Gobble, gobble: Thanksgiving Day restaurants open Nov. 23 in Naples, Marco, Bonita
A few years ago, as I was stressing while preparing the annual Thanksgiving feast for my husband’s large family, my sister-in-law said, “It’s just one meal during the year. Why are you stressing? What’s the big deal?”
It’s amazing how her comment remains in my head five years later. It still makes me sad.
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I want every dish to be perfect.
Last year, Hurricane Ian thwarted any cooking plans when FEMA deemed my home uninhabitable.
What to do with 14 people including four tots under 7?
Publix is great for prepared holiday meals, they are not open on the official holiday which can pose problems if you forget something.
And I always forget something.
Last year's solution: "The Ultimate Meal" takeout for 12 to 14, averaging $15 per person from The Fresh Market, which I give thanks for being open on the actual holiday until 3 p.m. because last year, our count grew to 17 from 14 on Thanksgiving morning, making it easy-peasy to add a few more sides. This year, Fresh Market added take-home for two. Order by Nov. 21 at 2 p.m.
This year, I'm dining out. If you are too, we have handy tips and nearly 20 ideas for where to go.
Pro tips for scoring reservations
If you’ve not made plans yet, many restaurants are open. But availability is going fast, so make reservations now. We also feature several that can seat large parties.
From flight delays to people who double book, most restaurants get last-minute cancellations and party size changes. The ones included here answer their phones, a rarity nowadays, but super important when booking holiday reservations when OpenTable or Resy prove frustrating.
Many restaurants on Fifth Avenue South have availability.
An even number in your party is easier for the restaurant to accommodate space-wise.
Prices listed are for food; plan to budget for booze, beverages, tip and tax.
The list, broken down by city, will be updated online through Nov. 22.
Restaurants open Nov. 23 in Naples
The 239: Heading out with a group? With reservations, they can take up to 30 of your nearest and dearest. This locavore spot, beloved by JLB and her editors, is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. with a la carte specials and a $19 turkey dinner with fixings for kids under 10. (9108 Strada Place at Mercato, North Naples; 239-631-1902; the239naples.com)
Baleen: The Gulf-front restaurant with gorgeous water views day and night has great food to match the exquisite setting. Better availability before 4 p.m. From traditional turkey and grouper to a vegetarian truffle polenta cake, the prix-fixe is $115 per person plus a mandatory valet charge. (9891 Gulf Shore Drive, Naples; 239-598-5707; laplayaresort.com)
Bistro La Baguette: From noon to 6 p.m., this fantastic casual French restaurant offers a $39 Thanksgiving entree with deep-fried turkey, bourbon mashed sweet potato, haricots verts, gravy and cranberry marmalade. The regular dinner menu is also offered. (3560 Tamiami Trail E., Naples; 239-403-7861; bistrolabaguette.com)
Campiello: From 2 to 8 p.m., the restaurant serves holiday dishes with an Italian flair. “Cappaletti di Zucca” is pasta with butternut squash, sage brown butter, amaretto cookies and vin cotto ($30) and “Tacchino,” roasted turkey breast with taleggio whipped potato and truffle jus ($44) are two examples. The regular dinner menu is also available. If money is no object, black or white truffles are available and priced per three grams. (1177 Third Street S., Naples; 239-435-1166; campiellonaples.com)
The Claw Bar and The London Club: Both restaurants at the beautiful Bellasera Hotel offer three-course prix-fixes dinners. The Claw Bar, open from noon to 8 p.m., charges $85 per person. The London Club is $95 per person from 4 to 8 p.m. with live entertainment until 9 p.m. Kids 12 and under are $28 at both. Parties of up to eight people can be accommodated. (221 Ninth Street S., Naples; 239-231-3912; theclawbar.com; londonclubnaples.com)
The Continental: From 12:30 to 7:30 p.m., the nightly dinner menu is supplemented with hearty Thanksgiving specials including butternut squash soup with bay scallops ($20) and roasted turkey with wild rice casserole, sage stuffing and gravy ($46). (1205 Third St. S., Naples; 239-659-0007; damicoscontinental.com)
Cracker Barrel: Open at 11 a.m. for $16.50 per person. Two heat-and-serve takeout options are priced $105 serving four to six; $155 serves up to 10. Pre-order by Nov. 21 strongly suggested. (3845 Tollgate Blvd., Naples; 239-455-6588; crackerbarrel.com)
