Dane L.
Google
Having recently moved to The Woodlands, my wife and I have been exploring local restaurant options. We found "our sushi" and "our Mexican" places, and after our first visit, Via Emilia is "our Italian" restaurant.
We entered and were surrounded by warm, low lights and deep-dark wood - we felt like we were at an upscale Manhattan restaurant, though we did not need a reservation four our Tuesday evening visit (I would imagine it would be good to have one, particularly on weekends). We were immediately seated, and shown a great drink menu and wine list, as well as an excellent menu with the perfect number of options to choose from (all of the classics and some options we had not seen before, all sounding very authentic).
Our waiter was Victor, and he was extremely attentive, prompt and courteous, always available but never overbearing. We ordered the carbonara and a penne dish with a gorgonzola sauce, as well as a side of Italian sausage. While we waited, Victor brought some bread and oil, and that was very good; crusty, soft and porous.
The meals came very quickly, and perfectly hot. My first bite of the carbonara brought me back to a similarly appointed restaurant in Rome - instant nostalgia. The penne was exceptional as well, and I only regret not being able to order multiple items (all the more reason we will be returning).
Unfortunately, a small emergency came up and we had to cut dinner short. The manager was walking by and asked how everything was, and we informed him that we must leave. Without hesitation, he reassured us this was no problem, brought our check and asked Victor to box and bag our food; we were out the door in under five minutes. This above and beyond care for clientele is the mark of a business where people care, and we felt that care at Via Emilia. We can't wait for our next visit!