Thanksgiving 2016: The top five restaurants to celebrate

Thanksgiving doesn’t just mark the end of Autumn and the beginning of the festive season, it’s also a chance to, well, be thankful. It’s one of those occasions that practically demands some form of recognition, whether that’s a lively family gathering or a quiet meal and a moment to celebrate life and everything it’s given us. Luckily, London has the perfect restaurants for both occasions.

Balthazar

With its New York heritage, Balthazar is certainly in touch with what makes a great Thanksgiving meal. Expect all of your favourites like pumpkin, pecan pie, roasted squash soup, lashings of cranberry sauce and, of course, an impeccably cooked turkey.

To book a table at Balthazar, 4-6 Russell Street, WC2B 5HZ, call 020 3301 1155 or visit here.

 

Strut and Cluck

A bit of a curveball, but one that is still distinctly in keeping with the holiday. They might not be offering up the typical fare, but this restaurant’s speciality is the king of Thanksgiving: the turkey. The crispy battered turkey roll with a cranberry slaw and tahini is the perfect mix of familiarity and excitement, and is great for those that want to celebrate with something a bit different.

To book a table at Strut and Cluck, 151 Commercial St, E1 6BJ, call 020 7078 0770 or visit here.

Bar Boulud

Thanksgiving given a fine dining twist, Bar Boulud in the luxurious Mandarin hotel is offering diners a chance to see some of their favourite classics reborn in an impressive display of finesse. Autumnal squashes and beets feature heavily, but it’s the desserts that really caught our attention. Spiced Pumpkin Custard, with Speculoos, cranberry sorbet, and Dark Chocolate Pecan Tart with bourbon ice cream. Both sound absolutely mouthwatering.

To book a table at Bar Boulud, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, 66 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LA, call 020 7201 3899 or visit here.

Christopher’s

If the prospect of Pumpkin Pie with Honey Bourbon Crème Chantilly doesn’t get your interest, we don’t know what will. Like Bar Boulud, Christopher’s is also looking to elevate their dishes, but unlike the aforementioned bar, it’s very much keeping to the more traditional flavours. Turkey, cranberry, sweet potato, pumpkin, all feature heavily, and this is more of a “comfort food done well” than it is a reworking. Which is just fine with us: don’t fix what isn’t broken after all.

To book a table at Christopher’s, 18 Wellington St, WC2E 7DD, call 020 7240 4222 or visit here.

Blues Kitchen

Come for the traditional dinner (think slow roasted turkey, chestnut stuffing, candied yams and cornbread), stay for the music. This celebration of New Orleans culture will be following its excellent food up with a night full of blues and funk, all washed down with wave after wave of reasonably priced cocktails.

To book a table at Blues Kitchen in Brixton, Camden or Shoreditch visit here.

Daniel Masters