Where to Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner in Columbus, Ohio – 2025 Restaurant Guide

Thanksgiving is just around the corner in Columbus, Ohio, and if you’re looking to skip the stress of cooking this year, you’ve got options. Whether you’re ready to gather around a warm table at one of the city’s standout restaurants or explore a more private dining experience, this guide covers the best places serving Thanksgiving dinner in Columbus for 2025.

Inside, you’ll find trusted restaurants, what their holiday menus look like, where they’re located, and some planning tips to help you lock in the right spot. Make your reservation, choose your experience, and let someone else handle the cooking this year.

Must-Reserve Restaurant Dinner Options

These four restaurants are considered standout choices in the Columbus area for a special-occasion Thanksgiving dinner. Reservations strongly recommended.

The Guild House

Located in the Short North neighborhood, The Guild House is an upscale yet approachable American restaurant known for seasonal, locally-sourced cuisine. Its website notes a “Thanksgiving Prix Fixe Menu” under the dinner section.

Specialty: The blend of refined dining and local flair is a perfect fit for guests seeking to celebrate Thanksgiving with something elevated yet not stuffy.

J. Gilbert’s Wood‑Fired Steaks & Seafood

At J. Gilbert’s, the focus is on premium wood-fired steaks and fresh seafood in a warm, elegant setting.

Specialty: A cozy, elegant venue where classic turkey shares the stage with expertly grilled steak and seafood.

Tucci’s

Just northwest of Columbus, Tucci’s offers Italian and American fare in a polished setting. While their standard menus are visible online, they are known for special-event menus and kids’ options.

Specialty: Refined but relaxed dining, excellent for families or smaller gatherings that want both variety and polish.

Lindey’s Restaurant & Bar

A beloved pick in German Village, Lindey’s offers a classic, comfortable environment with a reputation for being reliable for holiday meals.

Specialty: A Columbus classic for holiday dining, elegant enough for celebration, comfortable enough to feel like home.

Reliable Restaurant Options

Columbus offers plenty of places where Thanksgiving feels effortless yet special. The following restaurants continue to be popular choices for Thanksgiving dinner in Columbus, Ohio, blending seasonal menus with inviting atmospheres and trusted service.

Columbus Fish Market

Known for its fresh catches and bright, lively atmosphere, Columbus Fish Market puts a coastal spin on the holiday. In addition to its regular seafood menu, the restaurant traditionally offers a three-course Thanksgiving dinner with turkey, seasonal sides, and a children’s menu.

Specialty: A blend of surf-and-turf options that make Thanksgiving feel a bit lighter and more distinctive.

Mitchell’s Steakhouse

A Columbus staple for upscale dining, Mitchell’s serves a four-course Thanksgiving meal at both its Polaris and Downtown locations. Guests can also choose from the regular dinner menu if they prefer steaks, chops, or seafood.

Specialty: Classic steakhouse indulgence with a polished holiday touch, ideal for couples or small groups looking to celebrate in style.

The Keep at LeVeque Tower

Tucked inside the historic LeVeque Tower, The Keep offers a rich, moody setting with sweeping city views. Each year, they serve a Thanksgiving buffet or prix fixe dinner with seasonal entrées and signature cocktails.

Specialty: A setting that feels unmistakably Columbus elegant, timeless, and perfect for making the day feel special.

Mimi’s Café

Located in Polaris, Mimi’s offers approachable French-American fare and a three-course dine-in Thanksgiving meal beginning at 11 a.m. It’s a comfortable choice for those wanting a classic turkey dinner without formality.

Specialty: Familiar flavors, friendly service, and a warm atmosphere suited for families or relaxed gatherings.

Planning Tips & What to Ask Before You Book

A little preparation makes all the difference when choosing where to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner in Columbus, Ohio. Holiday dining fills up quickly, especially at restaurants offering special menus or holiday events, so it’s worth confirming a few details before you finalize your plans.

• Check the holiday menu and hours: Some restaurants open early for brunch-style meals, while others serve dinner only.
• Ask about reservations: Many Columbus restaurants require advance booking or a deposit for Thanksgiving.
• Clarify pricing and what’s included: Prix fixe menus often cover multiple courses, but drinks or gratuity might be extra.
• Confirm dietary accommodations: Vegetarian or gluten-free? Most restaurants can adjust if you ask ahead.
• Look into takeout or dine-in options: A few spots also offer to-go Thanksgiving dinners for those hosting at home.
• Consider location and parking: Downtown venues tend to fill first, while neighborhood favorites may offer easier access.

Private Dining Alternative

For those who’d rather skip the restaurant rush, Columbus offers another way to enjoy a Thanksgiving buffet in Columbus, Ohio, 2025, one that’s completely personal and stress-free. Instead of dining out, you can bring the restaurant experience home with a private chef who handles everything from cooking to cleanup.

Services like CookinGenie connect you with local chefs who design and prepare a full holiday menu right in your kitchen. You can request traditional favorites, modern twists, or even a Thanksgiving buffet-style meal for your guests, all customized to your preferences.

• It’s flexible: You choose the menu, serving style, and timing.
• It’s personal: Perfect for family gatherings or intimate celebrations.
• It’s effortless: The chef manages prep, cooking, and cleanup, letting you focus on the celebration itself.

So, while restaurants across the city host their own Thanksgiving buffet in Columbus, Ohio, 2025, the private dining route brings that same sense of abundance home minus the wait, the cleanup, or the crowd.

FAQs

However You Celebrate, Make It Feel Like Home

Whether your idea of Thanksgiving means dressing up for a reservation downtown or setting the table at home, Columbus has options that fit every kind of celebration. The city’s restaurants continue to make Thanksgiving dinner in Columbus, Ohio, something to look forward to with seasonal menus, familiar faces, and the kind of comfort that only great food can bring.

And if this year you’d rather trade the restaurant rush for a quieter, more personal touch, private chef services like CookinGenie make it possible to enjoy the same gourmet experience right in your dining room. From designing your menu to handling every last dish, they turn the day into what it’s meant to be: good food, good company, no stress.

So whether you’re gathering around a restaurant table or your own, here’s to a Thanksgiving that feels effortless, abundant, and uniquely yours.