For many people, Christmas Eve is a time to pause from the harried season of shopping and partying and spend time with family and friends. If time allows for a leisurely dinner, consider adopting the Southern Italian tradition of the feast of the seven fishes. The multi-course meal comes from the Roman Catholic tradition of omitting meat on the night before a holiday. Generally it includes a complete showcase of dishes like soups, stews, pastas and (fish-free) desserts.
Here in D.C., the meal has become popular among Italian chefs and restaurants, who go to great lengths to create celebratory menus. Some feature local ingredients like oysters. Others go luxury with lobsters and uni. Many of the menus are served prix fixe and family-style, making it a communal and festive experience.
The following 12 restaurants are all offering a special Feast of The Seven Fishes menu on Christmas Eve, with some offering it a few other days this December.
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