Phoenix’s stellar culinary scene has made it easy to kick back and relax this Thanksgiving. Choose from a slew of options to make the big day as simple as possible, from luxurious buffets to cozy prix-fixe menus to feasts ready to pick up and go. No matter how you do it, enjoy this food-focused holiday to the max.
Dining Out on Thanksgiving Day
Litchfield’s
The Wigwam, a historic resort in the West Valley, welcomes guests at the signature restaurant Litchfield’s from 2 to 6 p.m. Once there, enjoy a three-course, prix fixe Thanksgiving dinner for $129 per adult, and $35 for children 4 to 12. Each spread features seasonal ingredients and holiday favorites curated by director of culinary Jarell A. Tucker.
Menu highlights include the Harvest Greens Salad, a choice of heritage turkey or wood-fired filet mignon, plus sides for each. For dessert you can enjoy a pumpkin cheesecake with vanilla chantilly. Reservations are here. 300 E. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park, wigwamarizona.com
Ko’Sin
On the far east side of the Valley, the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass is providing diners with the option for a seated meal on Thanksgiving. From 12 to 6 p.m., Ko’Sin (which means ‘kitchen’ in the Pima language) will offer a prix-fixe menu consisting of three courses.
Options include a spread of seasonal appetizers and entrees such as the mole-spiced short rib, roasted turkey breast, and miso-butter black cod. For dessert, choose between pecan pie cheesecake or pumpkin pie. Cost is $85 per person and reservations can be made here. 5594 W. Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Phoenix, wildhorsepass.com
JING Scottsdale
Chef Thomas Griese’s stylish new addition to the Scottsdale dining scene is offering diners a Thanksgiving Roasted Turkey Dinner ($42 per person). The plated meal comes with organic, free-range turkey, Japanese chestnut stuffing, sweet potato gratin, green beans with toasted almonds, cranberry, and honey-cardamom jus.
There’s also the ability to add a la carte side dishes like whipped potatoes ($14) or the autumn harvest salad ($16). Dining hours for the meal runs from 2 to 10 p.m., but starting at 6 p.m. the mood livens with DJ sets for the rest of the night. It’s safe to say this is not your grandma’s Thanksgiving night. Reservations are not required but recommended. 10605 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, jingrestaurant.com
ZuZu
At the iconic Hotel Valley Ho, ZuZu will be providing a dine-in meal from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. While the meal itself is seated, your starters all come from a chef-attended buffet laden with items such as Roasted Butternut Squash Salad, Green Goddess Caesar, and a charcuterie spread, among others.
Prices depend on the entree selected, and there are several to choose from. For example, the Blackened Icelandic Salmon ($89), Grilled Filet Mignon ($98), and the Double Cut Pork Chop ($89). Finish things off with pumpkin pie, pecan pie, or cranberry cheesecake. Children 12 and under can order from the kids menu for $25. Make reservations here. 6850 E. Main St., Scottdale, hotelvalleyho.com
Belmont Kitchen & Cocktails
Chef Alex Stratta and chef Fidencio Alatriste are crafting a three-course meal for Thanksgiving at this North Scottsdale spot from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The prix-fixe menu offers a choice of roasted turkey or prime rib, along with traditional sides and a seasonal dessert. The meal pricing is $115 per adult and $75 per child aged 12 and under. Reservations are recommended and can be booked here. 8876 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Scottsdale, belmontkitchenandcocktails.com
Hearth ‘61
From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Hearth ‘61 at the Mountain Shadows resort in Paradise Valley will offer a prix-fixe menu for $159 per person ($35 for children 12 and under, plus tax and gratuity). The options for starters include Fall Squash Soup, Harvest Caesar, and Crispy Brussels Sprouts.
On the main dish side, treat yourself to a classic dinner with all the trimmings. The lineup features the choice of local turkey from Two Wash Ranch, a New York strip with blue cheese fondue, or parmesan-crusted salmon with cannellini bean ragu. Finish with either pumpkin pie, butterscotch pecan pie, or chocolate mousse cake. Reservations are required. 5445 E. Lincoln Dr., Paradise Valley, mountainshadows.com
CHoP Chandler
As the first locally-owned steakhouse in Chandler, CHoP has been serving guests for well over a decade. The hospitality continues into Thanksgiving, where a three-course menu will be presented.
