Named after an ancient Roman road that spans from Rimini to Piacenza, Via Emilia is known for their house-made pastas, braised meats, seafood specialties, and delicious desserts. With more than 3,000 bottles, the restaurant’s temperature-controlled wine cellar accommodates their extensive wine list with a selection of over 250 wines to enhance your dining experience. We welcome you to experience the most authentic northern Italian cuisine in the Woodlands – no passport required.
Our Story
Domenico Orioli was born and raised in Ravenna in the Italian region Emilia-Romagna, where he lived for 22 years. While in Italy, he was involved in the transportation business. In 1948 he decided to start a new adventure in Venezuela where he met and married his wife Elda Orioli, also originally from Ravenna, Italy.
Driven by their passion for food and culture from Emilia Romagna, Domenico and Elda, later joined by their son Carlos Orioli, opened a total of eight successful restaurants, serving the same traditional Italian food the family has prepared for generations.
The Orioli family moved to Houston in 1999 and opened the original Via Emilia location on Cypress Creek Parkway in September, 2000, where Carlos’ son Enrique Orioli joined the family business. Via Emilia served Houston diners for over 11 years before moving to their current location in The Woodlands.
More than five decades and three generations later, the Orioli family continues to share their passion for food and culture from Emilia Romagna. We look forward to serving you soon. Buon Appetito!
La Cucina Della Nonna
Our house-made pastas, braised meats, fresh seafood, and delicious desserts will transport you to Northern Italy, from which our family emigrated more than eight decades ago.