Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and (of course) amazing food. But not everyone has the time (or energy) to cook a full holiday feast, and some may want to make a positive impact while enjoying their meal. Luckily, Nashville is full of restaurants and catering options that can make your Thanksgiving stress-free, delicious, and even meaningful. From classic roasted turkey dinners to creative seasonal twists, here’s where to find Thanksgiving meals in Music City and ways to give back while you’re at it.
Where to Spend Thanksgiving:
Oak Steakhouse
Heirloom Pumpkin Soup, Maple-glazed Turkey, and Maple Pumpkin Pie sound like standouts on Oak Steakhouse’s Thanksgiving menu. They’re serving from 12 PM to 8 PM for $80 / person. Check out the full menu and make your reservation here.
Pelato
Pelato will be open on Thanksgiving Day from 2 PM to 7 PM, serving a special à la carte holiday menu with Italian twists on classic favorites. Think Pumpkin Agnolotti, Stuffed Saucy Bird, and Anthony’s Family Stuffing, plus festive drinks like Red Sangria and Frozen Cosmopolitans. Led by the Scotto family, this is a cozy, family-friendly way to celebrate without the stress of cooking. Make a reservation on OpenTable.
Carne Mare Steakhouse
Carne Mare Nashville is serving a memorable Thanksgiving with a three-course prix fixe menu. Guests choose an appetizer, entrée, and dessert, while sides are served family-style. The meal is $125 per adult and $40 for children under 10 (excluding beverages, tax, and gratuity). Make your reservation here.
Pastis
Pastis will be open from 12 PM to 8 PM on Thanksgiving, serving a curated prix fixe menu of holiday classics alongside their full French menu. Reservations are available now on Resy. Reserve your table here.
Where to get Thanksgiving catered:
Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint
Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint makes Thanksgiving entertaining easy with catering that hits all the classics (and then some). Choose from Major Feast Packages with a whole turkey or half ham for $279.99 (serves 12–15) or Small Gathering Packages with sliced smoked turkey or ham for $159.99 (serves 4–6). Meals come with all the sides (mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green beans, broccoli salad, rolls) and pies to finish. Orders are available for pickup Nov. 24–30, and $5 from every package goes to the Southern Smoke Foundation. Place your order here.
Char
Char is making Thanksgiving easier with chef-prepared, family-style sides and signature pies. The menu includes starters like cornbread muffins and crab, shrimp & andouille gumbo (YUM!); sides such as garlic mashed potatoes, green beans, chipotle smashed sweet potatoes, mac & cheese, and cornbread dressing; and Ashley Farms roasted chicken with lemon herb butter sauce for the entrée. The meal finishes with a classic pecan pie for dessert. Online Thanksgiving catering is available. Read more here.
The Gumbo Bros
The Gumbo Bros are bringing the heat this Thanksgiving with their famous Cajun-Fried Turkeys. Brined in sage & cayenne, injected with Cajun butter, and deep-fried to juicy perfection, each turkey comes with homemade gravy and cranberry sauce. You can also add Chicken & Sausage Gumbo, Seafood Gumbo, or Red Beans & Rice. Pre-orders close Nov. 21 (or when sold out) with pickup available Nov. 25 and Nov. 26. Email catering (at) thegumbobros [dot] com to reserve yours.
Chef’s Market
Chef’s Market offers everything from appetizers like candied bacon-wrapped figs to sides like smoked gouda mac n’ cheese and cornbread dressing. Centerpieces include Cajun fried or herb-crusted turkeys and maple stone-ground mustard-glazed ham, plus desserts like pumpkin pie and white chocolate banana pudding. Place your order here.
Giving Back This Thanksgiving:
Many Nashville restaurants and local organizations are using the holiday to support the community, whether it’s donating meals to food banks, providing essentials to those in need, or offering special deals for SNAP recipients. From local eateries sharing Thanksgiving dinners to initiatives like Gobble Gobble Give helping unhoused neighbors with food, clothing, and toiletries, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your meal while giving back this season.
Get involved with The Store. They have lots of opportunities for us all to get involved and help out!
Gobble Gobble Give – Help the unhoused get food, clothing, and toiletries for Thanksgiving. No signup is necessary, but you can find out more about their initiative and how you can help here.
Volunteer at the Nashville Rescue Mission – This is one that I’ve done before, and I highly recommend it. Find out how you can get involved here.
Donate food to Second Harvest Food Bank. You can drop off canned meat (chicken or tuna), peanut butter, canned fruits and veggies, cereal, and pasta.
Host a food drive for The Branch of Nashville. They break it down into four steps here.
Even small actions—like donating a few dollars, volunteering, or ordering from a charitable initiative—can make a big difference during the holidays.
Whether you’re planning a big family gathering, looking for a stress-free catered meal, or hoping to make a positive impact in your community, Nashville has something for every Thanksgiving table. Celebrate the season of gratitude with great food and generosity—because giving thanks tastes even better when shared.
