Spend your Christmas Eve immersed in the elegance and warmth of Riviera-inspired cuisine at Ai Fiori, one of New York City’s most acclaimed fine dining restaurants. Located on the second floor of The Langham Hotel on Fifth Avenue, Ai Fiori is offering a special Christmas Eve Chef’s Tasting Menu that honors the cherished Italian-American tradition of the Feast of the Seven Fishes. Designed for discerning guests looking to celebrate the holiday with refinement, this experience blends world-class hospitality with exceptional culinary craftsmanship.
The Feast of the Seven Fishes is a Christmas Eve tradition with Southern Italian roots. It celebrates abstinence from meat and instead focuses on seafood, symbolizing both religious observance and the bounty of the sea. Ai Fiori reinterprets this tradition with a modern, luxurious twist, crafting a tasting menu that is both rooted in heritage and elevated by fine ingredients and artistic execution.
This exclusive Christmas Eve experience features a seven-course seafood menu priced at $245 per person, with an optional wine pairing for an additional $175. Each dish has been thoughtfully composed by Executive Chef Lauren DeSteno to create a flowing narrative that captures the flavors of the French and Italian Riviera. The complete menu can be viewed and reservations made directly here.
The 2025 tasting menu at Ai Fiori showcases pristine seasonal seafood, innovative technique, and a deep respect for the Italian tradition. The journey begins with a briny oyster delicately accented with sea urchin and trout roe, setting the tone for what follows. A beautifully composed Passera e Caviale, pairing Atlantic fluke with American sturgeon caviar, delivers freshness and richness in equal measure, with subtle Meyer lemon bringing balance.
The Canestrelli, featuring Peconic Bay scallops with cauliflower and black truffle, exemplifies the elegant interplay of earth and sea. A signature Risotto with ruby red shrimp, saffron, and bone marrow provides depth and comfort, while Trofie Nero, a squid ink pasta with crustacean ragù and mollica, brings bold Ligurian character to the forefront.
One of the most anticipated dishes, the butter-poached Maine Lobster, is presented with winter squash, prosciutto, quince, and mustard greens, combining indulgence with seasonal vibrancy. The menu concludes on a sweet note with a beautifully layered Tiramisu, composed of chocolate espresso cake, café mousse, and mascarpone gelato.
For guests seeking further luxury, the menu offers premium enhancements such as Alba white truffle or Golden Kaluga caviar. These refined additions allow diners to customize their evening to their preferences while embracing the spirit of holiday abundance.
The Christmas Eve celebration unfolds within Ai Fiori’s newly reimagined interiors. Designed to reflect the atmosphere of the Riviera, the dining room blends muted opulence with coastal sophistication. Rich textures, soft lighting, and nautical influences come together to create an ambiance that feels both celebratory and serene.
Bar Fiori, the restaurant’s cocktail and lounge space, offers a more playful, sultry environment that complements the festive tone of the evening. This holiday season, Bar Fiori’s cocktail program includes seasonally inspired offerings that pair perfectly with the tasting menu or stand on their own as a pre-dinner aperitif or post-meal digestif.
Ai Fiori has consistently been recognized as a standard-bearer in the New York City dining scene. With three stars from The New York Times, four stars from Forbes Travel Guide, and a Grand Award-winning wine list from Wine Spectator, the restaurant’s accolades speak to its unwavering commitment to excellence.
Chef DeSteno’s leadership in the kitchen continues to evolve the restaurant’s culinary voice. Inspired by her own travels across the Mediterranean, including Nice, Cannes, and Monaco, her dishes reflect a deep connection to the sea and a passion for refined flavor. This Christmas Eve menu is a testament to Ai Fiori’s continued growth and innovation.
Whether you are continuing a beloved tradition or starting a new one in the heart of Manhattan, Christmas Eve at Ai Fiori offers an unmatched holiday experience. It is an invitation to pause and enjoy time with loved ones over a meal that is both celebratory and soul-satisfying.
Reservations are strongly recommended as seating is limited for this one-night-only event.
The 2025 holiday season marks a renaissance for Ai Fiori. Under the direction of Altamarea Group CEO Ahmass Fakahany, the restaurant has embraced a new era of hospitality that combines timeless luxury with a contemporary, Riviera-inspired edge. This year’s Christmas Eve experience is more than a meal. It is a celebration of the senses, a tribute to tradition, and a memorable way to mark the most festive night of the year.
Whether you are visiting from across the globe or call New York City home, Ai Fiori welcomes you to celebrate the holidays in style. Step into the flowers and savor the season.
