Philadelphia's culinary landscape is getting a new addition with the grand opening of Emilia, a cozy Italian restaurant in East Kensington. Chef Greg Vernick, who has been absent from the scene for six years, is branching out from his Center City roots and bringing his signature warm hospitality to this charming neighborhood.
Vernick, a James Beard Award winner, is behind the new venture, which marks a significant departure from his previous ventures – all of which bore his name. The decision was deliberate, as Vernick wanted to shake things up after six years without a restaurant under his own umbrella.
At Emilia, Vernick's partner Meredith Medoway will take center stage as chef de cuisine, drawing inspiration from her Italian mother and extensive culinary travels in Italy. Her menu will feature handmade pasta dishes that have been curated during food tours, aiming to recreate the comforting, yet elegant, dining experience typical of Italian hospitality.
When guests enter Emilia, they'll be greeted by a 60-seat dining room with intentionally minimalist design choices allowing the delicious food to take center stage. A bar area seating up to 31 people will also offer walk-in customers a welcoming space.
The restaurant's co-owner Henry Siebert expressed his excitement about creating a neighborhood destination that brings great food and atmosphere together. Emilia will be open from Sundays to Wednesdays (5-9:30 p.m.) and Thursdays to Saturdays (5-10 p.m.). Reservations can be booked up to 30 days in advance through online platform Resy.
For Medoway, the restaurant represents a new chapter in her culinary journey. Drawing inspiration from her mother's cooking style and extensive time spent abroad in Italy, she aims to infuse Emilia with warmth and comfort, making guests feel at home even if they're not there.
Vernick, a James Beard Award winner, is behind the new venture, which marks a significant departure from his previous ventures – all of which bore his name. The decision was deliberate, as Vernick wanted to shake things up after six years without a restaurant under his own umbrella.
At Emilia, Vernick's partner Meredith Medoway will take center stage as chef de cuisine, drawing inspiration from her Italian mother and extensive culinary travels in Italy. Her menu will feature handmade pasta dishes that have been curated during food tours, aiming to recreate the comforting, yet elegant, dining experience typical of Italian hospitality.
When guests enter Emilia, they'll be greeted by a 60-seat dining room with intentionally minimalist design choices allowing the delicious food to take center stage. A bar area seating up to 31 people will also offer walk-in customers a welcoming space.
The restaurant's co-owner Henry Siebert expressed his excitement about creating a neighborhood destination that brings great food and atmosphere together. Emilia will be open from Sundays to Wednesdays (5-9:30 p.m.) and Thursdays to Saturdays (5-10 p.m.). Reservations can be booked up to 30 days in advance through online platform Resy.
For Medoway, the restaurant represents a new chapter in her culinary journey. Drawing inspiration from her mother's cooking style and extensive time spent abroad in Italy, she aims to infuse Emilia with warmth and comfort, making guests feel at home even if they're not there.
! Philly is getting a major dose of Italian vibes and I'm here for it 
. I love how Chef Greg Vernick decided to take a break from his own name restaurants and let Meredith Medoway shine 
. Her menu sounds so cozy and delicious, I need to try that handmade pasta ASAP 
. The minimal design vibe in the dining room is giving me all the calming vibes 
, perfect for unwinding after a long day. And can we talk about how awesome it is to have a neighborhood spot where you can grab dinner with friends or family without breaking the bank 
? Emilia, you're on my radar! 
. It's awesome that Chef Greg Vernick is taking a break from his own name restaurants and letting someone else shine through Meredith Medoway. I mean, who doesn't love pasta? And with her background and travel experience, she's gonna bring some serious flavor to the table. I'm all about that cozy vibe too - minimalist decor just makes food look even better, you know? Plus, it's great that they're making it easy for people to get in by having a smaller bar area. It feels like they really care about creating a welcoming space for their community 
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. Can't wait to check this place out and see what all the fuss is about! 
just heard about Emilia in Philly! sounds like chef medoway is gonna bring the real deal italian vibes 
love how cozy and intimate the dining room is going to be 
six years without a restaurant sounds like a good excuse for some culinary R&R 
anyway, emilia is already on my radar 
. I mean, a new Italian restaurant in East Kensington? How original. And great, Chef Vernick is "branching out" – code for "I've lost my touch". Can't wait to see the prices skyrocket and the quality of food go downhill once they start serving this "neighborhood destination" nonsense to clueless tourists 
I love that she's drawing inspiration from her Italian roots and travels to bring this cozy, welcoming vibe to East Kensington. And let's not forget about those handmade pasta dishes 
also loving that it's a neighborhood destination where people can grab a bite and feel welcome 
. I mean, another new Italian restaurant popping up everywhere? It feels like a trend 
. Can't we just have a good old-fashioned pasta joint for once instead of all these fancy-schmancy concepts? And what's with the minimalist design? Is it really meant to be that plain or is it just trying too hard to be hipster? 
I'll believe it when I've tried the food and seen some actual reviews, not just a bunch of hype from foodies 
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i'm so down for some cozy italian vibes in east kensington 
her menu sounds amazeballs, especially those handmade pasta dishes 
can't wait to try it out and see what all the fuss is about 
And 60 seats feels like the perfect cozy size for a neighborhood spot. Can't wait to try it out and experience that Italian hospitality vibe! 
, and this new spot Emilia is giving me LIFE!!! I mean, a James Beard Award winner stepping out of their own name brand? Genius! It's like the culinary equivalent of breaking up with your ex to find someone even better 
. And can we talk about how cute that they're keeping things minimalist in the dining room? Less is more, am I right? 
️ It's great to see a restaurant prioritizing atmosphere over just serving food (although, let's be real, that's what matters most too). Can't wait to try it out and see if Emilia lives up to the hype 
I'm all about that handmade pasta life right now 
Reservations already being booked up, I'm low-key a little jealous lol. Go try it out ASAP, trust me u won't regret it!!! 
I'm low-key hyped for Emilia to open its doors! Chef Vernick's decision to step out from his own name is genius - it'll be awesome to see a new chef take center stage and bring fresh ideas to the table 
their new restaurant Emilia is gonna be EVERYTHING 
Can't wait to try out their dishes & support these talented chefs! 
. And 60 seats? That's just right for a cozy neighborhood spot... not too big, not too small 
. Fingers crossed it'll be just as good as his old places!
Emilia sounds like a hidden gem in Philly! Chef Medoway is gonna kill it 
with her handmade pasta dishes 
. I love that she's drawing from her Italian heritage and travels for inspiration