Unique Central Florida Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving Dining Ideas
From restaurants to hotels to a complete meal made-from-scratch just for you and your guests, these Central Florida stops offer something for everyone this 2020 Holiday Season.
If you want to keep the intimate setting of your home but ditch the effort of making an enormous meal, let these local favorites make you a meal you won’t soon forget.
4 Rivers Smokehouse
With 6 locations throughout Central Florida, 4 Rivers Smokehouse is serving up some delicious twists on a traditional Thanksgiving feast. From brisket to smoked turkey to smoked prime rib, boneless leg of lamb, and smoked salmon, there’s a main course for everyone. And don’t forget the pies and the gourmet grazing boxes from Tessa’s Table. Make your guests happy and feed them 4 Rivers. Place your order online today!
Buca di Beppo
Buca di Beppo is available for dine-in or to-go on Thanksgiving Day. Make your reservation or place your order here.
BRIO Italian Grille
BRIO Italian Grille is open at 11:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, with a $28.99 turkey dinner and pie! Reservations are recommended.
The Fresh Market
The Fresh Market offers some fun ideas for your Friendsgiving. There’s no need to repeat the traditional Thanksgiving meal, since most of your friends will likely be enjoying those foods with their families. Keep it fun, creative and easy, and encourage your friends to bring some of their own dishes for a potluck-style feast. Read on for some of our favorite tips, recipes and shortcuts, and have a happy Friendsgiving!
The Glass Knife
Be the hit of any Thanksgiving feast by bringing The Glass Knife desserts! No matter what you choose, there are no wrong options. Their signature cakes are always a hit, from the scrumptious southern red velvet, to the classic carrot cake. Or check out their wide selection of delectable seasonal items.
The New Standard
The New Standard will offer an “Everything But the Turkey” package for $95 (serves four). The package includes six scratch-made sides like Mashed Potatoes + Gravy, Macaroni and Cheese, Festive Brussels Sprouts Salad and a full-sized Pumpkin Pie. Guests can add on additional servings for $15 each, and other add-ons include Charcuterie + Cheese ($25), one dozen Assorted Cookies ($15) and additional pies for $20.
The New Standard is also offering five different perfectly paired wines for a discounted price, including sparkling, red and white options ranging from $28 to $50 per bottle. To start off the meal, order a Thanksgiving Manhattan cocktail kit (makes four drinks) for $35. Leftovers go best with mimosas, so order a Mimosa Kit (makes approx. six drinks) for just $15.
Orders should be placed before EOB on Saturday, November 21, for pick-up on Wednesday, November 26. Visit NewStandardWP.com or call 407-316-2278 to place your order. The New Standard will be closed Thanksgiving Day.
Paddlefish
The Disney Springs elegant-dining seafood restaurant will offer a special Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, November 27. The restaurant will serve a Traditional Turkey Dinner ($29) featuring herb-roasted turkey breast, chourico cornbread stuffing, whipped potatoes, green beans, cranberry relish and pan gravy. To pair with your festive feast, select bottles of red or white wine will be available for Thanksgiving Day only for $30. Reservations are available and can be made at PaddlefishRestaurant.com or by calling 407-934-2628.
Publix
You deserve to take it easy this holiday season, so let Publix take care of the cooking for you! They offer an array of holiday meals to choose from. Whether you’re gathering with friends or family, their holiday meals can feed anywhere from seven to 18 people. With a 48-hour notice, you can easily place your order on their website or give your local deli a call.
The Ravenous Pig
Let The Ravenous Pig take the prep, you take the credit! They have everything you need for Thanksgiving at home: turkey, sides, dessert and drinks. Their whole turkeys and turkey breasts are brined, seasoned and ready to cook, plus they come with gravy and cranberry relish. The sides are already cooked and all you have to do is a simple reheat. Pick up for orders is Wednesday, November 25. Order here.
Sister Honey’s
If you want the nostalgic feel of classic baked pies, cold pies, cakes, and more, but with the artistry only an award-winning baker can bring, then place an order at Sister Honey’s well in advance! They require at least 72 hours advanced notice for full cakes and pies, but we recommend placing your Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving order well in advance (they do sell out)! Place orders in person or over the phone (407-730-7315) during business hours.
Taverna Opa
Skip the traditional turkey and get Taverna Opa delivered or to-go! They’re authentic Greek cuisine features only the freshest ingredients with just the right seasoning.
Terralina Crafted Italian
The Disney Springs Italian restaurant will offer a special Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, November 27. The restaurant will serve a Roast Turkey with Apple-Pancetta Stuffing ($25) with Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, sauteed green beans and rosemary-sage gravy. The bar at Terralina Crafted Italian will offer a special cocktail throughout the month of November, but that pairs perfectly with the Thanksgiving special. The Cranberry Mule ($14) combines vodka, ginger beer, cranberry juice, lime juice and fresh cranberries. Reservations are available and can be made at TerralinaCraftedItalian.com or by calling 407-934-8888.
