7 Philly Restaurants to Enjoy Feast of the 7 Fishes

Also known as The Vigil or La Vigilia amongst the hard core Italians, Feast of the 7 Fishes is a rich Italian tradition.  This extraordinary dinner consists of seven different types of seafood prepared in various ways.  Although seven is the norm for this feast, it is not uncommon for many families to prepare almost twice as many seafood options.  Originating from Italy, Feast of the 7 Fishes is celebrated every Christmas Eve and has become a staple among native Italians.  For all us non-Italians looking to partake in this tasty past-time, we prepared a list of seven restaurants that are serving up tasty prefixed dinner menu options for all to enjoy.  Check it out!

Mamma Maria Ristorante (1637 East Passyunk Avenue) – Spend Christmas Eve with South Philly’s most famous “Mamma” and her long-standing Christmas Eve Seven Fish Dinner featuring: Antipasto di Pesce, Chestnut Soup, Fettuccine alle Vongole, Baccala Codfish salad, Calamari Stuffed squid, Sogliola Flounder, Salmone Salmon, Merluzzo Smelts, Conchiglia large stuffed clams, Capo Sante Scallops, salad, sides, coffee, dessert, complimentary wine and after-dinner cordials. Each guest is $65.00 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Seatings at 3:00pm, 6:00pm and 9:00pm. Call 215 463-6884 for reservations.

Noir Restaurant (1909 East Passyunk Avenue) – Noir celebrates the Feast of the 7 Fish with a three-course meal for only $40.00 per person (plus tax and gratuity), including choice of Seafood Bouillabaisse or Mediterranean Salad; Squid Ink Linguini Del Mare, Mosaic Trio or Seafood Risotto; Limoncello Mascarpone Cake, Crème Brulee Cheese Cake or Tira Misu. Call (267) 319-1678 for reservations. Reservations for 9:00pm seating are available.

Palladino’s (1934 East Passyunk Avenue) – East Passyunk’s newest restaurant opens just in time for the holidays (12/18) with steak, seafood, Italian, desserts and more. On Christmas Eve, dinner patrons will enjoy complimentary Punzone Poinsettia compliments of Chef Luke Palladino. The dining room and full-service bar will be open to celebrate the holiday. For reservations, call 267-928-4339 or book through OpenTable.

Paradiso (1627 East Passyunk Avenue) – Christmas Eve “La Vigilia Di Natale” Feast of the 7 Fish includes delicious offerings from Chef Lynn Rinaldi that include Baccala Mantecato, Fritto Misto, Black Bucatini with Rock Shrimp, Linguine with Clams, Penne with Lump Crabmeat, Whole Dover Sole, Stuffed Skate with Crabmeat and more. Antipasti di Pesce, sides for the table and dessert choice included for $75.00 per person. Call 215.271.2066 for reservations.

SliCE (1740 Sansom St. or 137 Egg Harbor Rd) – Celebrate Christmas Eve with the Pizza of the 7 Fishes, featuring mozzarella, clams, mussels, shrimp, tuna, crab meat, anchovies and sardine all sauteed with fresh olive oil and garlic, and topped with fresh lemon and basil. This unique pie is a twist on the Italian tradition of Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes Dinner. Rittenhouse and Washington Township locations are open through 6:00pm on Christmas Day. Rittenhouse will deliver anywhere in Philadelphia that day by calling (215) 557- 9299.

Spitalieri’s (613 East Passyunk) – Celebrate Christmas Eve with a four-course prix fixe that includes choice of soup or salad, appetizer, entree and dessert. Highlights include Zuppa di pesce (Fish Soup),Shrimp Scampi Flatbread, Baby Neck Clams in Garlic Butter, Jeanie’s Code and Shrimp, Salmon Cakes, Frutti di Mare, Jeanie’s Homemade Cheese Pie with Fig Sauce, Chocolate Bread Pudding and more. Glass of wine or soda included for $50.00 per person (not included gratuity). Reservation required by calling (267) 324-3144. Hours 5:00pm to 10:00pm.

Stogie Joe’s (1801 East Passyunk Avenue) – Place your order now for a Tavern Style Christmas Menu that you can pick-up for your family. Enjoy offerings like Clams Casino, Crab Sauce, Crab Cakes, Clams, Mussels, Shrimp Cocktail, Calamari, Salad and more. All orders must be placed by Friday, December 20, 2014, by calling 267-767-5701. Pick-up by December 24, 2014 by 5:00pm.