If you ask me, Thanksgiving is one of the greatest times of the year. There’s just nothing better than chowing down on excellent food with the people you love by your side. However, hosting Thanksgiving can be a nightmare—and the hard work that goes into it is often overwhelming. Why not leave the hard work to the professionals, though? Whether you’re looking for it all or just need a quick side to throw on the table, we’ve got you covered. Cater your meal, or dine with these NJ restaurants and businesses this Thanksgiving.
Palmer’s Quality Meats – Neptune, NJ
Starting off, hot with what might be the best butcher shop in NJ. Beyond some of the freshest turkey and meat you’ll find in NJ, Palmer’s is also offering an array of prepared goods to take the weight off your shoulders. So, while you’ll still have to cook your turkey, you can get some extra rest by throwing a few of Palmer’s sides on the table. Cuban mojo roast pork, pork belly mac n cheese, smoked turkey gravy, stuffing, and more are on the menu this Thanksgiving.
Constantino’s Italian Market – Union, NJ
This Union, NJ Italian market is yet another excellent option for all of your catering needs. Constantino’s has you covered with roast turkey breast and drumsticks, stuffing, creamy mashed potatoes a-la legendary Chef Joel Robuchon, and apple or pumpkin pie to finish. Orders are open now here.
GTK – Hoboken, NJ
Go-To Kitchen is the new go-to (sorry) spot in Hoboken. The innovative kitchen is designed to create food options that travel well and take the weight off your shoulders for events and holidays. Thanksgiving is no different. You can pre-order smoked turkey, pulled pork, cranberry sauce, among other holiday classics on their website. They will deliver it to you or have it ready to pick up two days before Thanksgiving. Keep in mind the deadline is Sunday 11/24.
Perquin – Jersey City, NJ
Chef Bryan Girón of Perquin specializes in Honduran cuisine and other flavors from Latin America. For Thanksgiving, Perquin is offering pick-up and delivery. Braised short ribs, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese and spiced cranberry sauce are just some of the dishes Perquin is offering for catering this year. Orders can be placed through email at [email protected]
Mutiny BBQ – Asbury Park, NJ
Thanksgiving pre-orders are open for Mutiny BBQ in Asbury Park. Set your table with smoked turkey and pork loins, or cover all your sides with their famous mac and cheese, collards and potato salad. Pick-up only, orders can be placed using the form here.
Gioia Mia – Montclair, NJ
Gioia Mia made waves when they replaced one of NJ’s most legendary restaurants and so far, they’ve done a killer job at doing so. The team is going big for their Thanksgiving with a five-course, dine-in menu. Want to get out of the house for the Holiday? Gioia Mia’s menu will feature turkey roulade, mushroom risotto, lasagna, and many more delicious bites. Reservations can be made here or by calling the restaurant.
Viaggio – Wayne, NJ
Another excellent option for dining out on Thanksgiving is always Viaggio in Wayne. Robbie Felice’s flagship restaurant offers a three-course menu. Diners can expect to be greeted with impressive apps, branding al cartoccio, handmade pasta, steaks, turkey and more. Reservations can be made at their site. Don’t wait, seats are going fast.
Haddon Culinary – Collingswood, NJ
Haddon Culinary is a full-service market known for their outstanding catering at the helm of Chef James Liuzza and Chef Joe Muldoon. A full Thanksgiving menu is available for pick-up and November 22 is the last day to order. Chow down on smoked turkey or sage rubbed rotisserie turkey breast, French beans with garlic, and some truly mouthwatering sides and desserts. Orders can be placed here.
Sergeantsville Inn – Sergeantsville, NJ
One of the oldest restaurants in New Jersey, Sergeantsville Inn is serving some of the best food in Hunterdon County. Chef Sean Gray has turned this old-school facade into a timeless culinary centerpiece for the quaint NJ town. Don’t feel like cooking, but still have to host? Check out Sergeantsville Inn’s Thanksgiving takeout menu, featuring turkey, fresh dinner rolls, pumpkin pie and wine packages. Order forms and the full menu can be found here.
Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao – Cherry Hill, NJ
You don’t have to stick to the classics on Thanksgiving. How about some dim sum staples instead? Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao is a legendary spot in Queens, but they added a NJ location last year to their roster. Replace the tired turkey with soup dumplings, noodles, egg tarts and more.
