From the Feast of the Seven Fishes, to signature menus, to family-style offerings, Christmas Eve without the prep work or cleanup might just be the way to go! Here are just a few of the many restaurants statewide with big Christmas Eve plans.
Seating is not guaranteed. Please call for availability and reservations.
The Bernards Inn
From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., guests will enjoy Christmas Eve dinner at the Bernards Inn, complete with a visit from Santa. Choose between a three-course, prix-fixe meal, or a buffet in the Fenwick Ballroom. 27 Mine Brook Road, Bernardsville. 908-766-0002.
The Bonney Read
On Christmas Eve, but also throughout the month, The Bonney Read celebrates with the Feast of the Seven Fishes, offering diver scallop crudo, insalata di frutti di mare, spicy clam stew, fritelle di baccala, shrimp scampi, pesce spada, and whole pan roasted bronzino. 525 Cookman Ave., Asbury Park, 732-455-3352.
Escape Montclair (pictured above)
On December 24, Chef Bryan Gregg recreates the popular Christmas Eve meal at Escape using the freshest fish and seafood on the market. The dinner is $49 per person plus taxes and gratuity. Reservations for this special dinner can only be made by phone. 345 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair. 973-744-0712.
Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen
If you’re looking for a family-style Christmas Eve dinner, set up your reservation at the Rathskeller ($75/person or $140 with beverage pairings), while the Dining Room will be serving its Feast of the Seven Fishes ($120/person or $195 with wine pairings). The Oyster Bar will also be open! 110 South Street, Morristown. 973-644-3180.
Landmark
Landmark Hospitality serves Christmas Eve dinner at Liberty House, Stone House, Logan Inn, and the Ryland Inn. Click your desired location for menus, contact information and directions.
Salt Creek Grille — Princeton
Chock full of mesquite-grilled goodness, the Princeton location of the Salt Creek Grille serves dinner from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. From stuffed jumbo shrimp to roasted squash and ricotta ravioli to flourless chocolate cake, or any of the other selections on the menu, you may never stay home for Christmas Eve again. Forrestal Village, 1 Rockingham Row, Princeton. 609-419-4200.
Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas
Enoy Spuntino Wine Bar’s Feast of the Seven Fishes menu through December 24. The Feast of the Seven Fishes tasting menu is $45 ($65 including wine pairings) and dishes are also available a la carte. The full Feast of the Seven Fishes menu is available here. 70 Kingsland Road, Clifton. 973-661-2435.
Strip House at the Hotel Westminster
From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. the dining room offers its classic steakhouse menu, with seasonal specials, and the bar will be open from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. 550 W. Mount Pleasant Ave., Livingston. 973-548-0050.
