I wasn't sure whether to trust the mystery Michelin men about Ema, especially since one of their other nominations felt like a Bib Gourmand at best. However, Ema did not disappoint. Everything about the experience-- from the chaotic five-way intersection right outside to the strangely small parking lot that makes you wonder where everyone managed to park-- added to the lively energy of the place. It felt hectic, but in a good way. My party, along with the group ahead of us, found ourselves multitasking while waiting in line: deciding what to order while simultaneously scanning for an open table. Fortunately, the general manager was on the floor, actively guiding recently ordered customers to available seating, which was a nice touch. The food and drinks were delightful. I ordered the chicharrones and horchata latte, while my partner had the huarache de pollo, horchata matcha, and carrot cake. Everything was excellent, and I'd definitely return to try more dishes. read more

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I really wanted to love Ema. We popped in on a Saturday morning around 10am. The parking spaces are all allocated to specific businesses. The Ema spots when we arrived were all full. We waited for someone to leave and parked. Ema is self service dining. We both ordered the chilaquiles with brisket. For 16 dollars, I expected double the brisket that was on the plate. It was good, nothing special. I heard heard great things about the pastries so I got 3 donuts- strawberry corn, guava lime and pumpkin chai. They were all cake style donuts. Pumpkin chai was the clear winner. The other two were very rich and oily. The staff were fast and attentive in cleaning the tables. read more

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Counter service was to the point and business like. Line was out the door- but worth it. There is about 20 parking spots but we parked on the street. Not unexpected for the area. Food was soooo good! Pumpkin seed corn dona- cake donut like texture but the earthiness of corn based dough. Pumpkin latte full of spice and not overly sweet The TACO DE ZANAHORIA (Heirloom Blue Corn Tortilla, Confit Carrot, Pumpkin Seed Salsa, Greens, Housemade Queso Fresco, Roasted Pumpkin Seeds) was amazing. I can't believe it's vegetarian. My date enjoyed the PUERCO MOLE ENCHILADAS. I'm not a mole fan so can't give an honest review lol. read more

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This is a cute brunch place. Food is pretty good and unique. Definitely recommend going at least once. Although the food is good, I did find it a bit greasy to my liking, but that may be my personal taste. Don't be too discouraged to see a long line, because the service is quite fast and tables clear up quickly too. read more

Ema is a must-visit spot nestled in a modest building in the Houston Heights--it's easy to overlook if you're not paying attention. Fortunately, they offer a free private parking lot with a few spots, and there's plenty of free street parking nearby. The restaurant follows a counter-service model: you place your order at the front, pay upfront, and the staff brings everything to your table. High chairs are available, making it very family-friendly, which was a big plus for us. There were plenty of indoor tables, and the outdoor patio looked like a great option on a nice day. The service was excellent--friendly and efficient. The staff stayed on top of clearing empty plates, which kept our table organized and added to the relaxed atmosphere. A noteworthy highlight is that Ema has earned a Bib Gourmand award from the Michelin Guide. This recognition celebrates restaurants that deliver exceptional food at a great value, making it a significant honor. It shows that Ema is doing something truly special in terms of both quality and price. Here's what we ordered: [DRINKS] +Horchata Latté (iced) for $5.50 - I swapped whole milk for oat milk at no extra charge. - 4/5 [PASTRIES] +Guava Cheese Empanada for $5 - I arrived around 2 pm (an hour before closing), so the pastries may not have been fresh. The guava filling was unevenly distributed and gathered in one small corner. It tasted good, but it didn't live up to the hype. I'll need to try it fresh to make a fair assessment. - 3.5/5 [FOOD] +Suadero Chilaquiles (brisket, black beans, totopos, salsa roja or verde, red onions, cilantro, sunny side egg, dill sour cream, house-made queso fresco, with chorizo available on weekends) for $16 - 4.5/5 +Mushroom Tetela (mushroom carrot tinga, heirloom blue corn masa, salsa verde, dill sour cream, and duro blando cheese) for $13 - We requested a farm egg for an additional $2, but it was accidentally left off. - 4/5 The food and drinks overall were delicious, and I can definitely see myself coming back often to try more of the menu. My only real disappointment was with the guava cheese empanada, which Michelin had praised highly. While it didn't wow me this time, I suspect I just caught it at the wrong time and plan to give it another chance when it's fresh. Ema shines as a daytime restaurant that expertly blends Mexican flavors with a modern twist. Between the thoughtful menu, warm service, and welcoming atmosphere, it's clear why they've earned such high praise. Highly recommended! read more

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Food was good and atmosphere was great, but overall I think it was a bit overhyped tbh.

