4 Star Hotel in Vicenza

Among the recipes that tell the story of Veneto's gastronomic identity, baccalà alla vicentina holds a special place. Prepared according to a tradition handed down through generations, it is one of the symbols of the local cuisine and an unmissable stop for anyone visiting Vicenza.
From historic restaurants and local trattorias to establishments that elegantly reinterpret tradition, there are numerous places to savour this iconic dish.

September is the ideal time to discover it. In fact, it is the month when the city of Vicenza celebrates this speciality with the traditional Festa del Baccalà alla Vicentina in Sandrigo. An event that attracts thousands of enthusiasts every year, featuring tastings, shows, and initiatives dedicated to Venetian gastronomic culture.

Thanks to its strategic position at the Vicenza Est highway exit and just a few minutes from the historic centre, Hotel Viest is the ideal starting point for discovering the city, participating in local events, and indulging in a journey through the flavours of tradition.

What is baccalà alla vicentina?

Although the name might be misleading, the star of the recipe is not salted cod, but rather stockfish, traditionally air-dried cod from the Lofoten Islands in Norway. After a long soak, it is slow-cooked for several hours with onion, milk, extra-virgin olive oil, anchovies, and Grana Padano cheese, until it reaches an incredibly soft consistency and an intense yet perfectly balanced flavour.
 
The recipe, preserved and promoted by the Confraternita del Baccalà alla Vicentina, is one of the most important gastronomic legacies of the province and bears witness to the deep connection between Vicenza and the ancient trade route linking the Veneto region to the Lofoten Islands.
 
Traditionally, it is served with steaming polenta, creating a simple yet flavorful pairing that wins you over at the first bite.

Where to taste baccalà alla vicentina: Ristorante Mezzaluna

To enjoy baccalà alla vicentina without compromising the comfort of your stay, Ristorante Mezzaluna, located inside Hotel Viest, offers a culinary journey that highlights the flavours of Venetian tradition alongside contemporary, refined cuisine.
 
The restaurant is particularly appreciated for its seafood specialities, refined crudités, and low-temperature preparations, made with selected raw materials and great attention to quality. The menu also showcases the great classics of local cuisine, including baccalà alla vicentina, prepared according to the traditional recipe.

An elegant and welcoming environment where you can treat yourself to a dinner that tells the story of the territory through authentic ingredients and a cuisine capable of uniting tradition and creativity.

The unmissable event in September

Every year in September, the nearby town of Sandrigo, a few kilometres from Vicenza, hosts the famous Festa del Baccalà alla Vicentina, one of the most important gastronomic events in the Veneto region.

The event celebrates one of Veneto's signature recipes with numerous food stands where you can taste baccalà in various interpretations, alongside markets, shows, live music, cooking demonstrations, and cultural events dedicated to the history of this dish and its connection to Norway and the Lofoten Islands.

The festival involves the entire town and represents a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in local traditions and get up close to a true excellence of Vicenza's cuisine.
 
If you are planning a visit to Vicenza, September is the perfect time to discover the city's most authentic side. Book your stay at Hotel Viest, take part in the Festa del Baccalà alla Vicentina, and let yourself be captivated by the flavours of the area. After a day of events, culture, and traditions, Ristorante Mezzaluna awaits you to savour the famous baccalà and the finest specialities of Venetian cuisine.