OVERVIEW: Location is prime, and if you'd ever visited the previous restaurant, you can appreciate what they did with the space! It may be very beige and neutral but it's very coastal and summer-y vibes with fresh greenery throughout. Reservations are ideal since they're still new, so the waitlist can get packed fast. Service was relaxed and everything we tried was flavorful and solid. I enjoyed the visit and would be willing to come back! QUICK FACTS: - Parking? Yes, located in the Domain so plenty of garage parking. Blue garage is closest. - Reservations? Yes, via OpenTable. Highly recommend to avoid a wait. - Happy hour? No, not yet. I know their other locations have it but as of 3/13/26 there isn't one here. FOOD RATINGS: - Sweet corn hummus (3/5): Solid hummus all around but nothing to write home about. A bit pricy considering what it is, but it's made well. The pita is delicious (and served with all the dips/hummus)! - Charred eggplant dip (4/5): Pretty great dip. The smokiness is nice and flavor isn't overwhelming. The mint garnish feels out of place, but I guess it's there for color. - Hamachi and charred avocado (4/5): Loved all the flavors in this! Lychee, coconut, charred avocado. Pretty great crudo. - Mushroom "escargot" (5/5): Popular because who doesn't love garlic-y, buttery mushrooms with breadcrumb? Would definitely reorder. - Spicy brisket kefta (4/5): Disappointed it's only 1 kebab, but it was good nonetheless. Tender meatballs. The tzatziki was thick. The slaw was great - salty and fresh and nice with the meatball. Would be nice if it came with rice. - Sticky date cake (3/5): Like a warm sticky cake. Not bad, not something memorable. As expected. read more

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Wowww, food, ambience, vibes and service everything is awesome!! Went last week with friends and this week with hubby. First off, ambience, transforms to a different place, simple yet elegant, minimalist style yet so inviting. Service both the times was great, usually new restaurants, service will be hit or miss, but not this place, from people who checks you in to your host to the people who bring your food, every one are friendly, welcoming and helpful. Vibes are so positive. Foods is equally delicious, definitely try their spicy hummus, and you can't go wrong with do not disturb me, espresso martini and Don higo(cocktails). If I have to say one disappointing thing, that's pan seared branzino, dish was perfect, but it doesn't come with any side, that dint make sense to me, you pay $43 + tax + tips, but you have to order a side again. But overall this has been added to our regular places in domain. read more

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The inside of the restaurant was beautifully decorated. I thought the food was delicious especially the sweet potato latkes and sticky date cake. Only thing I noticed, I tried a few of their cocktails and they weren't great read more

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Located in The Domain, this is the counterpart restaurant to Aba. I felt this menu is more seafood-forward which I love! When you walk into the restaurant, you'll find that it is beautifully designed. From the inside to the outside it felt very warm and inviting. I was with a party of five and we didn't have to wait to sit down and order drinks: Do Not Disturb and Slow Cheetah. Then we went family-style and shared: Charred Eggplant, Big Eye Tuna, Ora King Salmon Crudo, Crispy Potatoes, Octopus Cappaccio, and Faroe Island Salmon. Finally, we finished with Honey Cake. My recommendation is to make reservations. read more

Ema - Mediterranean Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Great place! We sat outside and it's so nice with trees surrounding the tables. I love the design and decor of this place. The food was good and service was great! Right in the heart of The Domain. read more

Wow!!! We went back today! The service was spectacular. Adel, our server was amazing. The food was amazing! The asst manager Aaron was awesome! We will definitely be back again. And don't forget the try the spicy whipped feta and hamachi. read more

Loved our first time at Ema. We sat on the patio with our adult children and two grandchildren, and it was perfect. Our server, Dan, was amazing. All of the wait staff were attentive and friendly. We shared the eggplant spread and whipped feta spread. We also shared the California chopped salad, chicken kebabs, green falafel, and sweet potato latkes. They also got a chicken Shawarma bowl. Our water glasses were kept full and it was a perfect lunch. read more

