Feature

Merry Fish Fest

The traditional Italian Christmas Eve meatless meal, a.k.a. the Feast of the Seven Fishes, may just be more popular here than in Italy.

By Robin Raisfeld & Rob Patronite
Published May 21, 2005

1. Esca
All of Mario Batali’s Italian restaurants (Babbo, Lupa, Otto) are Feast-friendly, but the seafood specialist Esca is the logical choice. December 20–24; $75.
402 W. 43rd St., at. Ninth Ave.; 212-564-7272

2. Abboccato
Seven mouthwatering courses, plus dessert. December 24; $85.
136 W. 55th St., nr. Seventh Ave.; 212-265-4000

3. Pace
Start with fried smelts, finish with monkfish osso buco. December 21-23; $65.
121 Hudson St., at N. Moore St.; 212-965-9500

4. San Domenico
A five-course strictly southern-Italian menu, from December 20 through 26; $70.
240 Central Park So., nr. Broadway; 212-265-5959

5. The Minnow
He’s not Italian and neither is his restaurant, but chef Aaron Bashy knows how to throw a good la vigilia. December 24; $45.
442 9th St., nr. Seventh Ave., Park Slope, Brooklyn; 718-832-5500

6. Patsy’s
A Feast fit for Frank himself. December 17–24; $49.
236 W. 56th St., nr. Eighth Ave.; 212-247-3491