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  • Via Emilia - The Woodlands

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Via Emilia - The Woodlands
Via Emilia - The Woodlands

Via Emilia - The Woodlands Details

  • Dining Style: Casual Dining
  • Website: http://viaemiliarestaurant.com
  • Email: enrique@viaemiliarestaurant.com
  • Phone: (281) 465-9555
  • Hours of Operation:
    Lunch: Monday - Sunday: 11:00am - 3:00pm
    Dinner: Monday - Saturday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm, Sunday: 5:00pm - 9:00pm
  • Payment Options: AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Dress Code: Casual Dress
  • Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
  • Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Menu, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Smoking Area (patio only), Takeout, Wine
  • Entertainment: Via Emilia features live music Wednesday through Saturday 6-9pm.

Getting there

  • Cross Street: The Woodlands Parkway
  • Parking: Public Lot
A word from Via Emilia - The Woodlands
Named after an ancient Roman road that spans from Rimini to Piacenza, Via Emilia Italian Restaurant is known for their house-made pastas, braised meats, seafood specialties, and delicious desserts. The family-owned restaurant served Houston diners for over 13 years before moving to their current… location in the Woodlands. We welcome you to experience the most authentic northern Italian cuisine in the Woodlands - no passport required.Continued
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Awards voted by OpenTable diners
  • Diners' Choice WinnerBest Overall
  • Diners' Choice WinnerBest Ambiance
  • Diners' Choice WinnerBest Food
Diner Reviews
  • "Great evening! Every request was honored. The service and food was great. Thanks!"
    Dined on 2/28/2014
  • "The food was good. For the three of us (without alcohol or dessert), the tab came to about $115 (pre-tip). The wait staff was friendly and eager to help. The place was clean and quiet. The quiet might have been due to it being around 7PM on a Sunday. It took forever to get food though. We spent nearly two hours there, mostly waiting. On a personal note, the wait wasn’t unbearable as it the restaurant was quiet and we had an opportunity to talk as a family and the wait staff keep letting us know that we hadn’t been forgotten. I might go there again should I have some time to kill and someone special to kill it with."
    Dined on 3/2/2014
  • "Very good service and food offerings. I recommend."
    Dined on 2/22/2014
  • "My husband and I like to eat here because the food is great and all of the staff are wonderful! You can dress casual or dress nice...whatever your occasion may be. It's also a great place to go with friends!!"
    Dined on 2/13/2014
  • "Other restaurants in The Woodlands try to pass off "authentic Italian" but this establishment is the real deal - bringing honest, true to the heart Italian cuisine to your table with striking authenticity at affordable prices. Everything is made fresh in the kitchen from family recipes using fresh ingredients. The wine selection is excellent as well. The kitchen is small, so be prepared to wait for your meal. The only off-putting part of our experience is the location. Considering the available land space in the Woodlands, we were surprised that the restaurant was in a shopping mall. We would have preferred a stand-alone structure which would further enhance our dining experience. Nonetheless, it was very pleasant once inside."
    Dined on 2/22/2014
  • "We came here because I was searching The Woodlands for a restaurant that serves traditional escargot, and there are very few. Via Emilia has it and did not disappoint. It was great, and my husband's Prosciutto e Mozzarella was also very tasty. The Ravioli Osso Buco was so scrumptious it just melted in my mouth. My hubby's Saute di Gamberoni was a delicious take on plain shrimp and pasta. The service was excellent, and our waiter was helpful with a wine choice. I can't wait to go back-I am taking my mom this week for half-price Italian wine Wednesdays."
    Dined on 2/22/2014
  • "The food is the star at this restaurant - don't be swayed by any off the menu items or specials: twice now we 'took the bait' and the standard-on-the-menu-tried-and-true items are best. For the location and ambiance, this place is a bit pricey, but the food is outstanding. Bite the bullet and visit. Best kept secret in the BACK of the Woodlands. Only two quality restaurants in this area. Don't miss it"
    Dined on 2/22/2014
  • "Wait, wait, wait. Been here many times and the food is good. This time a disaster. Great waiter,but a very slow kitchen and the noise level was ridiculous. Need to find a new favorite."
    Dined on 2/22/2014
  • "Having lived in Rome for almost 10 years, it was refreshing to find such authentic flavors and enjoyed every moment of our experience at Via Emilias."
    Dined on 2/13/2014
  • "This was dinner celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary. We had eaten at this restaurant once before at its previous location and were favorably impressed. This occasion was excellent. Our impressions were totally favorable in all respects. Food was delicious; the service was impeccable. The experience capped a great day for us."
    Dined on 2/15/2014
