For many Pittsburgh families, Feast of the Seven Fishes is a vital part of the holiday season.
The Italian-American feast originates from a Roman Catholic ritual of abstaining from meat on the eve of a holy day. Today, the ceremonial fishes are nearly forgotten in Italy, but Feast of the Seven Fishes has endured in Pittsburgh, due to the large population of Italian immigrants in the city.
Local chefs are participating in the time-honored feast by putting their own spin on classic courses. The meals vary from buffet-style, to global inspirations, and to a full-blown, traditional dinner. Here are some of the restaurants offering a feast of fishes.
DiAnoa’s Eatery
DiAnoia’s takes a feast standard, baccala (salted cod), and transforms it into a fritter. Wed., Dec. 19-Thu., Dec. 20, 5-9 p.m.; Dec. 21 -22, 5-10 p.m. $55. 2549 Penn Ave., Strip District. 412-918-1875 or dianoiaseatery.com
Talia Cucina & Rosticceria
“Feast” on the seven fishes Cioppino-style, all in one bowl. Thu., Dec. 20, 5-10 p.m.; Fri., Dec. 21-Sat., Dec. 22, 1-11 p.m. $35. 425 Sixth Ave., Downtown. 412-456-8214 or taliapgh.com
La Tavola Italiana
La Tavola puts a spin on a traditional menu, including a mint infused pea soup (course two). Thu., Dec. 20. 6:30 p.m. $75. 1 Boggs Ave., Mt. Washington. 412-481-3336 or latavolaitalianarestaurant.com
Stagioni
Catch the last of a four-part feast at Stagioni with the weekly, family-style menu. Sun., Dec. 23. 6 p.m. $60. 2014 E. Carson St., South Side. 412-586-4738 or stagionipgh.com
Senti Restaurant & Wine Bar
Senti feasts on Christmas Eve, with a six course Asian-influenced menu.
Mon., Dec. 24. 4-10 p.m. $90. 3473 Butler St., Lawrenceville. 412-586-4347 or sentirestaurant.com
Lidia’s Pittsburgh
Indulge in seven fishes at Lidia’s Pittsburgh, featuring the restaurant’s famous fresh pasta.
Mon., Dec. 24. 6 p.m. $75. 1400 Smallman St., Strip District. 412-552-0150 or
lidias-pittsburgh.com
Molinaro Ristorante & Bar
Molinaro, new to the space once occupied by Poros, hosts its inaugural feast on Christmas Eve.
Mon., Dec. 24. 3-9 p.m. $70. 2 PPG Place, Downtown. 412-596-4599 or molinaroristorante.com
Roman Bistro 33
Celebrate the traditional feast buffet style at Roman Bistro 33. Sun. Dec. 24. 3-8 p.m. $28. 2105 Ardmore Blvd., Braddock. 412-871-3704 or romanbistro.com
Meat & Potatoes
Look for North African, French, and Italian flavors on the M&P menu. Sun., Dec. 24. 5-9 p.m. $85. 649 Penn Ave., Downtown. $85. 412-325-7007 or meatandpotatoespgh.com
Wholey’s Fish Market
Don’t want to leave the house? Cook your feast at home with Wholey’s bundle of fishes. Mon.-Thu., 8 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 8 a.m.- 6 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $155. 1711 Penn Ave., Strip District. 412-391-3737 or wholey.com