Ema - Eggplant spread - Mediterranean Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Great spot for late night shared apps! I made a reservation for my friend and I at 9 pm after a work event, and we had a really good experience. First of all, parking is easy at the Domain. The restaurant was still busy on a weekday at 9 which was surprising to me. We went back to our table and walked through the new beautiful restaurant. Our table was near the tree and nice decor in the back. Very nice ambience! Our server was friendly and explained the menu. We shared hummus with crudite, plenty of pita, spicy whipped feta: smoky morita chili & pistachio muhammara, pomegranate, hamachi and charred avocado: coconut cream, lychee, jalapeño, makrut lime vinaigrette, and mushroom escargot: garlic, parmesan, calabrian chili breadcrumb. Everything was great, but the hamachi and charred avocado was the standout dish. So many flavors, textures, sweet, salty, spicy, chef's kiss. Loved it! The baked mushrooms were sooooo garlicky and we both LOVED them too. I will definitely go back again soon. Glad to check this new spot out! read more

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If you love Aba on South Congress, you are going to be absolutely thrilled with its sister concept, Ema, located right in The Domain. The food, service, and atmosphere here are all completely on point. The moment you walk in, the ambiance completely transports you elsewhere. It has a gorgeous, upscale Mediterranean feel that makes it perfect for a date night, a celebration, or just a great meal out. This place is popular for a reason! Make sure to book a reservation in advance so you can get a table without any hassle. Spicy Feta Appetizer was a fantastic way to start the meal. Creamy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. Spicy Chicken Shawarma Bowl was great! The chicken itself wasn't overly spicy, but it was incredibly juicy and expertly prepared. It comes over a bed of delicious turmeric rice and a super refreshing side salad loaded with fresh tomatoes, avocados, and cucumbers. One of the sauces included with the bowl definitely brought the heat! I also highly recommend ordering the zhoug sauce on the side--it paired beautifully with the chicken. Between the flawless service, the transporting atmosphere, and the top-tier food, Ema is a home run. I will definitely be returning soon! read more

Ema - Spicy Whipped Feta - Mediterranean Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Eggplant and whipped feta were delicious. I also had the California salad with chicken. It was all very good, but pricey. The website said they had a happy hour but was told they don't have one. read more

Ema - Eggplant - Mediterranean Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Both my parnter and I are are not fans of Aba so we were reluctant to come to Ema as it is the sister restaruant. We came here for a birthday lunch, despite out better judgement, and I am so HAPPY that we did! We ended up having a wonderful time! We ordered a few items including the corn hummus, beet horseradsih spread, the crudo, mushroom escargot, and blistered green beans. While this might not seem like enough food, it was plenty. My personal favorites were green beans and dips (hummus & spread) but the pita was also a star! While I enjoyed the mushroom escargot, it was slightly off putting as a vegetarian (but that is a personal dislike). We also tried a few of their drinks which were very refreshing. There were a few negatives that we experienced but I am willing to give them a pass as they opened very recently. Some of these negatives include: - While we had a reservation, it still took us about 30m to be seated on a Wednesday at noon! - We were told that the order would be spread out into courses but everything arrived at once. Our server was really apologetic about this and offered to send some stuff back but it just didn't make senese. - They were out of a few things that we tried to order Overall, much better experience than Ema read more

