
Emilia’s — Fort Worth’s Award-Winning Mediterranean Dining Destination Inside The Crescent Hotel, Where Executive Chef Preston Paine Brings the Sun-Kissed Flavors of the Adriatic to the Cultural District
There are few dining experiences in Fort Worth quite as transporting as Emilia’s, nestled inside The Crescent Hotel at the crossroads of the Cultural District. Named in homage to Fort Worth’s Italian sister city, Reggio Emilia, the restaurant draws inspiration from the sun-kissed ingredients of the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas, serving fresh crudos, house-made pastas, and wood-grilled steaks and seafood inspired by Italy, France, Spain, Greece, and Morocco — all crafted with ingredients from local Texas ranchers and purveyors. Executive Chef Preston Paine, a veteran of Eleven Madison Park in New York and a Food Network competition alum, impresses with subtle spins on mostly Italian classics, and the result is a restaurant that feels equally at home for a business lunch, a romantic dinner, or a leisurely weekend brunch on the seasonal patio overlooking the Cultural District. Emilia’s has been awarded the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, placing it among the world’s top dining destinations for wine lovers.
The dining experience at Emilia’s spans several distinct concepts under one roof, each dialed to a different level of indulgence. The main restaurant menu features signature egg sandwiches and French toast for brunch, while dinner highlights include burrata with roasted tomato jam, polenta fries with arrabbiata, dry-aged beef tartar, and wood-grilled proteins paired with vibrant sauces and seasonal produce. Hidden behind frosted glass doors within Emilia’s is The Blue Room — a 50-seat fine dining sanctuary where a weekly six-course tasting menu built entirely on Texas-sourced ingredients unfolds alongside premium martinis shaken tableside, a fresh fish of the day deboned tableside, traditional caviar service, and over-the-top shellfish towers, with reserve wines and vintage champagnes personally selected by in-house sommelier Joel Teddlie. The Blue Room has been nominated for Restaurant of the Year in the 2026 CultureMap Fort Worth Tastemaker Awards. Meanwhile, The Circle Bar just off the hotel lobby transitions seamlessly from morning espressos to evening cocktails, with $2 oysters and a casual all-day menu perfect for lingering.
Emilia’s is open for breakfast Monday through Friday 7am–11am, brunch Saturday and Sunday 7am–2pm, lunch Monday through Friday 11am–2pm, and dinner daily from 5–10pm. Two private dining rooms are available — a 12-person Wine Room with views into the restaurant, and an 18-person Private Dining Room overlooking the patio — making it one of the most sought-after venues for Fort Worth private events and celebrations. Rated 4.5 stars by OpenTable diners, Emilia’s is a destination that rewards every visit with something memorable — find more of Fort Worth’s finest restaurants in the Fort Worth restaurant guide on Selling the Fort.
