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Where to Order Thanksgiving Dinner and Catering in NYC: The Ultimate Guide

Discover the top places in NYC for Thanksgiving catering, featuring classic feasts, unique menus, and specialized options for every celebration.

By Medha deb

Created on Jun 25, 2025

Discover the top places in NYC for Thanksgiving catering, featuring classic feasts, unique menus, and specialized options for every celebration.

Where to Order Thanksgiving Dinner and Catering in NYC

New York City pulses with culinary energy year-round, but few occasions prompt an outpouring of feasting quite like Thanksgiving. Whether you’re hoping to skip the kitchen this year, indulge in upscale dining at home, or find a meal to suit specific dietary requirements, NYC’s diverse restaurants, bakeries, and specialty markets offer a bounty of Thanksgiving catering options. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the city’s best sources for traditional classics, signature dishes, and everything in between, including essential ordering deadlines and menu highlights for each chef-driven spot.

Why Order Thanksgiving Dinner in NYC?

Save Time: Skip hours of prep and enjoy more time with friends and family.
Diverse Options: From gourmet feasts to multicultural fusion menus, there’s a spread for every taste.
Reliable Quality: NYC’s top culinary talents curate menus with premium ingredients and classic flavors.
Unique Experiences: Explore festive menus, add-on experiences, and home delivery or convenient pick-ups around the city.

Top Places to Order Thanksgiving Dinner in NYC

Below, you’ll find essential details for each featured spot—including address/location, order deadlines, and a snapshot of their menu highlights. Use this as your planning compass for a seamless, delicious holiday meal.

Restaurant/Market	Neighborhood	Menu Highlights	Order Deadline
Citarella	Multiple Locations	Whole turkey, classic sides, pies	Varies by location
Bklyn Larder	Prospect Heights	Locally-sourced Thanksgiving packages, artisanal breads	Check site for current details
Houseman	Hudson Square	Chef’s choice seasonal menu, specialty mains	Early November
Four & Twenty Blackbirds	Gowanus	Renowned pies, limited savory options	Order early—pies sell out fast
Hard Rock Cafe	Times Square	Classic American feast, dessert included	Contact for details

Pig Beach BBQ

Address: 35 – 37 36th Street, Queens
Phone: 718-362-6111
Order Deadline: Sunday, November 24 for pick-up on Wednesday, November 27

Menu: Smoked heritage turkey drizzled with garlic herbed butter
Classic sides: cranberry sauce, rich gravy, green bean casserole with crispy onions
Choice of key lime or chocolate pecan pie for dessert

Pig Beach offers a barbecue master’s touch on the Thanksgiving classics, ideal for groups seeking a casual yet elevated feast with bold flavors.

Aquavit

Address: 66 East 55th Street
Phone: 212-307-7311
Order Deadline: Wednesday, November 27 (order asap—limited inventory)

Menu: Fennel and caraway spiced turkey breast, smoked turkey leg
Rye and brioche stuffing, green bean casserole, sweet potato puree
Classic pumpkin pie, milk bread, chocolate truffles

The Michelin-starred Aquavit delivers an upscale, heat-and-eat kit for an intimate holiday gathering. With refined Scandinavian flavors and gourmet presentation, this option elevates the home dining experience—reservations recommended due to limited availability.

Carmine’s

Multiple Locations (Order online)
Order Deadline: No official deadline; supplies limited

Feast serves six to eight people: 16–18 lb turkey, brussels sprouts with applewood bacon, green beans with red peppers, baby carrots with fresh dill
Sausage and sage stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy
Pies available for an extra fee

Carmine’s family-style Thanksgiving kit brings hearty Italian influences into the traditional holiday spread, ideal for larger gatherings and guests who want a festive, crowd-pleasing meal with plenty of sides.

Estuary

Address: 115 Brooklyn Marina, Brooklyn
Phone: 718-521-6744
Order Deadline: 4 p.m. on Friday, November 22

Full heat-at-home feast for 4–6 or 8–10 people
Cranberry sauce, stuffing, roasted rosemary potatoes, brussels sprouts
Juicy, oven-ready whole turkey

Estuary’s waterfront location and menu focus on classic preparations using high-quality ingredients, making it perfect for families hoping for a polished, traditional celebration.

Travelers, Poets & Friends

Address: 457 6th Ave, Manhattan
Phone: 212-420-0057
Order Deadline: Tuesday, November 26 (free pumpkin pie for orders by Nov 17)

Complete Italian-inflected feast or a la carte selections
Tuscan kale salad, eggplant parm, kabocha squash ravioli
Traditional classics: roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, seasonal veggies

Travelers, Poets & Friends brings fine Italian fare alongside Americana staples, catering to those seeking a blend of familiar and novel at their Thanksgiving table.

