Giving Thanks to Restaurants

Where to eat out on Thanksgiving

Lia's in Chevy Chase will offer Thanksgiving meals that are family-friendly. (Dayna Smith - Dayna Smith/twp)

When the thought of carving a turkey for the extended family becomes overwhelming, gather the relatives for a feast at one of many local restaurants instead. These restaurants' holiday menus include crucial items from the standard Thanksgiving dinner, but they pay tribute to the classic dishes in a unique way. More restaurants serving Thanksgiving meals can be found here.

For Those in Search of Southern Flare: Vidalia will serve an a la carte Thanksgiving from 3-8 p.m. Appetizers include pumpkin cavatelli with sweetbreads, an oyster pan roast and the crab cake (all $13), while entrees will include an Amish turkey with traditional fixings ($29.50), Amish shoat ($31) and venison loin ($33). 202-659-1990.

For the Family: Chevy Chase's new restaurant Lia's offers diners the option of a three- or four-course prix fixe dinner ($39 or $46) with a kids' menu for the young ones ($11). The menu is Thanksgiving-themed with an Italian flair. Starters include gnocchi with mushrooms, crispy risotto balls and cannellini bean soup with crispy speck. Main courses include steamed mussels Calabresi and roasted turkey. 240-223-5427.

For Those who Like a Little of Everything: Viridian will color the holiday with two buffet-style seatings at 1 and 4 p.m. Carving stations will dish up herb-roasted turkey and mustard-crusted prime rib, while sides will include bacon and brussels sprouts, chestnut stuffing and an array of classics. ($45, $15 ages 12 and under) 202-234-1400.

For Those Looking to Spice It Up: Travel to India with an a la carte meal at Rasika. The restaurant pays homage to the holiday with tandoori turkey ($15.50), which supplements the regular menu of nouveau Indian food. 202-659-3727.

For a Taste of Washington: The Oval Room will offer a revamped take on the traditional Thanksgiving menu with a three-course prix fixe offering ($40). Starters include roasted baby beets with passion fruit and icewine and also sea scallops with cranberries. Entrees include a slow-baked salmon and free-range turkey with sweet potato and chestnut stuffing. Pumpkin cheesecake and thyme-scented rice pudding are among the special desserts. 202-463-8700.

For True American Flavor: Blue Duck Tavern will offer a farm-fresh three-course feast. The restaurant will offer brunch from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. ($80, $35 for ages 6-12) and dinner from 6-10 p.m. ($75). Brunch-goers can select buffet-style starters before ordering entrees and desserts. For entrees, diners can opt for organic turkey sourced from a Pennsylvania farm, suckling pig with bourbon peaches or a lobster pot pie. The pastry pantry will prepare delectable treats like chocolate pecan cake and pumpkin custard. 202-419-6755.

For an International Tribute: French-Indian restaurant IndeBleu celebrates the season with a prix-fixe menu ($75, $35, ages 12 and under) from 4-9 p.m. The menu includes a pumpkin curry soup, shaved ham and veal gnocchi to begin. Main courses, including the tandoori "turducken," are served with stuffing and cranberry chutney, while an apple crumble can top things off. 202-333-2538.

For Those Who Value Good Wine and Food: Charlie Palmer Steak, a restaurant with one of the District's best wine lists, plans Thanksgiving dinner from 2-8 p.m. The three-course prix-fixe menu will offer upscale takes on traditional dishes ($65). Starters include oysters and grilled quail, while Vermont pheasant, beef short ribs and bourbon turkey are among the traditional entrees. 202-547-8100.

For a Culinary Tribute to the Holiday: Michel Richard Citronelle celebrates the season with a seasonal buffet from 2:30-7:30 p.m. ($80, $35, ages 12 and under). The restaurant's starters include corn bisque and crab coleslaw, while turkey, rack of lamb and salmon en croute will be among the entrees. The restaurant will offer an extensive dessert selection that includes seasonal treats and restaurant specialties like Michel's Napoleon. 202-625-2150.