Here’s my annual confession: I don’t cook on Thanksgiving. I don’t even pretend to cook on Thanksgiving. While everyone else is stressing out, scrubbing floors, and taking a deep breath before the family drama begins, I will be heading to= the gangway of a cruise ship with a suitcase, a smile, and not one ounce of guilt.
This year, Mr. S and I will be spending Thanksgiving at sea. No oven mitts, no mountain of dishes, no “why is the stuffing so dry?” accusations. Most importantly: absolutely no family drama. I love them all, but let’s be honest, holiday “togetherness” sometimes comes with a side of tension (in our family it seems to be a requirement of the holidays). I’ve reached the age where I actively opt out of all of that.
But I know many of you are staying local, and maybe you’re in the same boat as I am. Or maybe you’re hosting out of obligation but refuse to be chained to the kitchen all day. Or perhaps you want to reward yourself with a beautiful Thanksgiving meal prepared by actual professionals who don’t fake-smile their way through the fails and snarky comments from family members.
Luckily, South Florida delivers, and this year, a trio of Hilton-based restaurants across Miami Beach, Deerfield Beach, and Fort Lauderdale are rolling out holiday menus that are festive, creative, and blessedly free of cleanup.
If you’re looking for “Where to Dine for Thanksgiving” options, here are my three standout picks serving turkey, stuffing, and fall flavors… with zero stress and zero dishes to wash afterwards.
Allison Restaurant & Bar — Miami Beach
If you want Thanksgiving with a tropical breeze instead of your cousin’s loud political opinions, this is the spot. Allison Restaurant & Bar—already a favorite among Miami Beach locals is going all-in on a Thanksgiving weekend celebration that stretches from November 27 through November 30.
Yes, you read that right: four full days of Thanksgiving favorites, each with a Miami twist.
Weekend Specials (Nov. 27–30, 12–5 p.m.)
These limited-time dishes are playful, creative, and honestly, the kind of thing you’ll crave long after the holiday:
-
Turkey Cuban Medianoche – Think: roasted turkey breast gets cozy with black forest ham, Swiss, pickles, and Dijonaise inside a Cuban-style roll. Served with French fries. It’s basically Thanksgiving meets Calle Ocho at midnight.
-
Turkey Club Sliders – Brioche, heirloom tomatoes, avocado, bibb lettuce, Swiss, chipotle aioli… plus sweet potato fries. It’s the kind of mini sandwich you keep saying you’ll eat “just one” of, then suddenly three are gone.
-
Turkey Quesadilla – Loaded with smoked gouda, roasted peppers, caramelized onions, roasted turkey, and a swirl of cranberry sauce. Sweet, smoky, cheesy perfection.
Thanksgiving Day Dinner (Nov. 27, 6–9 p.m.) — $55 per person with complimentary wine
This is where they really shine. Instead of the same tired turkey-and-two-sides plate, they’re offering:
-
Starter: Cranberry Glow Tuna Tartare — ahi tuna, avocado, cucumber, cranberry glaze, sesame seeds, and crispy taro chips. Elegant, fresh, and a fun nod to tradition.
-
Entrée: Turkey Roulade wrapped in prosciutto and stuffed with sourdough, cranberries, and Spanish chorizo. It’s served with glazed baby carrots, charred broccolini, wild mushroom risotto, and a coconut curry sauce for a stunning finish.
-
Dessert: Pumpkin Cheesecake infused with spiced pumpkin puree.
It’s easily one of the most elevated Thanksgiving menus in Miami Beach this year, and for $55, it’s a steal.
- Hilton Cabana Miami Beach Resort
- 6261 Collins Ave, Miami Beach
- Reservations: 305-864-6261
Beach Terrace Restaurant — Deerfield Beach
If your ideal Thanksgiving is low-key, beachy, and gloriously relaxed—with food that still feels special—then head north to Deerfield Beach. Beach Terrace Restaurant has always been one of Broward County’s most underrated coastal dining spots, but this year’s Thanksgiving specials put it firmly on the holiday dining map.
They’ll be serving their holiday menu all day on Thursday, November 27, from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. But take note: items are available until sold out, so early birds get the gravy.
Thanksgiving Specials Include:
-
Roast Carrot & Ginger Soup — silky coconut cream, a hint of chili oil, and the kind of cozy warmth you want on a November afternoon. ($9)
-
Mushroom Tart — truffle cream, herb salad, flaky pastry. Elegant but comforting. ($11)
-
Roast Turkey with Cornbread Stuffing — paired with mashed potatoes, glazed root veggies, buttered green beans, cranberry relish, and gravy. Basically the full traditional Thanksgiving plate—but prepared by a chef who won’t glare at you if you ask for extra gravy. ($34)
-
Butternut Squash Ravioli — brown butter, crispy sage, toasted hazelnuts. For the vegetarians or the pasta-obsessed. ($28)
-
Pumpkin Cheesecake — topped with toasted pumpkin seeds, caramel sauce, and whipped cream. ($10)
-
Red Velvet Cake — strawberry coulis and warm chocolate sauce. A crowd-pleasing, decadent finish. ($9)
The vibe at Beach Terrace is casual-nice: perfect for families who want to be together without being stuck in the kitchen. You get the ocean breeze, the holiday flavors, and someone else does the dishes.
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Deerfield Beach Resort & Spa
- 950 S Ocean Dr, Deerfield Beach
- Reservations: 954-426-0478
TASTE Restaurant — Fort Lauderdale
If you’ve ever spent a Thanksgiving stuck in I-95 holiday traffic, you already know the appeal of a centrally located restaurant with easy parking—and TASTE delivers exactly that, plus a beautifully crafted prix fixe menu.
Newly renovated and stylish without being fussy, it’s the kind of place where families, couples, and visiting relatives will all feel comfortable. Their special Thanksgiving menu (available Nov. 27 from noon until close) is priced starting at $45++ per person, which is more than reasonable for the quality and portions.
Here’s what they’re serving:
Three-Course Prix Fixe Menu
-
Starter: Butternut Squash Soup — velvety, lightly sweet, and hints at fall even in our Florida sunshine.
-
Entrée: Slow Roasted Turkey with green beans, yukon mashed potatoes, focaccia stuffing, cranberry sauce, and turkey au jus. A very classic Thanksgiving plate, but polished and beautifully executed.
-
Dessert: Pumpkin Pie with Caramel Glaze. A perfect, simple finish—like Thanksgiving should be.
This is a great pick if you’re staying in Fort Lauderdale, hosting visitors at a nearby hotel, or simply want a holiday meal that feels familiar and satisfying without being overly elaborate.
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale 17th Street
- 1100 SE 17th Street
- Reservations: 954-526-6677
The Bottom Line: South Florida Has Your Thanksgiving Covered
Whether you’re craving the creativity of a Miami Beach menu, the calm coastal charm of Deerfield Beach, or the easy convenience of Fort Lauderdale, these Hilton restaurants offer something for every Thanksgiving personality from the adventurous eater to the “just give me turkey and a good pie” traditionalist.
And while I’ll be waving goodbye from the pool deck of a cruise ship (drink in hand, absolutely nothing in the oven), I know many of you are planning your own stress-free holiday right here at home.
If you hate cooking…
If you dread cleaning…
If you want the magic of Thanksgiving without scrubbing a roasting pan the next morning…
These restaurants are your solution.
Trust me: you deserve a break this year. And no matter which spot you choose, your only big decision will be pumpkin pie… or pumpkin cheesecake?
(Obviously the answer is both.)
