Love this spot. Been here couple times, brunch and a late lunch i think we ordered the dinner menu. Great service, and the food was amazing. Thoughtful and flavorful read more

Wonderful brunch experience at Emma's Torch this morning. Staff was attentive and friendly...food was delicious! Would recommend the avocado toast & Mexican street corn! read more

Easily one of the best in the neighborhood. Fantastic food, great friendly service. Also a huge bonus they now have a side patio. We had drinks, an app and took food to go. We've now gone 4x and it's always been consistently delicious. Will continue to go back. Must try. read more

Not only was everything I ate so scrumptious from the cavatelli with corn and the grilled branzino to the succulent brisket, but everything also felt so local and fresh! I loved hearing about the backstories to the sustainably sourced wine and teas -- it made me realize how carefully thought out the entire experience was! Add to that the social impact behind the hiring and training of refugees and you have a culinary experience that is making a difference in the world. I can't wait to bring friends back here! read more

Black-eyed pea hummus was amazing as were the salt cod fritters. Had the delicious cod and chestnut strozapretti as entrees - both great. Though all of that was too much for two people we couldn't resist. We really enjoyed our bottle of Tempranillo as well. Friendly service to boot. Looking forward to going back soon. read more

Great food, great cause, great service. Could really use a makeover atmosphere-wise. It's good that it's not pretentious especially given that there's a valuable social project that it's working for, and I'm glad they're not spending their money on day lighting design instead of the people who they're trying to help start their life in this country, but... it wouldn't take much to make it a bit cozier and more in keeping with the excellent food. read more

Hands down this was the best fried chicken sandwich I have ever had. And the pastrami sandwich was so freaking good. Actually everything I have ordered here is delicious. Run, don't walk. read more

Such a great meal at Emma's Torch. Everything we ordered was delicious - hummus, lamb meatballs, fried artichokes, chicken and brisket. Also love their mission. Will definitely be back!! read more

This place is DELICIOUS!!! I have shared the wings, hummus and chicken with friends. we all agreed the chicken was out of this world juicy, the sauce on the wings was genius, and the hummus had the perfect, off-beat kick I hadn't known I was missing. PLUS, by eating there, we were supporting a wonderful org that is actively training and creating jobs for refugees (eg people who have endured, risked, and sacrificed a lot to get here). It is a rare treat to indulge in delicious food, while also supporting such good works. And who doesn't love an Emma Lazarus reference?!?? read more

We loved the spirit and mission and the blends of traditions and foods. All the dishes had wonderful seasoning, were tender, fresh and had interesting flavor twists. Black eyed peas hummus was lovely. Roast chicken had great spice mix on a bed of vegetables and beans. We all enjoyed the the pistachio bread pudding desert. read more

I came here for an event on a Friday evening. The food was great! The restaurant itself is very cute and probably seats around 40 people total. The business help survivors of human trafficking. I had hummus, salmon, gnocchi with butternut squash, and pistachio bread budding. The food was flavorful but the portions could have been bigger. read more

Our family had a marvelous bon voyage dinner for our daughter at Emma's Torch - delicious food, wonderful service, lovely atmosphere. I can't say enough good things about this restaurant - we had a special family event with a large group from overseas/across the country, and on a week's notice, Sara put together a family-style menu and arranged for a very special evening. The experience was even better than anticipated, and we were all so impressed with the quality of the food/wine/service. Delicious black-eyed pea hummus, meatballs, kale salad and wings for starters, with mains of short ribs, striped bass and butternut squash pasta. Amazing butter cake for dessert, and pistachio bread pudding (a huge hit!). Thank you so much for a truly memorable evening! read more

A restaurant serving great food with a noble cause is always much appreciated. On our visit to this restaurant we also got to see their personal herb garden outdoors which made the food feel very special. We ordered the slow cooked lamb shawarma, branzino on a bed of onions + peppers, corn cavatelli pasta and finished with the pistachio bread pudding. All of the dishes were very well prepared and were on point. Must try! read more

Emma's Torch empowers refugee students to grow as chefs. By the time they graduate from their program, they have the skills necessary to build a meaningful career in the food world. How wonderful is that. The food is equally as fantastic as their mission. read more

Emma's Torch is awesome. Went for dinner during happy hour with a group of college students, visiting the city on an educational trip about immigration. The founder met with us to talk about their mission, which was so kind of her. The food was AMAZING! It is a bit pricey, but for the quality of food and to support such a great mission, it's worth it. Plus, there are some deals for happy hour. Definitely worth a visit! read more