Let me start off by saying what a beautiful restaurant, vibrant, clean, modern even down to the decor and styling of the restrooms it's all so picture perfect. They really hit the interior and exterior out of the park. It all flows so well and the outside seating is going to have a major upgrade when the new bar is ready. Fake plants real plants who cares it's vibrant and green and energizing just to sit in this place, every corner of this restaurant is Instagram worthy. People chattering the clinking of glasses as people toast their equally picturesque cocktails along with sounds of shakers as fresh drinks are mixed at the bar just sets the stage for the final product which is the food. The staff wears white shirts , white shoes tan pants, which when put all together transports you to a vacation destination of sorts and lets you know they really thought of every aspect of the experience. It's not a coincidence or just a random detail there is a genuine really intelligent person behind the planning and it shows they aren't new to the game. We all know this is the sister company to Aba which is a hit and I'm so glad to have this up north in the domain closer to where I live. I know I'm supposed to be talking about the food and yet how can I pass up an opportunity to explain in detail how much I appreciate great design. I absolutely loved the garlic and almond spread. Such complex flavor from simple ingredients goes to show in the right culinary hands sky is the limit for creativity. Of course, we also had to have the sweet potato latkes, just like as described by other yelp reviews, they were a little bit on the crisp side, some call it burnt I wouldn't go that far because I really did appreciate that they were not soggy and that they were well seasoned. The mushroom escargot was good and had a nice kick of spice, the homemade Stracciatella which we opted to top with green falafel was decent. I'd say out of all the appetizers the Stracciatella needed a little bit more TLC I'm not asking to change the recipe I'd simply mention even with the tomatoes and the vinegar oil dressed croutons it still needed a little bit more acidity and seasoning. Maybe if they put more pesto and a tiny bit more vinegar it would have felt more complete otherwise a great choice if you want something on the more refreshing side that will fill up a larger group. My wife ordered the SHAWARMA-SPICED CHICKEN BOWL with turmeric rice, avocado and preserved lemon, let me tell you it was outstanding. The rice was so flavorful and paired with everything else in the dish including the grilled chicken it couldn't have been made any better. If you're going for lunch and are eating alone and don't necessarily want a bunch of small plates by all means try this. We also ordered SPICY BRISKET KEFTA' that is also not it the photo because the food was never brought out. I asked if the waitress had maybe forgot to bring it and was told it was just taking longer but this was after my wife and I slowly shared her chicken shawarma bowl waiting for my entrée to arrive. If I hadn't asked it would have never been remembered. I told our waitress we no longer wanted the dish and she still ran to the back and was like oh it's right here. I mean 25 minutes later wasn't JUST taking a bit long it was more like either it never got rang up or sat in the back and never brought out. She did box it up for us and the GM Raul Moreno came to speak with us and apologized for the mistake. What a genuine and sweet guy, he was so pleasant when he came to speak with us. Raul was genuinely interested in our experience and assured us that they are still working the kinks out. What a wonderful way to treat customers and talk to people and not see people as obstacles or just a number treat every customer kindly and seeing things from their perspective goes a long way. You can tell he's been doing this for a long time. What an amazing guy. Of course this is a new restaurant and even being a sister company to a Aba there's always going to be hiccups. I don't see the minor issues that I experienced as ongoing because of how they were handled. In other words, it's going to be a hit ( not that I'm the determining factor), especially if they can continue the customer service. Special shout out to the super sweet hostess standing behind the guy with the backpack in my entryway photo who has amazing customer service. We saw her walking around the whole building inside out, looking for people who had reservations and making sure that they got their table. I also saw her apologizing for a long wait times, directing people to the bar for drinks and asking people how their day was which is the first impression you get as a customer and great for business. If you've never been to the Domain or the rest of Austin at that, I will say if you see a parking anywhere, just take it chances are you will never find one ever again haha. read more

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Ema is owned by Top Chef alum, C.J. Jacobson. He also owns Aba, which means "father" in Hebrew. Ema means "mother" in Hebrew. His style is Israeli inspired as he used to live in Israel where he briefly played professional volleyball. I was able to get a table without a wait. Both times I walked in between 2 pm - 3 pm on a weekday. The food was perfect the first time I went. I ordered the same sweet corn hummus, sweet potato latkes and vegan coconut cremeux, the second time. They have good customer service. The second time, the sweet potato latkes tasted burnt as they were overcooked. They comped the latkes. They are very accommodating to gluten allergies. They served gluten free pita chips with the hummus and fried the latkes separately. I plan on frequenting Ema regularly so I downloaded the Lettuce Eats app. For every $150 spent, you will receive a $10 reward toward either Aba or Ema. read more

