Introduction to D’Alba Craft Kitchen & Cocktails
A family-friendly Garden Oaks restaurant is expanding to Montgomery with the opening of a new location of D’Alba Craft Kitchen & Cocktails this summer. The new restaurant will be situated near the intersection of FM 2978 and FM 1488, taking over the former Philipose’s space at 32823 FM 2978 Rd. According to D’Alba owner Daut Elshani, he has been searching for a location in The Woodlands/Woodforest/Magnolia area for about a year, drawn by the similarities between the growing northern suburbs and Garden Oaks, where D’Alba has been a neighborhood favorite since 2021.
The Recipe for Success
Elshani sees a lot of potential in the area, citing the presence of young professional couples and young families that fit the demographics of D’Alba’s target audience. Having recently moved to the suburbs himself, Elshani is excited about the lively atmosphere and the opportunity to replicate the success of the original location. The new restaurant is slated to open in September, offering the same winning formula that earned D’Alba the title of Best New Restaurant in the 2022 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards.
Menu and Offerings
A meal at D’Alba may start with shareable items such as spinach and artichoke dip, campechana, or the signature balloon bread — a puffed-up, baked pita served with basil-garlic pesto and truffle honey drizzle. The menu also features pizzas, pastas, salads, and heartier mains such as blackened salmon, a cheeseburger, and confit chicken thighs, all made from scratch. The restaurant is known for its popular happy hour and lively brunch, and Elshani believes that the area’s relative dearth of Italian-inspired restaurants will work to his advantage.
Renovations and Ambiance
Elshani is currently performing renovations to convert the former Philipose’s space into D’Alba. The changes include installing large doors that can be opened during nice weather, removing the outdated drop ceiling, upgrading the lighting, and dividing the room to improve energy and flow. The goal is to create a casual atmosphere with high-quality food at a lower price point than other Italian-inspired restaurants in the area.
Unique Features and Advantages
What sets D’Alba apart is its commitment to using only the freshest ingredients and making everything from scratch. The restaurant’s cocktail menu was designed by an Anvil veteran, offering a unique and expertly crafted selection of drinks. With its family-friendly atmosphere and diverse menu offerings, D’Alba is poised to become a favorite in the Montgomery area.
Conclusion
The opening of D’Alba Craft Kitchen & Cocktails in Montgomery is an exciting development for foodies in the area. With its winning formula of high-quality, scratch-made food, popular happy hour, and lively brunch, D’Alba is sure to become a staple in the community. The restaurant’s casual atmosphere and commitment to using only the freshest ingredients make it an attractive option for families and young professionals alike. As Elshani and his team work to bring D’Alba to life in Montgomery, residents can look forward to a new and exciting dining experience.
