Best Thanksgiving Restaurants in NYC.

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite meals of the year. I’ve been lucky because someone else has always cooked for me; I suppose that’s one of the benefits of a small Manhattan apartment. These days I like to let restaurants do the work, which makes the day so relaxing for everyone involved and gives you time to enjoy the parade.

Tony DiNapoli (147 West 43rd Street & 1081 3rd Avenue) This is my favorite place for family style dining on Thanksgiving. For $35 per person you’ll get a delicious turkey dinner with all the trimmings and none of the stress. They are friendly, prompt and serve delicious food, that including dessert. I love the sweet potatoes and the apple pie. If you’re craving Italian food, you can order from the regular menu to round out your experience. They even give the kids crayons to keep them busy and quiet.

Carmine’s (200 West 44th Street & 2450 Broadway) For groups of eight or more, this is the perfect spot. The menu includes an 18-pound turkey, sides and a pie for $239.95, or $30 per person. They book up fast, so get your request in and save doing the dishes for another day. The meal includes five sides and sausage and sage stuffing. They give all their food that Italian kick of garlic and spices to make it special.

Bocca di Bacco (5 locations) Bocca offers a four-course dinner with homemade pumpkin pasta and turkey with apple sausage chestnut stuffing. Their homemade pastas are top notch; I’ve been known to order it for dessert. They don’t serve family style so you’ll have your own platter for $40 per person.

365 Guide New York City is available on Amazon in paperback and ebook and full of restaurant deals and bar specials in NYC.