This place was outstanding! I thought I had been here before but it was a similar place by the same chef. I absolutely loved the decor of this place. So gorgeous! I tried the whipped feta with pistachios and pomegranate, the pita bread was nice and soft and warm that was served with it. It was absolutely heavenly! I also ordered the crispy mushrooms and these were divine. They had a sweetness to them, I think they had a honey drizzle on them. Also ordered the chicken kabobs and these chicken was so tender and flavorful, it was cooked perfectly. The service was absolutely flawless. I had informed my server of an allergy that I had and every person that brought me my food informed me that it was free of my allergen. I loved that. I also ordered a gin cocktail that had pomegranate molasses, it was so refreshing. I absolutely will be back here to try so more of the wonderful food here and spoil myself with the treat of coming here. I also took the 10 layer honey cake home with me, it was amazing! Don't hesitate to try this place! You won't be disappointed read more

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If you like Aba, there's no doubt you'll like its sister restaurant. I went on opening day and want to point out that even on the first day, the service is very similar and comparable to Aba. Any bumps in the journey were not enough to disagree with on a first day. I had to wait about 10-15 minutes for my reserved table, but nothing to out of the ordinary. I checked the day before and the first few days were all booked out, so I came in with an understanding that they were working on overdrive mode. Regardless, service was good and I like the textiles they wear. I saw the second shift team gather outside of the restaurant for a run down and it's clear they have a well-oiled machine inherited from their ever-so-popular sister restaurant. I have no doubt that Ema will be the same way. As for food, I enjoyed it all! You order everything at the start so they can stagger it out from the beginning. Started out with the octopus carpaccio, it was delicious and had a good difference in textures. One of the favorites that I had that lunch was the corn hummus. Aba is known for their hummus so I excited to try this one since I love corn (lol). It might even be one of my favorite hummus I've ever tried! Pita is unlimited as well and properly flavored and spiced. The must-try dish is the mushroom escargot. I had a bad experience with escargot in Austin, so I was excited to try this version that doesn't have actual snails. It was beautifully textured and flavored with bits of spice from the calabrian chilis and the acidity of the lime. The rest of what we picked seemed great, so I wouldn't say there's anything to avoid. Even though I also had a pretty innocuous chicken caesar wrap, I was enjoying every bit of it! We did have a brussel sprout and apple salad be late, but it also stores pretty well in the fridge in case you want to bring it home. Overall, you can bet Ema is here to stay. We need more staples in the Domain area, and I'm happy that Ema has made a great mark already. read more

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Service was very good. Food is also good but some were on the salty side. This place lives up to the beauty standard that its big brother has (Aba in SoCo). Pretty packed on busy peak times so take that into consideration. read more

We went at lunchtime & 3rd day opening. Raul is the GM & Mattie was our server. My date got the kebabs & chicken, Caesar wrap with fries. Customer service is phenomenal above average. We sat inside because it was 60° that day and the heater is outside. We're not working in the patio. They have Renovato the exterior patio and it's more functional now. The interior is beautiful. It is one story so it's kind of cramped inside. They do have a full bar. I read it that way basically because my food was cold the sandwich the fries everything was cold. However, my dates food came out were good so probably they waited to have his cooked to serve mine. Raul came to our table and comped our tab because of my food. He apologized and he appreciate the feedback as they are fairly new. I wouldn't give up on this place. It is Mediterranean food. No gyro sandwiches. I would give it a chance.! read more

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Finally made it to Ema. Yum yum and more yum! Went for lunch and can't wait to go back for dinner. They have wonderful shareable plates. They could easily be split between 3-4 people. My friend is a vegetarian so I let her choose our plates. The Greek salad....delish, the green beans, delish, the whipped feta - holy moly! I added a side of grilled chicken to my salad. It was juicy. The restaurant itself is sexy and the outdoor patio is wonderful! It's the best spot in the Domain. We sat at the bar outside and Andrew took great care of us: P.S. this is Aba's sister restaurant...which is just as good but on Congress. read more

