Introduction to D’Alba Craft Kitchen & Cocktails
A family-friendly Garden Oaks restaurant is expanding to Montgomery with the opening of D’Alba Craft Kitchen & Cocktails this summer. The new location will be situated near the intersection of FM 2978 and FM 1488, taking over the former Philipose’s space at 32823 FM 2978 Rd.
The Inspiration Behind the Expansion
D’Alba owner Daut Elshani has been searching for a location in The Woodlands/Woodforest/Magnolia area for about a year. He sees a lot of similarities between the growing northern suburbs and Garden Oaks, where d’Alba has been a neighborhood favorite since it opened in 2021. Elshani notes that the demographics of young professional couples and young families in the area match those that have contributed to the success of the first d’Alba location.
Menu and Atmosphere
Slated to open in September, the new d’Alba location will offer the same menu items that led to its win as Best New Restaurant in the 2022 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards. The menu includes shareable items such as spinach and artichoke dip, campechana, and the signature balloon bread, as well as entrees like pizzas, pastas, salads, and heartier mains such as blackened salmon and confit chicken thighs. All dishes are made from scratch. The restaurant also features a popular happy hour and a lively brunch.
Competitive Advantage
Elshani believes that the area’s relative lack of Italian-inspired restaurants will work to his advantage. Compared to other local options, d’Alba will offer a more casual atmosphere and high-quality food at a lower price point. Renovations are currently underway to convert the former Philipose’s space into d’Alba, including the installation of large doors, removal of the drop ceiling, and upgrades to the lighting.
Renovations and Expectations
The renovations aim to improve the energy and flow of the space, with changes such as dividing the room and installing large doors that can be opened during nice weather. Elshani is excited about the new location, stating, “We’re stoked and super excited about getting this up and running.”
Conclusion
The new d’Alba Craft Kitchen & Cocktails location in Montgomery promises to bring a unique dining experience to the area, with its high-quality, scratch-made dishes and casual atmosphere. With its anticipated opening in September, residents of The Woodlands/Woodforest/Magnolia area can look forward to enjoying the same great food and service that has made d’Alba a favorite in Garden Oaks.
