Zagat Survey Discussions

Atlanta

Cassis at the Grand Hyatt: The Continental brunch at this Buckhead hotel includes breakfast classics, specialty waffles, artisanal cheese, a seafood bar, pastas, prime rib, wild salmon, stuffed chicken breast and, of course, roast turkey; there's a dessert buffet and children’s menu too (11 AM–2 PM; $58 for adults; $27.50 for children ages five–12; free for children four and under; 404-233-5686).

Colonnade: This Cheshire Bridge old-timer knows Southern comfort food; its homestyle Thanksgiving meal includes cream of turkey soup, cranberry salad, roast turkey with gravy and a choice of sides and dessert; an à la carte menu is available as well (11 AM–8 PM; $19.95 for adults; $8.95 for children 10 and under; 404-874-5642).

Horseradish Grill: The three-course prix fixe dinner at this Buckhead charmer will feature several options to choose from (11 AM–5:30 PM; $42.95 for adults; $22.95 for children ages 10 and under; 404-255-7277).

Murphy's: Grab Thanksgiving dinner to-go from this Virginia-Highland American, including turkey with fixin's like a green salad with walnuts, blue cheese and apples, cranberry-orange relish, molasses mashed sweet potatoes and herbed cornbread stuffing with sausage, plus a selection of pies. Order by Monday, November 19th, and pick up on Wednesday, November 21st, from 11 AM–10 PM ($125 serves four, $250 serves eight; call 404-872-0904 or order online at www.murphysvh.com).

Park 75: This New American in the Four Seasons will serve a brunch buffet with stations set up for traditional dishes plus meat carving, sushi and omelets (11 AM–3 PM; $78 per person); a four-course prix fixe dinner menu will also be available (5:30–8:30 PM; $90 per adult; $35 per child ages six–12; free for children under six; 404-253-3840).

Ritz-Carlton Buckhead Dining Room: The Ritz-Carlton will put up its lavish buffet spread in both the dining room and the cafe, with over 100 items to choose from (dining room, 11 AM–3:30 PM; cafe, 11:30 AM–3 PM; $82 per adult; $36 per child ages six–12; free for children under six; 404-237-2700).

River Room: This Vinings New American is offering a three-course prix fixe menu with choice of roast turkey breast, carved New York strip steak, pan-roasted Atlantic salmon or pork chop for an entree (11:30 AM–8:30 PM; $39.95 for adults; $19.95 for children 12 and under; 404-233-5455).

Boston

Bistro at Crowne Pointe: The four-course fete at this Provincetown mansion-turned-inn begins with saffron squash soup, followed by a salad with baked pear, a selection of four entrees including roast turkey with cornbread stuffing or vegetarian cassoulet and a choice of dessert including a pumpkin pot de crème (1–9 PM; $44.95 per person; 508-487-6767, ext. 505).

Excelsior: In addition to its regular dinner menu, this upscale Back Bay New American will offer a four-course holiday meal with Nantucket Bay scallop bisque, followed by a salad, organic Amish-raised turkey and New England apple pie (1–8 PM; $78 per person, $98 paired with wine by the half glass, $118 with wine by the whole; 617-426-7878).

Grill 23 & Bar: Beef takes a break at this swanky Back Bay steakhouse, where organic free-range turkey will be featured with all the trimmings; the menu starts with smoked shrimp chowder, continues with watercress salad and finishes with pumpkin cheesecake; the regular dinner menu will also be available (1–9 PM; $65 per person, $90 with wine pairings; 617-542-2255).

Henrietta’s Table: American bounty is what this casual Harvard Square eatery does year-round; its Thanksgiving buffet features appetizers, an array of meats including turkey, sides, vegetarian dishes and a selection of desserts (noon–8 PM; $55 per adult; $27.50 per child ages six–12; free for children five and under; 617-661-5005).

Sandrine's: A four-course prix fixe meal will be served at this Alsatian bistro in Harvard Square, including pumpkin soup, roast turkey, goat cheese salad and pumpkin cheesecake (noon–8 PM; $50 per person; à la carte menu available for children; 617-497-5300).