Glad I finally tried Casa Ema! Didn't love the parking situation although I did notice additional parking across the street and neighborhood. Walk up order service was quick. Ordered what I came for; the chilaquiles verdes. They were OK, nothing special. They did mix up my order, I ordered suadero(beef) but they gave me chorizo(pork) instead. I'm sure If I would've addressed it they would've fixed it but I didn't notice until the end. The horchata matcha was OK, but my favorite was the papaya salad. It was unique and delicious. Open to try again but will probably order something else. read more

CasaEma - Papaya salad - Mexican Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Cute little place for coffee and yummy brunch! Not much parking is the only downside, indoor and outdoor seating, coffee shop vibes, but with much better food in the typical coffee shop. All of the food was super yummy. We had the papaya salad which was really fresh and bright on a bed of yogurt and granola, saidero chilaquiles with a runny egg on top, and the mushroom tostada! Everything was five out of five would happily go there again and order the exact same thing! read more

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Got brunch here the other day and it was so worth the wait! We went on a Saturday and it was quite busy, the line was out the door but the line moved fast. You wait in the line and order at the counter first, then they will bring it to your table. The pastries were incredible, service was so friendly. There is a parking lot next to the restaurant but not too many spots, also plenty of street parking. The chilaquiles were definitely the star of the show, the brisket was SO tender I would come back and order these every time. read more

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This was a delicious lunch spot. Fellow Yelper Chris W. and I went with a friend to check out this popular Heights restaurant. We popped over on a weekend at lunchtime to find a line snaking just outside the restaurant. With an open space and aesthetically arranged tables, Ema has a nice modern feel to it. We were excited to try their menu and each opted for different items. I decided on the Pambazo as the description sounded tasty and I was in the mood for some pork. What a lovely lunch! I enjoyed the tartness of the cabbage, which paired so nicely with the beans and pork. The sandwich was quite large and I was able to save half to eat later. The salsa was light and refreshing. I would've been open to a spicier salsa, but I overall enjoyed the one they provided. I sampled a bit of Chris' huarache and our other friend's chilaquiles, which were similarly tasty. My favorite was probably the chilaquiles. You can tell they pay close attention to their ingredient choices, and it shows! I would love to come back and try a full round of chilaquiles or another item from their menu. They don't have many items on their menu, but everything they make seems to be a big hit and worth trying! The long line snaking well out the door by the time we left was a testament to that. Till next time! read more

CasaEma - Pambazo - Mexican Near Me - Houston, Texas

Amazing food and not overhyped! We went during the weekend so it was a bit crowded however the staff has got the system down. Bit of a wait to order but after that the staff direct you where to sit (so you can't "reserve" a table lol). Food came out pretty fast. We ended up getting the chilaquiles and it was delicious! Meat was super tender and had a good balance of acid. We finished the whole plate and probably could have ordered more. Restaurant was clean with natural lighting. Beware, parking is pretty bad on weekends. You may have to park in the street. read more

CasaEma - Mexican Near Me - Houston, Texas

Went here on a weekday before 12 and while there was a decent line it was all inside and moved quickly. The agua Fresca of the day was decent but not enough. The horchata berlinesa was good but the texture was a little too airy and not dense enough for me personally. It had great reviews though so we tried it. The carrot taco was tasty and surprisingly good. It's cold (obviously) so don't get too excited. The winner was the mushroom tetela with its perfect sauce and crispy outside. read more

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The food was great. The line moved quickly and the wait was worth it. Taking treats home from the bakery counter was perfect. read more

CasaEma - So good... this was a Sunday special. - Mexican Near Me - Houston, Texas

