National holidays give us the perfect opportunity to head off for a good old-fashioned adventure abroad. That, of course, doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the traditional celebrations though. If you’re keen to get your pumpkin pie on this Thanksgiving; we’ve put together a guide to a few spots around Italy where you can enjoy the special holiday and give thanks for your amazing Italian setting. Be warned, booking in advance is absolutely necessary! Many restaurants run their Thanksgiving events by booking only.
ROME
Head to the Vivi Bistrot, either at Villa Pamphili or Piazza Navona, to enjoy a traditional American Thanksgiving dinner. This healthy and family-friendly spot will bring you a delicious dinner for €40 per person.
What is Thanksgiving without football? Thankfully, you don’t have to find out! The Abbey Theater Irish Pub on Via del Governo Vecchio will be showing all the games available in Europe! Watch the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions at 7 pm and stay put until the last game between the New York Giants and the Washington Redskins at 1 am. The kid-friendly pub will have a set menu for those wanting some turkey for €22 a pop.
The trusty old Hard Rock Café will be hosting their own Thanksgiving evening at their restaurant on Via Veneto. They’ve created a special turkey menu for €35 per person, and the spot will be completely decked out with themed decorations, a photo booth, and live performances all night long from the 7 Hills Gospel Choir.
FLORENCE
Ristorante Accademia Firenze has a long-standing date with Thanksgiving, the traditional Italian restaurant has hosted their Thanksgiving dinner 17 years in a row. Head down to Piazza San Marco for their delicious turkey with stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce served with mashed potatoes and creamed corn. Top it off with apple strudel, a whopping serving of pumpkin pie or pecan pie for €35 per person.
Thanksgiving is all about being inclusive, so why not grab all your gluten-free mates and head down to Quinoa. The gluten-free restaurant, on Vicolo di Santa Maria Maggiore, has a set Thanksgiving menu for €25 per person that includes your traditional Thanksgiving turkey meal with butternut squash soup and crispy bread starter and pumpkin pie for dessert.
VENICE
Hard Rock Café Venice will be hosting Thanksgiving too. Much like the Hard Rock Café in Rome, the meal will be based on traditional Thanksgiving dishes like roast turkey and pumpkin pie and they’ve thrown in a bottle of Miller and one soft drink all for €30 per person. You’ll have live performances by Red Maldera to keep you entertained for the night.
MILAN
Easy Milano will be hosting their annual Thanksgiving celebrations which are bound to be a hit, and for €56 a head it’s an all-inclusive event! The family style set up, sponsored by the American consulate, will have you, your family and friends indulging in a massive menu starting with a welcome aperetivo of Prosecco and tasty bites before settling in for the long haul with turkey, salads, sides, wine, and deserts. The kids will be entertained by a performer so that the adults can enjoy watching the football. Pre-booking is essential for this occasion, and no, tickets won’t be sold at the door as well.
Erba Brusca is another spot in Milan serving up what is a fine dining take on your Thanksgiving spread for €40 per person. You’ll have your traditional main of roast turkey with cranberry sauce and gravy accompanied by mashed potatoes but expect a few Italian touches like sweet potato soup with goat’s cheese and almonds. Yum. Desert will be a delicious apple crumble with bourbon ice-cream.