Sel de la Terre: The Waterfront bistro and its Natick sibling will offer a three-course prix fixe feast with options like pheasant and foie gras pâté, farm-raised Vermont turkey and traditional apple pie (noon–8 PM; $58 for adults; $29 for children ages 12 and under; kids' menu available; Boston, 617-426-7878; Natick, 508-650-1800).

Smith & Wollensky: It's a choice of turkey with all the fixings, pork loin or filet mignon at this Back Bay steakhouse, which will serve a four-course prix fixe with starter, salad and dessert, as well as coffee or tea (noon–8 PM; $38.95 for adults, $49.95 if ordering filet mignon; $16 for children 10 and under, $30 if ordering filet mignon; 617-423-1112).

Chicago

Bin 36: Tuck into an all-American three-course menu offering entrees like turkey and prime rib with truffled hollandaise, family-style sides such as spaghetti squash with vin cotto and a stuffing of sourdough, wild mushrooms, apples and hazelnuts, and seasonal desserts including pumpkin pithivier and warm date pudding cake with brown butter ice cream and Vermont maple reduction (3–9 PM; $40 for adults; $19 for children under 12; reservations highly recommended; 312-755-9463).

Birch River Grill: In the Northwest 'burbs, this American kitchen will be serving a four-course plated meal featuring updated classics like butternut squash and Kentucky bourbon bisque and maple-glazed free-range turkey breast with kiln-dried cherry dressing (noon–10 PM; $22.95 for adults; $12.95 for children 12 and under; 847-427-4242).

Cyrano’s Bistrot: Get out of the kitchen and follow your nose to this River North classic for an affordable take-out dinner ready to reheat; six courses include roasted pumpkin soup; Provençal ratatouille; rotisserie turkey, duck or chicken; four veggies; and cheese and pastry courses. Order by Wednesday, November 21st, for pickup on November 22nd from 11:30 AM–12:30 PM ($37.50 per person; 312-467-0546).

Dine: This retro American is offering a midpriced plated dinner that subtly tweaks traditional fare – the turkey stuffing is andouille-cornbread, the green beans bourbon-infused and the pumpkin cheesecake topped with apple syrup and cinnamon ice cream (noon–10 PM; $24.95 for adults; $16.95 for children under 12; 312-602-2100).

Mity Nice Grill: This family-friendly Water Tower waystation celebrates the holiday with a big buffet featuring classic roast turkey and fixings plus pineapple glazed ham, beef tenderloin, butternut squash ravioli, macaroni 'n' cheese and pies (noon–7 PM; $36.95 for adults; $16.95 for children 12 and under; reservations required at 312-335-4745).

NoMI: A haute holiday brunch buffet includes specialty tables from the ocean, bakery, garden, oven and patisserie, with entree selections including traditional roast turkey; NoMI will be closed for dinner (11:30 AM–7 PM; $95 for adults; $30 for children ages five–12; reservations required at 312-335-1234).

Vermilion: Enjoy Indian-Latin Thanksgiving alternatives like grilled turkey breast with Indian mango and cumin, Colombian yuca flour cake bread, Brazilian candied baby beets and pumpkin tres leches; dine in, take out or advance order your own spice-rubbed roasted turkey for pickup (11:30 AM–10 PM; $50 per person; à la carte menu available as well; whole turkeys for pickup sold by the pound; 312-527-4060).

Las Vegas

AJ's Steakhouse: Take a break from gambling to enjoy a four-course prix fixe, which will include roasted turkey, butternut squash ravioli, pumpkin soup and cheesecake (6–11 PM; $65 per person; 702-693-5500).

Bouchon: Thomas Keller’s French bistro will be putting its own twist on Thanksgiving, with a three-course prix fixe that highlights winter-squash flan, slow-cooked turkey breast and a pecan tart with bourbon ice cream (5–10 PM; $55 per person; 702-414-6200).

Lawry's The Prime Rib: Save your money for the slots and go East of the Strip for a reasonably priced three-course prix fixe menu featuring traditional dishes of turkey breast, whipped potatoes and cranberry sauce; regular menu available too (1–10 PM; $28 per person; 702-893-2223).

Olives: For a more casual dinner, Todd English’s Mediterranean will be adding some Thanksgiving-themed items such as oven-roasted turkey skewers to its regular menu (5–10 PM; 702-693-8255).