Oh my GOD! This spot is magic -- I've been so bored with croissants, and I loved the twist on Mexican desserts. The raspberry ricotta cheese donut and the horchata donut were to die for -- paired with Café de Olla, I felt like I was in heaven. For breakfast, we had the carrot taco, which was delicious, but the surprising winner was the papaya salad -- truly unforgettable. I can't wait to come back and try the rest of the menu! read more

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My expectations and tastebuds were completely blown away during my visit to Ema! From the kind, knowledgeable staff to the unforgettable flavors, this spot is an absolute gem. I almost made the mistake of missing out--I didn't realize the kitchen opens at 10 AM (coffee + pastries are available earlier), but there was no way I was leaving without trying the Puerco Mole Enchilada. So, I waited--and let me tell you, 100% worth it. This was hands-down the best mole I've had outside of Mexico. And yes, I definitely debated licking the plate. While waiting for my main, I treated myself to a Guava Lime Corn Cake Dona--packed with flavor and a perfect consistency--and a Mocha Cortadito (hibiscus chocolate cortado with a Jamaican powder garnish) that hit the spot. Pure perfection. The space itself has a cool, laid-back vibe with plenty of seating if you want to get some work done (note: no public WiFi). Next time I'm in Houston, this will be my first stop--and hopefully, I'll have a friend or two with me so we can taste even more of the menu! read more

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I visited this spot after seeing an Instagram reel that caught my eye--someone highlighting a Mexican café that seemed unique. Intrigued, I decided to check it out. When I arrived, I noticed a long line stretching out the door. The parking lot was quite small and already full, so I ended up parking on the street near the park. The line to order was fairly long, but with the weather being nice, my friend and I decided to wait it out. While we stood in line, we took our time reviewing the menu. It took about 15-20 minutes to reach the front, and although the line moved slowly, it had a steady rhythm. At the counter, they took my order and handed me a number. One thing I appreciated was the lady stationed near the register, who was helping customers find seats. Her presence added some much-needed order to what could've been chaotic seating setup. For my meal, I ordered the Huarache de Pollo (chicken huarache). I'd overheard someone in line mention that she'd been to Ema before and loved it, which convinced me to try it for myself. I also got a hot horchata latte. As for the pan dulce, it looked far from your average--almost like an elevated, gourmet version. I didn't try any this time, but it's on my list for a future visit. The huarache was delicious! While it wasn't a traditional long huarache meant for sharing, it reminded me of a larger sope. The masa was fantastic--rich and flavorful. The chicken, however, leaned on the salty side. That said, when you get a bite of everything together--the beans, lemon juice, chicken, cabbage, and crema--it all balances out beautifully. It felt like a slightly refined take on a traditional huarache, and I'd definitely order it again. As for the horchata latte, it was good, though nothing about it really stood out for me. Still, it was a comforting choice alongside the meal. One thing I noticed after we sat down and got our food was that the line had significantly died down. By around 1:30 pm, the Sunday brunch rush was practically over, and there was little to no wait. If you're planning a visit, I'd recommend coming later in the afternoon to skip the crowd. Overall, the experience was worth it--great flavors, thoughtful service, and a cozy vibe. I'll definitely be back to explore more of the menu! read more

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I tried to visit a few weeks ago during lunch, but parking was limited in the lot as there are a few spaces dedicated to different businesses (busy medical area) and some with none. People say there's plenty of parking behind the building, but those are on the residential street in front of houses. Luckily, I found parking when I came by at 10am on a weekday. The inside feels pretty large and is full of small tables, counters and long shareable tables. There's a dispenser for water and metal cups on the side. They should put out the silverware for people to grab as sometimes people want to share the pastries and only see the packaged utensils that are for people on their way out. Utensils are given out when the hot items are dropped off at your table. All of the pastries looked tasty, but I only chose a few different ones to try. The Guava and Cheese empanada (popular choice, requested it to be heated=not really warm) is like a fruit turnover made with pie crust and coated with coarse sugar and tastes like raspberry jam and a thin layer of cream cheese. It was okay, but the other offerings were more unique. My favorite was the Cafe de Olla Latte, which had a creamy, thick and slightly chicory flavor. Parts of the Chilaquiles bowl were warm, while others were not too hot. It was steaming, which was misleading. The Brisket was thick and meaty, similar to braised pork. The chips were thick. You can choose red or green salsa supposedly, but mine was covered with the green. I liked how delicate the thin layer of black beans coating the bottom of the bowl was. The Horchata Berlinesa (filled donut) is like eating a donut with fluffy cinnamon roll frosting. The Guava Lime Corn Cake Dona (cake donut) had thick crispy edges. The pastries seem fun to try. I'd come back for the latte. read more

