Where to Celebrate Thanksgiving in Florence: Best Dinners, Menus & Insider Tips

16/Nov/2025

A complete insider guide to the best 2025 Thanksgiving dinners, restaurants, hotels, and expat events in Florence this year

Florence may be the cradle of the Renaissance, but come late November, it also becomes a surprising haven for Americans abroad who want to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Thanks to its vibrant American expat community, a huge population of study-abroad students, and an increasing number of smart off-season travelers, the city now offers a surprisingly wide range of Thanksgiving dinners and Thanksgiving menus in Florence.

Whether you’re craving a classic American turkey dinner, an upscale hotel experience, or a community-style gathering, this guide breaks down the best places to celebrate Thanksgiving in Florence in 2025 — organized by vibe, price and type of experience.



Best Casual & Expat-Run Places for Thanksgiving Dinner in Florence

Relaxed, familiar, and often run by Americans living in the city, these spots are perfect for a traditional, no-fuss Thanksgiving.

 

Ristorante Accademia

Celebrating the 25th edition of its Thanksgiving dinner, this long-standing favorite serves one of the most classic holiday menus in town. Offered Thursday and Friday, with takeaway available.

Vibe: Cozy, warm, and perfect for a proper sit-down holiday meal.

Price: €50/person (drinks not included)


Djària – American Bar & Grill

A long-time anchor for Florence’s expat crowd, known for its generous portions and unfussy American comfort food.

Vibe: Friendly, pub-like, and very expat-centric.

Price: €45/person (water and coffee included)


Hard Rock Café Florence

A favorite for students, families, and anyone craving full American nostalgia. Menu available Thursday to Sunday, with takeaway and catering options. A Bit of History: Before the guitars and memorabilia, the building opened in 1894 as an upscale café and later became one of Florence’s best-loved cinemas. It ran until 2007, when it was completely transformed into the Hard Rock you see today—historic bones, modern energy, and a vibe that fits its international crowd.

Vibe: Casual, pop, loud, lively, and familiar.

Price: €31 adults, €13 kids


Melaleuca – American Bakery & Brunch Spot

A riverside favorite offering both dine-in and takeaway Thanksgiving menus, plus some of the best pies in Florence (also available to-go).

Vibe: Warm, bright, and café-casual.

Price: €45 adults, €20 kids, €40 takeaway


Odeon Café

Attached to the historic Odeon Cinema — once Florence’s glamorous 1920s movie palace and now partly transformed into a fascinating bookstore and cultural hub — Odeon Café offers a relaxed, central spot for a classic Thanksgiving dinner. Their holiday menu is available for dinner on Thursday, with takeaway on request.

Vibe: Casual, lively, perfect for students, expats, and anyone who loves the Odeon’s old-school charm.

Price: €40/person


Rooster

A go-to for the study-abroad community thanks to its modern American-style comfort food and relaxed atmosphere.

Vibe: Young, casual, modern.

Price: €25/person (drinks not included)


table with turkey, pecan pie, and other traditional foods for Thanksgiving in Florence 


Best High-End & Hotel Restaurants Offering Thanksgiving in Florence 2025

For travelers looking for an elevated holiday experience, these luxury hotels and refined restaurants offer some of the best Thanksgiving dinners in Florence.

 

The Kitchen & The Bar at The Place

The signature restaurant of The Place on Piazza Santa Maria Novella, serving Chef Asso Migliore’s modern, seasonal Thanksgiving reimagined with contemporary Italian touches. Lunch and dinner on Thursday.

Vibe: Stylish, design-led, modern dining.

Price: €90/person (includes one glass of wine)


La Buona Novella – Grand Hotel Minerva

A Thanksgiving buffet dinner on Thursday with a traditional-meets-Italian menu and one of the best cocktail bars in the neighborhood.

Vibe: Warm, upscale, effortlessly festive.

