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!

Where to Eat a Traditional Thanksgiving Meal in Rome - UPDATING for 2025

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. 

For 2025 they are once again offering their traditional Thanksgiving meal, for both lunch and dinner - including options for pumpkin pie, pecan pie and carrot cake as dessert.

Contact them to book by phone (+39 065835775) or email (allefratteditrastevere@gmail.com) and be sure to tell them you want a Thanksgiving meal specifically.

If you'd rather have dinner at home or apartment rental, they are also offering the option to order your dinner to-go.

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Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria

The Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria is offering a wonderful Thanksgiving meal in its renowned Uliveto restaurant, available on Thursday November 27 2025 - evening only.

Experience Thanksgiving in one of the loveliest settings in Rome, with an extensive appetizer buffet, cooking stations preparing pastas, soups, fish and the classic turkey dinner and a wide selection of desserts.

Tickets cost 115€ for adults, 50€ for children (excluding drinks) and booking is absolutely necessary - find out more and book your table here.

Adelaide Restaurant at the Hotel Vilon 

Close to the Ara Pacis, the beautiful Adelaide restaurant in the Hotel Vilòn is hosting a Roman Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday November 27 2025.

Enjoy a multi-course dinner including the traditional stuffed turkey for 100€ per person, not including drinks.

For details and reservations, click here.

Hard Rock Cafe

Where else to have a traditional American meal of any sort than the one and only Hard Rock Café?

Located on Via Veneto, close to the Spanish Steps and the Villa Borghese park, the Hard Rock Café always offers a great Thanksgiving dinner.

For 2025 they are holding a special evening of live music to accompany the classic Thanksgiving turkey dinner. With 2 seatings on November 27 2025, you can dine at either 6.30PM or 9PM.

For details and reservations click here.

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Aleph Rome Hotel

The 5* Aleph Rome hotel, just off Piazza Barberini, is hosting a Thanksgiving event on November 27 2025.

Their concept is pairing American traditions with Italian elegance with a multi-course dinner, which features classic roast turkey as well as delicate ravioli.

Tickets are 69€ per person (not including drinks) - check out the menu and reserve your spot here.

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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.

For Thanksgiving 2025 the Highlander is serving an all-you-can-eat buffet dinner between 6:30PM and 8PM followed by beer pong and NFL games on their big screen.

Reservations required - click here to book and find out more details.

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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 Airbnb, 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 to purchase American products like cranberry jelly, canned pumpkin, and marshmallows.
• Visit the markets of Piazza Vittorio or Trionfale for sweet potatoes and other produce.