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Ema was SUCH a tasty brunch spot - the food, coffee & vibes were on POINT! I look forward to going back to try their Horchata Matcha Latte! read more

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There was a line to order, to the door, as I arrived but not sure if it's from the recent Michelin Bib Gourmand nod or if it's the Thanksgiving holiday rush and it being a Saturday. Ema gets packed but the table turn around is quick. The Saudero Chilaquiles was a sizable dish. The brisket was tender and went well with the crisp of the chip and tang from the salsa verde. Each pastry we ordered was good. The Guava Queso Empanada would be better slightly watmed up, the Elote Muffin wasn't overly sweet and the Horchata Berlinesa was my favorite of the four. The Horchata Latte was good but would prefer something stronger next time. Ema's can get quite loud but you zone out from the good food and good company. Note: there's plenty of parking in a private lot. read more

This restaurant by far has the best authentic food I got the chilaquiles very delicious with lots of flavor best chilaquiles I've ever had honestly also had cauliflower with a sauce that came with it also perfection! We also got Tetelas the filling is flavorful and the green salsa has a slight kick to it. It compliments it. Also ordered the mushroom tostada that was very good as well spicy but in a good way. The almond concha was very delicious as well. Overall was not disappointed with any of their dishes I will definitely be back here to try other dishes. The only thing was there was a line and we had to wait but it was worth the wait. The inside seems a bit small and we have to wait or sit at the ends of the restaurant but definitely worth I highly recommend. Very impressed. read more

CasaEma - Mexican Near Me - Houston, Texas

The food and staff are amazing. The only complaint is that because it is so good all Houston floods it and if you don't arrive with the staff you will wait to get in. read more

My friends and I had an amazing Sunday brunch at Ema! While they don't take reservations, my friends and I agreed to meet at 1030am and the line was out the door. Luckily the weather was pleasant so we didn't mind waiting. Since it's located in the Heights, I had to resort to parking down the street. They do have a small parking lot right outside. We ordered almost everything on the menu as we live quite a ways away from Ema, and unfortunately they were already out of some pastries. Between all the items we ordered my faves were the Suadero Chilaquiles (I loved how crispy the chips remained in the sauce and the perfectly cooked fried egg), the Pink Corn Cake Donut (never had a donut like it, and I want more!), and their Cafe de Olla (love me a spiced hot coffee!). Since we didn't try everything on the menu, we've already agreed to come back (but not on a Monday when they're closed)! read more

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Interesting new breakfast/brunchy cafe. Brutalist and modern design on the exterior makes way for a more familiar traditional Mexican restaurant aesthetic inside. Service is done at the counter where you can order from a seasonal menu that changes every so often it seems. On week days the kitchen does not open until 10am, so be aware you will be limited on food options to just pastries and pan dulce. Tried the Horchata Latte and enjoyed the preparation, nice stiff foamed milk design on top and and familiar taste to go with it. Espresso could've have been more present, but flavor was still noticeably caffeine. The breads were all wonderful unique and pleasant. Some were spicy and sweet, Others savory and mild. Pictures will do what words can't for me here, but feel free to try anything that catches your eye here. Only gripe was the kitchen being closed early, but I think that might change with increased traffic. Parking could be limited so be prepared, and seating is also a bit tight, it's worth a visit after 10am if you can swing it read more