Price: €60/person


Harry’s Bar – Hotel Sina Villa Medici

A Florentine classic since 1953, long favored by the international jet set on the Lungarno. In 2021 it expanded into the elegant garden and poolside setting of Sina Villa Medici, creating Harry’s Bar The Garden, a fresh and modern chapter for this iconic name.

Vibe: Classic Florence meets refined garden elegance.

Price: €65/person (drinks excluded)


Osteria Pagliazza – Hotel Brunelleschi

Set inside the Torre della Pagliazza, one of Florence’s oldest building perhaps of Byzantine towers, Osteria Pagliazza brings Thanksgiving into a refined, historic setting that feels distinctly Florentine. The hotel offers a full Thanksgiving menu for both lunch and dinner.

Vibe: Elegant, intimate, upscale with a sense of ancient Florence.

Price: €70/person


Four Seasons Florence

One of the city’s most spectacular venues, set inside a Renaissance palazzo with the largest private garden in Florence. For Thanksgiving, they offer an à la carte holiday menu at Il Palagio and the Atrium Bar, blending American seasonal dishes with their signature culinary polish. Arguably the most elegant place to celebrate Thanksgiving in Tuscany.

Vibe: Ultra-luxury, refined, polished service.

Price: €160/person (drinks excluded)


Irene at Savoy Hotel

Thanksgiving dinner served in the hotel’s chic take on a classic Italian trattoria, right on Piazza della Repubblica.

Vibe: Elegant, modern, stylish.

Price: €85/person (drinks excluded)


 cozy dinner prepared on candlelit table with turkey and other traditional food for Thanksgiving in Florence Italy


Special Thanksgiving Experiences in Florence

For those who want something more personal, intimate, or community-driven, Florence has a few standout options: 

AILO (American International League of Florence) Thanksgiving Luncheon

A cornerstone of the city’s American expat scene, the AILO luncheon takes place at the Ugolino Golf Club (2025). It’s a chance to enjoy classic Thanksgiving fare while connecting with Florence’s international community.

Vibe: Community-driven, welcoming, a slice of home abroad.

Price: €45/person

Dolce Vita – Private Chef at Home

If you prefer to celebrate in your own apartment or rental, Dolce Vita brings a private chef and full Thanksgiving menu right to you. Seasonal classics, polished presentation, and full-service preparation let you enjoy a home-style holiday without lifting a finger.

Vibe: Intimate, luxurious, and effortless — ideal for families, couples, or small groups. 


Tips for Celebrating Thanksgiving in Florence Like an Insider

To make the most of your Florence Thanksgiving 2025:

  • Reserve early - Hotel restaurants and expat spots sell out weeks before Thanksgiving.
  • Confirm the Thanksgiving menu - Some restaurants offer it only on Thanksgiving Day; others extend it through the week.
  • Consider takeaway or hosting - Places like Melaleuca make at-home Thanksgiving easy and delicious.
  • Embrace the Italian twist - Expect Tuscan ingredients, Italian techniques, and creative interpretations — that’s part of the fun.
  • Connect with the expat community - Events by AILO or casual spots like Djària are great for meeting people. 

Thanksgiving in Italy

If you’re curious about what Thanksgiving looks like beyond Florence — or you’re still debating whether celebrating the holiday in Italy is the right move this year — you might enjoy this other piece, about why spending Thanksgiving in Italy can actually be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. Read it here: "Thanksgiving in Italy: Why Skipping the Turkey Back Home Might Be the Best Idea You’ve Ever Had." 


A Personal Note

As the son of an American mother and an Italian father, I’ve always felt a foot in both worlds — just like many in Florence’s international community. Thanksgiving has always been a holiday I care deeply about, whether I’m back in Massachusetts with family or here in Florence, celebrating at home or at one of the city’s restaurants on this list.

No matter where you’re coming from — expat, student, traveler, or a Florentine with a blended heritage like me — I hope this guide helps you plan a Thanksgiving that feels meaningful, delicious, and a little different. Something you’ll remember long after the leftovers are gone.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Andrea, Founder of KissFromItaly