Thanksgiving in Boston features a delightful mix of traditional and innovative cuisine, with top-notch restaurants perfect for those opting out of kitchen duty. The city’s dining scene caters to all preferences, from classic turkey dinners to modern culinary twists.
Discover a curated list of the 10 best restaurants, offering everything from cozy, family-run spots to upscale experiences, ensuring exceptional food, warm ambiance, and impeccable service for an unforgettable holiday feast.
Stay tuned for detailed insights into each venue’s menu highlights, reservation tips, and unique features. Read on to learn about hidden gems and well-known favorites that promise to elevate your Thanksgiving celebration.
Whether you’re seeking a quaint, intimate setting or a lavish dining affair, our guide has something for everyone.
From award-winning chefs to charming bistros, each establishment guarantees a memorable dining experience.
Look forward to discovering venues that offer the best seasonal ingredients, festive atmospheres, and exceptional hospitality.
10 Must-Try Boston Spots for Thanksgiving Dining and Festivities
Discover the best restaurants in Boston for a memorable Thanksgiving dinner, offering exceptional cuisine and festive atmospheres to make your holiday truly special.
1. Buttermilk & Bourbon
Located on Commonwealth Ave, Buttermilk & Bourbon is the brainchild of a local star chef. Known for its New Orleans-inspired dishes, this Southern restaurant brings a quirky twist to Thanksgiving dinner.
With a vibrant lounge, the ambiance complements the culinary experience. They offer dine-in, takeout, and delivery options, ensuring convenience for all. Rated 4.4 stars by over 2,300 reviews, it’s a crowd favorite.
Buttermilk & Bourbon’s Thanksgiving menu features classics with a unique Southern flair. Expect dishes like buttermilk-brined turkey and savory stuffing with a Louisiana twist. For reservations, visit opentable.com or call (617) 266-1122.
2. Boston Chops South End
Known for its upscale, woody ambiance, Boston Chops South End offers a classic Thanksgiving dinner with a modern twist.
This steakhouse, rated 4.4 stars from 937 reviews, features surf & turf and nose-to-tail specialties, ensuring a unique dining experience.
Located at 1375 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118, the restaurant provides dine-in, takeout, and no-contact delivery options, making it convenient for any dining preference.
Thanksgiving at Boston Chops includes expertly prepared turkey dishes accompanied by classic sides.
Guests can also enjoy an extensive menu that highlights premium steaks and fresh seafood. Secure your table by reserving online at bostonchops.com or calling (617) 227-5011.
3. Scampo
Nestled in the chic Liberty Hotel, Scampo offers an upscale Thanksgiving dining experience. Known for its Italian flair and mozzarella bar, Scampo provides a unique twist with their holiday menu.
The restaurant boasts a 4.4 rating based on 654 reviews, reflecting its popularity among locals and visitors alike. Guests can opt for dine-in, takeout, or delivery, ensuring flexibility.
Located at 215 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114, Scampo is easily accessible. Reservations can be made through Resy, securing a spot in a venue rich in history—formerly a jailhouse. Open from 11:30 AM, it’s the perfect spot for an unforgettable holiday dinner.
4. Alcove
Alcove serves a regionally sourced, Mediterranean-inspired Thanksgiving dinner in a stylish setting. Located at 50 Lovejoy Wharf, Boston, MA 02114, Alcove offers a vibrant ambiance perfect for holiday dining.
Guests can enjoy dine-in, curbside pickup, or no-contact delivery options, making it convenient for different preferences.
Alcove boasts a 4.1 rating based on 491 reviews, reflecting its popularity and quality. The menu highlights fresh, locally sourced ingredients prepared with a Mediterranean twist.
Whether you’re dining in or opting for pickup, Alcove provides a delightful culinary experience for Thanksgiving. To make reservations, visit alcoveboston.com or call (617) 248-0050.
5. STK Steakhouse
STK Steakhouse in Boston at 222 Berkeley St offers a sleek, modern ambiance ideal for an upscale Thanksgiving dinner, featuring high-quality steaks, inventive sides, and signature cocktails.
It has a 4.8 rating from 4,541 reviews, with options for dine-in, takeout, and no-contact delivery. Reservations can be made on opentable.com or by calling (617) 315-8274.
Harvest, located in Harvard Square at 44 Brattle Street, offers seasonal New England cuisine in a cozy yet refined setting.
With a 4.6 rating from 2,987 reviews, its Thanksgiving menu includes locally sourced ingredients and traditional dishes with a modern twist. Reservations can be made on their website or by calling (617) 868-2255.
6. Parker’s Restaurant
Parker’s Restaurant, nestled in the historic Omni Parker House at 60 School St, Boston, MA 02108, offers a refined Thanksgiving dining experience.
Known for its formal New England fare, this upscale restaurant invites guests to indulge in traditional Thanksgiving dishes crafted with a gourmet touch. With a 4.3 rating from 290 reviews, Parker’s ensures a memorable holiday meal.