Picasso : The four-course prix fixe menu at this upscale New French will be “semi-traditional,” offering choices like black bass and roasted Maine lobster for those who want to be different (6–9:30 PM; $135 per person; children under five not permitted; 702-693-8255).

Rosemary's: A four-course prix fixe Thanksgiving dinner offers three-to-four choices per course; entree options include deep-fried turkey breast, pork tenderloin and red fish with jumbo-crab cake; children’s menu available too (2–8 PM; $48 per person; 702-869-2251).

London

Bodeans: The three-course lunch or dinner at this BBQ specialist begins with a choice of salad, clam chowder or smoked chicken gumbo, continues with smoked turkey and ham, mashed potatoes and homemade gravy, grilled veggies and cornbread stuffing, and ends with apple cobbler, pumpkin pie or ice cream; as an added bonus, NFL football games begin at 5:30 PM on its big-screen TVs (£18.95 per person; Clapham, 020-7622 4248; Fulham, 020-7610 0440; Soho, 020-7287 7575). There is a brand-new location at 57 Westbourne Grove, W11 (020-7727 9503).

Christopher’s Covent Garden: Start off with a cranberry martini (£8) and follow with dishes such as roast-corn-and-sweet-potato chowder, “Grand Central” oyster-and-scallop pan roast, slow-cooked ballotine of Norfolk turkey with cornbread, hazelnut and Michigan cherry stuffing, cranberry relish, buttered beans, creamed potatoes and pumpkin pie with bourbon cream (noon–3 PM and 5–11:30 PM; £38 for three courses; 020-7240 4222).

La Fromagerie: The Thanksgiving celebration at this Marylebone eatery includes roast turkey, sweet potatoes, cornbread and all the trimmings plus pumpkin and apple pies; large tables of up to 10 are available (7:30 PM; £75 per person, includes wine; 020-7935 0341).

La Noisette: During lunch and dinner, in honour of Thanksgiving, this Belgravia New French will go American with pumpkin soup, roasted Somerset turkey with sweet potatoes and roasted vegetables and pecan pie (noon–10:30 PM; £55 per person; 020-7750 5000).

Tentazioni: This Tower Bridge Italian will offer a four-course prix fixe at both lunch and dinner, which will include shrimp cocktail with cranberry gelatin salad and a Marie-Rose sauce, pumpkin ravioli with butter and sage, roast turkey with cornbread stuffing, mashed sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, glazed carrots, cranberry sauce and bread sauce; top it off with pumpkin bread, apple pie with vanilla ice cream and cookies (noon–2:30 PM and 6:30–10:45 PM; £32 per person; 020-7237 1100).

Villandry: Kick-start your Thanksgiving evening with a batch of mint juleps at this Marylebone cafe, whose à la carte dinner menu includes clam-and-sweet-corn chowder, maple-syrup-roasted Virginia ham with mashed potatoes and glazed root vegetables, and turkey with all the trimmings, not to mention pecan pie with bourbon anglaise and pumpkin pie with cinnamon cream; the menu will also be available at the bar (two-hour seatings from 5:30–10:15 PM; 020-7631 3131).

Los Angeles

Breeze: All afternoon, this hotel Californian offers a sprawling Thanksgiving buffet of, among many other things, oven-roasted turkey, herb-crusted prime rib, lobster and wild mushroom ravioli, scalloped corn casserole, freshly shucked blue points and citrus-marinated shrimp. There are bagels with smoked salmon too – we assume, just in case (noon–7 PM; $58 for adults; $28 for children; free for children under three; 310-551-3334).

Cafe del Rey: It’s a Dockside Thanksgiving at this dockside Cal-French, with a three-course à la carte menu of dishes ranging from crépinette of guinea fowl to Maine diver scallops with parsnip puree to an applewood-smoked free-range turkey with brioche and celery stuffing (1–7 PM; $65 for adults; $25 for children; 310-823-6395).

Fogo de Chão: This Brazilian all-you-can-eat churrascaria is celebrating the holiday with its usual menu of beef, beef and more beef for those who like to feel stuffed, but don’t want to do it with tryptophan-heavy turkey meat and calorie-laden stuffing (5–10 PM; $50 per person for salad bar and meat; $25 for salad bar alone; 310-289-7755).

