OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends and plenty of good food, but not everyone wants to spend the holiday cooking a feast. Fortunately, several restaurants throughout Ocala and Marion County are preparing to welcome diners on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, with traditional holiday meals, special buffets and other dining options.
Whether you’re craving roasted turkey and all the fixings or looking to switch things up with Italian cuisine, here are some local restaurants to consider when making your Thanksgiving plans.
Braised Onion
Braised Onion Restaurant will open its doors for a special Thanksgiving buffet featuring traditional holiday favorites alongside selections from its regular menu. The buffet includes dishes such as cherry-glazed ham, stuffing, honey-glazed carrots and three-cheese macaroni and cheese, with turkey and salmon among the available entree options.
The buffet is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 754 NE 25th Ave. Prices are $80 for adults and $35 for children.
Live Fire Chefs
Live Fire Chefs will welcome guests on Thanksgiving with a holiday menu featuring traditional favorites and seasonal dishes. Menu highlights include roasted turkey, glazed ham and butternut squash soup, offering a comforting selection for those looking to enjoy a holiday meal without cooking at home.
The restaurant is scheduled to be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 506 S. Pine Ave. Reservations are strongly recommended. Guests can call 352-421-5265 to reserve a table.
Market Kitchen & Bar
Located inside the Hilton Ocala, Market Kitchen & Bar will serve a Thanksgiving buffet featuring holiday favorites and seasonal dishes. Guests can enjoy cider-brined turkey and bourbon-glazed ham carving stations, along with selections from multiple buffet stations.
The buffet is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 3600 SW 36th Ave. Prices are $73 for adults, $68 for seniors and $30 for children ages 5-12. Reservations are required and can be made online or by calling 352-854-1400.
Northgate Diner
Northgate Diner will offer an early start to Thanksgiving with its regular breakfast menu followed by a traditional holiday meal. The diner plans to serve breakfast from 6 to 11 a.m., followed by its Thanksgiving menu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests can also look forward to homemade desserts, including Better Than Almost Anything Cake, Pig Lick’n Cake and peanut butter pie.
The diner is located at 3541 NE Jacksonville Rd. and guests are urged to call ahead at (352) 401-0900 for reservations to help determine how many people to expect. Thanksgiving menu items and service times are available while supplies last.
Stirrups Restaurant
For those looking for a more upscale holiday dining experience, Stirrups Restaurant at The Equestrian Hotel will offer a four-course Thanksgiving meal. The prix fixe menu features seasonal dishes, including roasted squash, grilled lobster tail, a choice of turkey roulade or ribeye and pecan mud pie for dessert.
Seating times are scheduled for 11 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. The meal is $160 per person, with additional fees, gratuity and taxes applying. Reservations are required and can be made at WEC’s website.
World Equestrian Center
The World Equestrian Center will host a Thanksgiving buffet at The Equestrian Manor, located at 1750 NW 80th Ave., offering a selection of traditional holiday dishes in a spacious setting. The menu features cider-brined turkey, brioche stuffing with apple and fennel sausage, sweet potato gratin, pumpkin and burrata salad and other seasonal favorites.
Three seating times are available at 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Adult tickets are $135.66, while children’s tickets for ages 6-12 are $44.46. Children 5 and younger eat free. Reservations are required and can be made through WEC’s website.
Make sure you check out the rest of our 2026 Holiday Guide!
