Dishes of Fishes

Feasting on Fish — Let’s do Christmas Eve, Italian-style. Start a new tradition or update an old one this Christmas Eve and treat the family to the Italian-style Feast of Seven Fishes. While not necessarily a tradition in Italy, there is a tradition of eating fish on Christmas Eve that hails back to the Roman Catholics abstaining from meat on the eve of certain holidays, like Christmas. Regardless, feasting on seven fish is delicious and you can get in on all of the goodness too. You know the drill - as we receive more information, we will pass it on to you:

Centrolina: Celebrate Christmas Eve with a  four-course, family-style Italian feast at Centrolina. The menu ($160 per person) showcases traditional coastal flavors, from whipped cod cannoli and oysters on the half shell to monkfish piccata, charred octopus, and more. There are optional wine pairings ($80 per person) to perfectly complement each course.

Cordelia Fishbar: Cordelia will host a special Feast of the Seven Fishes on December 23, featuring a five-course communal dining experience that celebrates the bounty of the sea, from pristine raw preparations to dry-aged and charcoal-grilled seafood. The five-course menu is priced at $95 per person, with an optional Premium Wine Pairing for $80 per person showcasing distinctive, off-the-beaten-path regions and producers selected to complement the chef’s tasting menu.

Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse: Davio’s is offering this Christmas Eve tradition from 4:00 - 10:00 p.m. highlights include Oysters Rockefeller, Swordfish, Fettucine with Scallops, and more. The menu is priced at $85 per person.

Fish Shop: Fish Shop puts its signature mid-Atlantic spin on a beloved holiday classic. Available all December long, the Feast of the Seven Fishes celebrates the very best of our local bounty and flavors of the season. Highlights include baked Tall Timbers oysters with ‘nduja butter to start, followed by larger plates like baked Maryland lobster draped in garlic butter served with crispy french fries, and linguine tossed with Maryland clams, chili and garlic. For dessert, guests can enjoy a festive panettone paired with mascarpone mousse.

Fiola DC: Experience La Vigilia, the traditional Italian Feast of the Seven Fishes — a cherished Christmas Eve celebration that varies by region but always honors the sea’s finest offerings. The menu showcases the freshest seafood, prepared with both timeless tradition and modern artistry. Priced at $395 per person.

Iron Gate: This Christmas Eve, Iron Gate invites guests to experience one of Italy’s most beloved holiday traditions. Chef Anthony Chittum will present a four-course, family-style menu celebrating the bounty of the sea through refined, modern interpretations of Italian classics—all featuring locally sourced seafood and signature hearth-driven technique. Guests will enjoy an abundant spread including chilled oysters with Oscietre Gold caviar, anchovy hushpuppies, lightly smoked cobia crudo, razor clam “casino,” seared day-boat scallops, a decadent Maine Lobster Giovetsi, a hearth-roasted whole black bass, and Iron Gate’s beloved tiramisu to finish.
Wine Director Erin Dudley will offer two curated wine pairing options—Standard ($90) and Deluxe ($120)—designed to elevate each course.

L’Ardente: L’Ardente’s Feast of the Seven Fishes, will be offered during dinner service only from December 17–24. This decadent, much-anticipated menu can be ordered with an optional wine pairing selected by L’Ardente’s sommelier team. The menu costs $125 per person, with an additional $65 per person for the optional wine pairing.

Motorkat: Designed to showcase the versatility of local seafood and produce, Executive Chef Danny Wells' 7 FISHES menu ($85 per person) includes highlights such as Maryland Rockfish Crudo; Wood-Grilled Mediterranean Octopus; and Grey Sole and Maine Lobster Meunier. Featured on the 7 VEGGIES menu ($65 per person) will be Candy Cane Beet Carpaccio; Grilled Black Pearl Mushroom; and Sweet Potato Gnocchi. To make a reservation, click here.

Ruse: Ruse will be hosting their second annual Feast of the Seven Fishes, a festive family-style celebration featuring a five-course seafood dinner crafted by Executive Chef Michael Correll. This special holiday experience is priced at $150 per guest, with tickets sold exclusively in pairs. Seating will be arranged at tables of up to six guests, and parties wishing to join others can simply note it in their reservation. All dishes will be served family-style for the table to enjoy together, honoring the convivial spirit of the traditional feast. Alcoholic beverages will be offered à la carte and are not included in the ticket price.