Guests can start with a Maine lobster bisque, classic wedge, or spinach and artichoke dip. Next, dive into turkey with wagyu and sausage stuffing. Or, choose the 18-ounce prime ribeye, or filet mignon with butter-poached lobster tail. Save room for apple cobbler and dark chocolate lava cake. The cost is $75 per person and reservations can be made but aren’t required. 2625 W. Queen Creek Rd., Chandler, chopchandler.com
LON’s at The Hermosa Inn
One of Paradise Valley’s most special spots, The Hermosa Inn will be making memories this Thanksgiving. Or more, its signature restaurant LON’s will with a three-course prix-fixe meal. Diners can choose from five different starters, including a Truffled Cream of Mushroom and Leek Soup or the Ahi Tuna au Poivre.
Next, select an entree, be that turkey, Chilean seabass, short rib, or venison. A pecan pie tart, pumpkin cheesecake, or apple bread pudding will finish things off on a sweet note. Adults are priced at $135 per person, children 4 to 12 are $35. Reservations are required. 5532 N. Palo Cristi Road, Paradise Valley, azhideawaycollection.com
Thanksgiving Buffets to Book
Arizona Biltmore
The historic property will host its annual Thanksgiving Brunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Gold Room, which, in 1929, was the resort’s original dining hall. The abundant buffet will feature all of the Thanksgiving standards, including a turkey carving station and sourdough stuffing. There will also be slow-roasted prime rib and a seafood spread containing lobster tails, king crab legs, and West Coast oysters.
Once you’ve eaten your fill, drift next door to the Aztec Room, which will be set up to watch football games. Prices start at $69 for children 4 to 9, $198 for adults, and free for those 3 and under. Book your reservations here. 2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix, arizonabiltmore.com
The Italiano
Ready for an Italian twist on your Thanksgiving feast? Book a table at The Italiano to enjoy a buffet spread of classic and upscale delights. Expect crab legs and jumbo shrimp, along with carving stations for filet mignon, ham, and turkey. Diners can also try an array of the restaurant’s specialties such as Spicy Rigatoni alla Vodka, Ten Layer Lasagna, and Chicken Marsala.
Save room for desserts like tiramisu, Sicilian cannoli, and of course, pumpkin pie. Reservations are required and you can book here for a seating starting at 11 a.m., and until 7:30 p.m. Prices run $120 per adult and $39 for children 12 and under. 9301 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, theitaliano.com
Tía Carmen
Top Chef alum Angelo Sosa’s Tía Carmen at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa will host the annual Thanksgiving Grand Mercado from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The feast will wind its way through the restaurant, providing towering displays of oysters, sushi rolls from Sosa’s adjoining restaurant Kembara, grilled scallops, and kebabs. But that’s not all, there’s also the traditional carving stations and side dishes to try.
Don’t miss the Native Grain Fried Rice from Tía Carmen’s menu, or the masa cakes finished with duck confit, green chile pork, or wild mushrooms. The menu also provides a significant number of items for gluten-free diners. Adults are $169 each, children are $49, and reservations are required here. 5350 E. Marriott Dr., Phoenix, tiacarmendesertridge.com
KAUBOI
The REMI Scottsdale’s signature restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale, KAUBOI, is providing a Japanese flair to the Thanksgiving buffet. Expect a wide array of sushi rolls, nigiri, and tuna poke to get things going, before heading over to the yakitori station with short rib, chicken thigh, and jumbo shrimp.
The carving station will include the traditional turkey, along with turkey leg confit, brisket, and pork katsu. There will be plenty of sides to choose from, plus desserts like Smoked Miso Banana Bread. Pricing is $145 per person, and you can book reservations and see the full menu here. 4415 N. Buckboard Trail, Scottsdale, kauboiscottsdale.com
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Princess will host its traditional Thanksgiving Brunch in its Palomino Ballroom. Here, all four of its restaurants will be represented, including Bourbon Steak, La Hacienda, Toro Scottsdale, and Ironwood American Kitchen.
