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    Emma's Torch

    4.7 (138 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 4:00 pm

    Emma's Torch Breakfast & Brunch Restaurant Photos

    Business Info

    EMMA'S TORCH ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Intimate
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Emma's Torch

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    Omelet sandwich
    Alex H.

    Emma's Torch in Carroll Gardens is a neighborhood cafe serving coffee, breakfast and lunch fare while providing impact to the refugee community in the form of culinary training aimed to help refugees secure jobs in the food industry. We went for brunch and enjoyed a brown sugar latte and hawaij mocha alongside a omelette sandwich made with caramelized onions, potato and spicy mayo as well as the waffle breakfast sandwich topped with egg, candied bacon, cheese and seasonal preserve. This is one of our favorite neighborhood cafes we have added to our rotation and we appreciate the mission Emma's Torch just as much as the food

    Amy W.

    Loved this coffee shop in Cobble Hill! The prices were incredibly reasonable, and the drinks were delicious. I was also really impressed by the organization's mission to use proceeds to help train refugees in the culinary arts. I came on a Sunday, and it was busy but still had seating available. They also served desserts and small bites. The interior was also comfy and clean. We got a lemonade, hibiscus mint, and arnold palmer to-go. The hibiscus mint was absolutely amazing - it is lightly sweetened and so perfect on a warm day.

    Hawaij spice hot cocoa
    Margaret L.

    Lovely spot for a coffee or a bite! I happened to walk by on a Sunday afternoon and had to go in because the courtyard looked so inviting. The hawaij spiced hot cocoa was served in the cutest mug. Hawaij is a spice blend used across Yemeni cuisine in dishes like soups/curries/coffee, and I loved the extra dimension it added to the hot cocoa. I actually ordered a second cup for the road. The staff were pleasant and happy to answer questions about the menu. Quick shout out also to the culinary training program Emma's Torch has for refugees - such a great cause and makes me feel good to patronize this business! This would be a great spot to get some work/reading done in the daytime, since there is plenty of seating both inside and outside as well as wifi and a restroom. I didn't try any food but plan to on my next visit. If it's nice out, definitely sit in the courtyard and enjoy the view of the Carroll Gardens brownstones stretching down the block.

    Chrissy M.

    Wow great food and service. Kitchen is only open until 3pm but they have pastries and whatnot for after. It is a cozy little hidden gem for a good cause. I'm so happy I finally tried this spot ! Excellent cinnamon bun!

    Brunch menu.
    Fiona Z.

    Some portions were definitely smaller than others, but Emma's Torch does have a strong mission to do good. I like that they have a simple and short menu. They were also very nice to accommodate me and my friends without a reservation during brunch hours. -1 star for the lack of portion size consistency My friend said the southern breakfast was too salty ($14). He didn't even finish his grits. I quite enjoyed my French toast ($13) but it became too sweet toward the end. Another friend ordered the mushroom tartine ($13) but the portion was so small that we went to another restaurant afterward. The seasoned fries ($7) were heavily seasoned which was a mixed bag. I don't know if I really tasted the garlic or fennel, because it seemed overwhelmingly like paprika.

    Pancake, hummus + pita, and hash
    Yeraldine S.

    Emma's Torch Mission: To empower refugees, asylees, and survivors of human trafficking through culinary education. This alone should have everyone wanting to stop by and support this business! We made reservations for brunch and were immediately seated Sunday morning. The service was attentive throughout our time there but what really wow'd us was the flavors in all of the dishes. It's a tapa style - so the plates are smaller but it's a good idea to try a few. Plates: Black-eyed pea hummus with a homemade pita House pastrami hash w/ a sunny side egg Strawberries & Cream Pancake Don't forget to order a coffee & a mimosa :) I couldn't choose my favorite dish but after realizing what I saved for last I would have to go with the pancake. It's charred up for a little so it gives it a nice crunch but everything was delicious. Great food & great cause. I'm already eyeing their dinner menu and I can't wait to return! #EmmasTorch

    Kenny C.

