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I was fortunate to experience the Feast of the Seven Fishes this past holiday season. It’s an iconic dinner on Christmas Eve that celebrates Italian-American heritage. Here is everything you need to know about the Feast of the Seven Fishes and an insider look into my experience at Via Vecchia in Portland, Maine!
What Is The Feast Of The Seven Fishes?
The Feast of the Seven Fishes, also known as La Vigilia, is a traditional Italian-American celebration on Christmas Eve.
It is a seafood-centric meal typically consisting of seven different seafood dishes, although some variations may include more or fewer dishes. The exact origin of the tradition is unclear, but it is believed to have roots in Southern Italy, where abstaining from meat on Christmas Eve was common.
The dishes served during the Feast of the Seven Fishes can include a variety of seafood such as shrimp, clams, mussels, calamari, baccalà (salted cod), anchovies, smelts, and more. The preparation methods vary, ranging from fried to baked, grilled, or stewed.
The Feast Of The Seven Fishes At Via Vecchia
I was lucky to experience my first Feast Of The Seven Fishes At Via Vecchia, a top-rated Italian restaurant in Portland, Maine.
The event is held annually and features a six-course tasting menu celebrating the Italian-American tradition.
The restaurant did a fantastic job; every course featured delicious local seafood!
Here is a visual journey through the courses.
First Course
The meal started with a light salad with squid and grapefruit. It was a fresh way to kick the meal off.
Second Course
The second dish featured battered northern shrimp with a tasty Italian sauce and accompaniments.
Third Course
At this point, I was starting to get full. But the next course was savory crab cakes made with locally sourced crab, making it easy to eat!
Fourth Course
The Feast of the Seven Fishes in Maine would not be complete without a Lobster entree! This lobster ravioli course was to die for.
Fifth Course
The fifth course featured fresh scallops accompanied by bacon, puree, and other goodies.
Sixth Course
The last course was a dessert, which I could not snap a picture of because I was too full to think. It was a good problem to have. Every course was visually stunning and highly satisfying. I would recommend the Feast of Seven Fishes at Via Vecchia.
Wine Pairings & Festive Cocktails
You can add a wine pairing to your Feast of the Seven Fishes for an additional cost.
Via Vecchia also had a variety of festive cocktails, perfect for a Christmas Eve Dinner. One of my favorites was their Gum Drop drink.
We also tried The Grinch Cocktail, which was tasty to sip on.
Will They Host The Feast Of The Seven Fishes in 2024?
While there is no date yet, Via Vecchia hosts the event annually. If they do it again in 2024, I would recommend booking a reservation early before it books up! It was indeed a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Where Is Via Vecchia?
This Italian Restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Portland, Maine. Thanks to its rustic charm and decor, you will feel like traveling to Italy from the moment you walk in.
You can also visit Eventide in Portland, Maine, another of my favorite restaurants.
Taking a trip around Maine? Check out my guide to The Best Lobster Rolls In Maine!
If you want to hike off all the tasty food you just ate, visit some of Maine’s State Parks.
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