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Given that this is by the same genius minds of Aba, I had to try it. The decor is insanely cute and makes you think you're in Greece but in the middle of the domain. I had my little one, and they happily stored my stroller away while we dined. They have both a high chair and a booster, which as a mom of a little one, I truly appreciate. We tried the following: Raw octopus: I would have liked this to be a little more tangy but overall it was great. California chopped: This was very fresh and zesty. White cheddar labneh: The combination of crunch, sweet, and tangy is a chef's kiss. Short rib Mushroom "escargot": I'm obsessed with this dish. I love escargot but never thought I would love the mushroom version as much. Melon & avocado salad: I was expecting the presentation of this to be a little nicer and the flavors but it was okay. Faroe Island Salmon: Loved this main dish but without the zhoug on the side it would be a very typical grilled salmon dish with basmati rice. So I wouldn't get this next time. Slow-braised short rib - this was flavorful but I'm not a short rib girl so I didn't care for it. Service was great and I do love that they have a QR code on the tables where you can pay the bill and split it as well. Makes it so easy. Will for sure go back and try other menu items & brunch on the weekend. read more

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Love Ema! Great addition to the Domain. The whipped feta alone is worth going for--so good, (super creamy with just the right amount of flavor), and the salad was crisp and refreshing without feeling basic. Everything felt fresh, clean, and really well done, and the vibe is cute without trying too hard. Perfect spot for a light dinner and drinks. read more

Ema - Mediterranean Near Me - Austin, Texas

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The food was ok, and place is really cool and the service is great. I loved the slow brisket very good but the chicken was not so well. Ambiente perfect for couples. read more

Ema - Alô - Mediterranean Near Me - Austin, Texas

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As a big fan of Aba I am not surprised by how beautiful and delicious Ema is! The staff is very welcoming and helpful. The slight differences in menu options are worth the different trip. Spicy feta isn't too spicy if you like heavy spice but the flavor is great! I prefer the slow cheetah & tan lines drinks (not similar to the thirst trap- Ema's is tequila based). They didn't have the most popular Lamb Ragu hummus which was disappointing. The chicken Caesar wasn't my favorite but the shrimp kebab was fantastic! (Also purse hooks on every table... amazing detail!) Definitely can't pick Aba over Ema or vice versa, I'll just have to go to both! read more

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YES Finally we have "Aba" up north! I'm a huge fan of their sister restaurant, but I hate that you have to go all the way to SoCo and fight for parking to eat there. Ema is probably not as well known because it was relatively easy to get a reservation, but I know Aba is notoriously booked even years after their initial opening. Our server described Ema as the "less-meat forward" version of Aba, and I'd say that's true. The menu is pretty similar, and if you've been to Aba, you'll even recognize a lot of the same dishes. I will say that's true out of the 6-7 plates that we got, I really was not a fan of two of them. DO NOT get the chicken Caesar wrap. It's quite possibly the worst chicken Caesar salad wrap I've ever had, and it looks so tiny for almost $23 with tax. There's hardly any flavor or sauce, and it's so small that the wrap folds over itself three times. I also do not recommend the falafel. It was really dry and hard to chew. However, Ema does have all of my favorites from Aba, and you can't go wrong with their (pretty much unlimited) pita bread and dips. The vibe and ambience are top notch, and our server was excellent. I'd say to be careful about what mains you get, but other that, it was a great experience and I will certainly be back again! read more

