Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley’s Thanksgiving Dinner Roundup

As the leaves fall and November settles in, the season of gratitude, and great food, arrives once again. And with it comes the age-old question: where will you celebrate Thanksgiving this year? Some are gearing up for family reunions that span state lines, while others are preparing for the juggling act of pleasing every guest at the table. But before you pull out the roasting pan and stock up on cranberry sauce, consider this: what if Thanksgiving didn’t have to mean hours in the kitchen?

This year, trade the stress for something sweeter... a relaxing, flavor-filled holiday spent dining at one of Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley’s top restaurants or enjoying a perfectly prepared to-go feast. From gourmet buffets to cozy prix fixe menus, these local favorites are ready to serve up a Thanksgiving you’ll actually get to enjoy.

Pro tip: Reservations (and pre-orders) are filling fast, so plan early to guarantee your seat at the table!
 

1. BIG FISH GRILL ON THE RIVERFRONT 

Big Fish Grill presents a hassle-free Thanksgiving to take-home. Sit down with the family as you enjoy your choice of a succulent, full-sized oven-roasted turkey or a honey-glazed ham, paired with homemade gravy, cranberry sauce, and two to four delicious sides. We recommend the pumpkin crab bisque for added flare to your dining room table! For a more flexible feast, individual portions and sides-only packages are also available.

Place your to-go order by November 20th for Thanksgiving Day pickup between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. 

2. CANTWELL’S TAVERN 

Take the family on a journey to Odessa, Delaware and savor a delightful three-course meal at Cantwell’s Tavern featuring a main course of: citrus sage turkey, honey-roasted ham, or maple-glazed salmon perfectly paired with traditional sides like sausage stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes and more. Don't forget to save room for dessert with options like pumpkin roll cheesecake, you can't go wrong! In house seating begins at 11:30 a.m. and the final tables will be seated at 6:00 p.m. They are also offering dinner to-go at $39 per plate. Call (302) 376-0600 or visit their website for more information. 

3. HARRY’S SAVOY GRILL & BALLROOM 

Reserve your spot at Harry’s Savoy Grill & Ballroom located in North Wilmington off Naamans Road, just minutes from the Pennsylvania state line. Harry’s will be hosting a full buffet dinner in the ballroom from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The well-known-around-town buffet features an appetizer display including crab and artichoke dip and asparagus & fairytale pumpkin salad, a carving station with traditional turkey and prime rib, entree's like cheese tortellini and crab cakes as well as a dessert display you will want to save room to enjoy! Reserve early for the best seating times. Call today: (302) 475-3000 

4. HILTON CHRISTIANA 

Indulge in a buffet-style dinner at the Hilton Christiana hotel featuring carving stations offering a variety of meats from roasted turkey with cranberry sauce to honey citrus salmon paired with quinoa, salads, and coffee roasted pork. Enjoy a dine-in experience from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Prices are set at $74.95 for adults and $29.95 for children aged 6-12. Children aged five and under dine for free. Secure your spot by calling For reservations, please call (302) 631-1542. Check out the full menu here. 

5. JANSSEN’S MARKET 

Take a backseat this Thanksgiving, and let Janssen's Fine Foods do the work with their extensive take-home menu including individual dishes, a charcuterie board and traditional Thanksgiving platters. Check out their full to-go menu here. Orders must be placed by November 24. Call (302) 654-9941, ext. 3 or email catering@janssensfinefoods.com.  

6. LE CAVALIER AT THE GREEN ROOM 

Le Cavalier is celebrating Thanksgiving with a seasonal prix fixe menu that blends nostalgic, comforting flavors with a French twist. This new-school French brasserie brings innovative takes on holiday classics like roasted turkey and citrus-glazed ham, paired with all the traditional sides for a cozy, memorable meal. The menu features standouts such as onion soup, brussels sprouts, and foie gras tartine, adding an elegant touch to the holiday feast.

Secure your spot by making reservations through Resy. Seatings are available from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Indulge in their prix-fixe menu, with prices starting at $75 per person.

7. Tonic Friendsgiving - November 26^th 

Take a break from the family reunion chaos and join Tonic Seafood & Steak for a festive Friendsgiving celebration! Gather your friends and family (if you choose) on November 26th for an unforgettable evening filled with delicious food, seasonal drinks, and lively company. Tonic is serving up a specially crafted menu that includes holiday favorites with a unique twist, perfect for making new memories before the Thanksgiving rush. Don’t miss out on this warm, welcoming pre-holiday gathering. Reserve your spot today and kick off the season with dranks and thanks! 

Kick back and truly savor the Thanksgiving holiday this year! Let the talented chefs of Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley take the reins while you relax and relish in the festivities. It is time to relax, indulge in delectable cuisine and create unforgettable memories. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you! Cheers to a Thanksgiving feast that's as easy as pie! We would love to see your family enjoying the Thanksgiving holiday at one of our featured restaurants. Why not take a pic and tag us at @visitwilmingtonde.