Grace: Why go out on Thanksgiving when you can bring restaurant quality food home (and maybe even pass it off as your own)? Place your order by Monday, November 19th, and it will be ready for pickup between 10 AM and 3 PM on November 21st, complete with assembly and preparation instructions. Think of the look on your guests' faces when you serve up tuna tartare in cucumber cups ($24 per dozen), buttermilk blue cheese tarts ($12 per dozen), deep-fried turkey ($20 per person), thyme and black truffle turkey gravy ($12 per pint) and more, prepared by toque Neal Fraser and his staff (323-934-4400).

JAR: Once again, Suzanne Tracht's Beverly Boulevard New American is celebrating the holiday by offering a three-course meal including chestnut soup with chickpeas, oyster stew with Chinese celery and turkey with five trimmings served family-style (2–8 PM; $85 per adult; $40 per child; 323-655-6566).

Johnny Rebs': You can get a smoked turkey feast to go for $59.99 (serves 4–6) or $79.99 (serves 10–12), including sage and mushroom dressing, giblet gravy, cranberry relish, mashed potatoes and a choice of dessert, available from any of the restaurant's three branches (Bellflower, Orange and Long Beach).

Lawry's The Prime Rib: If what you want for Thanksgiving is prime rib, you can get it to eat-in or to-go throughout the day from this La Cienega Boulevard legend. But for those who can't bear to venture off the traditional path, there's also an option for a full turkey feast, priced at a very reasonable $28 per person (1–10 PM; 310-652-2827).

Original Pantry Cafe: This classic Downtown coffee shop is planning a complete Thanksgiving dinner for its customers priced at a reasonable "under $20 per person" (11 AM on; 213-972-9279).

Saddle Peak Lodge: This rustic American high above the hills of Malibu will serve a four-course sit-down all afternoon including free-range turkey prepared three ways (braised, roasted, confit), pan-seared Alaskan salmon, elk tenderloin, crispy Berkshire pork belly, leek risotto and more (noon–8 PM; $90 per person; 818-222-3888).

Tracht's: This New American at the Renissance Long Beach Hotel is offering a three-course (with many sides) meal of dishes-with-a-twist including pumpkin soup with fried leeks, turkey leg confit, Yukon Gold mashed potatoes and more (11 AM–7 PM; $52 per person; $26 per child; 562-499-2533).

Miami

Acqua: The chic restaurant at the Four Seasons will be serving up turkey in style this year with a five-course prix fixe dinner paired with live music. Though the final menu hasn't been set yet, one can expect traditional holiday fare (6:30–8:30 PM; $75 for adults; $30 for children under 12; 305-358-3535).

Azul: The Mandarin Oriental’s signature restaurant will be serving a five-course prix fixe menu featuring your standard turkey day fare. For those interested in fewer courses, there will be a limited à la carte menu (4–8:30 PM; $85 per person; 305-913-8358).

Chef Allen's: This beloved New World eatery will offer a five-course tasting menu, with two to three choices per course. And to keep you on your toes, the menu is set to include some nontraditional fare such as pumpkin ravioli, wild Florida shrimp, goat cheese salad and choice of turkey breast, grouper or Châteaubriand (4–10 PM; $65 per adult; $29 per child; 305-935-2900).

Christy's: The steakhouse will be serving a four-course “traditional turkey dinner” including dishes like cream of mushroom soup, Caesar salad, turkey breast with chestnut stuffing and mushrooms, mashed sweet potatoes and pumpkin or pecan pie (1–10 PM; $31.50 for adults; $15.50 for child portions; 305-446-1400).

The Forge: Another steakhouse offering a full turkey dinner, the Forge's fare will include Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes and turkey breast with foie gras stuffing and crabapple sauce (6:30–11 PM; $69 per person; 305-538-8533).

1200 at the Biltmore: If you're looking to spend Thanksgiving morning in an atmosphere of grandeur, then head to this Coral Gables restaurant inside the historic Biltmore, which is is serving a traditional Thanksgiving brunch buffet with nine separate food stations (10 AM–2 PM; $75 for adults; half price for children ages five–12; free for children under five; 305-445-1926).

