A large number of Washington restaurants are open for Thanksgiving, which means plenty of options. Here are a few suggestions based on a variety of needs, and cravings.
You have a mixed crowd of vegetarians, vegans, and omnivores: Equinox
818 Connecticut Ave., NW
Veteran chef Todd Gray’s seasonal American restaurant serves a three-course menu that caters to all tastes, with traditional turkey alongside vegan items such as porcini mushroom risotto with glazed salsify ($70 per person).
Also good: 2941 Restaurant; sister Indian eateries Rasika and Bombay Club.
You’re a true carnivore: Bourbon Steak
2800 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Sure, there’s turkey on the Thanksgiving menu of Michael Mina’s restaurant in the Four Seasons hotel. Then again, we’d go for steakhouse classics like chilled local oysters and a 16-ounce wagyu strip (three courses, $115 per person; $50 for kids 6 to 12).
Also good: BLT Steak; Joe’s Seafood Prime & Stone Crab.
You want a traditional feast: 1789
1226 36th St., NW
Guests at this Georgetown classic can opt for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner ($57 for three courses), which includes salad or soup, turkey and trimmings, and pie for dessert. An a la carte menu includes a greater variety of options.
Also good: Central; the Oval Room.
You want an untraditional feast: Osteria Morini
301 Water St., SE
This Navy Yard restaurant offers an Italian take on the holiday, and serves a three-course, family-style menu ($65 per person) with dishes like prosciutto-mortadella meatballs, and braised turkey masala.
Also good: Le Diplomate, which serves its regular menu (Thanksgiving shellfish tower!) in addition to a holiday special.
You want to splurge: Fiola and Fiola Mare
601 Pennsylvania Ave NW; 3100 K St., NW
Both of chef Fabio Trabocchi’s fine dining Italian restaurants are open for the holiday, and serve four-course menus ($90; $45 for kids).
Also good: Blue Duck Tavern; Plume.
You want to feed a crowd on a budget: Carmine’s
425 7th St., NW
The Italian eatery goes all-American for Thanksgiving, serving 18-pound birds, five sides, and dessert. The spread is designed to serve up to ten people, so the $249.95 tab is just $31.25 per guest with eight diners (you can also order to-go or takeout).
Also good: Clyde’s ($26.95 for a turkey dinner with pie); Chef Geoff’s ($39 for three courses).
Anna Spiegel covers the dining and drinking scene in her native DC. Prior to joining Washingtonian in 2010, she attended the French Culinary Institute and Columbia University’s MFA program in New York, and held various cooking and writing positions in NYC and in St. John, US Virgin Islands.
