The holidays are all about traditions — the kind that bring families together around the table year after year. For many Italian American households, Christmas Eve means the Feast of the Seven Fishes, a beloved seafood-forward celebration rooted in Catholic traditions of abstaining from meat and shaped by Southern Italian cooking.
Whether you grew up with this tradition or are tasting it for the first time, these local restaurants are keeping the spirit of the Feast of the Seven Fishes alive with menus that honor the past while making room for new memories.
Editor’s Note: Be sure to make reservations and confirm the menu, as all details are subject to change.
Andrea Trattoria Italiana
412 Bank St, Cape May, NJ 08204
This restaurant is serving up this festive tradition throughout December. Each week, they’ll be counting down to Christmas with a unique pre-fixe Seven Fishes menu, offering a fresh take on the iconic feast. Priced at $72 plus tax and gratuity, the rotating menus highlight seasonal flavors and coastal inspiration. Guests can preview each week’s offerings and reserve their table directly on the restaurant’s website.
https://andreatrattoria.com/7-fishes-holiday-menu/
Girasole
3108 Pacific Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Girasole is once again welcoming guests to celebrate Christmas Eve with their Feast of the Seven Fishes dinner. They’ll be serving a four-course meal designed to capture the essence of this beloved Italian tradition. Reservations are recommended for the holiday, and guests can visit the restaurant’s website or call to make a reservation or for more details.
https://mygirasole.com
Nunzio
706 Haddon Ave, Collingswood, NJ 08108
Nunzio is celebrating the Feast of the Seven Fishes family-style, featuring three generous courses plus dessert for $85 per person. This festive dining experience will run from December 16th through December 24th, giving guests plenty of time to enjoy this classic holiday tradition.
https://www.michaelcollingswood.com
Pagano’s Uva Restaurant
800 Main St, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
Celebrate Christmas Eve at Pagano’s Uva Restaurant, where they’re hosting a festive Feast of the Seven Fishes. The menu includes a first course of seafood salad and mozzarella with tomato, followed by a second course featuring Pesce Fritto and additional seafood favorites. Guests will also enjoy a pasta course with linguini in clam sauce, a hearty entrée course, and a dessert course to finish. One of the best parts? There are no choices to make — you receive every dish on the menu. The feast is priced at $59.95 per person plus tax and gratuity. Tickets can be secured through their website.
https://www.uvaonmain.com
Ristorante Maietta
11 Tennent Ave, Englishtown, NJ 07726
Experience the Feast of the Seven Fishes at Ristorante Maietta, featuring delicious dishes, standout drinks, and a lively atmosphere. Reserve your table on their website to guarantee a spot.
https://maiettas.com
Spiaggetta Restaurant
9800 3rd Ave, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247
Join Spiaggetta for a multi-course feast celebrating this cherished holiday tradition, featuring a variety of Italian delicacies. In addition to the incredible food, guests can enjoy live music, creating a lively and memorable evening for the whole family. The event is BYOB, and doors open at 6:30 p.m. Visit their website to reserve a spot for you, your family, and your friends.
https://spiaggettanj.com
The Lobster Shanty
83 Channel Dr, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
If you’re planning to dine out this Christmas Eve, this restaurant is hosting a festive Feast of the Seven Fishes from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. The experience is priced at $60 per adult and $18 for children under 12. Guests can look forward to a wide selection of appetizers, carved entrées, and indulgent desserts. To secure your spot, call (732) 295-0350.
https://www.thelobstershantynj.com
Vette Ristorante
588 S Livingston Ave, Livingston, NJ 07039
Indulge in this cherished tradition at Vette Ristorante, where a special multi-course Feast of the Seven Fishes is being served for $90 per guest. The menu begins with options like warm seafood salad, Fritto Misto, Linguine with Lobster, and more. To elevate the experience, guests can add a $35 wine-pairing flight or choose from a lineup of festive holiday cocktails, ranging from the jewel-green Grinch to the playful Mistletoe Margarita.
https://vette-nj.com
