40 Thanksgiving Menu Ideas for Restaurants + Prices for 2026
A great Thanksgiving menu gives guests the holiday dinner they grew up with — without the shopping, cooking or dishes.
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest days of the year for many restaurants. Families book big tables, some guests want a classic turkey dinner, others want something lighter, and a growing number order the whole feast to take home. The best Thanksgiving menus keep things familiar, make the set price clear, and plan the kitchen around a few dishes that can be cooked in volume.
It's also a day when planning pays off. You'll know your bookings and pre-orders in advance, so a focused menu helps you order the right amount of turkey, prep sides efficiently and keep tables turning.
If you're planning your holiday service, here are 40 Thanksgiving menu ideas for restaurants with suggested 2026 prices to help you get started.
Note: Prices below are suggested starting points for a U.S.-based casual or mid-range restaurant. Your ideal prices will depend on turkey and ingredient costs, location, portion size, labor (holiday pay adds up), competition and whether you offer dine-in, takeout or both.
Thanksgiving set menus
Most restaurants serve Thanksgiving as a set or prix fixe menu. One clear price makes booking easier, speeds up ordering for large tables and helps the kitchen plan exact quantities.
1. Three-course Thanksgiving dinner — $55–$75 per person
A starter, a main with all the trimmings, and a slice of pie. This is the format most guests expect, and it's easy to plan around.
2. Family-style Thanksgiving feast — $65 per person
Sliced turkey, sides and gravy served on shared platters for the whole table. Family style feels like home and is often faster for the kitchen than plating individual dishes.
3. Kids' Thanksgiving plate — $22–$28
Turkey, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese and a small slice of pie for children under 12. A kids' price makes your restaurant much easier to choose for families.
4. Premium Thanksgiving menu — $85–$110 per person
Four courses with upgrades like a beef or seafood main, a cheese course and wine pairings for an extra fee. A good fit for upscale restaurants and hotels.
5. Thanksgiving brunch buffet — $45–$60 per person
A late-morning buffet with carving station, breakfast favorites and pies. Brunch lets you serve an extra seating before the dinner rush.
Thanksgiving starters
Starters should be seasonal but light — guests are saving room for the main event.
6. Butternut squash soup — $10
Silky roasted squash with toasted pepitas and sage brown butter. It can be made ahead in large batches.
7. Harvest salad — $12
Mixed greens, roasted pear or apple, candied pecans, blue cheese and cider vinaigrette.
8. Deviled eggs — $9
A nostalgic holiday starter that's cheap to make and easy to prep in advance.
9. Baked brie — $16
Warm brie with cranberry, honey and walnuts, served with crusty bread. Perfect for sharing.
10. Roasted beet and goat cheese salad — $13
Earthy, colorful and a strong vegetarian option.
11. Wild mushroom crostini — $11
Garlicky mushrooms on toasted bread with thyme and parmesan.
Thanksgiving mains
Turkey is the star, but offering one or two alternatives makes your menu work for every guest at a big table.
12. Herb-roasted turkey — $28–$34
White and dark meat with stuffing, cranberry sauce and gravy. Roast whole birds or turkey breasts and legs separately for more even cooking.
13. Turkey roulade — $30
Boneless turkey breast rolled with stuffing and sliced. It looks elegant and is much easier to portion than a whole bird.
14. Honey-glazed ham — $28
A classic second meat for Thanksgiving. Ham is easy to hold and slice during a busy service.
15. Braised short rib — $36
A rich, comforting option for guests who don't want turkey.
16. Prime rib — $45
A premium main for upscale menus. Price it with an upcharge on your set menu.
17. Pan-roasted salmon — $30
A lighter main with seasonal vegetables and a maple or mustard glaze.
18. Stuffed acorn squash — $24
Wild rice, mushrooms, cranberries and pecans. A beautiful vegetarian or vegan main that feels festive.
19. Mushroom and chestnut wellington — $26
A plant-based centerpiece that gives vegetarian guests something special.
Thanksgiving side dishes
For many guests, the sides are the best part of Thanksgiving. They're also where you can make healthy margins.
20. Mashed potatoes — $7
Creamy, buttery and essential. Make them rich enough to stand out.
21. Classic stuffing — $7
Bread stuffing with celery, onion, sage and butter. Offer a cornbread or sausage version as your signature.
