welovEmilia — Restaurant in Clarksville

We were super excited to try this place, but unfortunately, this was our first and probably last time here. When we entered, nobody greeted us and we didn’t know whether to seat ourselves or wait to be seated. After seeing that nobody was coming to us, we just got in line. We were handed two menus to look at while we were standing. A table opened up in the meantime so we wanted to take it, but the previous customers had left their bottles and trash there so again, we weren’t sure what to do because nobody was out on the floor keeping track. We decided to sit down because that was the only table that would accommodate our party of 3. Once we sat down, someone came and ASKED if we wanted our table to be cleaned. Yes. Yes, we would. The environment seemed very hectic from the get go. The staff seemed uncoordinated and the young girls working there didn’t really seem to have a grasp of their duties. We finally ordered 1 pizza, 2 lasagnas and 2 waters. We waited patiently because we thought since it was “authentic food”, it might take a little longer than other places. While still waiting and seated, one of the girls came over and grabbed our empty basket and order number plaque. We were confused because we hadn’t gotten our food yet, so my boyfriend got up and asked if we could have it back and the same girl who took our order said “you haven’t gotten your order yet?” We were seated at the table directly across from the register. At that point we had already waited close to 40 minutes. The owner then came out and all unprofessional hell broke lose. She said “we’ll make it really fast and good” and my boyfriend asked “so it hasn’t been made yet”. No, it had not. We asked for a refund and she started yelling at the young girl right in front of us. That was a conversation that could have and should have taken place at a different time. She was then trying to refund the wrong (less) amount because apparently there had been 2 of the same order numbers. Luckily, we had our copy. She got agitated very quickly at the worker and at my boyfriend. She yelled at the worker again and again. After realizing that she was refunding the amount minus the tip, my boyfriend asked for the tip back and she seemed to get irritated at that too. There was no positive customer service at all. She made it seem like we were in the wrong and causing an inconvenience for her. The disorganization was definitely off putting for a new restaurant. We found it hard to believe that in such a small location, so much caos could occur. Not one worker noticed that we had an empty table for 40 minutes. Very inattentive and very disappointing. I hope this isn’t a regular occurrence for customers and...

We went for our anniversary dinner. I had been eagerly awaiting this experience since my son told me that "The Italians" (hi Carlo) were going to bring a little taste of Italy to Clarksville! He told us they were bringing ingredients in from Italy. That's for the authenticity of their cooking traditions. We drove an hour for this and it was well worth it. It's a deli/cafe style- greeting/feeling when you walk in, which can be shocking if you come expecting a traditional dining experience. So be prepared!

You seat yourselves after you grab a menu that is placed by the register counter. We sat to look it over and Google words when the lovely lady came over brought some bread and asked if we needed anything explained and was kind enough to answer all our questions. With that we walked up to the register with her so we could place our order... remember the "Deli/Cafe Style" feel...

Drinks are in the cooler beside the register counter, with the exception of espresso which they make per order.

We had Tagliolini in Bianco, which was the best pasta I've ever had the privilege to eat. We tried the Gnocco Fritto Salumi Mix (Prosciutto Crudo, Salame, Mortadella) which was great. The meat was flavorful and the bread was light, and flaky. Next, we had the Saporita- a wonderful salad with arugula, radicchio(Italian chicory), green olives, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, egg halves, and pancetta. It was supposed to have vinegar and olive oil +seasoned focaccia on it but they forgot it and we didn't think to say anything at the time. It was still delicious. All portions were great for the pricing and I actually loved the meals were served in sturdy to-go boxes.

My husband's only dislike of the salad was that the mozzarella balls had no flavor at all.

We each had an espresso which was good.

For me though, the star of the show, the TIRAMISU!!! I will never be able to order it from another restaurant again. You could actually taste and SEE the Italian coffee in the cookie layers. Plus the creaminess... It was perfection in dessert.

Don't expect fastfood pricing because this isn't a hamburger and French fries place. Things are made fresh with authentic ingredients shipped from another country and the prices are set reasonably so accordingly.

3 dishes, 1 dessert, drinks before tip $67

I know I want to go back for another visit to try the pizza because it...

This spot hasn't been open long, but we were super excited to see that an actual Italian type establishment was going to open. There's not really an actual Italian style restaurant up here that we have found, and chain pizza places just really aren't our thing, as we are Italian. We came from south of Nashville, where there was a quaint Italian place, and we were looking for something comparable. This place absolutely doesn't disappoint. It's even better than the place we had before we moved. We have ordered via Uber Eats as well as directly from the restaurant, and the quality is consistent. Going into the restaurant the staff was very kind and pleasant. This is now "our spot."

I've read the negative reviews, and if you aren't Italian, have never eaten from a true Italian cook or have not been to Italy, please do not speak. You're voicing your opinion on Americanized Italian food. Italians use a lot of olive oil, fresh leaved herbs and spices and fresh cheese varieties. It will absolutely not taste the same as the frozen items you buy from a store or what you receive from an imitation such as Olive Garden. Olive Garden is NOT true Italian food, so if you think so, you are seriously mislead. If that is what you are looking for there are plenty of grocery stores. This isn't the place for you if that's what you are seeking.

Update... we ordered via UberEats today, 2/22/25 as we do not have a vehicle any longer. It was not good at all. We ordered a cheese pizza. There was zero sauce on it. We literally paid for cheese bread. As cheese bread, it's less than desirable. Very disappointed in such a change. At no point should anyone have to notify an Italian restaurant that red sauce is a requirement of pizza. That shouldn't even be a question. If it's some sort of "add-on" that's ridiculous. Red sauce is on any pizza you order from any restaurant, at any time. It's a sad day. It was the only order we had left in our budget...