Guests can choose to dine in and savor the elegant ambiance or opt for takeout and delivery services. For reservations and menu details, visit omnihotels.com or call (617) 725-1600.
Parker’s Restaurant combines historic charm with modern culinary excellence, perfect for a festive celebration.
7. Bostonia Public House
Bostonia Public House, located at 131 State St in Boston, offers a vibrant Thanksgiving dining experience with New England fare in a historic building. Guests can choose dine-in, takeout, or delivery, with the venue operating from 9 AM to 2 AM.
The restaurant boasts a 4.4 rating from 3,219 reviews, praised for its decor and flavorful dishes. Reservations are available on opentable.com.
Another excellent option is Harvest in Harvard Square, renowned for its seasonally inspired cuisine and warm, rustic atmosphere.
Harvest uses locally sourced ingredients and accommodates different dietary needs, making it an inclusive choice. Reservations can be made on their website.
8. Boston Sail Loft
Boston Sail Loft offers a waterside Thanksgiving dining experience with unbeatable views. Located at 80 Atlantic Ave, this seafood restaurant boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a perfect ambiance for the holiday.
Patrons can dine in or opt for takeout from their diverse menu. Known for its seafood staples, the Sail Loft blends traditional dishes with maritime favorites. Open until 2 AM, it’s ideal for both early and late celebrations.
With a 4.6 rating from 4,543 reviews, it’s a top choice for Thanksgiving dinner in Boston. Reservations are recommended, and online ordering is available at thebostonsailloft.com.
9. Strega
Strega, located at 379 Hanover St in Boston’s North End, offers a glitzy old-world Italian ambiance perfect for a memorable Thanksgiving dinner. Known for its gangster-inspired decor and celebrity sightings, Strega provides both dine-in and takeout options.
With a 3.8 rating from 1,002 reviews, this venerable spot impresses with its classic Italian dishes. Guests can savor a unique Thanksgiving experience amid luxurious surroundings, enhanced by attentive service.
Strega is part of Boston’s rich dining tapestry, blending tradition with flair for an unforgettable holiday feast. For reservations, visit stregabynickvarano.com or call (617) 523-8481.
10. Deuxave
Deuxave offers a sophisticated Thanksgiving dining experience with a modern French twist. Located at 371 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02115, this chic restaurant combines French and American culinary traditions in a stylish setting complete with a fireplace and bar.
With a stellar 4.6 rating from 679 reviews, Deuxave is renowned for its elegant ambiance and exceptional service.
The restaurant offers dine-in, takeout, and delivery options, making it accessible for various dining preferences.
Visit their website, deuxave.com, to explore the menu or reserve a table. For a refined and memorable Thanksgiving dinner, Deuxave stands out as an excellent choice in Boston.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best restaurants for Thanksgiving dinner in Boston?
Boston offers several top-notch restaurants for Thanksgiving dinner, such as Union Oyster House, Legal Harborside, Mooo, The Capital Grille, Bostonia Public House, and Deuxave. These establishments provide a range of traditional and innovative dishes tailored to various tastes.
Is it necessary to make reservations for Thanksgiving dinner in Boston?
Yes, making reservations is highly recommended for Thanksgiving dinner in Boston, especially at popular spots like STK Steakhouse, Parker’s Restaurant, and Boston Sail Loft. Reservations ensure you have a spot and a timely dining experience.
Are there options for takeout or delivery for Thanksgiving dinner in Boston?
Absolutely! Many Boston restaurants like Scampo at the Liberty Hotel, Harvest, and Bostonia Public House offer takeout and delivery options for Thanksgiving dinner. You can enjoy a festive meal at home without the hassle of cooking.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options available for Thanksgiving dinner in Boston?
Yes, many Boston restaurants include vegetarian and vegan dishes on their Thanksgiving menus. Places like Harvest and Deuxave are known for accommodating diverse dietary preferences without compromising on flavor.
Can I find seafood options for Thanksgiving dinner in Boston?
Yes, Boston’s Thanksgiving dining scene includes seafood options. Restaurants like Boston Sail Loft and Legal Harborside provide unique seafood dishes alongside traditional Thanksgiving fare, perfect for seafood enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect spot for Thanksgiving dinner in Boston depends on individual preferences for ambiance, cuisine, and dining experience.
From the historic charm of Parker’s Restaurant to the chic, modern vibes at STK Steakhouse, there’s something for everyone.
For a festive New England twist, Bostonia Public House offers modern touches on classic dishes. Those craving seafood with a view will enjoy the Boston Sail Loft, while fans of Italian cuisine can revel in the luxurious ambiance of Strega.
No matter your choice, these top Boston restaurants promise a memorable Thanksgiving dinner with exceptional food and service.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy, intimate setting or a vibrant atmosphere, these establishments cater to a variety of tastes and preferences.
Reserve early to ensure you secure a table at one of these top-notch locations and make your Thanksgiving truly special.
Timothy Russell Dewart