Gobble this: Thanksgiving's best buffets, waterfront brunch & dinners at every budget

Don't want to cook Thanksgiving Day? Whether heading out or staying in, many local restaurants, resorts and caterers have you covered on Nov. 28.

For 2024, our restaurant list offers something at every price point and style. From a waterfront gem and a few buffets to catering and takeout with an international spin, there's something for every palate.

A slew of chains offer dine-in and carryout. In Naples, they include Seasons 52, which extended its hours to accommodate demand, Fleming's, Ocean Prime, Brio and Bravo.

How to get the restaurant reservation time you want

Prefer dining out? Before making a reservation, read our handy tipsheet below.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

• Most local restaurants are open for the holiday. Availability for groups of six or more goes quickly and a credit card may be required to hold your table.

• If you are hosting a group, make sure someone in your party hasn't beaten you to the punch by already making a reservation.
• When booking holiday reservations online via OpenTable, Resy, or Tock, use the notes section to provide advance information pertinent to your party. Examples include high chairs and food allergies.
• An even number in your party is more manageable for the restaurant to accommodate space-wise.
• Resorts do buffets exceptionally well. Those with availability are listed.
• Restaurants with large dining rooms are the best bets for last-minute decisions. Spacious spots like Lamoraga, Two Fillets, and Keewaydin's could save your holiday.
• More about that last-minute issue: Restaurants' busiest demand period falls between 4 to 6 p.m., and most parties are seated for at least 90 minutes. Plan to wait if you head out at 5 p.m.
• Tired of traditional turkey? Head to a spot where the cuisine's focus is not American.

Unless noted, prices listed are for the meal. Budget accordingly for booze, beverages, tip and tax.

Buffets

Baleen: Gulf waterfront brunch buffet checks all the boxes at $135 per person, and includes one mimosa or bloody from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations are going fast. (9891 Gulf Shore Drive, Naples; 239-598-5707; laplayaresort.com)

The Ritz-Carlton Resorts of Naples host two sumptuous grand buffets. Prices and hours vary by location, but 2 p.m. is the sweet spot at both hotels to avoid waiting at the carving station.

The beach resort’s ballroom venue runs 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Prices start at $195 plus a 25% service charge, taxes and ticketing fees per adult.

At Tiburón, hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with prices starting at $185 plus service charge, taxes and fees per adult; a $50 supplemental beverage package is available.

At both hotels, prices are $65 for kids 2 to 12 for a special buffet; tots younger than 2 are free. For parties of 11 or more, call 239-514-6040. Book online via naplesfestive.com.

Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa: Tanglewood's buffet runs from 1 to 7:30 p.m. priced $125 for adults and $60 for kids 5 to 12; tots under 5 dine free. Tax and 20% gratuity are added to each check. Reservations are strongly recommended. The resort's Tarpon Bay a la carte restaurant is booking quickly. (5001 Coconut Road; 239-390-4211; hyattregencycoconutpoint.com)

Naples restaurants with availability Nov. 28

The 239: This year's menu emphasizes gluten-free offerings. Going with a group? With reservations (make them now!), they can take up to 12 of your nearest and dearest. This locavore spot opens from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., averaging $39 per holiday entree. For kids under 10, expect to pay $22. (9108 Strada Place at Mercato; 239-631-1902; the239naples.com)

Bistro La Baguette: Deep fried turkey at a French restaurant? Oui, from noon to 6:30 p.m. The regular dinner menu is also available. (3560 Tamiami Trail E.; 239-403-7861; bistrolabaguette.com)

Café Normandie: From 3 to 8 p.m., another French nod to an American holiday. Here, consider swapping pumpkin pie for chocolate mousse. (3756 Tamiami Trail N.; 239-261-0977; cafenormandienaples.com)

Campiello: From 2 to 8 p.m., the restaurant serves autumnal dishes with an Italian flair. “Mezzaluna di ricotta” is pasta with butternut squash, sage brown butter, vincotto and parmesan. “Tacchino” is roasted turkey breast with taleggio whipped potato and truffle jus. If money is no object, truffles are priced accordingly. (1177 Third Street S.; 239-435-1166; campiellonaples.com)

Catch of the Pelican at Naples Grande Beach Resort: From noon to 8 p.m., a three-courseprix-fixe is $89 per person; $45 for kids 12 and under. Availability for large groups too; inquire at [email protected]. (475 Seagate Drive; 239-594-6325; naplesgrande.com) Claw Bar: The best availability is from noon to 4 p.m. for $85 per person. Parties up to eight can be accommodated. A credit card is required to hold the reservation. (221 Ninth Street S.; 239-231-3912; theclawbar.com)