New York City

Aix Brasserie: Upper Westsiders can head to this neighborhood brasserie for a three-course prix fixe meal featuring several choices for each course, including organic roast turkey with sweet potatoes à l'orange (1–8 PM; $69 per person; 212-874-7400).

Asiate: Parade-goers can kick off or wind down their day at this Japanese-French perch high above Central Park, which is serving breakfast (7–9:30 AM; $55 for adults; $35 for children), as well as a prix fixe dinner with quinoa-crusted turkey, cranberry wild rice, Brussels sprouts and chestnuts as an entree choice (noon–8 PM; $95 for adults; $55 for children; 212-805-8881).

A Voce: Avoid the holiday prix fixe mark-up by dining at Andrew Carmellini's Madison Square Park Italian, which will serve its regular à la carte menu (2–9 PM; 212-545-8555).

Barbuto: Duck into Jonathan Waxman's hip Greenwich Villager for a rustic, four-course meal with Italian accents – think gnocchi with pumpkin, pine nuts and sage and persimmon panna cotta (2–8 PM; $60 per person; 212-924-9700).

Beacon: Enjoy a four-course prix fixe menu – including roasted wild mushroom ravioli and New York State "Bourbon Red" heirloom turkey – at Waldy Malouf's Midtown New American (1–8 PM; $85 per adult; $35 per child under 10; free for children under four; 212-332-0500).

BLT Market: Local, seasonal ingredients will be used to craft the three-course prix fixe menu at this swanky Ritz-Carlton entry from Laurent Tourondel where agrarian chic rules (1–9 PM; $85 per adult; $55 per child under 10; 212-521-6125).

Country: Geoffrey Zakarian’s Gramercy Park New American offers diners three choices: a three-course dinner in the chic dining room (1–8 PM; $89 per person), a more casual meal in the cafe (noon–10 PM; $63 per person) and an assortment of sides that can be ordered in advance for take out (sides feed six and cost from $20–$30 each; contact 212-889-7100 or reservations@countryinnewyork.com for reservations and to-go orders).

Craft & Craftsteak: Tom Colicchio is offering similar three-course menus plus amuse-bouche and petit fours at his Flatiron flagship and Chelsea steakhouse (2–8 PM; $115 per adult; $45 per child under 12; Craft, 212-780-0880; Craftsteak, 212-400-6699).

Daniel & db Bistro Moderne: Enjoy the holiday Daniel Boulud–style. The chef is serving a three-course menu at both his Upper East Side flagship (noon–7 PM; $135 per adult; $65 per child ages 12 and under; 212-288-0033) and his Theater District bistro (1–8 PM; $72 per adult; $36 per child ages 12 and under; 212-391-2400).

Eleven Madison Park: The only Danny Meyer restaurant open for the holiday, this Madison Square Park entry will offer a four-course prix fixe menu featuring entree choices such as roast organic turkey with butternut squash and glazed chestnuts and dry-aged Black Angus beef with bone marrow, celery and bordelaise sauce (2–8 PM; $125 per person; 212-889-0905).

Fleur de Sel: Tuck into a French-style holiday feast in the Flatiron District; the menu will include turkey with foie gras–brioche stuffing and chestnut gratin (12:30–9 PM; $85 per person for three courses; $102 per person for five courses; 212-460-9100).

Hill Country: Order your whole pit-smoked turkey to-go at this instantly popular Chelsea roadhouse. Dishes can be purchased à la carte or as part of a packaged meal ($175–$255) including choice of sides, cornbread and pie (orders must be placed by Thursday, November 15; download an order form at www.hillcountryny.com or request one by calling 212-255-4544).

Le Cirque & Osteria del Circo: Celebrate the holiday with the Maccioni's – Le Cirque is offering a four-course menu (1–8 PM; $95 per person; 212-644-0202) while the more family-oriented Osteria del Circo offers a children's menu as well (1–9 PM; $68 per adult, $98 paired with wine; $25 per child; 212-265-3636).

Pamplona: A more affordable dining option is the traditional three-course prix fixe menu at this Gramercy Spaniard, served in addition to the regular tapas menu (3–8 PM; $45 per person; 212-213-2328).

