Seafood lovers, get ready to rejoice! New Jersey is brimming with Italian restaurants that know how to celebrate the holidays the right way: with plates piled high with fresh, briny seafood. From tender calamari to frutti di mare pasta and perfectly roasted branzino, these spots turn Christmas Eve into a festival of flavors.
Each restaurant on this list has a story, a secret recipe, and a menu that makes you want to linger, savor, and come back for seconds. Whether it’s a long‑standing family favorite or a hidden gem tucked in a coastal town, the focus is always on the sea’s bounty and Italian tradition.
If your holiday plans include seafood, you’re about to discover 13 Italian restaurants in New Jersey that take it seriously — and deliciously.
Spano’s Ristorante Italiano – Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
At Spano’s Ristorante Italiano, the essence of coastal Italian dining is captured with a charming beachside ambiance. Located in Point Pleasant Beach, this restaurant embodies the tradition of the Feast of the Seven Fishes with its seafood-focused menu, particularly popular during December.
Fresh catches and house-made pastas are the stars here, with dishes like linguine with clams and calamari alla grilled that bring the seaside to your plate. The restaurant’s proximity to the Jersey Shore ensures the freshest ingredients, making it a go-to for those seeking festive seafood meals.
Spano’s shines with its community-style dining experience, where locals gather for holiday celebrations. The moderate pricing and inviting atmosphere make it a favorite for both families and seafood enthusiasts.
Addressed at 719 Arnold Ave, this spot is a must-visit during the holiday season, offering a taste of Italy’s coastal traditions right in New Jersey.
Girasole – Atlantic City, NJ
Girasole in Atlantic City offers more than just a meal; it’s a festive tradition. Known for its authentic Italian roots, this restaurant brings a special seafood feast to life during the holiday season, resonating with the classic Feast of the Seven Fishes.
Founded by Naples-born owners, Girasole combines handcrafted pasta with premium seafood. Its Christmas Eve celebration includes a four-course seafood extravaganza, showcasing the best of Italian-American holiday customs.
Expect scallops, shrimp, and mussels among the featured dishes, all prepared with elegance and served in a warm family-style setting. This tradition offers diners a rich, communal experience that reflects the Italian way of celebrating family and food.
Located at 3108 Pacific Ave, Girasole is a destination for those looking to indulge in fine seafood and Italian heritage. Reservations are essential, especially for the popular Christmas Eve event.
Carlucci’s Waterfront – Mt. Laurel Township, NJ
Carlucci’s Waterfront combines scenic beauty with culinary excellence, nestled in Mt. Laurel Township. This Italian restaurant is famed for its broad menu, emphasizing seafood delights that echo the traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes.
Diners are treated to dishes like linguine alle vongole and seafood risotto, crafted with fresh, coastal ingredients. The waterfront location enhances the dining experience, offering a serene backdrop to the festive holiday meals.
In December, Carlucci’s becomes a hub for those seeking robust seafood options. While not officially offering a seven-fish prix-fixe, the varied menu allows guests to create their own holiday-inspired seafood feast.
Situated at 876 Centerton Rd, Carlucci’s serves as a perfect spot for family gatherings and festive celebrations, with moderate to higher price ranges ensuring a memorable dining experience.
Fresco Italian Steak & Seafood Grill – Milltown, NJ
Fresco Italian Steak & Seafood Grill in Milltown is a vibrant dining destination known for its diverse Italian menu. During the holiday season, the focus shifts to seafood, honoring the spirit of Italian Christmas traditions.
Specialties include shrimp scampi and grilled salmon, offering a taste of the sea with every bite. The restaurant’s lively atmosphere is perfect for group gatherings and festive meals, capturing the joy of seasonal celebrations.
Patrons often praise Fresco for its flavorful seafood pasta and perfectly prepared fish dishes. These offerings align with the Feast of the Seven Fishes ethos, even if not officially part of a prix-fixe.
Located at 210 Ryders Ln, Fresco provides a moderately priced menu, making it an ideal choice for those craving Italian seafood in a warm, welcoming environment.
Felina – Ridgewood, NJ
Felina in Ridgewood offers an elevated Italian dining experience, with a focus on fresh seafood and seasonal specialties. Known for its sophisticated approach, the restaurant becomes a festive haven during December.
Their Feast of the Seven Fishes-style Christmas Eve dinner is a highlight, featuring a six-course seafood menu that includes delicacies like oysters and branzino. This event merges tradition with modern Italian techniques, creating a memorable dining experience.
Felina’s downtown location adds to its allure, offering patrons a taste of Italian-American holiday customs with a contemporary twist. The prix-fixe menu is thoughtfully curated to delight both tradition seekers and culinary adventurers.
Located at 18 Prospect St, Felina invites you to experience a refined celebration of Italian seafood, with pricing reflecting its premium offerings.
Il Verdi – Atlantic City, NJ
Il Verdi, located within the Tropicana Atlantic City, offers a dining experience that marries elegance with robust Italian flavors. Known for its seafood specialties, this restaurant shines during the holiday season.
The Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes is a standout event, offering a five-course seafood dinner that celebrates Italian-American traditions. Dishes like frutti di mare pasta and wood-grilled branzino are carefully crafted to honor heritage.
Guests are treated to appetizers like fried calamari and seafood pastas, all in a refined setting that enhances the festive spirit. The restaurant’s ocean-inspired views provide a perfect backdrop to this culinary celebration.
Located at 2831 Boardwalk, Il Verdi is a must-visit for those seeking an exquisite Italian seafood feast during the holidays, with a price range that reflects its premium offerings.