Felina Steak at Hudson House – Jersey City, NJ
Landmark’s Hospitality’s upscale chop house, Felina Steak, is offering a three-course prix-fixe menu for Thanksgiving this year. In addition to a menu which includes, braised short rib, lasagna and the obligatory turkey is an exclusive wine list and seasonal cocktail menu. Thanksgiving dinner on the Hudson? Sign me up.
Is Jersey City a hike? Felina in Ridgewood is doing Thanksgiving too. Reservations for either restaurant can be made here.
Saddle River Cafe – Saddle River, NJ
Saddle River Cafe is happy to cater your Holiday feast. Large-format caesar salad, sweet potato mash, crispy brussel sprouts and of course, oven-roasted turkey. Tired of poultry? Grab a beef tenderloin or glazed ham instead. The options are tasty and plentiful at Chef Jamie Knott’s Bergen County staple. Orders must be in by November 22.
Osteria Crescendo – Westwood, NJ
At Osteria Crescendo in Westwood, NJ, Thanksgiving is no joke. Robbie Felice’s sleek Bergen County restaurant is one of the best choices when it comes to eating Thanksgiving out. Guests will be treated to a three course meal of fresh pasta, turkey, inquisitive cocktails and wine and more. Reservations are open now.
Pie Girl – Hightstown, NJ
If you’re like me, the savory portion of Thanksgiving is no problem—throwing multiple entrees, sides and starters on the table—but, the desserts are where it gets tricky. If you can’t stand baking, Pie Girl has you covered. The artisanal bakeshop in Hightstown, NJ is the perfect place to cater dessert for your Thanksgiving celebration. Apple crumb, chocolate pecan, honey-lime pistachio—these aren’t your average pies. The shop is closed on the holiday, but orders can be placed for November 25 and 27 pick up here. The shop will also be open this Friday and Saturday with many treats and pies.
Mike’s Pasta and Sandwich Shoppe – Nutley, NJ
Mike’s is always one of the more solid options when it comes to catering an event or a holiday. “Everything but the turkey” as they call it. Meaning that if you handle that one staple item, they’ll do the rest—the hard part is narrowing down what you want. Feast on mushroom lasagna, butternut squash manicotti, fried meatballs and baked goods from NJ online bakery, The Goods. Mike’s is taking orders until November 21.
Chengdu 23 – Wayne, NJ
Sometimes, the Thanksgiving classics just don’t cut it. If you’re one of those people who is tired of the same fare year-in and year-out, try something different this holiday. Give thanks for NJ’s best Sichuan food at Chengdu 23 in Wayne. Trade in the turkey for duck, swap out the stuffing for dumplings and for the love of God, order the twice-cooked pork with leeks. This might just be your tastiest Thanksgiving yet.
Jarana – East Rutherford, NJ
Looking to add a Latin flair to your Thanksgiving dinner? Jarana, a Peruvian restaurant located at American Dream, offers a unique Giving Back menu. The menu includes chupecito, a creamy lobster broth with prawns, baked turkey leg with squash stew, pumpkin tres leches, and other seasonal dishes. The menu is designed for two people to share, and the experience costs $55 per person.
Il Mulino – Atlantic City, NJ
This restaurant is serving up a festive Thanksgiving feast with italian-inspired holiday dishes like pumpkin ravioli in butter sage sauce topped with amaretti cookie crumbles. The menu also includes roasted turkey, walnut and sausage stuffing, sautéed green beans with roasted almonds, and more. Located in the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, the dinner is $75 per person.
Peter Candia is the Food + Drink Editor at New Jersey Digest. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Peter found a passion for writing midway through school and never looked back. He is a former line cook, server and bartender at top-rated restaurants in the tri-state area. In addition to food, Peter enjoys politics, music, sports and anything New Jersey.
Alondra Cabrera is the Editorial Assistant at New Jersey Digest. She recently graduated from Montclair State University with a degree in Communication and Media Studies. During her time at school, she discovered her passion for journalism and content creation. In her free time, she loves to create and edit videos for her corgis, Rafi and Toffe, and indulge in culinary adventures with her friends. Alondra also enjoys traveling, cooking, and working out. She is excited to embark on her professional journey in media and looks forward to contributing her skill and creativity to her role here at New Jersey Digest.