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I went to Aba once before and thought it was fine, nothing too spectacular nor memorable, but I saw they opened up Ema so I wanted to give it a shot. Don't get me wrong: nothing bad about Aba just not amazing or noteworthy in my opinion. As for Ema, firstly, it is a beautiful location with a nice ambiance. Decorated with a resort like vibe. That is something I appreciate about Aba and Ema. Very nice spot to eat. The service was good too, we got our food promptly. - Pita: When you order a spread you get their yummy pita bread! Seasoned well, decent chew factor. I enjoyed how it was seasoned. And you can ask for more if you run out. - Sweet corn hummus: I liked this one. It takes a basic hummus base and adds sweet corn on top adding sweetness and a bit of crunch. The hummus itself is creamy but not too smooth, which in no way is a bad thing, just a note. There is also aleppo pepper adding that pop of red to the dish. Presentation is amazing. No, it's not spicy, kind of wish they did put a bit of spice- that would be interesting. - Chicken Kabob: It's a good chicken kabob, but again nothing too spectacular. Probably wouldn't get this one again - Sweet Potato Latkes: My favorite dish of the night. Crispy fried edges, kind of like a sweet potato hash brown. You get a side of jalapeno crema that is creamy and smooth. Overall, Ema is pretty similar to Aba. Nothing too stand-out ish but it is good. I'd come back to try other hummus/spreads. read more

the food was very good. delicious hummus , glad of the gluten free crackers! a bit pricey for entrees. and limited gluten free options. my Gin Paloma drink was tasty BUT THE WORST bar service I have ever had ! The bartenders both young men , were negligent and didn't pay attention to whether we needed to order or have another cocktail! they spent most of their time chatting with a female server or to each other. so off putting! read more

Came here during their opening week. Loved the vibe of the restaurant and im so glad they opened up here at the Domain. I love Aba but it has always been a bit out of the way for me since im rarely in that area. Cocktails were amazing and the food was so good. I loved the hamachi with lychee and coconut cream. The whipped feta was chef's kiss. Our server was very attentive and she made the dining experience even better. Make sure you book your table in advance i overheard the hostess saying the wait was over 1.5 hours without reservations. read more

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It started off so strong but it did not end well. My husband and I went for lunch last month, we asked to sit outside so we could catch a soccer game and they were able to accomodate us. We ordered the spicy whipped feta as an app and it was delicious. So far, so good. It was our first time so we asked our server for recommendations, we went with them but when they arrived, we were both a little underwhelmed with our food. I got the spicy brisket kefta which was just essentially a kebab and a bit of greens. The kebab was flavorful but the dish overall felt lacking. My husband got the grilled chicken kebab and he found it bland. He asked the server for salt and he brought an empty salt shaker. We were just planning on telling him when he returned to check on us, but here is when the wheels fell off, the server never returned for the rest of our meal. We literally never saw him again. I had to get to an appointment so after waiting a bit, we paid using the QR code at the table and left. I was a bit disappointed because we're both big fans of the sister restaurant Aba on SoCo and I have been looking forward to this restaurant to open up a bit closer. Most others that I've heard have has positive experiences so I'm not sure if it was an off day or what. read more

ema is aba's sister restaurant, and they also have a location in Chicago which is highly rated! we made a reservation for 12:30 right when they opened, and I'm so thankful we did bc they were packed to the brim with a waiting list. if you're waiting for your party to get there, there's a cute little nook for you to sit at. the decor of the place is gorgeous and bright. love all the colors! the servers are attentive and lovely we started off with the spicy whipped feta which may have been the best part of the meal. airy, creamy, with a little spice coupled with the pomegranate seeds and fluffy pita mmm top tier. the octopus carpaccio was interesting with the apricot honey!! wouldn't have thought of that combo but it works the brussel sprouts and honey crisp apple salad was underwhelming, it tasted like a salad kit you could buy. however it was aesthetic the crispy potatoes were indeed crispy and a great shareable plate. the spicy brisket kefta was so tender and moist!! delicious with the tamarind barbecue. everyone wished me a happy birthday and they brought out a frozen greek yogurt with w candle! lovely service overall worth a visit read more

