Pat Mack
Liliana is open on Woodbury Drive across from Sam's Club.
A new restaurant from the team behind Estelle and Mario’s in St. Paul opened this week in Woodbury, bringing a refined Italian experience to a space known for its turnover of tenants.
Liliana, a pasta bar at 10060 City Walk Drive, opened Monday, offering what co-owner Jason Hansen described as a “modern” and “niche” approach to pasta. The restaurant seats 110 guests inside with room for 20 more on the patio, and aims to deliver intricate, chef-driven dishes in an elevated setting.
Hansen describes the restaurant as fine-casual, informal service with some formal touches. “I’d say it’s similar to Estelle but a little more upscale,” Hansen said.
The menu reflects that ambition. Appetizers like the prosciutto bruschetta pair stracciatella with melon marmalade and chives, while the panzanella salad layers marinated crab and heirloom tomatoes over toasted Tuscan croutons. On the pasta side, customers will find paccheri with braised beef and house-pickled giardiniera.
The interior design incorporates a Mediterranean theme. The space offers a pasta room, where guests can watch pasta being crafted from scratch.
The location, previously home to Sapporo Sushi Asian Bistro and Shanghai Bistro, has seen its share of challenges. Hansen acknowledged the history, noting an oversaturation of sushi restaurants in Woodbury may have contributed to the turnover. But he believes Liliana is positioned to fill a different kind of gap.
“I feel that people are thirsty for a chef-driven neighborhood restaurant, not fast food, not Chili’s,” he said.
The space underwent a floor-to-ceiling renovation ahead of the opening. Hansen and co-owner Peter Sebastian have been in the restaurant industry for 18 years and most of their ventures situated in St. Paul’s west side, but said they chose Woodbury because of its continued growth and potential.
“I think Woodbury is a great location, it’s a growing city outside of our other locations,” Hansen said. “So instead of drawing them into the city, we are coming to them.”
Brunch and lunch service will be rolled out gradually as the team settles in. Hansen said they’re eager to get to know the community and ensure the dining experience meets the same high standards as their existing restaurants. While the food is a focal point, he emphasized that quality hospitality remains at the core of the brand.
A handful of online reviews praised the restaurant. One person commented, “Incredible food, great ambiance,” while another added: “A Woodbury gem! We are so lucky to have such an amazing restaurant in our neighborhood!”