Nunzio by Chef Michael DeLone – Collingswood, NJ
Nunzio by Chef Michael DeLone in Collingswood offers a lively Italian dining experience with a contemporary twist. This BYOB spot becomes a festive hub during December, showcasing the Feast of the Seven Fishes.
Chef DeLone’s take on this classic tradition includes a multi-course seafood menu, featuring dishes like salt cod fritters and frutti di mare. These offerings embrace Italian coastal flavors while adding a creative touch.
The atmosphere here is warm and inviting, making it perfect for celebrating with family and friends. The seafood feast allows diners to enjoy a rich array of flavors, all in the spirit of Italian holiday traditions.
Located at 706 Haddon Ave, Nunzio provides a reasonably priced menu, with the holiday seafood feast running December 18–24, making it a beloved destination for festive gatherings.
Piccola Italia – Ocean, NJ
Piccola Italia in Ocean, NJ, enchants diners with its thoughtful Italian cooking, blending tradition with modern flair. Known for its seafood dishes, this restaurant becomes a festive favorite in December.
Highlighting dishes like polenta-fried oysters and house-made pastas with clams, Piccola Italia offers a rich taste of the sea. While not always a formal Feast of Seven Fishes, the menu’s robust seafood options make it a go-to for holiday indulgence.
The elegant yet cozy atmosphere invites guests to savor Italian flavors in a welcoming setting. Seasonal seafood specials are crafted with chef-driven precision, elevating the holiday dining experience.
Located at 837 West Park Ave, Piccola Italia offers dinner service Tuesday through Saturday, making it an ideal destination for those seeking festive Italian seafood during the holiday season.
Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas – Clifton, NJ
Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas in Clifton offers a unique dining experience with its blend of Italian small plates and extensive wine list. During December, it transforms into a festive destination with its Feast of the Seven Fishes.
The special seafood menu features multiple courses, celebrating Italian holiday traditions. From crisp calamari to mussels and shrimp scampi, each dish is crafted to honor Italian folklore while offering a modern twist.
The lively, social atmosphere makes it perfect for pre-holiday gatherings, with wines expertly chosen to enhance the seafood flavors. This dynamic approach attracts those looking for a hearty, yet elevated Italian seafood experience.
Located at 70 Kingsland Rd, Spuntino provides a moderate price range, offering a festive stop for seafood lovers eager to indulge in traditional Italian celebrations.
Antonio & Vittoria Italian Tavern – Holiday Event
Antonio & Vittoria Italian Tavern celebrates the Feast of the Seven Fishes with an event that epitomizes Italian Christmas tradition. Though not located in New Jersey, it serves as a model for how these celebrations unfold.
Held on December 24, this multi-course event includes seafood dishes like fried calamari and spaghetti al cartoccio with clams and mussels. The event captures the essence of Italian holiday dining, where multiple seafood courses replace meat.
This immersive experience offers a blend of classic and contemporary Italian flavors, with dishes like lobster ravioli and Branzino all’Italiana. It’s a culinary journey that reflects the spirit of La Vigilia, bringing together family, food, and festive joy.
Such events highlight the cultural and culinary richness of Italian seafood feasts, inspiring similar offerings at Italian restaurants across the Northeast.
Roberto’s II Ristorante – Edgewater, NJ
Roberto’s II Ristorante in Edgewater offers a comforting blend of traditional Italian cuisine and seafood favorites. Known for its generous portions and festive holiday menus, it’s a reliable choice for Christmas Eve dining.
The seafood options include shrimp scampi, seafood marinara, and linguine with clams or mussels, prepared with fresh ingredients and Italian seasoning. These dishes allow diners to craft their seafood celebration, embodying Italian-American holiday style.
The restaurant’s cozy ambiance is perfect for family gatherings, offering a warm and inviting space for festive meals. The fixed-price holiday menu provides flexibility for those looking to enjoy seafood and Italian hospitality.
Located at 28 E Franklin Ave, Roberto’s II provides a price range that makes it accessible for families and groups, ensuring a delightful holiday dining experience.
Andrea Trattoria – Cape May, NJ
Andrea Trattoria in Cape May captures the spirit of Italian Christmas with its weekly Feast of the Seven Fishes menu. This beloved restaurant offers a taste of tradition with its multi-course seafood experience through December.
The prix-fixe menu includes a progression of seafood dishes, from shellfish appetizers to fish entrées, reflecting the spirit of La Vigilia. Guests enjoy Cape May’s historic charm alongside a culinary celebration rooted in Italian heritage.
The festive atmosphere invites diners to indulge in a rich array of flavors, crafted to honor the holiday spirit. The curated seafood offerings make it a destination choice for those seeking an authentic Italian celebration.
Located at 412 Bank Street, Andrea Trattoria offers a special occasion spot, drawing locals and visitors alike to partake in this cherished holiday tradition.
Spiaggetta Restaurant – Stone Harbor, NJ (Seasonal Feast Event)
Spiaggetta Restaurant in Stone Harbor hosts a seasonal Feast of the Seven Fish Dinner, bringing Italian-American seafood tradition to life. This event embodies the holiday spirit with its multi-course seafood offerings.
Live music and communal celebration enhance the dining experience, attracting locals and visitors seeking a festive seafood feast. Dishes like baccala, calamari, and seafood pastas are presented with flair.
The event showcases how New Jersey restaurants embrace Italian holiday traditions, offering an immersive culinary experience that extends beyond Christmas Eve. The restaurant’s welcoming atmosphere and BYOB policy add to its charm.
Located at 9800 3rd Ave, Spiaggetta’s seafood feasts highlight the celebratory nature of Italian dining, making it a memorable destination for those looking to indulge in Italian seafood culture.