CasaEma - Horchata latte - Mexican Near Me - Houston, Texas

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My family and I visited this establishment this past weekend. Upon our arrival, there was already a line out the door around 11am, but we parked and went inside anyhow. The eating area inside (along with the small outdoor area of seating) is slim, as in not enough options or room. Additionally, their menu was unique but VERY limited. Be prepared if you're brining picky kiddos as they likely will have a difficult time finding something to eat unless it's one of their pastries. I ordered the chilaquiles with the brisket on the side for my spouse. I requested my eggs be scrambled instead of sunnyside; based on this price, I would've hoped I ended up with more than just one egg, but that's just it - I was given ONE egg. I felt like I was stuck with an expensive order of chips and salsa at the end of it that wasn't really worth it. We also ordered the pipian rojo cauliflower, which had a great taste to it. Horchata coffee was ordered as well, but the coffee was too overbearing to even taste the horchata. Additionally, I asked for light ice, and it seemed that was their cue to give more ice. Overall, it was alright. Nothing to write home about - especially for the high prices. read more

CasaEma - Chilaquiles - Mexican Near Me - Houston, Texas

I have been wanting to try CasaEma for a while, and was finally able to see the line be a manageable length for me to visit! I recommend looking up the menu beforehand, they are so efficient in the line that I didn't feel that I had enough time to choose. I got the banana pudding donut which was one of the best donuts I have ever had. Then, in a state of rushing I got a carrot taco which was unlike anything I have ever had, so light and fresh, heavy, but not overwhelming. I want to be back to try more of their larger dishes. I also got the horchata latte which was delicious, I drank it very quickly! The staff were helpful and quick to help and serve. It is a bit loud during peak hours to read, but seemed to be a good place to enjoy time with friends and loved ones! Can't wait to return! read more

I loved this place! I ordered the brisket chilaquiles and thought it was very flavorful. I do feel like there was not that much brisket on it and it was a bit pricey in my opinion for what you got. It was also a very small cafe and parking is not the best. Overall, the food was great and I will come back in the future. read more

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Rude service. I waited at the register while the guy finished his chat with the other boy behind the counter.. then asked what I wanted. How about a HELLO or some sort of welcome? The place was overpriced.. and they only have whole milk and oat. read more

I am not usually a brunch girl but Ema was calling my name and she was worth it. There was a bit of a wait to order but nothing too long, like 15 minutes. Don't miss ordering the pastries! We got the Guava and Cheese Empanada and the first bite was everything. The guava flavor was strong and the whole thing was the right balance of tangy and sweet. We also got the Pink Berry Corn cake which looked like a donut off the Simpsons. The cake immediately reminded me of corn bread and was a fun and way more savory take on the traditional donut. You still got a bit of sweetness from the frosting. I ordered the chilaquiles and they were amazing. The chips had a "made-in-house" feel and texture. Most of the time chilaquiles end up being a bland, soggy mess but these were good from start to finish. The sauce had a bit of a umph to it - not spicy - but a me kick. All of the food took me back to Mexico City. Overall a great elevated experience. Corn was the star of the show. Great taste, portions, value. Very unique and fun experience. read more

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The food and staff are world-class every time. Coffee, aguas frescas, pan Dulce, and food are all amazing. Don't be intimidated by the line- it typically moves super fast. I'm so glad I live nearby. read more

Top notch Mexican food, coming from a Mexican that likes her authentic Mexican food! This is the place to leave happy and satisfied anytime! Worth the wait worth the price for sure! read more

Great atmosphere and friendly staff! I got the Cafe de Olla Americano style, it was delicious. My friend typically doesn't like americanos but loved it. The concha was fluffy and delicious. My friend got the Corchata latte with oatmilk and enjoyed it. 10/10 would come back! read more

CasaEma - Cafe de Olla Americano Style (Left), Corchata Latte (Right), Almond Concha - Mexican Near Me - Houston, Texas

Neat little fast casual place that has very cool dishes. The Green Chilaquiles was great but a little sour due to the tomatillo. Service was counter based but friendly. The torta was massive and tasty so bring your hunger. The one issue I have is the volume in the dinning room. No sound dampening so when busy it was really loud and hard to understand the cashier. OK to talk at the table but not worth the fight. Next time I'll avoid brunch and hope for a mid week meal that is less busy. read more