The concept alone for this place is awesome. They hire and teach refugees how to work in the culinary field. The cuisine here is diverse and executed well. Fairly priced and intimate with a staff that seems to love what they do. Excellent brunch, especially the plum compote waffles! read more

Came here on a Saturday night and it wasn't crowded. The Black Pea Hummus and the Chicken were some of the best things I ever ate. The portions were generous which is not a bad thing at all! The presentation was beautiful and everything was seasoned perfectly. I definitely plan to come back and tell more people about Emma's Torch! So good! read more

Came as a group of 5 for brunch. We were all excited to try Emma's Torch because of the incredible mission, great location, and rave reviews. While all that true and very nice, we will all be back because of the INCREDIBLE FOOD! We ordered the entire menu and then spent the rest of the day arguing over which dish was the the best. After much debate, we came to no consensus and will simply have to return soon to order the entire menu again. Needless to say, you must visit! read more

See all

Let me start off with this, we love your mission statement. Had dinner here last night. We arrived around 630 and were told to sit wherever we'd like. We took a seat towards the back because we didn't know how crowded it might get. We were greeted promptly and attentively. We sat, ordered beers (they don't have wine yet). We tried the checkpoint, which the waitress said was unusual, ahe didn't mention its like the tartest lemonade/beer you ever had. Unfortunately, I had to send mine back for an IPA. Also, she didn't know how to pour beer. We then ordered appetizers, the black eyed peas hummus and chicken wings. Both were amazingly, super flavorful and delicious. Our mains were the salmon and grilled veggie skewers. The salmon was cooked to perfection, the swiss chard and potatoes, not so much and lacked seasoning. The veggie skewers were barely average, underseasoned, over charred and who knows what the cold accompaniment was. The service was good, the atmosphere very nice. Food was average. I'll not be back, but I love the mission and will donate instead. read more

Emma's Torch - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Just arrived home after a lovely evening and meal at Emma's Torch. The food was amazing, the staff was terrific and atmosphere on a cold, rainy night was peaceful and warm. Thank you for a fantastic meal, an excellent means to help men and women in need. I wish survivors the very best in your future endeavors. Thanks to all involved with Emma's Torch and for making the world a better place. Lisa S read more

I went to brunch at Emma's torch and from beginning to end it was an amazing experience! The huevos rancheros were the best I've had, as was the avocado toast!! Their mission is inspirational and i can't wait to come back!! read more

Emma's Torch - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

See all

CANNOT RECOMMEND MORE HIGHLY. This place has incredible food and service - with the best avocado toast I've had in NYC - and a great sunny vibe. You'll also be contributing to a great cause and moved by the company's amazing story. Must visit for anyone looking for an excellent brunch in NYC. read more

Delicious brunch, combined with supporting an important mission to train refugees; this might be one of the best ways to spend a weekend in Brooklyn. Add in awesome scones, a charming garden, and great service. If you're looking for a way to indulge and be part of positive change in our community, this is the place. read more

Fan-effing-tasting. Everything about our dinner made for a great dinner. The yellow squash cabatelli, black-eyed pea hummus, and poulet cocotte were all full of good flavor. The portions were uber-generous. Above all of that, the service was perfect. I wish every restaurant had knowledgeable, gracious, and hospitable people like Emma's Torch. read more

I really can't imagine a better brunch experience. Emma's Torch is intimate, loving, and filled with positive energy. The food is absurdly good. Had avocado toast & poached eggs, home fries, homemade iced tea, mimosas, and some latte. Everything was DELICIOUS and super filling. The staff is incredible (Kim was our waitress!), the other patrons are filled with positive energy, and the cause is so special. If you want to have a weekend brunch with some friends and want to feel awesome, full, and delightful doing it, I cannot recommend Emma's Torch enough. read more

Yum! What a wonderful addition to our neighborhood :) Went to dinner last night at Emma's Torch and couldn't have been more pleased. First, the black-eyed pea hummus was delicious. Then, I had the brisket (a gamble on such a warm summer night) which was so tender and not heavy! My husband got the chicken that was juicy and cooked perfectly. They did a great renovation of the space - it's light and airy! We will definitely return and look forward to trying their brunch! read more

Good food, lovely location, and a great cause. What's not to like? Come early, check out the garden, stay a while. You won't regret the trek to Red Hook. read more

