Photo by Heidi Harris
Thanksgiving tends to creep up on me. One minute I’m handing out candy to trick-or-treaters and the next, BAM, it’s time for turkey. Every year I vow to plan far ahead. Welp, here we are again. In case you, too, have yet to figure out your November 28th meal (or simply don’t want to), we’ve gathered six top spots for filling up with family and friends. No grocery shopping or cooking required.
Buckhead
Impress your relatives with a five-course feast from this Michelin-starred restaurant led by executive chef Freddy Money. Opt for seating in the main dining room, where an impressive collection of 20th century artwork sets the stage for a Thanksgiving meal unlike any other. The menu has yet to be revealed, but promises a unique set of offerings based on chef Money’s interpretations of traditional holiday fare. The cost is $195 per person; reservations are available from noon to 8 p.m. on OpenTable. If the dining room fills to capacity, seating is available in the Garden Room and the Tavern, too.
Fayetteville
Putting a modern spin on classics, Enzo executive chef and owner Andrea Montobbio is offering specials like turkey roulade with truffle mashed potatoes, garlicky green beans, pork sausage dressing, and cranberry-apple mostarda. Appetizers include Brussels sprouts and cranberry with kale, hazelnuts, and shallot vinaigrette; and honey-glazed pork belly with cranberry-apple mostarda and radish. Finish the meal with pumpkin cheesecake, pecan pie, or lemon olive oil cake. Reservations are available from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Locations in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Brookhaven, Dunwoody, Vinings, and more
Dining out for a holiday doesn’t come cheap, but Hobnob is relatively affordable. A three-course meal for children 12 and under costs $18.95; adults will fill up for $55. Options include acorn squash soup, pimento cheese, or fall salad; apple cider–mustard glazed ham, salmon, porter-braised short rib, or roast turkey; and pumpkin or pecan pie. Make a reservation or stop in 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Morningside/Lenox Park
Feel like going against the grain? Nakato is open year-round, and Thanksgiving is one of the sushi and hibachi restaurant’s busiest days each year. Reserve hibachi table seating for an entertaining experience as the chef prepares the meal in front of you, or choose a regular table for sushi and Japanese dishes. Nakato is extending its hours for the holiday (1 p.m. to 9 pm.) to accommodate additional diners.
Sandy Springs
There will be no shortage of food at this buffet! From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Ray’s on the River will offer spins on turkey day favorites, such as bourbon sweet potatoes, butternut squash bisque, smoked salmon spread, and brisket smoked on the Big Green Egg. Traditionalists need not worry; herb-roasted turkey breast, Southern-style cornbread stuffing, and house-made pumpkin pie will be available, too. When you’re done eating, take a stroll along the river outback and soak up the views. Reservations are available on OpenTable.
Bonus! Get it to-go
Buckhead, Decatur, and John’s Creek
Castellucci Hospitality Group—the company behind the Iberian Pig, Sugo, Cooks & Soldiers, Double Zero Napoletana, and Mujo—is focusing on simplicity this Thanksgiving. Their “One Click” Thanksgiving dinner package makes ordering the holiday meal almost as easy as your daily Amazon shopping. Just hit “Add to Cart” and get a fresh, hormone-free turkey, Mahon mac ‘n’ cheese, sausage and walnut stuffing, Rioja wine cranberry sauce, and more for a group of six. The cost is $350, and the meal can be picked up from Double Zero, the Iberian Pig Buckhead, or Sugo.