Patroon: The three-course menu at this clubby Midtown New American features traditional free range tom turkey with all the fixings (2:30–6:30 PM; $85 per adult; $40 per child; 212-883-7373).

Payard Bistro: The three-course menu at this Upper East Side bistro and patisserie is capped by seasonal creations such as roasted pears with maple syrup and crème fraîche ice cream (noon–7 PM; $62 per person; 212-717-5252).

Provence: Spend the holiday in the South of France at this charming SoHo bistro offering a three-course menu featuring the likes of venison medallions, braised rabbit and, or course, roast turkey (2–7 PM; $55 per person; $25 per child under 12; 212-475-7500).

Savoy: Peter Hoffman's SoHo New American is offering a four-course greenmarket-inspired menu with entree choices like turkey, venison and fish (2–8 PM; $85 per person; 212-219-8570).

Tocqueville: This French-American oasis off of Union Square will feature a three-course menu with lots of choices, from oysters on the half shell and house-cured foie gras terrine to free range organic roast turkey and Niman Ranch pork tenderloin with whiskey-braised ham (noon–9 PM; $75 per person; 212-647-1515).

Philadelphia

City Tavern: A four-course prix fixe holiday menu inspired by 18th-century cooking customs will be served at this Old City Colonial American (noon–8:30 PM; $79.95 per adult; $29.95 per child ages 12 and under; 215-413-1443).

Coleman Restaurant: For Thanksgiving, this rustic New American in central Montco’s Normandy Farm complex will present two options: a three-course prix fixe (2–7 PM; $36 per person) and a buffet served in the silo ballroom (noon–7 PM; $34.95 per adult; $14.95 per child ages 9 and under; 215-616-8300).

Fountain Restaurant: Philly's top-rated restaurant for Food, Decor and Service, situated in the Four Seasons, will offer a New American–Continental buffet of appetizers and desserts to supplement sit-down holiday entrees (11 AM–2 PM and 3:30–7 PM; $90–$98 per person; 215-963-1500).

Lacroix at the Rittenhouse: This Classic French in the Rittenhouse Hotel will offer a brunch buffet for the holiday (10:30 AM–7 PM; $85 per person; 215-790-2533).

Legal Sea Foods: The Plaza at King of Prussia link of this seafood chain ventures into the turf realm by adding a turkey dinner to its menu, which also will include its traditional baked stuffed lobster (noon–9 PM; 610-265-5566).

London Grill: This Fairmount New American will offer a generous buffet focused on regional specialties plus a limited à la carte menu in the bar (buffet from 4–7 PM, $35 per person; à la carte from 4–8 PM; 215-978-4545).

Mendenhall Inn: Two options are on the agenda at this Brandywine Valley New American: its usual à la carte menu and a Thanksgiving buffet (buffet from 12:30–7 PM, $38 per adult; $17 per child ages four–12; free for children under four; à la carte served from 2–8 PM; 610-388-1181).

Moshulu: Aboard the world’s oldest and largest four-masted ship (berthed at Penn’s Landing), this New American will offer holiday specialties in addition to its regular à la carte menu (11 AM–7 PM; 215-923-2500).

Nineteen: This New American brasserie in the Park Hyatt at the Bellevue will put on a buffet, including raw bar with shucked-to-order oysters (1–6:30 PM; $65 per adult; $32.50 per child under 12; 215-790-1919).

Prime Rib: This Center City steakhouse in the Warwick Hotel will offer an à la carte turkey dinner plus the fixin's (3 PM until closing; $27 per person; 215-772-1701).

Rae: Chef Daniel Stern’s New American in the Cira Centre, adjacent to Amtrak’s 30th Street Station, will offer a full buffet for turkey day (seatings at 11:30 AM, noon, 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM; $58 per person; 215-922-3829).

Swann Lounge: The Four Seasons’ more casual New American–New French will also be offering a holiday buffet with all the food one expects (seatings from 11 AM–2 PM and 3:30–7 PM; $68 per person; 215-963-1500).

White Dog Café: On the Sunday before Thanksgiving, this University City New American will host a special Native American Thanksgiving dinner as chef Andrew Brown prepares a 100% sustainable menu with line-caught fish, humanely raised meat and locally grown fruit and vegetables, augmented by speeches from the guests of honor, members of Lenape Nation (the original inhabitants of the Philadelphia area), who will receive a percentage of the dinner’s proceeds (November 18, 6 PM; $45 per person; 215-286-9224).