Kubeh

Address: 457 6th Ave, Manhattan
Phone: 212-420-0057
Order Deadline: Wednesday, November 20 (pick-up/delivery Nov 27)

Roast turkey with pan gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes (classic)
Whole branzino, roasted vegetables with chermoula and walnut puree
All menu items gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian

Kubeh’s menu reimagines Thanksgiving with a Middle Eastern twist, while also accommodating a variety of dietary needs—perfect for mixed groups and those looking to depart from tradition without sacrificing the holiday spirit.

Other Notable NYC Thanksgiving Catering Options

Breads Bakery: Renowned for standout pies and traditional Jewish pastry-inspired sides.
Eli’s Market: Full dinner packages featuring pasture-raised turkey and exclusive sides.
Blue Smoke: Southern-style smoky Thanksgiving mains with cornbread stuffing.

NYC’s selection of specialty bakeries and gourmet markets makes it easy to customize your spread—mix and match sides, sweets, and mains for a memorable feast tailored to your group.

NYC’s Most Expensive Thanksgiving Experience

For those not content with home delivery, the Old Homestead Steakhouse ups the ante with a Thanksgiving feast priced at $50,000 for eight people, featuring luxury ingredients like sweet potatoes topped with caviar and stuffing made with $47 artisan bread. The experience includes parade-view seats, football tickets, and a shopping spree—making this one of the priciest, most exclusive holiday dinners anywhere in the world. Such extravagant experiences run alongside more affordable catering options citywide, showcasing NYC’s diversity in holiday dining.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How early should I order Thanksgiving catering in NYC?

A: Most restaurants and markets recommend ordering by mid-November, but popular spots and pies can sell out weeks in advance. Consult each provider’s order-by dates for specifics.

Q: Can I find vegetarian or vegan Thanksgiving dinner packages?

A: Yes, several spots offer plant-based feasts, including Kubeh and select a la carte menu items from travelers, Poets & Friends.

Q: Is delivery available citywide for Thanksgiving meals?

A: Many restaurants and specialty stores offer delivery, though it may be restricted to select zip codes. Always confirm if delivery fits your address before ordering.

Q: Are there options for smaller celebrations?

A: Yes. Many restaurants offer meal kits or a la carte ordering suitable for couples or small groups.

Q: What should I expect regarding pricing?

A: Prices range from about $150 for smaller meal kits up to several hundred dollars for gourmet spreads. Luxury offerings, like Old Homestead Steakhouse’s $50,000 experience, are rare and highly exclusive.

Tips for Ordering and Planning Your NYC Thanksgiving

Start Early: As Thanksgiving approaches, popular catering options book up quickly—especially for specialty pies and signature turkeys.
Consider Dietary Needs: NYC offers abundant choices for gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan diners. Check menus carefully to accommodate everyone at your table.
Choose Pickup or Delivery: Factor in transportation—some restaurants only offer pick-up while others deliver within Manhattan or Brooklyn.
Mix and Match: Don’t hesitate to combine providers (one for mains, another for pies and sides) for a custom feast.
Check Order Deadlines: Many providers set strict cutoff dates to allow for sourcing and preparation. Plan ahead!

Beyond Tradition: Non-Traditional & Ethnic Thanksgiving Menus in NYC

International Influences: From Middle Eastern flavors at Kubeh to Italian feasts at Travelers, Poets & Friends, NYC’s Thanksgiving spreads cater to diverse palates.
Bakeries: Four & Twenty Blackbirds and Breads Bakery offer pies that have earned citywide fan acclaim.
Barbecue/Bistro: Pig Beach puts a smoky twist on the standard menu, while Blue Smoke serves up southern specialties.

Want to switch things up from the classic roast turkey and mashed potatoes? Explore non-traditional and creative sides—as well as alternative mains like branzino or vegetarian roasts. NYC’s dining scene makes experimentation easy, festive, and delicious.

Order Planning Checklist

Review menus and deadlines for at least three to five restaurants or markets in early November.
Verify pickup and delivery areas to ensure convenience on Thanksgiving day.
Confirm any allergies or dietary restrictions for all guests.
Book specialty pies and signature turkeys first—they sell out fastest!
Prepare serving dishes, heating instructions, and seating arrangements for smooth holiday hosting.

NYC Thanksgiving Catering: Who Should Consider It?

Busy New Yorkers: Limited time for cooking, hosting large groups, or wanting hassle-free entertaining.
Those Seeking Gourmet Flavors: Michelin-starred and chef-driven restaurants offer upscale holiday kits.
Families with Mixed Dietary Needs: Many providers offer vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free items.
Couples and Small Gatherings: Select meal kits serve just two, so no holiday is too small for a delicious spread.

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Thanksgiving in NYC

Whether you crave tradition or innovation, New York City offers a Thanksgiving dining experience for every palate, group size, and budget. Planning ahead ensures the feast arrives hot and ready; all you’ll need are some serving spoons, good company, and gratitude. With this guide on NYC’s standout Thanksgiving catering options, your holiday can be as seamless, celebratory, and memorable as the city itself.