sides like fried Brussels sprouts, mushroom stuffing or mashed potatoes. And because no big feast is complete without dessert, Le Jardinier offers a Warm Apple Tart Tatin (frangipane, vanilla ice cream) that’s for the books.
Where: 151 N.E. 41st St., Miami
For more information, visit lejardinier-miami.com.
Photo courtesy of The Bastion Collection
American Social Bar & Kitchen
American Social Bar & Kitchen is the perfect spot to meet up with loved ones and catch your favorite game. For Thanksgiving, head to the Fort Lauderdale location and enjoy an Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast with Turkey Gravy, Butter Whipped Yukon Gold Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts Hash, Sausage-Apple Stuffing and Cranberry Sauce. There will also be a Leftover Baggie: Two Turkey Sliders, Butter Whipped Yukon Gold Potatoes, Sausage-Apple Stuffing and a carrot cake cookie for dessert. For NFL lovers (Detroit Lions fan, anyone?), this sports bar and restaurant boasts 20 TVs and an impressive drink menu (with Papi’s Paloma and Moka-Spresso Martini, to name a few), making it a great place to catch the game.
Where: 721 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
For more information, visit americansocialbar.com.
Photo courtesy of American Social Bar & Kitchen