22. Green bean casserole — $7
Creamy mushroom sauce and crispy fried onions — or a fresher take with blistered beans and almonds.
23. Candied sweet potatoes — $7
Topped with toasted marshmallows or a pecan crumble.
24. Mac and cheese — $8
Baked with a crunchy cheddar crust. Especially popular with kids.
25. Roasted Brussels sprouts — $7
With bacon, maple or balsamic glaze.
26. Honey-roasted carrots and parsnips — $6
Simple, colorful and inexpensive.
27. Cranberry sauce — included
Homemade cranberry sauce costs very little and makes plates feel generous.
28. Dinner rolls with honey butter — $5
Warm rolls are an easy add-on, and a great use of your bakery skills if you have them.
Thanksgiving pies and desserts
Pie is non-negotiable on Thanksgiving. Sell it by the slice for dine-in and as whole pies for takeout.
29. Pumpkin pie — $9 slice
Spiced custard with whipped cream. The most important dessert on the menu.
30. Pecan pie — $10 slice
Rich and sweet. A bourbon version makes it feel special.
31. Apple pie — $9 slice
Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce.
32. Sweet potato pie — $9 slice
A southern favorite that deserves a spot next to pumpkin.
33. Pumpkin cheesecake — $10 slice
A great option for guests who want something a little different.
34. Whole pies to go — $30–$38
Pumpkin, pecan and apple pies for pickup. Whole pies are one of the most profitable Thanksgiving items. For more bake ideas, see our bakery menu ideas.
Thanksgiving meals to go
Takeout Thanksgiving is a big opportunity. Many families would rather pick up a ready-made feast than spend two days cooking.
35. Complete Thanksgiving dinner to go — $180–$260
A whole roast turkey (or sliced turkey breast), four sides, gravy, cranberry sauce, rolls and a pie. Feeds 6–8.
36. Thanksgiving dinner for two to go — $70
Sliced turkey, three sides, gravy and two slices of pie. Great for couples and smaller households.
37. Sides by the quart — $18–$24
Let customers order extra mashed potatoes, stuffing or mac and cheese to complete their own home-cooked dinner.
Set a clear pre-order deadline, pickup windows and reheating instructions. If you also do events, our guide on how to create a catering menu and the catering menu template can help.
Thanksgiving drinks
A few seasonal drinks make the meal feel festive and raise the average check.
38. Hot spiced apple cider — $6
Cinnamon, clove and orange. Offer a spiked version with bourbon or rum for a few dollars more.
39. Cranberry spritz — $12
Cranberry, rosemary and prosecco — colorful and perfect for a holiday toast.
40. Wine by the glass or bottle — $11 / $42
Pinot Noir, Beaujolais and Chardonnay pair well with turkey. A short, curated list is enough.
Thanksgiving menu price list for 2026
Using the ideas above, a simple pricing structure could look like this:
| Menu category | Suggested price range |
|---|---|
| Three-course set dinner | $55–$75 per person |
| Premium set menu | $85–$110 per person |
| Kids' Thanksgiving plate | $22–$28 |
| Starters | $9–$16 |
| Turkey and ham mains | $28–$34 |
| Premium and alternative mains | $24–$45 |
| Sides | $5–$8 |
| Pie by the slice | $9–$10 |
| Whole pies to go | $30–$38 |
| Thanksgiving dinner to go (feeds 6–8) | $180–$260 |
| Seasonal drinks | $6–$12 |
These numbers aren't fixed industry prices. Holiday pricing varies a lot between small towns, big cities, hotels and fine-dining restaurants — and many guests are willing to pay more for a special occasion meal they don't have to cook.
How many items should a Thanksgiving menu have?
You don't need all 40 ideas.
Thanksgiving service is all about volume. The kitchen may serve hundreds of covers in a few hours, so a focused menu keeps tickets moving and quality consistent.
For most restaurants, a strong Thanksgiving menu includes:
- 1 set menu price (plus a kids' price)
- 2–3 starters
- 2–3 mains, including turkey and a vegetarian option
- 4–6 sides
- 2–3 pies or desserts
- 2–3 seasonal drinks
- A short to-go menu with a pre-order deadline
If you're building your holiday menu from scratch, our Thanksgiving menu template helps you organize your set menu, sides, pies and to-go meals into a mobile-friendly menu with a QR code. Planning ahead for December? Try the Christmas menu template.