The Continental: From 12:30 to 7:30 p.m., the dinner menu is supplemented with hearty specials, including a persimmon-butternut squash-country ham appetizer and roasted turkey with wild rice casserole, sage stuffing, and gravy. (1205 Third St. S.; 239-659-0007; damicoscontinental.com)

The French: So many lovely choices, especially for those who want to forego turkey. The three-course prix-fixe starts at $75 per person. (365 Fifth Ave. S., Naples; 239-315-4019; thefrenchnaples.com)

The London Club: Open from 4 to 8 p.m. with live entertainment by Danny Sinoff. Can accommodate up to eight; a credit card is required to hold the reservation. (221 Ninth Street S.; 239-231-3912; londonclubnaples.com)

Mel's Diner: From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., a slew of Thanksgiving dinner options with sides included are priced under $20. Kids menu is $10. Reservations required for parties of six and up; otherwise walk-ins welcomed. (Multiple locations; melsdiners.com)

Real Macaw: Three-course prix-fixe is $59 for adults and $22 for kids. Best availability is from 3 to 7 p.m. A credit card is required to hold the reservation with payment due night of. (3275 Bayshore Drive; 239-732-1188; therealmacaw.com)

Sails: Fixated on Netflix's "The Crown"? Chef Rajkumar Holuss has prepared turkey dinners for the real Royal Family, including HRH Queen Elizabeth II. Dinner pre-payment is $216 per person, including tax and service charges. (301 Fifth Ave. S.; 239-360-2000; sailsrestaurants.com)

Shabo's Bistro: This terrific chef gives traditional ingredients a coastal Mediterranean via Cairo spin. It's reasonably priced, too: three courses are $30 when dining in. Family meal pricing with sides depends on the selected protein and ranges from $50 for half a duck to $110 for a whole turkey. (15215 Collier Blvd.; 239-354-9955; shabosbistro.com)

Shula’s $65 three-course prix-fixe runs noon to 9 p.m. with better availability before 5 p.m. Groups of 10 or more should call now. (5111 Tamiami Trail N., Naples; 239-430-4999; shulasnaples.com)

Syren Oyster & Cocktail Bar: If turkey's not your thing, this gorgeous new waterfront spot in Olde Naples serves its regular menu with a seafood emphasis. It's open from 4 to 9 p.m. and can accommodate parties up to eight. (909 10th St. S.; 239-610-1559; syrenoysterbar.com)

Bonita Springs availability

Artichoke and Co.: Another great group spot. Two seatings at 1 and 4 p.m. feature a four-course dinner priced $45 for adults, kids 10 and younger, $15. (11920 Saradrienne Lane; 239-263-6979; artichokeandcompany.com)

Roy’s: Executive Chef Alex Johnson honors Hawaii’s culinary heritage with a three-course prix-fixe built around the entree's price from $55 to $78. A special kids “keiki” menu too. (26831 South Bay Drive; 239-498-7697; roysrestaurant.com)

Marco Island

La Tavola: This one is booking fast. Sweet spots of availability before 5 p.m. (961 Winterberry Drive; 239-393-4960; latavolarestaurantandbar.com)

Catering and takeout

Looking for something that bends tradition?

Le Colonial is doing just that with Thanksgiving carryout for 10; orders are being taken now. The thought of Japanese milk Parker House rolls makes my mouth water, but dinner's real star is lemongrass and chili-roasted Amish Farm turkey with toasted Vidalia onion and ginger-scented jus. Other bells and whistles include French brioche stuffing with chestnuts and roasted winter squash, Japanese sweet potato casserole and many other delicious things. The price is $385.25, with 15% gratuity included. Tax is additional. (445 Fifth Ave. S.; 239-372-9700; lecolonial.com)

Crave Culinaire is the easy-peasy luxe option that even offers staffing and tabletop decor. Orders must be placed by Nov. 20. There are also ham, beef, and salmon options. Call to arrange pickup or delivery. (craveculinaire.com or call 239-292-1529)

Jimmy Ps Butcher Shop is my go-to when tasked with cooking fresh turkey. A big bird dinner with sides starts at $169; a ham option is $119. Pick up by Nov. 27. (Two locations: 1833 Tamiami Trail N., Naples; 239-643-6328 and 25010 Bernwood Drive, Bonita Springs; 239-221-7420; jimmypssteaks.com)