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My friend invited me here for brunch, and I've known this place has been good for a while now. I ordered the mushroom tostada, and I thought it was tasty. However, the line, wait time, and parking situation were awful and honestly ruined the experience for me. I'm not sure I'd come back unless those issues are addressed.
It was pretty crowded for lunch on a Sunday. They have a small parking lot but you can also find street parking nearby. The line to order was a bit long, extending to the door. However, the line moves fast. After ordering, you can find a table to sit at. There wasn't any space left inside so we opted for a table in the shade. The weather was a little humid but doable. I tried the suadero chilaquiles which was a popular item on the menu. This was a huge portion. The suadero brisket was good and went well with the flavorful sauce. The tortilla chips had a good crisp to them and didn't end up being too soggy. The papaya salad was refreshing. The papaya itself was sweet and was the perfect balance to the yogurt and granola. We also tried the mole verde chochoyotes but the heirloom masa dumplings were our least favorite item. There was something missing in the sauce as if it was a bit bland. I also got an iced matcha latte which was decent. Overall, it was a good meal. Will have to come back to try more items on their menu.
I love CasaEma!! The interior is so warm, fun, and spacious. There is a cute window where you can see inside the kitchen, and they always have something interesting going on in the kitchen---from corn nixtamalizing to fruits being extracted for their seasonal drinks like Prickly Pear Matcha! You order at the counter---make sure to take a look at the pastry case and choose something to go along with your meal/drink---and then receive a number to take to your table. They have a variety of seating, from window high chairs for solo dining/cafe vibes to long communal tables where you can sit with large parties to individual tables for 4. In terms of drinks, highly recommend the horchata latte (I get it half sweet and the horchata still shines through beautifully). The cinnamon and rice notes complement the coffee so well. Matcha is good, but don't expect the super strong matcha you'd get at a matcha specialized cafe, so I go with the coffee here! The pastries are delicious---try the elote muffin (like thick, more dense and textured cornbread) and the horchata berlinesa (horchata cream filled donut). I have yet to try other baked goods, but they all look so good. In terms of food, I got the pork mole enchiladas. This was my first time having mole enchiladas so I don't have a point of comparison, but the flavors were very rich and presentation beautiful. I would recommend ordering family style, however, so you can get a taste of all the different kinds of dishes they have here. Definitely a must-visit spot when you're in Houston!
so yum!! i got the carrot taco, mazapan latte, and guava donut :-) my friend got the cajeta roll, chilaquiles, and horchata latte. While we had to wait a little to enter, the food and presentation was worth the wait. the staff is very calm despite how busy they get! i would come back for the sweets & to try other veggie options :) parking does have limited spots, but most people parked across the street
Absolutely loved it. Make sure to get there early (8-9ish) on a Sunday morning. The line had started to form. However it was actually quicker than imagined. I went with my sister and there was so many delicious options. We started with the guava cheese empanada. So delicious. The horchata matcha latte didn't have overly much flavor. The iced chai was great. Very cinnamon forward. The French toast was good. A bit sweet. Glad we did that in addition to the chilaquiles. It was nice to go back and forth between sweet and savory. The corn cakes from the bakery selection were tasty. They were great if you like corn. The almond concha was meh. Not worth the cost. I'd rather go down the road for other ones. Overall though very friendly staff. Clean restaurant with quick service. The feel is simply and to the point.
Arrived for some late Sunday brunch around 12:30pm. The line ended right inside the door and it moved fairly quick. The staff was friendly and recommended some great dishes and we decided to eat it family style like the menu suggested. Brioche French Toast: 10/10 One of the best French toast I've had. Not super sweet and the compote adds a level of freshness to the whole dish Chilaquiles: 10/10 A must try! The brisket is moist and tender. Paired with the perfect amount of sauce! Enchiladas: 6/10 I think I'm just not a fan of mole. If you like it then you'll enjoy this plate a lot. We were able to get it with chicken instead of pork and it was a hit with the others at the table. Cauliflower: 8/10 If you need another dish to share, I would recommend this. The cauliflower is soft and the sauce is savory and adds the perfect amount of heat. Chai: 10/10 I can't express how hard it is to find a good dirty chai. The chai is spicy and has an intense flavor that pairs so well with some espresso! I will be coming back for this! We did come in too late to try any of the pastries so if you have your heart set on those the staff mentioned coming in before noon.