The feast will provide a large selection of breakfast dishes along with tastes of each restaurant. Expect items like Green Chicken Tamales from La Hacienda, a hand-rolled sushi station from Toro, herb-crusted ribeye from Bourbon Steak, and traditional Thanksgiving Day dishes from Ironwood American Kitchen. Plus a host of other dishes and an epic dessert spread. Prices start at $169 per adult and $68 per child, reservation booking link here. 7575 E. Princess Dr., Scottsdale, scottsdaleprincess.com
Royal Palms Resort and Spa
The annual Thanksgiving Banquet Buffet at the Royal Palms resort is always a lavish experience. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., diners can fill their plates with offerings that span across the usual carved meats to sides to sushi to arepas made to order.
The large seafood selection includes Spanish paella, and there is a waffle and French toast bar complete with numerous toppings, pastas, a spread of salads, charcuterie, and more. Pricing is $175 per adult and it comes with a glass of sparkling wine; children 6 to 12 are $75 each. Reservations are required for this buffet, book here. 5200 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, royalpalmshotel.com
Where to Pick Up Thanksgiving To-Go
Choose Cold or Hot at The Delicatessen
With two different options available, The Delicatessen is trying to make holiday hosting a little easier this year with its Thanksgiving at Home menu. Serving four for $199, the package comes with roasted turkey and honey-glazed ham, traditional sides, and a mix-and-match of four mini pies (blueberry, pecan, pumpkin, and apple).
The best part? Cold orders can be picked up on Wednesday the 25th for reheating. However, for a true hands-off approach, pick your hot order up on Thanksgiving Day where everything comes ready to serve immediately. Orders must be placed through this link by 8 a.m. on Monday, November 23rd. 12811 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix, thedelicatessen.com
The Gladly’s Got Your Sides
Got the turkey prepped but no time for the sides? Say no more. The Gladly is here to help fill out the rest of the table. The Biltmore-area restaurant is offering the ability to pre-order dishes for pickup on Wednesday, November 25th, which can be stored, warmed, and served for the big meal.
Several options are available, including Yukon gold mashed potatoes ($32), rosemary-sage focaccia ($12), and the locally famous Original Chopped Salad ($30). Orders can be placed here until November 23rd, and each item serves between four to six people. 2201 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, thegladly.com
A Turkey-Free Thanksgiving
Not really into the traditional Turkey Day spread? Head to one of The Haymaker’s locations to pick up the No-Turkey Thanksgiving Feast. For $50, the four-to-six-person meal includes pulled pork and chicken, cowboy beans, mac and cheese, coleslaw, barbecue sauce, and slider buns.
Orders can be placed through the website, or you can call any of the locations to place an order. Pickup will be on Wednesday the 25th. Multiple locations, haymakerus.com
Pick Up Your Pies
Too Sweet Cakes is providing a selection of seven different pies for pick up including apple, pumpkin, pecan, cherry, blackberry-raspberry, lemon meringue, and chocolate cream. For the pumpkin, apple, and blackberry-raspberry, choose from a traditional crust or crumble top.
Pies are $27 each, except for the pecan and lemon meringue, which are priced at $32. Pre-orders can be submitted here until November 20th. Or, snag your order at the store on November 24th and 25th. 1727 E. Pecos Rd., Gilbert; and 4050 E. Cotton Center Blvd., Phoenix, toosweetcakes.com
Kits at Carcara
The bright and airy centerpiece of the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown, Carcara is offering Thanksgiving to-go this year. Kits run $295 for 5 to 6 people, and $495 for one that will feed 12 to 14. Each order includes a salad filled with delicata squash, mission figs, and a maple-shallot vinaigrette, plus cider-roasted turkey. Sides also take a winning place, such as the complete pancetta apple stuffing, garlic confit whipped potatoes, and green bean casserole.
Pumpkin pie, vanilla whoopie pies, Cinnamon Toast Crunch bread pudding, and Dutch apple bars round out the selection. There’s also a cocktail kit you can add on for $50, with a selection of drinks to choose from such as the White Chocolate Espresso Martini and Blood Orange Greyhound.
Orders can be placed here until November 22nd, and any order placed between the 19th and 22nd will be non-refundable. Pickup takes places on Thanksgiving between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. 340 N. 3rd St., Phoenix, carcaradowntown.com