  • "Food and service were some of the best I've experienced in The Woodlands!"
    Dined on 2/15/2014
  • "The man who greeted us was rude. The veal shank was fatty. The pork medallions were salty. The mashed potatoes were bland. Not impressed."
    Dined on 2/16/2014
  • "This place its a great place to go with your significant other. If you are looking for a special romantic place with great food this is it."
    Dined on 2/15/2014
  • "Great ambiance, excellent food at very decent prices and excellent service. Have no complaints"
    Dined on 2/13/2014
  • "We decided to dine at the last minute late Saturday night. We ran into some friends and the staff flawlessly put us together. Food was great, especially the waiter's recommendations! We will make this a regular spot to enjoy! Great service, Great food, Great experience!"
    Dined on 2/8/2014
  • "THIS IS A NICE RESTAURANT TO HAVE LUNCH AT WHERE GREAT QUALITY FOOD IS SERVICE AND YOU CAN HAVE A NICE GLASS OF WINE."
    Dined on 2/4/2014
  • "Well - ok it is Italian - BUT they have the most awesome French Onion Soup - aka - Onion Soup - anywhere. It is perfect and they are not stingy w/ the onions. The Via Emelia salad is our favorite in The Woodlands - no kidding. We have several favorite waiters here. They have been here for a long time. They are like family."
    Dined on 2/2/2014
  • "We love Via Emilia! The food is always excellent. No other Italian restaurant even comes close! We miss the old restaurant though. Wish they would open another one in Vintage Park or Champions Village."
    Dined on 2/1/2014
  • "We live in the neighborhood and never had tried the place. I tried the date appetizer which was good. I took off the bacon because I thought it could crispier. I had the house salad. I loved the dressing which was simple, light and refreshing....if a dressing can be refreshing?? For dinner I could not decide between the lasagne or linguini with pesto. I chose the lasagne with the waiter's confirmation that it was very good. I did not like it. There was a taste in there I did not like and could not identify. So my husband switched with me and I ate his spaghetti. That was better. We may go back again."
    Dined on 2/1/2014
  • "Great menue selection and each course was excellent. My date had sea bass which was some of the best I have ever eaten. The rack of lamb was very tender and jumping with garlic and rosemary. We shared an avocado salad featruing a nice tart vinegarette which is just the way I like them. I will be back!"
    Dined on 1/31/2014
  • "My favorite is the ossobuco and I keep comming back for that, they got a great wine list and piano music, it is one of the best places in The woodlands area with a great service"
    Dined on 1/31/2014
  • "When we arrived there was a distinct vinegar smell that was very off-putting. There was only one other couple in the restaurant and they sat us directly next to them. We were very disappointed that they would choose to put us within arm's distance of the only other couple in the restaurant instead of giving us a more private table. We ordered the fried calamari as an appetizer. The batter and sauce were good, but the calamari was very rubbery - we did not finish the appetizer. I had the chicken parmesan, my husband had the Stinco de Maiale. My chicken parmesan was OK; my husband's pork was fantastic. We ended with the Tres Leches which was the best Tres Leches I have ever had. Our server, Brian, was very nice and a very good waiter."
    Dined on 1/24/2014
  • "We got exactly what we had expected. We had not been to their new location in The Woodlands and we were concerned it would not be as good as their location on 1960. But it same the same great food. The pear salad was wonderful and so wee the crab cakes. Will go back next chance we get."
    Dined on 1/24/2014
  • "My wife and I arrived early (5:45 pm) for dinner and the restaurant was not crowded. It seemed to fill up quickly though and we wound up still waiting for our entre' after 7:00. The waiters and waitresses seemed to be in total confusion, running into each other and arguing with the hostesses. We've been to this restaurant many times but, this will be our last time. When the restaurant was smaller it was a pleasure to go there. Now, not so much."
    Dined on 1/25/2014
  • "Love popping into this local Italian gem for a nice, quiet evening. Tried the special - Snapper Pescatore. Amazing!! Especially if you're trying to stay away from pasta - this snapper was superbly prepared, moist and flavorful and topped with mussels, clams, shrimp and scallops. All in a well seasoned tomato sauce. Highly recommended. Paired with a bottle from Marchesi Antinori"
    Dined on 1/23/2014
  • "This is the third time we have dined here. We rarely saw our waiter and had to flag him down several times. The appetizer was not what we ordered. We couldn't find our waiter in time before the salads came out to send it back. When the food came out, the pasta was dry and cold, as were the other main entrees. Very disappointed this time. For you women, don't wait too long to use the restroom as you may have a long wait since there is only 1 private bathroom in the main dining area. Should you decide to dine here, make sure you make a reservation and request a quiet section. Otherwise, you won't be able to carry on a conversation due to the noise."
