Via Emilia, the second concept restaurant from Food Roots after “In Parma” is now open on Hoxton Square after their soft launch period. As the name suggests this restaurant takes its inspiration from the famous Roman Road that runs through Emilia Romagna, the Italian region where the beloved homemade egg pasta was born! Celebrating this fact, Via Emilia offers diners signature pasta dishes from each Emilian city that the road connects, all of which are authentically named in the local dialect and handmade from longstanding family recipes.
The menu at Via Emilia is carefully curated to only offer the very best of what Emilia Romagna has to offer and all ingredients are sourced direct from the region. Most notably Via Emilia is the first restaurant in London to be serving the delicious Gnocco Fritto, a dish well known by Italians everywhere; a pillow shaped, puffed Emilian bread that proves irresistible when eaten with the popular Squacquerone creamy cheese that accompanies it and it’s encouraged to be eaten just like the Italians do: with your hands!
A small selection of shared plates to start are mainly made up of charcuterie and cheese platters, all sliced fresh to order. A succinct list of eight pastas follow, all of which pay homage to the Emilian city they originate from. No pasta machines in sight, all pastas are expertly hand rolled and dishes include Tagliolini from Parma, Ragu from Bologna and Pisarei from Piacenza. A classic Tiramisu is the only dessert on offer and, in keeping with Via Emilia’s ethos is made from an entirely authentic recipe from the region.
To compliment the food is a succinct wine list exclusively from the region, the hero of which is the sparkling Lambrusco– a unique sparkling red wine that is light and refreshing and an ideal partner to any dish. Other notable wines not be missed include Sangiovese, Gutturnio and Malvasia.
Inside, Via Emilia is chic and simple – dark wood tables with white marble tops inhabit this intimate 40 seater restaurant which offers peerless views into the kitchen via an open bar surrounded by bar stools. Soft wall lighting contrasts well with the more urban low hanging ceiling lights and by night, candlelight tables create an inviting place to visit.
Sister to In Parma in Fitzrovia, Via Emilia is part of the Food Roots ethos pioneered by owner, Christian Pero. His ambition is to create unique restaurants that still offer an authentic and regional Italian dining experience. Moreover, all ingredients are carefully sourced from the very best ‘roots’ meaning only small and sustainable suppliers are used. Through creating the Food Roots concept, Christian believes he has and will continue to create restaurants that offer one of the most authentic tastes of Italy you will find in London.
Experts in what they do, Via Emilia is not following ‘food fashion’ or particular trends but simply celebrating the very best pastas and select dishes from one of the world’s most renowned food regions: a road well worth travelling down.