Christmas Eve in South Philly

[kagoo]

My mother (87 years old) is a former South Philly girl who loves going back. We usually take her to Marra's, which she likes -- and it's fine with us, too. We're going to do a South Philly Christmas Eve dinner and I'm wondering if anyone has other recommendations. Same general idea: red gravy, decent-but-not-fancy food; casual. Villa di Roma? Dante & Luigi's? Anyplace else? Or do we stick with Marra's?

Thanks!

[Bigley9]

how about Tre Scalini?

[kagoo]

Thanks for your suggestions and advice. Marra's is closed; I'm on the case w/D&L (sounds perfect for us, but no one is there right now) and Tre Scalini. Open Table shows only 5 South Philly restaurants that are open (but they don't know everything, right?) -- La Stanza is one of them. Anyone been there? I guess I should open a separate thread with that question.

This is harder than I thought.

[Philly Ray]

I don't think Criniti's is on Open Table, so give them a call too. If they are open, not sure if they are doing Seven Fishes or regular menu.

[Elaine]

I was recently at La Stanza - found the food to be as good as Marra's. Their red gravy is very similar to what I grew up on.

[kagoo]

Thanks, everyone! We made a reservation at La Stanza. In case anyone else is interested, it's a special menu for C-mas Eve -- 4 courses, priced depending on your choice of entree. We are not huge fans of this approach as we never want 4 courses but, with everything factored in, this seemed like the best choice and I'm happy with it.

Dante & Luigi's is also open, but the latest sitting is 5:30 pm -- too early for us.

Thanks again!

[urbanfabric]

Thanks for sharing what you learned!

[lawgirl3278]

Most, if not all, of the South Philly Italian joints will be having a set Seven Fishes menu on Xmas Eve. I'd call Marra's and ask if they're open that night.

[urbanfabric]

The only place I've been on that list is Dante & Luigi's, we have taken my (italian-american) father there a couple of times and always really enjoyed it. I'd say it's probably a little less casual than the other places you listed, but not really fancy. I hadn't really thought of it for Christmas Eve, but it's a good idea. It definitely reminds me of my Italian Grandmother, both food and decor!

[kagoo]

Anyone? Thanks!

[Philly Ray]

Many places are doing a Seven Fishes Dinner. If you are looking for something different, maybe try one of those.

[JanR]

I think Paradiso is doing the feast of the seven fishes.