CasaEma - Kitchen - Mexican Near Me - Houston, Texas

Everything about Ema is absolutely . Some typical breakfast dishes with a twist that make the food sparkle. The service is great and the owner is visible and engaging with customers which makes this place even more comfortable. Modern, brightness and cultural decor also give the space that beautiful extra touch. This easily has become my new favorite breakfast/lunch eatery. read more

CasaEma - Mexican Near Me - Houston, Texas

Ema lives up to the hype. They are very deserving of their James Beard award nomination. Came here for their pastries and coffee, but stayed for their brunch. Everything was great from start to finish. We came here as a party of 5 at 1030am on a Sunday. There was a line out the door. Luckily the weather was nice, and the line was moving at a decent pace. By the time we got to the front they had unfortunately sold out of their blue corn concha and black sesame twist w/ strawberry glaze. Not to worry though because those 2 sold out pastries just gave us another reason to come back again. We ended up trying the other 8 pastries they had available, as well as their chilaquiles, huarache, pambazo, taco de zanahoria, horchata latte, and cafe de olla. PHENOMENAL. The food, pastries, and coffee are all worth the wait. If I had to choose 1 favorite though it would be the pink berry corn cake donut for pastries, and the taco w/ spicy red salsa for entrees. Between their bright interior, high quality of their food, horchata latte, affordability, and fresh pastries, Ema might be my current favorite brunch spot in Houston. I could definitely see culturemap, infatuation, eater, and other notable food blogs naming Ema as being one of the best new restaurant openings of 2024, enjoy! read more

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I had been eager to try their menu after hearing great things from a few friends. Upon arriving, we noticed it was a "order first, then grab a seat" setup, as the line was quite long. While waiting, we saw the host approach a few families who had seated themselves before ordering and asked them to stand up. While I understand this policy, it came across as unwelcoming and unfriendly from a customer perspective. Even after my wife ordered, she was waiting for the table number so I decided to grab a seat but was asked to stand until then. After placing our order, we sat down, and our food arrived quickly. However, no utensils were provided, so I got up to grab some. To my surprise, I was stopped and questioned about where I was going, which made me feel uncomfortable. The food was excellent, but the customer service needs significant improvement. While I appreciate that they were nominated for consideration by Michelin, maintaining this level of service might not be sustainable in the long run. read more

CasaEma - Mexican Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Had a great brunch here! If you go later in the day, expect a line, but it does move quickly. I got the suadero chilequiles, a horchata latte, the guava and cheese empanada and a strawberry black sesame roll. The suadero chilequiles were so good. I ate every single bite lol the suadero was tender and the beans, sour cream, and queso fresco went so well with that runny egg. The horchata latte was nice. It wasn't too sweet which I really loved. Some of these lattes can be too sweet for me! The guava and cheese empanada is a must. It was really delicious and I enjoyed it more than the strawberry black sesame roll. I'll def be back to try other items on their menu! read more

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Ema is super cute!! We went for breakfast this fall and it did not disappoint. My chilaquiles with chorizo was so flavorful and perfectly cooked. Parking was easy behind the building. Everyone was super friendly and willing to answer questions about the menu. I'd definitely go back. read more

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The iced horchata latte was pretty good - most horchata lattes are either too sweet or just don't taste like horchata at all. This one had a subtle horchata taste that didn't overpower the taste of the espresso. The concha was more moist than the traditional concha's that you find at panaderías, it was a nice treat but personally I had to get used to the "spongier" feel. The inside is clean, neatly decorated, and has ample seating. I enjoyed the experience and plan to come back to try out some things from the kitchen. read more

CasaEma - Café Concha - Mexican Near Me - Houston, Texas

Food is good. Had Chicharones for lunch with Mazapan latte and guava empanada. The place reminds me of Panaderia Rosetta in Mexico City. Breads they serve are all good. Great discovery though a bit far from me. Worth if you are visiting the area. read more

CasaEma - Guava empanada - Mexican Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Ema does not disappoint!! I have gone a handful of times and each time I try different things on the menu. Have yet to find something that isn't delicious. There is a line out the door on weekends so be weary of that. But the staff is friendly. My only complaint is that the prices are pretty high for brunch... read more

CasaEma - Mexican Near Me - Houston, Texas