ViA VECCHiA is a small plates Italian inspired restaurant. We are located in the heart of the Old Port in a historic brick and ivy covered building overlooking cobblestone streets. Re-imagined for 2020, VV boasts a large wrap around 20 seat bar surrounded by luxurious velvet booths in a warm, energetic atmosphere. VV will focus on an extraordinary cocktail program combining old world sophistication and new world technique.
Chic Italian eatery offering brunch staples, small plates, seafood & steak, plus wine & cocktails.
Linda M
This place was packed on a midweek mid-November and I understand why: good food, great atmosphere. The prices are high but the portions are larger than normal. Especially good was the campanelle pasta with loads of shrimp and ‘nduja cream. High wine prices. There is an added kitchen wage fee. Nov 2025
… moreSarah Nguyen
On a quiet winter Sunday evening in downtown Portland, when the streets were nearly empty, ViA VECCHiA was absolutely buzzing. We arrived to a packed restaurant and waited only about 10 minutes for our table—a great sign right away.
The ambience and décor are truly next to none. The front room alone feels warm, festive, and refined, with a perfect blend of high-end elegance and cozy holiday charm. But the real surprise came when we were led to our table in the back room. It is massive—at least four times the size of the front—with both upstairs and downstairs seating, a stunning large bar, and dim, atmospheric lighting. The space is beautiful, lively, elegant, and incredibly comfortable all at once. Walking into that back room was such a delightful surprise; I couldn’t stop smiling at how vibrant and inviting it felt.
The food was absolutely delicious. We had the risotto, the Lola Rosa salad, one of the pastas, and finished with tiramisu—every dish was outstanding. I also truly appreciated how accommodating they were with my dairy intolerance, offering thoughtful alternatives without compromising flavor.
Service was impeccable from start to finish, attentive without being overbearing, and they have an extensive and impressive wine list to match the experience.
ViA VECCHiA feels like a destination restaurant—warm, energetic, and memorable. It’s the kind of place that makes you forget the cold winter night outside and reminds you why Portland’s food scene is so special. We’ll absolutely be back. ✨
… moreMargaret
Lovely spot for a date night! Decor was gorgeous and the staff were incredibly friendly. We got the brussels sprout app, radiatori and agnolotti as our mains, and the semifreddo for dessert. The radiatori was spectacular. The agnolotti was unfortunately undercooked, and the cream sauce was overly sweet with the hot honey drizzle on top. Brussels were great, as was the dessert. Highly recommend the teardrop martini!
… moreJ
Beautifully decorated and classy and sophisticated. Food was delicious. I was a little disappointed that I made a reservation over a month in advance and was seated in the corner at the bar versus a table, even though almost every table was open, but maybe you just have to specify in your reservation request. The hostess was very friendly and offered local recommendations as we were leaving for places to grab additional drinks or dessert.
… moreKrystina Benedetti (The Messy Cookie)
Amazing, amazing, amazing. We’ve been here maybe a half dozen times in the last few years and it’s always our go-to for special occasions when we go downtown! They take reservations which is great, the food is phenomenal, and the service is divine. Plus that environment— just love it all! We came for dinner before the Nutcracker show and it was wonderful. The Christmas decorations are always such a beautiful sight. The photos don’t do it justice but I’ll share some!
… moreSam Boyd
Our server, Jennifer M, was excellent! I had the Radiatori, and we all enjoyed the wines, martinis, and coffee as well. The depth of flavor in my food was really excellent. The ambiance of Via is one of the best in Portland, and the offerings are really high quality. The whole experience of eating here feels like you are in a major city. My only improvement would be that my food could’ve been a little hotter, but the rest of the experience made up for it. I had no idea how large the restaurant was inside, yet you can be seated in a cozy corner and not overwhelmed while you enjoy your dinner. Be advised that it’s off a cobblestone street, so you’ll want to park on Commercial St (right next to it on the other side) if mobility is a factor. Portland is a city where restaurants can get away with high prices because of limited options, but Via is legit and it is worth the price. You will need a reservation for weekend. Enjoy!
… moreSeamus Flanagan
Fantastic spot, went here for date night and they were able to seat us even without a reservation, food was amazing and the holiday drinks were fun and on point. Definitely worth stopping by and the prices were reasonable for the level you are getting right in the heart of old port. Atmosphere was great as well with an old money classic feel to it! Would definitely recommend getting the meatballs and the chicken Marsala!
… moreclaire werner
So so sad we can’t have this place whenever we want! The food and experience is nothing short of incredible. We would highly recommend the meatballs, whipped feta, and bruschetta. The star of the show was the “Lumache” pasta. Incredible. I literally want to find a copy cat recipe out there to make. We loved our server who was also a bartender. She gave great food recommendations! We will be back someday and will be coming to Via Vecchia.
… moreAshley Kapinos
Had a reservation for 8:15 on rainy Monday night and this place was still packed, and for good reason! The food and service were excellent. The octopus was perfectly cooked and seasoned, and both the main dishes (chicken Marsala and lumache) were piping hot and full of flavor. Would absolutely return!
… morePhilYouIn
Really beautiful restaurant. Very busy and noisy. Giant steps at the entrance. Food was okay and the house cocktails were interesting.
It was the day before my wife’s birthday, and although I made a reservation six weeks prior, we were escorted to two very uncomfortable chairs at the cramped bar in the room at the rear. . Oddly, ‘Bar seating’ was the only option when I made the reservation. Bartender was as helpful as she could be while under alot of pressure. Very crowded and noisy. Difficult to make eye contact with the bartender when we wanted to order, and other employees just rushed by.
Some restaurants go out of the way to make you feel special and provide you with a memorable experience. Not this place. Plus, they offer 3oz of lobster as an add-on to your salad, for a whopping $32! That comes to more than $150 a pound!
Worst of all:the people sitting next to us just walked in. No reservations. ♿️
… more