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Where to Celebrate the Feast of the Seven Fishes in NYC 2024
December 17, 2024, 7:56.45 pm ET

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The Feast of the Seven Fishes, or “La Vigilia,” is a long tradition that commemorates the midnight birth of Baby Jesus. The custom of eating seafood on Christmas Eve dates back to the Roman Catholic tradition of abstaining from eating meat on the eve of a feast day. Here are some NYC spots to enjoy your feast!

Peasant

Celebrate Christmas Eve in true Italian style at Peasant with their family-style, four-course Feast of the Seven Fishes. Priced at $135 per person, the menu features wood-fired seafood dishes like Bacala with potato and smoked olive oil, and Little Neck Clams acqua pazza. Guests can indulge in pasta dishes like Elicoidali with uni and squash, and enjoy a beautifully prepared Branzino livornese alongside local potatoes and fennel with saffron. Reserve your spot via Resy in either the main dining room or wine bar for a festive evening to remember.

Kellogg's Diner

This holiday season, Kellogg’s Diner is bringing the Feast of the Seven Fishes to the table with a $60 per person prix-fixe menu, available on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Indulge in a variety of seafood dishes such as fried calamari, fluke aguachile, and steamed mussels with chorizo. The meal continues with clams linguine and whole fried snapper, paired with Kellogg’s beloved comfort foods like enchiladas suizas and pancakes. Whether for brunch or dinner, enjoy this festive seafood celebration at one of Brooklyn’s most iconic diners.

Nonna Dora's

For a cozy and festive celebration, head to Nonna Dora's for their family-style Feast of the Seven Fishes on December 23rd and 24th. At $88 per person, this special holiday menu includes a variety of seafood delights such as crispy-fried oysters, octopus salad, and linguine with Maine lobster sauce. Pair these dishes with pasta favorites like mezzelune stuffed with shrimp and ricotta and spaghetti neri with anchovy and bottarga. End your meal with Betty’s Desserts for the table, making this an ideal spot to share a traditional holiday meal with loved ones.

Blu on the Hudson

Blu on the Hudson is celebrating the holidays with a seafood-centric menu crafted by Executive Chef Juan Carlos “JC” Ortega. Highlights include Dover Sole, Spicy Lobster Spaghetti, Branzino with tomato couscous, and Kaluga Caviar with whipped potatoes. A 3-course prix fixe menu is available Christmas Eve ($74) and Christmas Day ($85), or choose from an extensive list of à la carte options.

Fish Markets for Your Feast of the Seven Fishes

For those looking to stock up on the freshest seafood for their own Feast of the Seven Fishes, the Bronx’s Little Italy offers some iconic fish markets with offerings perfect for pescatarian feast, including baccala, shrimp, branzino, octopus, calamari, mussels, eels, clams, and more.

Cosenza’s Fish Market (2354 Arthur Avenue)

For over 100 years, Cosenza’s has been serving the Arthur Avenue community. Known for its alfresco raw bar, you can enjoy freshly shucked seafood right on the sidewalk, with each offering priced at around $1. Inside, you'll find everything from hard shell crabs to fresh octopus—perfect for your holiday feast.

Randazzo’s Seafood (2327 Arthur Avenue)

A family-owned staple since the late 1920s, Randazzo’s is a traditional fish market in the heart of Arthur Avenue. They source fresh seafood daily and offer free fish cleaning, descaling, and preparation, making it easier for you to get started on your seven-course meal. With its friendly service and old-world Sicilian charm, Randazzo’s is a must-visit for any holiday celebration.
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