San Francisco

Ame: Face it, you’ve had enough turkey in your life, so why not gobble up chef Hiro Sone’s eclectic New American creations at this St Regis restaurant? He’ll be serving his regular dinner menu replete with signature dishes such as broiled sake-marinated black cod and shrimp dumplings in shiso broth and grilled cuttlefish on spaghetti, along with a special holiday-inspired five-course tasting menu (4–8 PM, price of tasting menu TBD; 415-284-4040).

Garden Court: Downtown’s former carriage house was built for holiday buffets so there’s no better time than Thanksgiving to throw your budget and your diet to the wind and sup and be serenaded by piano and stand-up bass at the stained-glassed-topped dining hall at the Sheraton Palace Hotel. The dizzying spreads include a breakfast station with omelets to order, a carving station featuring roasted turkey, prime rib and glazed ham, a garde manger and veggie station featuring traditional sides, plus an Asian station replete with assorted dim sum and, of course, a dessert and ice cream station to induce the afternoon nap. There are also kid-friendly options like pizza, mac 'n' cheese and hot dogs (seatings from noon–1 PM and 4–5 PM; $98 per adult; 58 per child five–12 years old; 415-546-5010).

Home: Get the flavor of home without all the nuttiness of the real thing at this Castro comfort-food haven, which will be serving a traditional, three-course dinner with turkey, honey-glazed ham and vegetarian options. Desserts follow suit with selections such as pumpkin and pecan pie or sorbet (2–8 PM; $37 per person; 415-503-0333).

Hornblower Yachts: Why not take inspiration from our seafaring Pilgrim predecessors by cruising San Francisco Bay this Thanksgiving? Enjoy both buffet and seated dinner options, available on the same yacht, on different decks, with a live band (3–6 PM; $99 per adult; $59.40 per child ages five–12; free for children under five; 1-888-467-6256).

Metro Kathmandu: The Thanksgiving meal scales new heights at this French-owned, Himalayan-inspired newcomer with unusual starters such as truffle oil–infused lentil soup, warm watercress salad or a trio of chicken, crab and veggies momos – the signature Nepalese stuffed dumpling. Main course choices include pistachio-crusted rack of lamb with potato fritters, tiger prawns masala with basmati rice or goat cheese–stuffed potato (5:30–9:30 PM; $35 for three-courses; 415-552-0903).

Millennium: Feast on a five-course garden of earthly delights at Downtown’s eco-chic vegetarian venue in the Hotel California and it’ll be the spared turkey that’ll be giving thanks (2:30–7:30 PM; $60 for adults; $30 for children under 12; 415-345-3900).

Navio: Celebrants have two opportunities to see for themselves why Zagat rates Navio’s brunch as the best on the Peninsula. Starting in the morning, they’ll be hosting an all-you-can-eat Thanksgiving champagne brunch buffet with food stations that literally surround the restaurant on all sides (seatings at 11 AM and 1:30 PM; $130 per adult; $65 per child ages five–12; free for children four and under). The Ritz-Carlton will also host a more casual, family-oriented Thanksgiving brunch buffet in The Ballroom, featuring a live jazz trio and traditional favorites from turkey with all the trimmings to oysters and caviar and everything else imaginable in between (noon–5 PM; $110 per adult; $55 per child ages five–12; free for children four and under). In addition, chef Aaron Simmer will prepare an elegant four-course prix fixe dinner (5–9 PM; $95 per adult; $48 per child ages five–12; free for children four and under). For all Ritz-Carlton meal reservations, call 650-712-7040.

One Market: Our founding fathers would have relished the free-range flavor of a Willy Bird like the ones being roasted up at Bradley Ogden’s paean to Americana, but guests can also choose from slow-roasted wild salmon or spit-roasted pork loin as their main course. The four-course feast begins with a homemade relish plate, progresses to a warm quince and blue cheese salad or portobello soup and culminates with a sugar pumpkin tart, pear dumplings or chocolate brioche bread pudding (1–8 PM; $65 per adult; $29 per child 10 and under; 415-777-5577).

