A place to gather
From family dinners to extravagant weddings to classic weekend brunches, the new Via Roma Event Center & Ristorante is creating celebrations to remember.
Thoroughly renovated, the former Carrie Cerino’s is now Via Roma Event Center & Ristorante. From all-inclusive weddings to family dinners, new memories are now being made in this historic landmark.
The newly opened Via Roma Event Center & Ristorante is already making waves as an ideal wedding venue.
“It seems like everyone you meet remembers going to a wedding at Carrie Cerino’s, which closed in 2020,” says Co-Owner Khadar Soussou. “Our mission for completely renovating and modernizing this historic property is based on reimagining and reinvigorating it with all the authenticity and hospitality for which Italy is so well known. Now, there are new memories to be made.”
From Intimate to Show-Stopping
Via Roma’s Grand Ballroom, which seats up to 350, is the ideal venue for large weddings, with a show-stopping private entrance, gold-chained backdrop wall and dual bars.
Two other wedding-perfect venues are the Florence Room, which is more contemporary, for up to 130; and The Grotto, which seats up to 140 guests, perfect for rehearsal dinners or small weddings. The intimate glass-walled Cantina Wine Cellar hosts private events for up to 20 guests, ideal for rehearsal dinners or showers.
“Busy couples love our all-inclusivity,” he says. “They’ll work with the same dedicated onsite wedding planner throughout the process and on the day of the wedding.”
All the details are included, from photography to flowers, bakery, lighting, a photo booth, linens to suit any color palette, and a totally customized wedding menu.
“Pretty much all the couple has to do the day of their wedding is show up,” Khadar says, laughing.
Prime dates for 2025 and 2026 are already booking, so newly engaged couples are encouraged to stop in soon for a tour of all the possibilities.
Winter Menu Shines
For weddings, events or a special meal, Khadar says the new winter menu from Executive Chef David Smith has been garnering rave reviews.
“Our Chef is adept at creating authentic Italian dishes that can be classified as pure comfort food,” he says. “The new lunch menu in The Grotto includes scrumptious Italian sandwiches with our homemade focaccia and ciabatta. Two foodie fan favorites are the Meatball Sandwich, topped with fontina, parmesan, marinara, banana peppers and basil; and the spicy Diovolo Chicken sandwich, topped with a vodka sauce, provolone, mozzarella and basil.”
Lunch is served Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Upstairs, you’ll find fine dining with a classic from-scratch menu of first and second courses, salads and pastas. Khadar says one of the most popular dinners heading into winter is the Gnocchi, topped with rustic elements like sweet sausage, shrimp, fennel, cherry tomatoes, Swiss chard and sage brown butter.
“May You Live for 100 Years”
That’s the translation for one of the most popular craft cocktails at Via Roma. It’s the Cent’Anni, which is an Old-World Italian toast. This sunny, bubbly blend of Ketel One orange vodka, Aperol, fresh-squeezed orange juice and prosecco will make you want to last a century.
“Our barkeeps know how to create a craft cocktail menu with fresh ingredients and interesting combinations,” Co-Owner Khadar Soussou says. “They make classic margaritas, seasonal sangria and martinis, as well as their own rotating menu of specials. We also take pride in offering a formidable wine list with bottles from Italy and the top regions around the world.”
The Via Roma happy hours, named for the Italian translation Ocho Bene, are a massive hit with those in the know. They take place in The Grotto on the terrace level of Via Roma from 3-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday. This super-stylish venue boasts a large wraparound bar, ultra-private tables and booth seating in dark woods with pops of turquoise leather, ambient lighting, an ample stage, and a dance floor.
Chef David Smith has created dishes to perfectly complement the drinks, including Mortadella Sliders, Meatballs, Deviled Eggs, Stuffed Peppers, Aranchi, Caesar Salad and Brussels Sprouts, each for only $8.
Come for Ocho Bene in The Grotto and stay for the outstanding lineup of live shows from local musicians. Each month’s schedule is at ViaRomaCLE.com. Don’t miss Dee Dee on Friday, January 24; Classic Overdrive on Saturday, January 25; and Just Jazz on Friday, January 31.
On Sunday, January 26, Via Roma is throwing a Murder Mystery Dinner and Show. Bring your wits to uncover the whodunit and your appetite, as there will be a full Chef’s Buffet Dinner.
Via Roma is located at 8922 Ridge Road, in North Royalton. Find out more, see the detailed wedding packages and menus, and reserve your table at ViaRomaCLE.com or call
Sunday Brunch!
As we enter the heart of comfort food season, Via Roma owner Khadar Soussou reports that his team’s elegant brunches—served Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.—are not to be missed.
“Our chef likes to take things up a notch and elevate classic dishes,” he says. “Chef’s stations include Avocado Toast with accompaniments, Leoncini Ham, Basil Marinated Beef Tri-Tip and Homemade Waffles with toppings. There’s a full Brunch Bar with savory lunch dishes, and chef’s made-to-order omelets and breakfast dishes. It’s all topped off with a flowing chocolate fountain and includes a complimentary mimosa or Bloody Mary for adult diners.”
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