Savor a Christmas Eve meal Italian-style at these fine eateries
Row 34: Celebrate early at the Cambridge location on December 2 at 6 p.m. or in Burlington December 5, 12 & 19 at 6:30 p.m. Guests can partake of a welcome beverage and reception prior to an indulgent, multi-course seafood meal complete with wine pairings.
Bar Mezzana (pictured): Another slightly early version of the feast takes place at this modern Italian dining destination in the South End. December 17–23 from 5–11 p.m., sup on such delicacies as bay scallop crudo, baked stuffed oysters and lobster ravioli. Those who brunch and pop-in shoppers can also take advantage of Bazaar Mezzana on December 9 from 11 a.m.–3 p.m., which showcases wares from local crafters and artisans.
Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse: Most Boston area locations of this popular eatery host a three-course seafood extravaganza on the evening of December 24. Savor oysters Rockefeller, crab-stuffed prawn, Nantucket bay scallops, caviar and more at the Seaport outpost; check out a menu including tagliatelle with lobster, octopus and Manila clams at Chestnut Hill; or head to Lynnfield for such ocean-going delights as halibut, clam and lobster risotto.
Il Casale: Head to the suburbs of Belmont or Lexington to sample a Christmas Eve menu crafted by acclaimed chef Dante deMagistris. Both locales serve a four-course meal crafted from old family recipes, highlighted by such dishes as shrimp cocktail, fried calamari, octopus salad and grilled striped bass.
Ristorante Lucia: There’s no better place to explore for a Christmas Eve repast than the North End, the site of this longtime favorite, which serves baccala fritters, baked stuffed clams, salmon risotto and cioppino, along with caggionetti, a special Christmas dessert from Abruzzo consisting of a fried ravioli casing stuffed with chocolate, chestnuts, almonds, lemon and cinnamon. Can’t wait for December 24? Just order online for a feast to go.