This is a truly amazing, unique, one of a kind restaurant. The setting is intimate, the food is delicious, the side yard seating when the weather is nIce is picturesque. But what really makes Emma's unique is the non-profit mission to give refugees career support through the culinary field, the very same people who are cooking your delicious meal. In other words, every meal you eat is directly helping those in need take control of their future and improve their lives. That warmth and spirit is so alive in the restaurant that you just can't help but feel great after a meal at Emma's torch. read more

This is one of those rare gems that manages to excel at both social impact and fine dining. Our meal was delicious, from the hummus to the fried artichokes to the cous cous. The ambiance was elevated but not stuffy, making for a relaxed meal. Their staff were not only friendly but eager to ensure that our needs were taken care of. Having all of this while knowing that the restaurant is thoughtfully creating opportunities for refugees is rare and inspiring. I highly recommend dining here. read more

I was pleasantly surprised by Emma's Torch. They get points off for that table that's right next to the door. That's some real short-sighted-ness on someone's part. Thankfully we asked to be moved to the window two-top, which was absolutely beautiful on a Friday night. We even had a nice drama of a tow truck harvesting cars in the wild! We had the corn pasta cavatelli. Don't know why this is called "Charred," as nothing was burned on this one! This was an excellent dish, and I think it easily could have had a whole stick of butter in it! The black eyed pea hummus is not recommended because it is too plain! I appreciate that this restaurant employs refugees, and this is a truly amazing New York City restaurant that represents the best of New York City in New York City!!!!! I applaud Emma's Torch and I look forward to their Fall menu!!!! read more

Great food, people and a strong mission statement, Emma's Torch has never been a disappointment. Have been there multiple times over the course of the last couple of months. So glad for its presence in Carroll Gardens! read more

Great food and service. Loved the lamb shank and hummus. Go for Happy hour and get the meatballs.

We came for Home/Made, but were pleasantly surprised to find the pop-up Emma's Torch in its place. We had the shakshouka and mushroom galette--both were delicious. Great coffee too and a mission I can get behind! read more

Emma's Torch - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

The concept is fantastic and the food was delicious at dinner -- a "hummus" made with black-eyed peas instead of hummus, a delicate slice of branzino on a lively mix of onions and peppers, a tomato salad with a dressing that just brought out the excellence of the tomatoes, an interesting corn pasta bowl and wellprepared chicken. The waitstaff still needs some work -- gave us a dish we didn't order, tried to take the food away three times before we finished, and so on. But the noise level -- over 90 db! -- was physically painful. It can't be legal to make the staff work in that. I won't be back unless I can find some time when it is empty. read more

Delicious food, comfortable setting with plenty of high chairs, and love that it supports a good cause.

Delicious cosmopolitan food inspired by the students at this culinary school-restaurant and you can see the students prepping right through the window. Feels homey...great spot for a date! All photo creds go to Giada Randaccio Skouras Sweeny @giardass_photography read more

See all

Really fantastic. It's a lovely space and staffed with lovely people--all in support of a great cause. If you're at all concerned about coming to eat somewhere where students are learning to cook, don't be--the food was absolutely top notch. I've been three times already and plan to go back. We get the hummus every time. I've had the house salad--which is a really unique, hearty dish with a few pickled ingredients. Way more flavor and substance than you'd expect in a house salad. I've also gotten the grilled veggie kebab, which is PERFECTLY cooked with a really nice, fresh cold bulgar salad. And for desert its pretty much mandatory to try the pecan bread putting. They have a great selection of beers from some local Brooklyn breweries that support them--so it's a small but quality beer menu. Have had a few IPAs and a delightful sour so far, and expect something new to be there next time I go back! read more

Not only is this restaurant helping refugees gain cooking skills that can help them find future employment, the food here is excellent as well. The decor of the restaurant is also great. It's very airy, and we found that we could still get a table despite walking in for Sunday brunch. Would definitely recommend this place! read more

Fantastic restaurant in every which way. The coffee is amazing. Super strong and great taste and bottomless cup. We had the shakshouka and the pancakes. Both were very good though next time I will try the waffles instead of the pancakes. This is a special place and they are doing something amazing. Look no further and head to Emma's Torch! read more

This place is amazing! Super cute atmosphere and amazing brunch food. Food highlights: fresh out of the oven homemade donut holes (one of the best things I ate here, and maybe ever). Also had the poached eggs on avocado toast (as good as they look!), home fries, and toast with homemade butters - all fantastic! read more