How to price a Thanksgiving menu
Start with the cost of a full plate: turkey, stuffing, two or three sides, gravy, cranberry sauce and a slice of pie. Turkey prices change every year, so check with your supplier early.
Many restaurants aim for a food cost of around 28–35% on holiday set menus. For example, if a full Thanksgiving plate with pie costs $17 to make, a set price of around $55–$60 keeps you in that range.
Then account for holiday-specific costs:
- Holiday pay for staff working on Thanksgiving Day
- Extra prep time in the days before
- Packaging for to-go meals and pies
- Waste if bookings or pre-orders change at the last minute
A few practical tips:
- Use one set price. It's easier for guests, faster for servers and simpler for the kitchen.
- Charge for upgrades. Prime rib, extra sides or wine pairings can be added for a supplement.
- Take deposits for large tables. It reduces no-shows on a day you can't easily refill seats.
- Close pre-orders a few days early so you can order the right number of turkeys.
Share your Thanksgiving menu early
Many families book their Thanksgiving table weeks in advance, so publish your holiday menu early — ideally by late October or early November.
With a digital menu, you can share the same link on your website, Instagram, Google Business Profile and email newsletter. Guests can check the dishes, prices, dietary options and pre-order deadline before they book.
On the day itself, a QR code menu on each table lets guests browse the full menu while you seat the next party. If a dish sells out or a pie flavor changes, you can update it from your phone in seconds.
With mmmmenu's Thanksgiving menu maker, you can add your set menu, sides and pies, customize the design to match your restaurant, and update it anytime without reprinting. Already have a menu online? Use our free menu QR code generator to create a printable QR code for it.
Example Thanksgiving menu
If you want to keep it simple, you could launch with a menu like this:
Thanksgiving Dinner — $65 per person
Three courses. Kids under 12 — $24.
To Start
Butternut Squash Soup
Harvest Salad
Deviled Eggs
Mains
Herb-Roasted Turkey with Stuffing, Cranberry & Gravy
Honey-Glazed Ham
Stuffed Acorn Squash (V)
Sides for the Table
Mashed Potatoes
Green Bean Casserole
Candied Sweet Potatoes
Mac & Cheese
Pie
Pumpkin Pie
Bourbon Pecan Pie
Apple Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream
To Go
Thanksgiving Dinner for 6–8 — $220
Whole Pies — $34
Pre-order by Sunday, 22 November.
This gives guests a classic Thanksgiving with enough choice for everyone, while keeping the kitchen focused on a few dishes it can cook perfectly in volume.
Frequently asked questions about Thanksgiving menus
What should be on a Thanksgiving restaurant menu?
A typical Thanksgiving menu includes a set dinner price, a few seasonal starters, roast turkey with stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce, an alternative main like ham or a vegetarian dish, classic sides like mashed potatoes and green bean casserole, and pies for dessert.
What are the most popular Thanksgiving dishes?
Roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, mac and cheese, dinner rolls and pumpkin pie are the most popular Thanksgiving dishes. Pecan and apple pie are close behind.
How much does Thanksgiving dinner at a restaurant cost in 2026?
In the U.S., a three-course Thanksgiving dinner at a casual or mid-range restaurant usually costs around $55–$75 per person in 2026, with upscale and hotel menus often priced at $85–$110 or more. Kids' menus are usually $20–$30.
Should a restaurant offer Thanksgiving dinner to go?
Yes, if your kitchen can handle it. Thanksgiving meals to go and whole pies are very popular and highly profitable. Set a clear pre-order deadline and pickup windows so you can plan production.
How do I make my Thanksgiving menu work for vegetarian guests?
Include at least one vegetarian main, such as stuffed squash or a mushroom wellington, and make sure some sides are vegetarian. Clearly label vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes on your menu.
When should I publish my Thanksgiving menu?
Publish it by late October or early November. Many families book their Thanksgiving table and order meals to go weeks in advance.
Should I use a QR code menu for Thanksgiving?
A QR code menu works well alongside printed menus on a busy holiday. You can share the menu online before guests book, update it instantly if something sells out, and keep the same link for your Christmas menu later in the season.