Mel's Diner: From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., a slew of Thanksgiving dinner options with sides included are priced $17 for turkey to $20 for prime rib. Kids menu is $10. Takeout serving four to six people is $90. Reservations are required for parties of six and up. (Multiple locations; melsdiners.com)
Naples Grande Beach Resort: From noon to 8 p.m., Catch of the Pelican, the hotel’s restaurant, offers a la carte main courses priced $45 to $62 plus comp parking. “Thanksgiving Feast To Go” is another option: $348 serves eight including a 20-pound-plus cider-brined turkey, brioche and rosemary bread stuffing and additional sides. Desserts too. For every feast purchased, the hotel will donate one turkey to Naples nonprofit St. Matthews House. Orders must be placed by Nov. 20 at 5 p.m.; pickup is Nov. 23 from 11 a.m. to noon. Email dining@naplesgrande.com with questions. (475 Seagate Drive, Naples; 239-594-6325; naplesgrande.com)
Osteria Capri: Three courses with a slew of selections including turkey, ranging from $50 per person to $100 depending on entrée choice. Water views of the calming bay? Priceless. It can accommodate parties up to 15 guests, depending on when you want to eat. Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; dinner 4:30 to 9 p.m. (387 Capri Blvd., Naples; 239-970-5721; osteriacapri.com)
Sails: Pre-payable $218 per person prix fixe (includes tax and service charge) from the restaurant's new chef, who's only worked at Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe? Yes, and he's an expert with turkey too. (301 Fifth Ave. S.; 239-360-2000; sailsrestaurants.com)
Tartine & Tartelette: What is khinkali? They’re meat-filled boiled dumplings from Georgia (the country, not the state) stuffed with turkey for the holiday and the sole main course choice on a $110 prix fixe that includes a glass of chardonnay. (11121 Health Park Blvd., North Naples; 239-888-1151; tartinetartelette.com)
Bonita Springs availability
Artichoke and Co.: Another great group spot that can accommodate large gatherings. Two seatings at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. feature a four-course dinner. Adults, $45; kids 10 and under, $15. (11920 Saradrienne Lane, Bonita Springs; 239-263-6979; artichokeandcompany.com)
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa: A Thanksgiving buffet runs from 1 to 8 p.m. priced $120 for adults and $50 for kids 5 to 12; tots under 5 dine free. Tax and 20% gratuity added to each check. Reservations are strongly recommended. The resort's Tarpon Bay restaurant serves a la carte from 5:30 to 10 p.m. (5001 Coconut Road, Bonita Springs; 239-390-4211; hyattregencycoconutpoint.com)
Kim Chi Grill: Seeking something untraditional? This critic's pick is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (3300 Bonita Beach Road; 239-676-1910; kimchigrillbonita.com)
Roy’s: Executive Chef Alex Johnson honors Hawaii’s culinary heritage with two holiday prix-fixe menus. For $55, the main course is teriyaki-glazed turkey with a choice of starters and desserts. The second option is built around entrée choices and priced accordingly from $71 for hibachi Atlantic salmon to $93 for Colorado rack of grilled lamb. Because not every tot likes turkey, a kids “keiki” menu with myriad options is priced from $17 to $28. (26831 South Bay Drive, Bonita Springs; 239-498-7697; roysrestaurant.com)
Marco Island
JW Marriott: Three restaurants, all different options and prices. Maia’s bountiful buffet runs from 3 to 9 p.m. priced at $99 for adults and $27 for kids under 12. The fancy fine-dining Ario offers a three-course prix-fixe from 5 to 10 p.m. priced $130 for adults and a la carte for kids under 12. The adults-only Tesoro features a two-course prix fixe of turkey dinner and a holiday-spiced tiramisu for $37. (400 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island; 239-394-2511; marriott.com)
More about Maia: Top 1%: Marco Island Marriott worker among 10 best out of 600,000 worldwide employees
If you strike out on reservations, restaurants with large dining rooms can sometimes accommodate at the last minute. Spacious spots like Lamoraga and Two Fillets are solid bets.
Are you a restaurant owner or GM in Collier County with ample Thanksgiving availability? Email diana.biederman@naplesnews.com with specials, prices and times available for editorial consideration.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Restaurants open Thanksgiving Day in Naples, Marco, Bonita on Nov. 23