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Do NOT come here. Just don't. It's already hard to get into and I don't need it to be worse! Snuck in today after three prior tries and was lucky enough to snag a single seat at the outside bar. Great bartenders, fun and friendly vibe. Everyone was enjoying their food and ogling everybody else's! Tried a delicious Greek white wine. (7.5/10) Also had the mushroom escargot and spicy whipped feta. The escargot was okay. The bartender said it was his favorite thing ever and it didn't live up to that, but was okay. It was tasty but ended up being a lot of dry breadcrumbs, which I then sprinkled on the whipped feta. Probably wouldn't get this again. (6/10) The spicy whipped feta was phenomenal. It was topped with pistachios, pomegranate, fresh dill and some spicy topping. Just delicious. (10/10) My neighbors were having the honey cake and absolutely raving about it so I got a slice to go, as well as a shawarma bowl for my son. The slice of cake was enormous and I had to put it in two boxes. The shawarma bowl however was a teeny portion - looks like half a breast and a few tomatoes. Overall I really like the place. The portions are small and pricey but the flavors are great and the vibe is lovely. read more

Ema - Mushroom escargot. I think there were 6 mushrooms under the breadcrumbs. - Mediterranean Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I was out for an Afternoon date with The Husband and we came for lunch. It's absolutely beautiful inside, I feat transported to the Mediterranean. Lexie was our server and she was fabulous I had Prosecco & he had a Pale Ale. For appetizers we had an Amazing Hummus and bread! ( the bread ya'll ) Our main dishes where Chicken Kebab & Falafel Sandwich ( awesome) we will be back! I need to try Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta read more

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Our anniversary dinner at Ema was truly special! We loved being seated in the beautiful backyard with our dog. The spicy whipped feta with fresh veggies was a standout appetizer, and everything started off great. Our entrees came out at room temperature, and while I let it go, my husband sent his back. The timing got a little off after that, but the chef came out personally, gave a sincere apology, and comped our entire bill, what a lovely surprise! The remade trenne pasta ended up being my husband's favorite pasta ever, so it all worked out. We ended the night with the 10-layer honey cake and wow, light, fluffy, and one of the best desserts we've had. The chef even gave us his card and invited us to email him directly for our next visit to ensure a seamless experience. That kind of care really goes a long way. We'll definitely be back! read more

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The challenge here is the portion sizes. But the value was ok. They purport to be "mezze style" but the portions were really 30% too small to fill. We should have ordered one more entree for tow of us. We had Old Fashioned with floated date, Classic Hummus, Sweet Potato Latke, Briscut Kefka, and Sticky date cake. Sorry for the lack of photos we were too hungry and it was tasty. read more

My wife and I were the first people at the door when Ema opened today. We had our baby with us, yet they made everyone wait outside in the heat until 11:01. Once we were finally let in--with the restaurant completely empty--we were then asked if we wanted to sit outside, despite clearly having a baby with us. Just a complete lack of common sense and hospitality from start to finish. We've had much better experiences and service at Aba. Unfortunately, we won't be back to Ema and would not recommend it. read more

From the moment we walked into Ema, it felt like stepping into a different world. The interior is absolutely stunning warm, inviting, and effortlessly transportive. It's the kind of space that instantly sets the tone for a memorable dining experience. We were able to snag an afternoon dinner reservation, which was perfect, and every single dish exceeded expectations. The Mediterranean flavors were fresh, bold, and beautifully executed. Highlights included the crispy wild mushrooms, white cheddar labneh, and my personal favorite the spicy whipped feta (I'm still thinking about it). What truly elevated the experience, though, was the service. Richard, our server, was phenomenal, friendly, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. His wine pairing recommendations were spot-on and genuinely enhanced the meal. You could tell he really cares about the guest experience, and it made all the difference. Richard, kudos to you, my friend it was such a pleasure being taken care of by you. A huge shoutout as well to Aaron, the manager during our visit. He took the time to stop by our table, check in on us, and ensure everything was perfect. His presence was warm and genuine, and it really reinforced the level of hospitality Ema delivers. Amazing food, impeccable service, and a beautiful atmosphere this was an all-around stellar dining experience. Can't wait to come back. Hopefully they'll have a happy hour. The bar is beautiful. A great place to stop by after work to get a drink or two. read more

