5 Reasons Via Vecchia Is Portland, Maine's Must-Visit Italian Wine Bar In 2025
Stepping into ViA VECCHiA in Portland, Maine, is an immediate transport to an old-world Italian hideaway, a feeling perfectly captured by its name, which translates to "The Old Way." This chic Italian eatery and wine bar, nestled in the historic Old Port district, has cemented its status as a must-visit dining destination, particularly as it enters 2025 with fresh accolades and a continually refined menu. Located at 10 Dana Street, in the beautifully preserved space formerly occupied by Vignola/Cinque Terre, it perfectly blends rustic charm with modern sophistication, making it an essential stop for anyone exploring Maine’s culinary capital.
The restaurant’s success is a testament to its commitment to quality, from the farm-to-table sourcing that defines its small plates menu to its extraordinary cocktail program. In late 2024 and early 2025, Via Vecchia has been recognized not just for its food and drink, but for the entire sensory experience it offers, proving that "The Old Way" is still the best way to enjoy a memorable night out in Portland, Maine.
The Visionary Behind the Ambiance: Owner Josh Miranda and The Miranda Group
The unique atmosphere and operational excellence of Via Vecchia are deeply rooted in the vision of its owner, Josh Miranda. Miranda, a leading restaurateur in Portland, Maine, heads The Miranda Group, a hospitality powerhouse that has redefined the Old Port's nightlife and dining scene.
- Full Name: Joshua "Josh" Miranda
- Affiliation: Owner/Co-owner, The Miranda Group
- Hometown: Grew up on Munjoy Hill, Portland, Maine
- Concept: Focuses on creating sophisticated, high-quality dining and bar experiences in the Old Port.
- Other Establishments: Blyth & Burrows (cocktail bar), Off Track Pizza, and Papi.
- 2025 Recognition: Recognized by HospitalityMaine in 2025 for his story of "Maine grit and creativity".
- Via Vecchia's Location: 10 Dana Street, Old Port, Portland, ME 04101.
Miranda's deep local roots and successful career opening bars and restaurants for other groups before venturing out on his own have given him a unique perspective on the Portland dining landscape. He now operates four establishments within less than two blocks, making him a central figure in the city’s vibrant hospitality industry.
1. Winner of "Best Ambiance" in the 2025 Portland Awards
The most compelling reason to visit Via Vecchia right now is its recent, high-profile recognition for its atmosphere. The restaurant proudly earned the "Best Ambiance" award in the Best of Portland, Maine 2025 Awards. This award is a direct nod to the restaurant's masterful design and setting.
The restaurant is situated in a historic, ivy-covered brick building, providing a dramatic and romantic backdrop. The interior design, which also earned a "Best Restaurant Design" award from The Maine Mag, is a study in sophisticated Italian elegance. Exposed brick, warm lighting, and carefully curated décor create a cozy yet chic environment perfect for a date night or a special celebration. The name, "The Old Way," pays homage not only to the culinary traditions but also to the physical space itself, which evokes a sense of timelessness and tradition.
2. The Small Plates Italian Menu: A Culinary Tour of Italy
Via Vecchia's culinary philosophy centers on the Italian-inspired small plates concept, allowing diners to explore a wide array of flavors and dishes in a single sitting. This approach encourages sharing and conversation, aligning perfectly with its award-winning ambiance.
Signature Dishes You Must Try
While the menu is seasonal, several items have become staples that showcase the kitchen's dedication to fresh, local, and handmade ingredients:
- Homemade Bucatini: A standout dish that perfectly marries local Maine ingredients with Italian technique. It features homemade bucatini pasta tossed with local Maine clams and a bright lemon caper butter sauce.
- Bolognese Lumache: A classic, comforting favorite, this dish features lumache pasta with a rich pork and beef bolognese sauce.
- Cicchetti Menu Starters: Before the main plates, explore the cicchetti (Italian tapas) menu, which includes highly-rated appetizers like perfectly fried artichokes and warm olives.
- Buffalo Mozzarella: A simple yet elegant small plate offering that highlights the quality of the ingredients.
The restaurant embraces the farm-to-table movement, ensuring that the ingredients, especially seafood and produce, are of the highest quality, a hallmark of Portland's elite dining scene.
3. An Extraordinary Cocktail and Curated Wine Program
Beyond the food, Via Vecchia is equally renowned for its exceptional bar program, solidifying its reputation as a premier Italian wine bar and cocktail destination in the Old Port. The large, wrap-around 20-seat bar is a focal point of the space, offering a sophisticated setting to enjoy their expertly crafted drinks.
The Cocktail & Wine Highlights:
- Italian Liqueur-Based Cocktails: The cocktail menu is a fusion of old-world sophistication and new-world technique, focusing heavily on Italian liqueurs. Must-try signature drinks include The Sicilian Negroni and The Smoking Mirror, which are often cited in reviews for their complex, inspired flavors.
- Curated Wine Selection: The wine list is meticulously curated, designed to pair seamlessly with the small plates menu. It features a strong selection of Italian reds and whites, available by the glass or bottle. Diners can choose from five sparkling wines (including Canella Prosecco Brut), six whites, one rosé, and eight reds by the glass, offering ample choice for every palate.
4. A Hub for Portland's Culinary and Social Scene
Via Vecchia is not just a restaurant; it's a central social hub in the Old Port. Its involvement in major local events and its status as a gathering place for the city's professionals underscore its importance in the community.
- Maine Restaurant Week 2025: The restaurant participated in Maine Restaurant Week 2025, offering a special three-course tasting menu, providing a high-value opportunity for new visitors to sample their best offerings.
- Seasonal Events: They regularly host themed dinners, such as the traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes, demonstrating a commitment to authentic Italian holiday traditions.
- Corporate and Social Events: The ambiance and location make it a popular spot for local businesses and social groups, such as Portland Webworks, who hosted their 2025 holiday party there.
5. The Perfect Blend of Tradition and Modernity
The enduring appeal of ViA VECCHiA lies in its ability to honor the past while operating with a modern, fresh sensibility. The concept of "The Old Way" is evident in the traditional Italian cooking methods, the use of handmade pasta, and the classic ingredients. However, the execution is entirely modern, with a small plates format that appeals to contemporary dining trends and a cocktail program that uses new techniques to enhance old-world flavors.
For visitors to Portland, Maine, looking for an authentic, high-end Italian experience that transcends the standard pasta-and-red-sauce fare, Via Vecchia is the definitive choice. Its 2025 "Best Ambiance" award confirms that the overall experience—the chic setting, the inventive small plates, and the extraordinary wine and cocktail selection—is unparalleled in the Old Port district.
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