Having Thanksgiving Dinner in Sarasota? Here’s Where to Eat

Want to taste fall flavors for Thanksgiving in Sarasota County without having to deal with the prep, cooking or—most dreaded—the cleanup? These local restaurants are dishing up special holiday menus for takeout or dine-in for everyone's favorite Thursday of the year.

Thanksgiving Dinner Specials

Cafe Gabbiano

Courtesy of Cafe Gabbiano

Love authentic Italian? Cafe Gabbiano in Siesta Key Village offers an intimate setting ideal for small family gatherings. Savor a traditional turkey dinner complete with garlic mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce, or opt for aged filet mignon, braised veal and honey-truffle salmon. An extensive wine list ensures there’s something for every palate.

The cafe will be open on Thanksgiving Day from 2 to 8 p.m. Reserve a table by calling 941-349-1423.

Columbia Restaurant

Columbia Restaurant (the oldest restaurant in Sarasota) reside on the iconic St. Armands Circle, and offers a delicious holiday meal with a Cuban twist. In addition to their regular menu, find Thanksgiving specials that have included dishes like sliced roast turkey, sausage-and-apple stuffing, sweet potato pecan casserole, rich turkey gravy and pumpkin flan.

For reservations, call 941-388-3987.

Drift Kitchen

With panoramic waterfront views, Drift Kitchen & Bar—the signature rooftop restaurant at Lido Beach Resort—sets the scene for an unforgettable holiday feast. Indulge in a special Thanksgiving Day buffet featuring classic favorites, or savor menu items like short rib lasagna or pan-seared salmon.

Want to make a reservation? Call 941-388-2161.

Duval's Fresh. Local. Seafood.
 

Photo courtesy of Duval's Fresh. Local. Seafood

At downtown Sarasota’s Duval's, dine-in or preorder a family-style Thanksgiving Feast with free local delivery or takeout. The meal comes complete with a house salad; herb-and-butter-roasted turkey; mustard-glazed ham; sides like sweet potato mash and rustic mashed potatoes; orange-ginger cranberry sauce; and a pumpkin or key lime pie. The ‐Something Different‐ menu includes seafood-driven cuisine like pan-roasted local Gulf fish or salmon.

Dine-in prices run $58 for adults and $33 for children under 10. Takeout orders serve 5-6 people and run $210. For reservations, call 941-312-4001 or book online.

Libby's Neighborhood Brasserie

With two locations, one in Southside Village and the other in Lakewood Ranch, this local hot spot serves up seasonal New American cuisine in a stylish space. In addition to its regular menu, take advantage of a Thanksgiving plate, which includes roasted turkey breast, mushroom cream gravy, sage-brioche stuffing, sweet potato mash and hot honey carrots.

Make a reservation online or by calling 941-487-7300. Libby's will be serving this special menu for takeout or dine-in on November 26.

Mattison's

Let Mattison's take care of the cooking and catering this year by ordering a Thanksgiving Complete Feast To Go for pickup at any one of their three locations: Mattson's Forty-One, Mattson's Riverwalk Grille or Mattison's City Grille in downtown Sarasota. The full turkey feast includes a 15 lb whole roasted turkey, apple-walnut stuffing, mashed potatoes, maple-ginger roasted vegetables and rolls with Boursin-infused butter. The feast serves up to 6 people for $285, and orders can be placed online or by calling 941-921-3400.

Prefer to eat out? Set up a lunch or dinner reservation for a la carte dining at any one of Mattison's three locations.

Michael’s On East

Photo courtesy of Michael's On East

Arguably the most exquisite Thanksgiving dining experience awaits at Sarasota’s famous AAA Four-Diamond Award restaurant Michael’s on East. Traditional favorites with an upscale twist make up the holiday dine-in menu with either a traditional turkey dinner or favorites a la carte from a limited dinner menu. Live music and outdoor dining are available.

Family-style feasts for pickup or individual meals for takeout are also available for call-in. Orders must be placed online or by phone in advance by November 24. Tables are open starting at 12:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving. Make reservations online or call 941-366-0007.

Year-round Home-cooking Favorites

Der Dutchman

Located at the edge of Pinecraft, Der Dutchman Restaurant serves Amish favorites and made-from-scratch baked goods. For Thanksgiving, order a carry-out turkey or ham family feast with mashed potatoes, dressing, green beans, rolls and your choice of apple or pumpkin pie. Each meal serves up to six and is picked up cold, ready to heat and serve at home.

Thanksgiving orders must be placed by November 21 while supplies last and can be picked up on Tuesday, Nov. 24 or Wednesday, Nov. 25. For reservations, call 941-955-8007.

Yoder's Restaurant

Sarasota's famous Amish and Mennonite community, Pinecraft, is a favorite stop during the holidays—especially Yoder's Restaurant & Amish Village. Stroll through Yoder's adorable gift shop, farmers market and deli before grabbing a cozy, home-cooked meal or a slice of pie (there are more than 30 flavors to choose from!).  While the restaurant is closed on Thanksgiving Day, guests can order desserts for pickup. Past flavors have included pumpkin cream, Southern pecan and cherry.

Orders must be placed in advance. To order, call 941-955-7771.