Palmetto: The Marina’s newest see-and-be-seen eatery will be presenting a three-course prix fixe showcasing an upscale riff on the traditional turkey dinner, replete with cornbread pudding and roasted Brussels sprouts, or roast prime rib with horseradish mashed potatoes and glazed carrots. Vegetarians can also opt for a lasagna with eggplant, roasted red peppers and goat cheese (2–8 PM; $45 per person; 415-931-5006).

Ritz-Carlton Terrace: Torment your relatives in colder climes by enjoying Thanksgiving in the California sunshine Nob Hill–style on the landscaped Ritz-Carlton Terrace. The three-course feast will be accompanied by live music (noon–9 PM; $95 per adult; $48 per child ages five–12; free for children under five). There will also be an elaborate buffet in the festive ballroom with a jazz trio (11:30 AM–3:30 PM; $110 per adult; $55 per child ages five–12; 415-773-6198).

Washington, DC

Blue Duck Tavern: Brunch and dinner selections at this West End New American tavern will star farm-fresh produce and locally raised, free range turkeys and a roasted suckling pig. The fixed-price brunch will include hors d'oeuvre and dessert buffets and a choice of entree (10 AM–3 PM; $80 per adult; $40 per child ages six–12; free for children under six), while the three-course, fixed-price dinner menu will allow choices of appetizers, entrees and desserts (6–10 PM; $80 per adult; $40 per child ages six–12; free for children under six; 202-419-6755).

Charlie Palmer Steak: This Capitol Hill heavy hitter will showcase Contemporary American dishes on its holiday three-course prix fixe offering choices like roasted turkey with traditional bread stuffing or spiced venison with sweet potato gnocchi; yes, there’s steak on the menu too (2–8 PM; $68 per person; 202-547-8100).

Citronelle: An all-you-can-eat spread of Michel Richard's sumptuous French take on Thanksgiving at his polished Georgetown retreat will include turkey, glazed ham, rack of lamb and salmon en croûte, not to mention all the accoutrements, plus desserts such as blueberry cheesecake and a raspberry vanilla éclair (2–7:30 PM; $85 per adult; $35 per child under 12; 202-625-2150).

The Grille at Morrison House: The just-completed Colonial-era redo of this Old Town dining room makes it a luxurious stage for a five-course tasting menu ($85 per person) featuring New American conceits like oyster fritters along with pan-roasted rockfish and turkey two ways – a roulade and leg confit – all dishes that will also be available as à la carte choices (noon–5 PM; 703-838-8000).

Inn at Little Washington: Patrick O'Connell's New American destination will serve a special seven-course meal featuring whimsical refinements of classic holiday fare, in addition to its regular menu (seatings from 1–2 PM, 4–4:45 PM and 7–8 PM; $178 per person; 540-675-3800).

L’Auberge Chez François: Enjoy a hearty six-course menu by a fireplace at this Alsatian farmhouse in Great Falls (1–7:30 PM; $59–$69 per person; 703-759-3800).

Morrison-Clark Inn: Its charming Victorian parlors in Downtown DC will backdrop a four-course menu that features a choice of traditional roasted turkey or untraditional rockfish and culminates with your choice of a trio of apple treats, pumpkin cheesecake or bread pudding (11 AM–7 PM; $75 per adult; $25 per child; 202-898-1200).

Nathans: The three-course menu ($32) at this Georgetown hangout will include turkey with all the fixings; abbreviated à la carte and bar menus, including vegetarian options like three-cheese tortellini, will also be available (noon–8 PM; 202-338-2000).

Rasika: Turkey cooked in a tandoori oven and served with cranberry flavored cashew nut sauce, red pumpkin mash and cumin-flavored Brussel sprouts ($16) will top the à la carte offerings at this Penn Quarter modern Indian hot spot for an exotic alternative to the traditional meal (noon–9 PM; 202-637-1222).

1789: Seasonal decorations and glowing hearths make this Georgetown landmark a popular pick for holiday feasting, whether diners go for a three-course traditional menu ($54 per person) or for à la carte New American options like oyster-and-champagne stew, venison, seafood or its signature lamb, plus freshly baked pumpkin and pecan pies (noon–9 PM; 202-965-1789).