Whole Foods
Holidays should be a time to celebrate — not a time to stress. So let Whole Foods Market do the work for you. Whole Foods has you covered with appetizers, entrées, sides, desserts and more for your holiday meal. See the full menu here!
Hotels / Resorts
If you plan to venture out instead, these local hotels are offering everything from traditional buffet-style feasts to private dining.
Just Added | Encore Resort at Reunion
On Thanksgiving, Encore Resort at Reunion guests have a variety of dining options to choose from including family meal packages at Finn’s Restaurant, available for pickup, dine-in or delivery to their private vacation home at the resort. For resort guests in villas or vacation homes, a to-go option includes service for six-eight guests and includes turkey, a selection of traditional sides and pecan and pumpkin pie. To-go pricing begins at $199 with add-on options for additional sides and/or pies. Reservations for to-go dinners must be made, no later than Monday, Nov. 16 via Eventbrite. Pick-up will be available in the Grande Lobby bar from noon-5:00 p.m.
Gaylord Palms
Experience the luxury of a home-cooked meal under an enclosed atrium adorned with more than two million twinkling lights. Enjoy traditional Thanksgiving fare along with modern cuisine. $80 for adults and $40 for children (ages 4-12). Book now!
Just Added | Margaritaville Resort Orlando
Celebrate Thanksgiving ‘island style’ at Margaritaville Resort Orlando with a festive Thanksgiving Brunch at Euphoria! Thanksgiving Day Brunch Buffet will be served from 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Nov. 26, featuring soups and salads; carved roasted turkey with cranberry sauce and gravy; an omelet station; 10 side dishes including mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green bean almandine; plus a Chef’s display of traditional holiday desserts. The cost is $35.95 per adult, and $14.95 for ages 12 and under. For reservations, visit Yelp.com/Biz/Euphoria-Kissimmee or call 407-479-0950 and press “0” for Customer Service.
Just Added | Reunion Resort
This Thanksgiving, Reunion Resort is offering dine-in options for visitors and locals alike at the all-new 7593 Chophouse, Traditions or Clubhouse restaurants, as well as a takeout option for villa and vacation home guests. Find out more here!
Rosen Plaza
Safely gather family and friends and enjoy a cornucopia of delicious delights expertly prepared by Rosen Plaza’s talented chefs. This year, in addition to cooking and cleaning for you, Rosen is setting their tables differently:
- They require temperature checks and masks be worn to enter and walk throughout the hotel.
- Tables and seating have been set apart to keep guests socially distant.
- Queues for each buffet station have floor markers to remind guests to keep safe distances between each other.
- Masked and gloved staff will be positioned at each buffet station to assist with serving each offering.
- Banquet staff will also assist with serving beverages at the table.
- Hand sanitizers will be placed throughout the dining area, buffet stations, and restrooms, which are located in close proximity to the entrances of the ballroom.
Thursday, November 26, 2020 | 12 P.M. – 5 P.M. | $39.95* Per Adult
Children (Ages 4-11): $18.95* | Children (Ages 3 & Under): Free
Free Parking | Reservations Recommended
Photo Booth from 11:30 – 5 P.M.
For more information and reservations, please call (407) 996.0256.
Rosen Shingle Creek
Return to a wonderful tradition this Thanksgiving as the Rosen family welcomes you to their exquisite buffets at Rosen Shingle Creek. Savor creative twists to traditional favorites prepared by their expert chefs. Beyond the menu, their Return to Rosen® Thanksgiving dinner is truly special this year. With four ways to celebrate this year, Rosen Shingle Creek offers something for everyone.
Cafe Osceola | Thanksgiving Brunch
Thursday, November 26, 2020 | 11:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
For Reservations, Call (407) 996.3663
$59.95 per person plus a 25% taxable service charge
Children (ages 4 – 11): $24.95, Children (ages 3 and under): Free
*25% discount offered to all Florida residents
Hospitality Suites and Suite Parlors | Private Family Feast
Thursday, November 26, 2020 | 11:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
For Reservations, Call (407) 996.3663
$50.00 per person plus a 25% taxable service charge (minimum of 8 people)
Children (ages 4 – 7): $35.00, Children (ages 3 and under): Free
Reservations are available on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2020, between 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. There is a minimum of 8 people per room.
To-Go | Thanksgiving Harvest Meal
Wednesday, November 25, and Thursday, November 26, 2020
For Reservations, Call (407) 996.4475
$40.00 per person, plus tax (minimum of 8 people)
Pick up your order Wednesday, November 25, or Thursday, November 26, 2020, between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Staycation | Big Four Pre-Thanksgiving Package
For only $75 a night, this special package includes discounts, deluxe accommodations and unsurpassed attention to detail at one of Orlando’s most celebrated AAA Four Diamond hotels. Located minutes from Orlando International Airport, major attractions and I-Drive entertainment district, Rosen Shingle Creek delivers exceptional luxury.