    Emma's Torch is one of the most amazing businesses in NYC. They employ and train refugees so they can find work after their time at Emma's. Stopped in on a snowy day, and got a glass of white and a fried chicken sandwich. This restaurant space used to be one of my favorite fried chicken restaurants (Wilma Jean), and this one is a worthy replacement. Giant chunks of super crispy chicken. Lot of slaw. Pickled celery. Super messy. But SO GOOD. Came with a giant side salad. Service was great. Love everything about this place!

    Turkey meatballs
    Morlene C.

    More so than when I review other businesses, I'm taking a very holistic approach to rating this restaurant. I definitely feel extra warm and positive towards Emma's Torch because of their programs providing refugees with culinary training, ESL classes and interview preparation. I wholeheartedly support their mission to empower refugees, asylees, and survivors of human trafficking through culinary education. This is all to say that the food wasn't the only driving factor in my decision to dine here, but it was definitely the cherry on top. My table ordered a variety of dishes including the turkey meatballs, tamarind bbq wings, vegetable tagine, pumpkin cavatelli, and beet salad with goat cheese. Every dish was thoughtfully prepared and so seasonally appropriate for this Fall season. The goat cheese in my beet salad was impeccably whipped and the beets were fresh and sweet. I stole a bite of my friend's vegetable tagine which was flavorful and hearty. The ambience was cozy and quiet the Sunday evening I dined here. I love that the menu rotates seasonally, so I'll gladly return to try future menu items.

    Matt M.

    We loved everything about this place! For those unfamiliar with Emma's Torch - this restaurant offers a 10-week paid apprenticeship program for refugees, asylees, and survivors of human trafficking as a pathway to a full-time career in the hospitality industry. It's no surprise that graduates of this program are in high demand, given our wonderful experience at this restaurant. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable, attentive, and friendly. We dined for brunch and ordered the black eyed-peas hummus (served with the most delicious, soft, house made pita), and two orders of the house made pastrami hash. So what?! We are that basic couple whose tastes have converged after years of nesting together *shrug* The black eyed-peas hummus is definitely unique - it's difficult to pinpoint the mix of spices, herbs used in this dish - but please do order this! The pastrami hash was perfection - a sunny side up egg, served over a potato hash with small bits of pastrami mixed in. This dish was a bit spicier than expected, but it was excellent! Also, their coffee is solid. So solid, that in fact, that I asked the waitress for the blend/origin and she came back to me with the name of the brand/supplier. Talk about attention to detail! I look forward to returning to this restaurant to support such a worthy cause (AND also, because their food is damn delicious!). Reservations highly recommended.

    Waffle breakfast sandwich, crispy chicken sandwich, fries and a latte
    Lolin L.

    Workers at Emma's torch were extremely friendly, from taking our order at the counter, to handing us our food and helping us clean up. This is an order at the counter and sit down kind of cafe. Their kitchen is opened until 3pm. Late afternoon on a Saturday, all their tables were full. We got an order of fries, crispy chicken sandwich, a waffle breakfast sandwich which is a weekend special, and a latte. Their latte had a dark espresso flavor that balanced well the amount of milk in a latte. The waffle breakfast sandwich is made with a sunny side up egg, Canadian bacon, cheese, blueberry compote? Sandwiched between two quarters of a Belgian waffle. I was thrown off by the blueberry but it actually was such a nice touch that balanced the saltiness of the Canadian bacon. Definitely more of a knife and fork job but I enjoyed every bite! Crispy chicken sandwich was made with a juicy crispy chicken thigh and refreshing slaw. The fries are dusted with some harissa seasoning I believe. Very crispy. We both enjoyed our meals a lot! Will definitely be back. Loved the mission of this place as well.

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    7 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Fantastic, creative food. I loved it, and my super hard to please husband loved it.

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    7 years ago

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    8 years ago

    Amazing food (get the hummus!!!!) and a wonderful mission. This is a perfect spot for brunch, dinner, or drinks. Definitely recommend!

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    7 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Delicious food, fast and courteous service, and all for a great cause. The avocado toast was delicious.

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    8 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    9 years ago

    Terrific meal, lovely service--and you'll leave knowing that you've been a part of a gracious and generous social enterprise!

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    Emma's Torch - breakfast_brunch - Updated May 2026

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