    Dined on 1/25/2014
  • "Food is Excellent, good flavor, appearance, with great sides, prepared elegantly. The appetizers we had were the figs and dates, I recommend both. The baby spinach salad had just the right amount of dressing and fresh strawberries and berries, and the wedge salad was dressed up for a picture! The main dishes were, Salmon, Beef, Short Ribs and Spaghetti with Sausage. The bar area is separate from the dinning area which is nicely done, so you can go for just drinks and appetizers if you choose. Wine selection is huge the choice is yours. Service excellent, we never felt rushed and we never had to look around to see where our waiter was, he was very attenative without hovering over our table."
    Dined on 1/18/2014
  • "By far one of the greatest restaurants in our town. We love this place."
    Dined on 1/16/2014
  • "This was our second time to VE. This time was to celebrate our 19th wedding anniv. I asked for a secluded table. The sat us in the wine cellar. Very private (only room for 2). Too quiet though. I actually turned on Pandora to have some music. Also, if you are able to sit in there, dress warmly, it was about 55 degrees. Food was spectacular! The pork shank is a must. Nice wine list. The best part is how close the restaurant is. Back in the back of The Woodlands where people live. Very convenient and close. Thanks."
    Dined on 1/14/2014
  • "This was out first time visiting the Woodlands location. Beautiful restaurant and great location. My wife and I split Calamari for an appetizer and really enjoyed it. Our dinner selections were Gnocchi and Chicken Marsala which both of us have had in the past and again it didn't disappoint. Nothing like pasta and sauces made in house."
    Dined on 11/5/2013
  • "Our dining experience exceeded our expectations. The food was outstanding; we look forward to visiting again soon."
    Dined on 1/4/2014
  • "We love Via Emilia! The atmosphere is a throw back to days when people sat at a table, enjoyed a slow meal with quality conversation. We prefer to sit in the "older" section - way more cozy! My favorite dish on the menu is the Squid Ink pasta with seafood - never disappoints. House salad rocks my socks as well!! They do braised meats like pros and the wine list has some nice variety."
    Dined on 1/2/2014
  • "There were four of us and we each ordered something different. Everything was delicious. I would go back for the pear and gorgonzola salad alone as it was SO good. The remodeled interior really adds to the experience. Can't wait to return!"
    Dined on 1/4/2014
  • "We lived in Italy for five years and absolutely love Via Emilia. We feel as if we are transported to Northern Italy every time we eat there. The goat and lamb are fantastic. We would recommend this restaurant to anyone."
    Dined on 6/29/2013
  • "Via Emilia is a gem in the Woodlands area. Very nice with a romantic aroma about it. Service is excellent always around to fulfill your needs. Friendly and makes one fell like they have been coming there for years."
    Dined on 12/31/2013
  • "I've never had a bad meal here. The service is great, it's never too noisy, and the food is authentic and delicious. The prices are reasonable too. I recommend the Osso Buco, the Gnocci, and the Melanzane alla Parmagiana. For dessert, the tiramisu (made in house) is the best I've ever had and the chocolate cream cake is excellent."
    Dined on 12/30/2013
  • "This was a lovely experience. The ambiance was very nice, the food great and the owner (who visited our table to ensure that all was well) was so interesting to talk to. Travis was our server and he was wonderful. We can't wait to return."
    Dined on 12/21/2013
  • "This was our first time, I took my parents for our Christmas celebration dinner and based my choice on all the reviews I had read and they certainly lived up to their reputation! My parents had the veal osso bucco which they said was Devine while I had the salmon with lemon dill cream sauce and asparagus, OMG. Absolutely To Die For. Perfectly seasoned perfectly cooked. Probably one of the very best salmon I have ever had. We will definitely go back again."
    Dined on 12/23/2013
  • "This place NEVER disappoints! Excellent food options especially for that "Foodie" in your life. Service was impeccable! This was our second year celebrating Christmas Eve Dinner and from our experience it looks like it will be our new tradition!"
    Dined on 12/24/2013
  • "Nestled in a strip center in an area that is lacking fine dining restaurants, Via Emilia consistently delivers good food. Their Sea Bass is our favorite - a generous portion of perfectly good, properly seasoned, flaky delicate fish. Next favorite has to be the Osso Buco - a wonderfully tender veal shank in a savory sauce. For appetizers, try the snails - hard to find on the menu cause they are called something Italian! Oh! Save room for the Italian cream cake for dessert. We usually take another one to go!"
    Dined on 12/24/2013
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Diners' Choice Awards
  • Houston Winners
  • Italian
  • The Woodlands Winners
  • Best Overall
  • Best Ambiance
  • Best Food
  • Best Service
  • Fit for Foodies
  • Neighborhood Gem
  • Notable Wine List
  • Romantic
Learn more ›