Thanksgiving in Rome

Wondering where to spend Thanksgiving in Rome?

Yeah, that doesn't sound like a typical thing to do in Rome.

I know.

Who celebrates Thanksgiving in Rome?

Thanksgiving is a distinctly American and Canadian holiday, and while it's not celebrated in Rome, you may want to sit down to an authentic Thanksgiving feast if you happen to be in Rome on this holiday.

Canadian Thanksgiving is celebrated on the 2nd Monday in October, while American Thanksgiving is celebrated on the 4th Thursday in November.

Both holidays revolve around commemorating the fall harvest (among other things).

In both countries, it's typical to have a big turkey, some variation of regular or sweet potatoes, corn, cranberries, gravy, and pumpkin pie.

Many of these foods are considered native to these countries and until recently, it has been difficult for expats and visitors in Rome to find some of these.

Whole, large turkeys are not as commonly found at the butcher here as they are in North America. 

And even when you find them, good luck fitting them in the small ovens we use here in Rome!

Thanksgiving in Rome – Where to Eat a Traditional Meal

Whether you are an expat living in Rome, or visiting Rome in October (Canadian) or November (American), you may want to head someplace where you can get that traditional Thanksgiving dinner “with all the fixins” as we say in the south (where I’m from.)

Here are some places where you can find a traditional Thanksgiving meal in Rome.

Booking ahead is strongly recommended, since these are special meals and the restaurants in question may need to know how many diners to expect before stocking up on Thanksgiving-related foods.

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Alle Fratte in Trastevere

I recently enjoyed a super authentic Thanksgiving lunch with my friends in the Canadian Club of Rome (I’m American but I love my Canadian friends!)

This family-style traditional Roman restaurant in Trastevere is run by an Italian, Francesco and his New-Yorker wife, Silvana.

They have run this place for over 25 years and are well known as a wonderful place to eat in Trastevere.

Silvana had the idea to offer a traditional Thanksgiving meal on Thanksgiving, and she’s been doing so for a few years.

She made us such a fantastic meal, I almost felt I was back in the US (almost!)

If you want roast turkey with truly American-style stuffing, gravy, yams, cornbread and seriously the most amazing pumpkin pie I’ve ever had, book now for Thanksgiving. 

Make sure to reserve your spot here. 

Make sure to tell them you want a Thanksgiving meal specifically.

Details:

• Address: Via delle Fratte di Trastevere, 49/50.
• Phone: +39 06 583 5775
• Open daily for lunch and dinner.
• Closed on Wednesdays.

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HOTEL HASSLER

On November 28th, The Hotel Hassler will host a Thanksgiving dinner. The menu will be crafted by Executive Chef Marcello Romano at Salone Eva. 

For reservations and menu details click here.

Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria

The Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria is offering a wonderful Thanksgiving meal in its renowned Uliveto restaurant, available on Thursday November 28, 2024 - evening only.

Be sure to reserve your table here. 

They are offering a fixed price menu including an appetizer buffet, soups, pasta, traditional and vegetarian mains, finished with a dessert buffet.

Booking necessary

ADELAIDE AT THE HOTEL VILON

A Roman Thanksgiving dinner will be served on Thursday, November 28th.

The menu includes:

Amuse Bouche

"Millefoglie" of sweet potatoes, mushrooms and pecorino

Ravioli with parmesan, pumpkin and hazelnuts

Turkey stuffed according to tradition, green beans and bacon, Brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes
Walnut cake
Small pastry shop

Dinner is euro 100 per person, not including drinks.

For details and reservations, click here.

Details:

• Address: Via dell'Arancio 69
• Phone: +39 06 87 81 87

Hard Rock Cafe

Where else to have a traditional American meal of any sort (Nachos! Burgers! Brownie sundaes!) than the one and only Hard Rock Café.

For Thanksgiving, Hard Rock Café serves all the traditional foods, turkey and all, from Thanksgiving Thursday through to the following Sunday.

For details and reservations contact Hard Café here.

Details:

• Address: Via Vittorio Veneto, 62A/B.
• Phone: +39 06 4203 0501
• Open daily for lunch and dinner.

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Bakery House

Bakery House has locations around Rome, and even in Turin and Verona, and they generally host a traditional American-style Thanksgiving dinner.

Dishes include cream of pumpkin soup, stuffed turkey, green bean casserole, glazed carrots and traditional desserts like pumpkin pie. 

Reservations required for details, visit their website here.

Mammò TRASTEVERE

Mammò Trastevere is offering both Thanksgiving lunch and dinner.

Serving roasted turkey, cornbread dressing, sweet potatoes gratin and more! They are also offering take away.

For reservations and take away orders (must be booked in advance): +39 06 8365 3634

For more details click here. 

• Address: Piazza della Malva 2 00153

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Highlander Pub

If you’re looking for a casual, fun, pub atmosphere with karaoke, beer-pong, American pro-football, and hearty Thanksgiving eats, head to the Highlander Pub, smack in the heart of Rome, just steps from the Spanish steps and Pantheon.

You will find yourself in a convivial atmosphere with fellow revelers. 

In previous years they have served an all-you-can-eat dinner buffet along with NFL games.

Reservations required.

For details and reservations of their 2024 event, Visit their website for more details and photos.

Details: 

• Address: Vicolo di S. Biagio, 9
• Phone: +39 06 6880 5368
• Open daily 9am  - 2am.

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Making a dinner for Thanksgiving in Rome

If you are an expat in Rome, or are here staying at an apartment or Air B&B, and want to make your own Thanksgiving dinner, here are a few tips:

• Make sure to order a turkey in advance.
• Castroni is one of the best places you can go for some American products like cranberry jelly, canned pumpkin, and marshmallows.
• Visit the markets of Piazza Vittorio or Trionfale for sweet potatoes and other produce.
• Visit Katie Parla’s page with lots more detailed advice for eating in on Thanksgiving in Rome.