By Molly Given

Philly loves a good Feast of the Seven Fishes, but who says it has to be traditional? This year’s lineup includes everything from creative seafood spreads to quirky, one-of-a-kind twists, and we’ve got the  scoop on it all. 

Bolo

Bolo is offering its own Feast of the Seven Fishes, but with a Caribbean focus. As a release notes, Drexel University culinary student-turned-celebrated Chef RJ Smith of Ocho Supper Club is partnering with two-time James Beard Award semi-finalist Yun Fuentes for the occasion, which is set for Dec. 16.

Dubbed Siete Mares, the meal will take place in Bolo’s  second-floor dining room with one seating at 7 p.m. Priced at $150 per person, the meal features seven seafood-forward dishes showcasing various Caribbean techniques, flavors and traditions. Highlights include hamachi ceviche, oysters fried in crispy bacalaitos batter, lobster curry rellenos and more.

Locals can also head to the venue a little earlier in the evening for an Ocho Happy Hour held in the first-floor rum bar from 4 to 7 p.m. The lineup includes ceviche shooters, pinchos, Jamaican beef patties, and more, in addition to Jamaican and Caribbean rums and themed cocktails (walk-ins are welcome.) Reservations for Siete Mares ($150 per person) are required as space is limited and can be made via OpenTable. An optional beverage pairing will be available for purchase, alongside a selection of sips from Bolo’s rum bar as well.

2025 Sansom St., bolophl.com

Fishtown Pickle Project

The Italian tradition of the Feast of the Seven Fishes is a Philly favorite, but in Fishtown, things get a little briney when it comes to this holiday classic. The Feast of the Seven Pickles is set to return for its fifth year next week after four consecutive sold-out holiday parties curated by Fishtown Pickle Project. In 2025, the salty event will hold the theme of “The Diner Edition” and will be held at Percy on Tuesday, Dec. 16.

The evening will feature a seven-course pickle-centric dinner menu alongside a “Pickle Sundae Bar” and themed drinks. Currently, tickets are available for a dessert-only option for the evening (dinner tickets are sold out.) For $15, locals can head to Percy’s Sound Lounge for a smattering of fermented honey wet walnuts, tea-pickled golden raisins, hot fudge, whipped sour cream, fermented fruit, and more for their Pickle Sundae Bar.

The event will also feature the opportunity to peruse through a pop-up “holiday market” curated with goods from local makers. A portion of proceeds from shop sales will benefit Sharing Excess, a national food rescue nonprofit connecting surplus food from businesses to communities in need.

1700 N Front St., fishtownpickles.com

Wilder

Wilder’s Feast of the Seven Fishes is set for Dec. 23 with a menu that takes ode from the 7 Deadly Sins. Philadelphians can try out bites like steelhead trout crudo (lust), marinated octopus salad (envy), lobster raviolo (wrath), cioppino (gluttony), and a lemon sponge cake pudding with olive oil and pistachio ice cream (greed), plus an assortment of cocktails (dubbed sloth and pride).

The 5-course dinner prepared by Wilder’s Executive Chef Ryan LaFrance will take place in the venue’s 3rd-floor dining area. Tickets come out to be $125 per person, and reservations are available via Resy.

2009 Sansom St., wilderphilly.com

Fork

Those looking to celebrate the occasion on Christmas Eve can nab a spot at Fork for their Feast of the Seven Fishes dinner. For $125 per person, groups can indulge in bites like crispy prosecco-battered smelts, a whole roasted branzino, crab chips with spiced gaufrettes and more. Tables can also order up add ons for the meal (like oysters and caviar), and dessert will feature an assortment of seasonal bites. Reservations are available via OpenTable.

306 Market St., forkrestaurant.com

Cry Baby Pasta

Cry Baby Pasta is hosting its own Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve. Seatings will be available from 5 to 9:30 p.m., with an eight-course seafood dinner priced at $75 per person. An optional curated wine pairing is also available to complement each course.

Dishes span bites like shrimp scampi, tuna crudo, seared scallops, grilled octopus and more. Guests can book their Christmas Eve Feast through Resy or by contacting the restaurant directly.

627 S. 3rd St., crybabypasta.com