To serve or to be served … the real Thanksgiving dilemma. But no matter which table you end up at—your own, your family’s, a restaurant’s—what truly matters is who’s at the table. For those who would rather dine out for the big Thanksgiving meal, Virginia Living has compiled a list of some of the state’s most mouthwatering holiday feasts, from luxury resorts to adored small-town eateries.
All meals will be held Thursday, Nov. 27, at the noted times.
La Bonne Vie Thanksgiving Prix Fixe
11:30 a.m.–7 p.m.
724 Pine St., Herndon
If you’re craving a less traditional Thanksgiving meal, reserve a seat at La Bonne Vie. The bistro’s classic French cuisine brings un petit taste of Paris to Northern Virginia. For the holiday, the restaurant offers duck in sour cherry sauce, trout with toasted almonds and lemon brown butter, and, in concession to American tradition, roast turkey with sage stuffing and gravy.
Thanksgiving at the Tides Inn
2-hour seatings at 1:00 pm, 3:30 pm, 6:00 pm, and 7:30 pm
480 King Carter Dr., Irvington
Tides Inn’s Salt & Meadow restaurant presents a luxurious bayside Thanksgiving meal. Along with the Thanksgiving non-negotiables, there will be a seafood station offering the Chesapeake‘s finest—oysters, shrimp, and crabs.
Mountain Lake Lodge Thanksgiving Day Buffet
12–8 p.m.
Mountain Lake Lodge 115 Hotel Cir., Pembroke
For a relaxed Thanksgiving celebration, head to Mountain Lake Lodge’s Thanksgiving Buffet. Board games, football screenings, cornhole, and s’mores provide a cozy feel, while the extensive holiday menu combines tradition and ingenuity. The culinary spotlight falls on regionally sourced ingredients like Virginia oysters, which will be served at the raw bar and featured in the oyster stuffing.
Thanksgiving Feast at L’Auberge Provençale
12–6 p.m.
13360 Lord Fairfax Hwy., White Post
Dine at Clarke County’s French country inn, L’Auberge Provencale Inn & Restaurant. Turkey from the neighboring farm, Whiffletree, takes center stage at this four-course prix fixe, along with a choice of venison. Wine pairings are available, too.
Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet at the Westin
11 a.m.–4 p.m.
6631 W Broad St., Richmond
Enjoy a carefully crafted Thanksgiving meal from Small Batch Local Kitchen, perfect for a homey holiday meal—minus the being at home. All the traditional accouterments will be present, including velvety mashed potatoes; baked mac ‘n’ cheese; sautéed green beans with mushroom gravy; herby, citrusy turkey; and plenty of decadent desserts.
Thanksgiving Dinner at KILN, Hotel Heron
699 Prince St., Alexandria
The intimacy of Hotel Heron’s KILN is what sets this meal apart. The feast will start with the guest’s choice of truffle chestnut soup, butter-poached lobster, or an autumnal kale salad with roasted pumpkin and goat’s cheese. Followed by prime rib with au jus, whole fluke in a buttery-white wine sauce, or the classic roast turkey served with gravy and cranberry sauce.
Thanksgiving Weekend at The Omni Resort & Spa
12–7 p.m. (A Taste of Tradition Buffet)
7696 Sam Snead Hwy., Hot Springs
What better way to practice gratitude than a holiday weekend getaway? To kick off the weekend, a Fall Social will be held in the Great Hall on Wednesday afternoon. A Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thanksgiving Eve, Macy’s Parade and Football Watch Party on Thanksgiving Day, and a can’t-miss feast, A Taste of Tradition Buffet, round out the holiday festivities, with kids activities, craft classes, and more to fill in the whole weekend.
Thanksgiving Buffet at Birch & Bloom
12–8 p.m.
540 Massie Rd., Charlottesville
Housed in the Kimpton Forum Hotel, Birch & Bloom Restaurant & Wine Bar makes it a point to use sustainably sourced ingredients. The holiday menu has a little bit of everything—from traditional stuffing to pickle-brined fried chicken thighs with spicy honey (don’t worry, turkey and prime rib will be served, too).
Thanksgiving at the Marigold, Keswick Hall
12–8 p.m.
701 Club Dr., Keswick
Presented by Chef Jean-Georges, Marigold’s Thanksgiving menu is expected to be nothing less than stellar. Guests will enjoy a three-course prix-fixe menu with options of indulgent burrata, lobster, turkey, squash, layered cake, and pie.
