Winner of New Times' Best Restaurant Fort Lauderdale 2024, the Fort Lauderdale institution celebrates Christmas Eve in classic Italian American style with a special Feast of Seven Fishes menu. The two-course menu includes seven selections, including stuffed Sicilian peppers, seafood salad, baked clams, and zuppa di pesce fra diavolo, an Italian fish stew packed with clams, mussels, and other seafood.
But what makes it so special, especially at Anthony's Runway 84? It's the story behind it all.
The Feast Is a Tradition With Origins in the 19th Century
To understand the significance of Anthony's annual tradition, one must learn of its historical significance.The Feast of the Seven Fishes originated in the seafood-rich traditions of Southern Italy and the customs brought by Italian immigrants to the United States in the 19th Century. Originally tied to Catholic practices of abstaining from red meat on Christmas Eve, the feast has grown into a festive gathering for families and friends, often celebrated by those of all faiths or no faith at all.
In recent years, the tradition has gained even wider recognition through pop-culture references. Most recently, an episode of Hulu's hit series The Bear depicted the chaos of preparing this elaborate meal for a family Christmas Eve dinner. Jamie Lee Curtis, playing the matriarch, portrayed the complexity and emotional resonance of the occasion, sparking curiosity about the feast.
But for those in South Florida who are hesitant to tackle the challenge of cooking seven seafood dishes at home for a single dinner, Anthony's Runway 84 provides a stress-free way to partake in the tradition.
The Feast of the Seven Fishes at Anthony's Runway 84 is a beloved tradition that requires reservations almost a year in advance.
Anthony's Runway 84 photo
The Origins of Runway 84's Feast
The story behind Anthony's Feast of the Seven Fishes is as unique as the event itself.Founder Anthony Bruno explains how it all began: "Ever since we opened the restaurant 40 years ago, we started making the Feast of the Seven Fishes for the staff on Christmas Eve. Some of the customers in the dining room heard about it and asked if they could have some, and it just grew from there."
Today, the feast is a beloved tradition that requires reservations almost a year in advance. "It's amazing to see how it's become part of so many families' traditions," Bruno adds. "What started as something for our team has turned into something the whole community looks forward to."
What's on the Table This Year?
The menu at Anthony's Runway 84 features a variety of dishes that reflect the Southern Italian-American culinary tradition. Some of the offerings include seafood salad with octopus, calamari, and shrimp; baccalà salad made with salt cod; baked clams oreganata; fried calamari; and zuppa di pesce fra diavolo, a seafood stew featuring lobster, shrimp, calamari, and mussels served over pasta. Optional add-ons such as fried smelts, stuffed artichokes, and stuffed calamari further enhance the festive dining experience.
Beyond the food, Bruno highlights the feast's role in fostering community and creating lasting memories. "Kids who used to come here with their parents are now bringing their own children," he says. The communal nature of the event emphasizes connection, making it more than just a meal.
For first-time attendees, the Feast offers an opportunity to immerse themselves in a tradition that celebrates togetherness. As Bruno notes, "It's not the presents you remember years later — it's the people you were with and the meals you shared."
Anthony's Advises Guests to Reserve Tables Months in Advance
The two-course menu is priced at $95 per person (with a minimum of four people) and includes seven different savory selections, including stuffed Sicilian peppers, seafood salad, baked clams, and zuppa di pesce fra diavolo. Runway's à la carte menu will also be available.With reservations filling up months in advance, the Feast of the Seven Fishes at Anthony's Runway 84 has become a highly anticipated holiday event. While this year's celebration is fully booked, hopeful diners can monitor the restaurant's Resy page and use the notify button for updates — the folks behind the restaurant have stated that more seats will be available this week.
For those unable to secure a reservation this Christmas Eve, there's always next year to partake in this cherished tradition.
Anthony's Runway 84. 330 W. State Rd. 84, Fort Lauderdale; 954-467-8484; runway84.com.
