It’s that time of year where the Italian tradition of the Feast of the Seven Fishes in Philadelphia is in full swing. However, in 2022, there are some new variations of the classic meal and some traditional favorites to indulge in, and we’ve got a round-up of all of the renditions to try.
Oyster House
One thing this Center City hotspot certainly knows how to do well is seafood. The venue will be offering its special Feast of the Seven Fishes menu on Christmas Eve for $80 per person (reservations can be made by calling or heading to Resy). But there will be some additional seating available at the bar for walk-ins as well.
The menu spans roasted oysters, anchovy toast with a spicy goat cheese spread, crab pasta boasting homemade linguini with crab gravy and jumbo lump crab, salt cod croquettes and much more.
1516 Sansom Street, oysterhousephilly.com
Fitz on 4th
For vegans, vegetarians and just veggie lovers, this Queens Village venue will be offering up a Feast of the Seven Vegetables menu for the season. The prix-fixed meal will be offered for dine-in service on Dec. 23 and 24 for $50 per person with an optional wine pairing for an added $35.
The menu will span a roasted beet spinach salad, edamame dumplings, portobello sliders, carrot tacos with cranberry salsa, butternut squash risotto and much more.
743 S. 4th Street, fitzon4th.com
Little Nonna’s
A fan favorite at this local spot has always been its holiday rendition of the Feast of the Seven Fishes. Available from Dec. 19 to 23, the specialty menu is priced at $50 per person and reservations are not required, but recommended. The offerings will span baked clams, warm seafood salad, fritto misto, octopus, shrimp scampi and more dishes for diners to peruse through.
1234 Locust Street, littlenonnas.com
SliCE
At this local pizza chain, Philadelphians will have the option to bring home their own Pizza of the 7 Fishes. According to the release, this special seasonal pizza is inspired by the owner’s families’ Christmas Eve traditions. The pie features mozzarella topped with clams, mussels, shrimp, tuna, crab meat and sardines all sauteed with fresh olive oil and garlic, and topped with anchovies, fresh lemon and basil.
The specialty pie is available until Christmas Eve and comes in small, large and gluten-free options. And for those opting out of the pizza, SliCE is also offering their Seafood Caesar this time of year.
Multiple locations, slicelife.com
Nunzio by Chef Michael DeLone
In the quaint town of Collingswood, New Jersey, diners can head to Nunzio to indulge in the Feast of the Seven Fishes from Dec. 21 to 24. As a release states, the $75 per person four course menu includes cod fritters with tomato jam, fried smelts with lemon aioli, Ciopinno, and spaghetti with garlic breadcrumbs, basil and clams.
For those who appreciate hooves over fins however, the Chef has also prepared an equivalent $75 per person four course menu featuring arancini, burrata with peperonata, truffle gnocchi and short rib over polenta with mushrooms and gorgonzola sauce.
706 Haddon Ave., nunziosbyob.com
Izakaya by Yanaga
If you’re looking for a special experience when searching for a Feast of the Seven Fishes in Philadelphia experience, the “Sushi Whisperer” himself, Kevin Yanaga will be serving up his own rendition of the famous meal. Available on Dec. 22 and 23 and priced at $75 per person, the specialty meal will feature seven courses and a complimentary by Yanaga Sake pour.
Standouts include Beau Soleil oysters, crispy rock shrimp, the chef’s selection of sashimi and maki and much more.
1832 Frankford Ave., byyanaga.com
Cantina la Martina
For something a little different this year, Cantina la Martina is hosting its Feast of the Seven Moles dinner, co-hosted by Chef Dionicio Jimenez (of Cantina la Martina) and Chef Jennifer Zavala (of Juana Tamale) on Dec. 22.
The meal will also feature the talents of five other chefs for a 7-course tasting menu that comes out to be $130 per person (tax, gratuity and beverages are separate.) And $10 from every ticket from the 7 Moles Dinner will go toward a Christmas Eve dinner provided by Cantina la Martina and Juana Tamale to the families in the Kensington community.
As a release states, every guest will also receive a gift by a Mexican artist at their seat and will be served one complimentary drink called ponche, a hot cocktail made with guava, apples, sugar cane, and tequila while there.
There will also be a mariachi band, Mariachi Ángeles, performing throughout the event. Dishes span turkey enchiladas with mole, Michmole with cod and much, much more.
2800 D St., cantinalamartinapa.com
Fishtown Pickle Project
After a wildly successful first year, the Fishtown Pickle Project is once again hosting their Feast of the Seven Pickles experience on Dec. 20 at Mural City Cellar’s pop-up in Fishtown.
As a release states, this year’s feast will see a new menu featuring seven pickle-centric, Italian-themed small plates in collaboration with Paffuto Philly. The menu will include charcuterie, caprese, arancini, pasta, seafood and desserts utilizing locally sourced ingredients, along with innovative pickled fare. There will also be a pop-up gift shop at the event.
Tickets are $55 apiece, with a 3-glass wine pairing option for an additional $20. A portion of proceeds will also be donated to Philabundance.
2146 E. Susquehanna Ave., fishtownpickles.com