Ema - Spicy Whipped Feta - Mediterranean Near Me - Austin, Texas

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i'm honestly an aba skeptic but this place blew me away. would come back again and again just for the mushroom escargot it was so buttery and spicy and perfectly cooked i'm in love. i love a restaurant that has diverse vegetarian food and not just hummus and falafel. that being said, i the spicy hummus and house bread are absolutely delicious. i got the tan lines frozen cocktail and the rosa's spritz- both were perfectly summery and refreshing for a hot summer day. honorable mention to the sweet potato latkes that were gone before i even got to them. was a little worried because i reserved an outside table and it ended up being 101 degrees, but we barely felt it because the patio is so nicely ventilated and it is absolutely beautiful with all the plants read more

FINALLY got to try this place for date night and it was spectacular. Our server was Erubey and he was excellent. Very knowledgeable of the menu and patient to walk us through everything to make sure we had the best experience. He paired a perfect bottle of wine to go with everything and I wouldn't have changed a thing. The highlights were the spicy whipped feta with warm pita, the braised short rib and the pistachio Greek frozen yogurt. Everything was so unique and delicious, we can't wait to come back. The only negative mark would be the timing of everything hitting the table, could've been slowed down a bit. But this is one of the best meals we've had in a long time. read more

The atmosphere is fantastic, the music could be a bit more relaxed but the lighting, color pallet and plants are amazing. My server Richard was awesome, very knowledgeable and really made the dinner special as I was dining alone and would stop and chat to provide company from time to time. The food was phenomenal, I cannot recommend the brusslesprouts enough. read more

Ema - Reserve Cocktail menu - Mediterranean Near Me - Austin, Texas

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My husband and I recently dined here after snagging a dinner reservation on a Sunday night. We had these reservations in place for 7 weeks and we were looking forward to the ambience and trying the food. When we arrived slightly early we were assured reservation times were on time and they would seat us shortly. They honored this and sent us a text about ten minutes later. We were walked to our table which happened to be on the small patio on the side by Culinary Dropout. It was EXTREMELY hot outside and this area was nothing special. I was immediately disappointed as I never chose outside for my reservation and we were looking forward to eating in the beautiful area inside. Not to mention even with the umbrellas we were sweating the entire dinner. The positives: our waiter was amazing. So kind and came back often to check on us. He made great recommendations and we enjoyed most of the food. The spicy whipped feta is a must, as well as the spicy chicken thigh and the halibut! The sweet potato latkes and lamb ragu hummus were ok but I'm not sure I would order again. I am willing to try this restaurant out again but I was extremely disappointed that I waited two months for my reservations just to be placed outside on a 90 degree day. They sat a family inside right before us that didn't even have a reservation. read more

I went on a really bad first date here (he "wasn't hungry and just wanted to drink" so I didn't get to try the food) HOWEVER, I can speak to the amazing service at this place!! As I was walking to the restroom, my shoe broke, and Emily and Madison could not have been more kind and helpful. They literally put my shoe back together for me and turned a bad date into a positive night. They were so absolutely lovely and made sure I was okay. The bartender, Jasmine, was also amazing! She made great drinks, and I will definitely be going back to see these lovely ladies and ACTUALLY try the food! read more

Ema - Staff - Mediterranean Near Me - Austin, Texas

Lovely outdoor patio. I had the Do Not Disturb - cucumber vodka drink - it was light and refreshing. I also got the watermelon and tuna from the raw menu. It was pretty filling - I was surprised how big it actually was. Great for a hot day. It does get pretty loud, so keep that in mind. Bar service was good - did not feel pressured to leave even though they were busy. read more

Ema - Tuna & Watermelon* - Mediterranean Near Me - Austin, Texas

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