Elia Cafe Tapas Bar

Review summary

1. E

   Edward

   Houston

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined today

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   The few complaints should be tempered with- it was Valentine’s weekend, the restaurant was packed and they were still making everything happen. The meal was great! Mushrooms, beet salad, and lamb- all awesome! Paella and scallops- a little overdone. I am sure the kitchen was overwhelmed. They got the order right and kept the food coming out so, they deserve recognition for their hard work. We arrived on time for our reservation but had about a 15 minute wait before we were seated. Axle our waiter was well informed, made excellent suggestions, had a great sense of humor, and was witty even with a crushing load. In my opinion, great job Elias. We will definitely visit again.
   

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2. A

   Aadith

   Dallas

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   I really enjoyed the Valentine’s Day four-course meal! I would love to try out the tapas and other dishes on a normal day.
   

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3. G

   Gary

   Central Texas

   16 reviews

   5.0

   16 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Second year to experience Elia on Valentines Day. This time was even better than the first. Our party of 4 opted to order from the $75 per person pre fixe menu. Two had the tenderloin with mashed potatoes and asparagus. Two had the cod. Everyone was happy with their choice. The empanada and date appetizers were fantastic as was the potato soup and arugula salad. Deserts were delicious. Our server, Isabella, was spot on. All in all, a very nice dining experience.
   

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4. C

   Courtney

   Central Texas

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 1

   Frustrated with how Elia handles Valentine’s Day. The limited Valentine’s Day menu was highly disappointing and was not posted on their website nor were reservation holders informed of the menu change beforehand. We made this reservation looking forward to eating at a tapas bar and were disappointed with the required and very limited menu. The tables were also redone to cram as many people into 2 seater tables in the restaurant as possible and we could not sit at our table without bumping into the people seated behind each of us. Not the atmosphere or food service we hoped for or are use to. We did not stay to order or eat. Our waiter was understanding and service was great while we were there.
   

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5. D

   Daniel

   Austin

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 5

   The ambiance and food were great. Our server was bad.
   

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6. V

   Vizmary

   Central Texas

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Such a lovely time. Music, food, drinks, ambiance, and staff was amazing.
   

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7. A

   Adam

   Hawaii

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 5

   The service (new waiter on day 3) was terrible. We ordered our entres and drinks. 30 minutes later the waiter comes back and says what my wife ordered is not available. Never brought her drink. Her food was brought out about 20 minutes later, and mine about 20 minutes after that (since waiter submitted my order late). We spoke to the manager, who comped our meals and drinks. She brought us an extra appetizer and sparkling wine as an apology. We might go back and give them another chance. I question their hiring and training, though.
   

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8. G

   Geneen

   Exclusive

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on February 8, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We really liked our waiter! He recommended the sangria flight. We don’t typically drink wine or sangria but it was fabulous! The peach sangria was incredible. I would probably drive up from Houston again just for that delightful beverage. The food is always lovely and our waiter made the experience even better. He was a student about to graduate who had coincidentally done a study abroad at the same university as my daughter. In any case, we almost always dine at Elia when we come up for Aggie events. Keep up the great work! We are looking forward to next time!
   

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9. A

   Andrew

   Houston

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on January 25, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great experience - awesome food! Will be back for sure - highly recommend!
   

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10. E

    Erin

    Tallahassee

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 17, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    I’m not sure if there is a new chef, but my favorite dishes were nothing like they used to be! I was so disappointed this trip. I hope this gets resolved soon because everything used to be amazing and so full of flavor. Service and ambience were great as usual.
    

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