What could be better than celebrating Thanksgiving with friends and family? Celebrating in the sunny paradise of Greater Fort Lauderdale, of course! Not only can you enjoy a delicious meal with all the fixings, but you also get gorgeous weather and stunning views to make the holiday meal even more special. No matter where your evening takes you–from beachfront bliss to sophisticated settings inside notable hotels–there’s something for everyone to enjoy under the sun.
And if you decide to celebrate in the comfort of your own hotel room, there are a few to-go options available for order. To guarantee a reservation on Thanksgiving Day, contact the restaurant to confirm availability, as these bookings fill up quickly.
Waterfront Restaurants
Celebrate Thanksgiving in style with a delightful wine and dine experience at DUNE by Laurent Tourondel, set against the stunning backdrop of Fort Lauderdale beach.
The namesake Michelin-starred chef’s restaurant serves up delectable cuisine underscored by fresh seafood. DUNE is offering a prix-fixe three-course menu featuring a cranberry and sage spritz and cornbread ratatouille to start, followed by your choice of an appetizer, entrée with family sides, and dessert. Options range from crispy Parmesan souffle and roasted dry-aged prime rib to warm champlain apple orchard pie for dessert.
Burlock Coast Seafare & Spirits at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale, is also offering a three-course family-style meal featuring an array of delicious dishes. Start your meal with the roasted delicata squash accompanied by fall greens and goat cheese or the crispy shrimp and sweet potato croquettes. The main course features roasted turkey breast and confit leg and thigh with cornbread-Andouille stuffing, whipped garlic potatoes, vegetables, and plenty of gravy and cranberry sauce. End your meal with something sweet, either the roasted pumpkin pie topped with cinnamon whipped cream or the warm apple pie served with vanilla ice cream. Enjoy this memorable feast with a great view of the glistening ocean.
For a Mexican twist this turkey day, head to Lona Cocina & Tequileria on Fort Lauderdale beach. Lona is offering patrons a three-course Thanksgiving menu crafted by executive chef Juan Carlos Peña, which begins with cornbread for the table, served with jalapeño butter. Choose between a slow-cooked turkey breast or tequila and pineapple roasted ham for the main meal. Expect all the fixings and end on a sweet note with Pastel de la Abuela or pecan pie. A limited à la carte menu will also be available on Thanksgiving Day.
In the Thanksgiving mood but not ready to commit to a full meal? Imbibe with some fall-flavored cocktails instead at Casa Sensei located on the Intracoastal off Las Olas Boulevard. This Pan-Asian and Latin American–inspired restaurant is serving up two delightful cocktails this season. The Fall Margarita fuses tequila, triple sec, lime juice, apple cider, and cranberry juice adorned with a cinnamon sugar rim and a cinnamon stick garnish. The Caramel Pear Smash is a flavorful fusion of bourbon, pear juice, butterscotch liqueur, lemon juice, simple caramel, and a pear garnish. Enjoy these tipples on the waterfront patio to keep the good vibes flowing.
Head up to Deerfield Beach's Oceans 234 to experience a waterfront Thanksgiving with panoramic vista views. Treat yourself to a seafood-heavy holiday featuring Florida stone crabs and lobster available à la carte or opt for a traditional spread by chef Nicole Fey. The Thanksgiving platter comes with citrus-infused turkey, brown butter gravy, challah stuffing, cranberry clementine compote, mashed potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, and Parker House rolls. For dessert, finish with sweet pumpkin cheesecake.
Hotel Escapes
If you’re staying in the trendy neighborhood of North Beach Village for the holidays, make your Thanksgiving reservation at La Fuga inside the Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. The coastal Italian eatery is welcoming locals and hotel guests to celebrate Thanksgiving with a unique menu of authentic dishes from the “Per la Famiglia” (family-style menu), which includes a selection of antipasti, primi (first course), secondi (second course), and delicious desserts, all curated by executive chef Michael Mayer.
A newcomer to Fort Lauderdale’s dining scene, Olive & Sea has made a splash since debuting earlier this summer at Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina. The rooftop waterfront restaurant along the Intracoastal serves colorful and bold Mediterranean-style dishes, so expect a Thanksgiving menu with options, such as Zaatar-roasted turkey breast with Arak gravy, Moroccan carrots, cardamom cranberry relish, and more delights.
You can always up the ante by dining at one of the fine eateries inside the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. There are a slew of options to try; a few standouts include contemporary Japanese cuisine at Kuro, a three-course meal inside the always fabulous steakhouse Council Oak Steak & Seafood, and fall-inspired cuisine served by grilling favorite Abiaka Wood Fire Grill.
To-Go Feasts
If you’re enjoying Thanksgiving in a more relaxed way this holiday season, be sure to order to-go from some select area restaurants. One, of course, is 4 Rivers Smokehouse, known for its smoked meats, Southern-style barbecue, and a variety of side dishes. The beloved Coopers Hawk Winery & Restaurant at Galleria Fort Lauderdale is offering a pre-order heat-and-serve meal that can feed six. You can also opt for dine-in and relax while indulging in a three-course spread featuring menu items like butternut squash soup, slow-roasted turkey, and a pumpkin praline cheesecake in collaboration with Eli’s Cheesecake of Chicago. (Be sure to place your to-go orders before November 17.)
Speaking of dessert, carry out pumpkin cheesecake from Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Preorders for Thanksgiving will open online on November 1 on the bake shop’s website.