Emiliano’s Mexican Table: A New Chapter, Same Heart
Maria Vianeth Cervantes has always understood the value of family. She named her restaurant after her son, Emiliano, and her daughter, Mia, provides input (and strong opinions) on new menu offerings. Her recipes come from traditions passed down by her mother.
So it is no wonder that the restaurant’s rebranding — now known as Emiliano’s Mexican Table — focuses on the importance of gathering family and friends around the table to share a delicious meal.
“The restaurant has always been about our customers and making a good, high-quality product that makes people happy,” explained Vianeth, whose restaurants are located in Cranberry, Gibsonia and Bethel Park. “We wanted to take Emiliano’s to the next level of family dining — to make it more than a restaurant and bar, but a place where families enjoy spending time.
“I love to see parents, grandparents and children enjoying themselves here, even if the kids do make a mess out of beans and rice,” she laughed. “I want them to feel at home.”
While Emiliano’s Mexican Table will feature guests’ traditional favorites, the kitchen will be introducing exciting seasonal choices as well. Everything will continue to be made from scratch, including the guacamole, margarita syrups and more.
“People who eat here know we make everything from scratch; everything is fresh,” said Vianeth, adding that her children have the final say on any new items that go on the menu.
“Emiliano has very good taste, and Mia has a really good eye; it can’t just taste good, it has to also look good on the plate.”
The restaurants’ interiors are also being redesigned to celebrate the woman-owned business with a warm, rooted feel that is polished yet familiar, as well as special touches that showcase Vianeth’s passion for making meals that people love.
“I am inspired by many things, and when I see something special, I want to share it,” she said, noting that some of the new décor was inspired by a recent trip to Mexico. “I not only want things to be beautiful, but to feel cozy and warm — like a home.”
One of the most striking features of the re-envisioned Cranberry restaurant is a large tree in the bar area covered with dangling hearts. “Everything I do, I do with all my heart,” said Vianeth. “There are also bees in the décor because everyone says I’m like a busy bee. I feel really connected with everything.”
The restaurant’s new tagline, “New chapter. Same heart. Made with intention,” also celebrates Vianeth’s fresh start after a challenging couple of years.
The Support of a Strong Community
While many restaurants have faced difficulties over the past few years due to COVID and a turbulent economy, Emiliano’s has had to endure more than most. In August 2025, ICE raids at two of her locations resulted in damage to her restaurants as well as monetary losses.
“It was very hard for me and my family and staff — we suffered a lot,” she said. “But we had to keep strong and keep doing the things we were doing. We didn’t have any other choice. The next day I went to the restaurant and lit a candle and put holy water everywhere. And I prayed that we could just keep working and continue doing well.
“We were lucky that we had a lot of angels around us who worked with us to keep going,” she added. “These people — our neighbors and friends — came to help us stay open, fixing things that were damaged and doing whatever was necessary. One man worked all morning fixing the plumbing and said, ‘No worries. Just pay me back whenever you can.’”
While she prefers not to dwell on the raids, Vianeth notes that nearly 20 years in business have been built on doing things right, and she is quick to credit the community for standing with her. “We appreciate that we had such strong community support — they know who we are,” she said.
Emiliano’s Mexican Table will continue to support the community, not only by offering a place for families to gather, but by continuing to support organizations like the Red Door and Crisis Center North and making food donations for the homeless, which they do every year. Next year, the restaurants will also be naming a monthly charity for each location that will rotate throughout the community.
As for the future, Vianeth is committed to moving forward. “My mother used to say if you want God to laugh, tell him your plans,” she said. “Everyone has struggles, but you have to keep going. We will continue to be strong and continue to do the right thing.”
Emiliano’s Mexican Table is located at 20111 Route 19 in Cranberry Township; 5375 William Flynn Highway in Gibsonia; and 4607 Library Road in Bethel Park. The restaurants also offer catering and family packs to go. Visit emilianospgh.com for menus, catering and more.
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