Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 26, 2026, and if you’re not looking forward to spending the entire day cooking and cleaning, you’re in luck! Several Ocean County restaurants are preparing special Thanksgiving meals, giving local families the opportunity to enjoy a traditional holiday dinner without all the work.

Whether you’re looking for a Thanksgiving buffet, a traditional turkey dinner with all the fixings, or a prepared holiday meal to bring home, there are several options worth checking out throughout Ocean County.

From Toms River and Bayville to Forked River and Ocean Gate, here are some restaurants offering Thanksgiving dining options this year.

1. Artisan’s Restaurant – Toms River

Artisan’s Restaurant is one local option for families looking to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving buffet.

Located on Hooper Avenue in Toms River, Artisan’s is planning a holiday buffet featuring roasted turkey breast with gravy, roasted pork loin, mashed potatoes, maple sweet potatoes, stuffing, green beans almondine, Brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, and fresh rolls.

Dessert is part of the celebration, with pumpkin, apple, and pecan pies included.

Thanksgiving seating begins at noon.

Location: 1171 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, NJ
Phone: 732-244-7566

2. B2 Bistro + Bar – Bayville

For those looking for a Thanksgiving buffet with plenty of choices, B2 Bistro + Bar in Bayville is another restaurant to consider.

The restaurant is planning a Thanksgiving Day buffet featuring an omelet station, waffles, pasta dishes, turkey, ham, prime rib, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and additional holiday favorites.

It’s an option for families who enjoy having a variety of dishes available rather than sticking with a traditional turkey-only dinner.

Location: 125 Bayview Avenue, Bayville, NJ

3. Captain’s Inn – Forked River

Captain’s Inn in Forked River is another Ocean County restaurant celebrating Thanksgiving with a holiday buffet.

The extensive menu includes roasted turkey with gravy, pork loin, herb-crusted salmon, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and a variety of salads and other dishes.

For dessert, guests can enjoy pies, pastries, and cheesecake.

With a waterfront setting along the Forked River, Captain’s Inn offers a festive atmosphere for gathering with family and friends.

Location: 304 East Lacey Road, Forked River, NJ
Phone: 609-693-3351

4. Rosie’s Restaurant – Ocean Gate

Rosie’s Restaurant in Ocean Gate is offering a special sit-down Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, November 26.

The restaurant’s 2026 holiday menu includes a choice of traditional turkey, pork chop with apple chutney sauce, or grilled salmon.

Dinner also comes with mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, stuffing, a green bean and carrot medley, cranberry sauce, and cornbread.

For dessert, guests can choose mini pumpkin brûlée, chocolate lava cake with vanilla ice cream, or a slice of pie.

Thanksgiving hours: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Price: $59.95 per person, plus tax and gratuity
Location: 401 Monmouth Avenue, Ocean Gate, NJ
Phone: 732-998-8314

Reservations are recommended.

5. Della Cucina Italian Restaurant, Market & Catering – Toms River

If you prefer celebrating Thanksgiving at home but don’t want to prepare every dish yourself, Della Cucina in Toms River is worth checking out.

The Italian restaurant, market, and catering business has brought back its holiday dinner offerings, giving customers an opportunity to order prepared foods and holiday favorites.

Previous holiday packages have included turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing, vegetables, cranberry relish, cornbread, and pie.

Smaller dinner packages have also been available for couples and smaller gatherings.

Contact Della Cucina directly for its finalized 2026 Thanksgiving menu, package pricing, and ordering deadlines.

Location: 1407 Route 37 East, Toms River, NJ
Phone: 732-831-3000

6. Half Moon Point – Point Pleasant

For families who want to enjoy Thanksgiving at home without spending hours preparing dinner, Half Moon Point is another option to investigate.

The restaurant has offered fully prepared, heat-and-serve Thanksgiving packages featuring roasted turkey, sausage stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet mashed potatoes, green beans almondine, glazed carrots, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, soup, and dessert.

Previous package sizes have accommodated groups of four, eight, and 16 people.

Contact the restaurant to confirm its 2026 availability, pickup arrangements, and ordering deadline.

Location: 2154 Bridge Avenue, Point Pleasant, NJ
Phone: 732-475-6535

More Thanksgiving Dining Options Around the Jersey Shore

Ocean County residents may also want to explore additional restaurants and catering businesses throughout neighboring Jersey Shore communities. Holiday menus and availability vary, so check directly with each establishment before making plans.

Whether you choose a traditional buffet, a sit-down dinner, or takeout catering, there are ways to make Thanksgiving a little easier this year.

Make Your Thanksgiving Reservations Early!

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest dining holidays of the year, and restaurant reservations can fill up quickly.

If you’re planning to dine out on November 26, it’s a good idea to contact restaurants as soon as possible. Those ordering prepared meals should also ask about advance ordering deadlines and pickup times.

Before making plans, remember to:

• Confirm Thanksgiving Day hours and seating times.
• Ask about children’s pricing and available menu options.
• Check whether reservations are required.
• Ask about takeout and catering packages.
• Confirm prices, taxes, and gratuity.
• Check whether special dietary accommodations are available.

Where are you celebrating Thanksgiving this year?