MUST-TRY. We came on a Friday around 11:30 AM. We did have to wait in line, but it wasn't so bad, maybe about 20 min wait. My favorite was the sandwich, it's a must try, and maybe ask for 2 green sauces if you like a saucy sandwich. The French toast was full of flavor, and I liked the middle part more than the crust. Horchata donut is a must try, and for the drinks, while the horchata latte is what most people order, I actually liked the chai better! So depending on your taste buds, go for whichever you like better! Service was prompt. Def worth it to be on Michelin guide.
I'm going on a food tour this month since I'm moving soon, and Casaema was a must return for me. I love this place, I bring everyone I know here and it's my favorite brunch place ever. I ordered my favorite dish (Pambazo de Puerco, sub chicken) and also tried their peach danish. My friend got her favorite Mushroom Tetela and Romero Roll. Absolutely delicious and pro tip, whatever you order, try to get a side of the pambazo sauce. It is a green salsa with chunks of avocado in it, just incredible. Their Michelin recognition is well deserved, and I will return here every time I visit Houston. Love y'all!!
I'd heard great things about CasaEma but always hesitated to check it out due to the notorious long line on the weekends and limited parking. Finally made it in for a Friday brunch, with only a few people in line ahead of us. Lucky! The space itself is bright and welcoming. The setup is casual, order at the counter, grab a number and they will bring the food out to your table. The menu concentrates on pastries, coffee and Mexican street food/ inspired brunch items. For drinks, we ordered the horchata matcha and horchata latte, both excellent and well- balanced. For food, we sampled Chicharron, carrot taco, Suadero Chilaquiles, and chori-papa skillet. Everything was delicious, and the tortillas tasted homemade and incredibly fresh. My favorites were the carrot taco and the chilaquiles, both phenomenal! We couldn't leave without something sweet, so we shared the French toast as dessert and grabbed couple pastries for later. The pastries had a unique corn flavor and a denser texture which I really enjoyed. Overall, it's hard to go wrong here. Everything we tried was good. The only real drawbacks are the parking and weekend lines. Otherwise, I'd be here a lot more often.
Had been meaning to check this spot out for a while, but parking can be tricky. Although it busy (it was Saturday brunch time after all) seating moved fast and it was so worth the wait. It is a order to sit style cafe but service was great, everyone was nice and we even received some recommendations from the staff while in line! The food was delicious, flavor bursts with every bite. Personally the chori-papa skillet was my favorite! Staff regularly walks by check in with you and there's a self serve water station in the back! Would definitely come again!
Horchata latte was soo good that we went back and ordered a matcha horchata latte! The cornbread donut was surprisingly moist and not too sweet. All the flavors in the chilaquiles went well together and it was such a satisfying brunch! definitely recommend!
I had lots of anticipation for this cafe so my expectations were high, but they definitely were met! It was a beautiful cafe with a light atmosphere, and on a weekday it wasn't too crowded! All the food was absolutely amazing. The pastries we tried included: - Horchata berlinesa (a delicious horchata cream inside a cinnamon sugar donut) - Cajeta roll (a cinnamon brioche with goat cheese caramel drizzle) - Peanut butter chocolate mole cookie (a little spicy, a little nutty) Every one of these is so incredible, with rich and memorable flavors. The food was also amazing - my mouth is watering just thinking back to it now! - Mushroom tostada: the mushrooms were thick with a lovely roast, with a spicy sauce that's just hot enough to leave me aware of it. The arugula is a perfect fresh touch on top. - Skillet: I think this one had my favorite flavors, the eggs were so fluffy which paired well with the intense savory flavor. - Chilaquiles: a beautiful bowl with diverse flavors in a huge portion! - Pork belly: my friend got this one and I didn't get to taste it personally, but it was rich and savory with a great portion size as well. I also got a horchata matcha which was not quite as sweet as I expected, but was still delicious. Overall, I loved Casaema and I can't wait to come back to try more!
If people come from out of town, I love when I can bring them here for a weekend breakfast. They are composed of two chefs and a coffee roaster. Although I've tried most of the menu and everything is solid, my go-to order is their mole verde chochoyotes (weekends only), which is unique and delicious-you really can't get it anywhere else. I also love to split their pastries. There are so many good ones to choose from! Although there is a lot of hype over their Berlinesas and the conchas, I think any of their corn cake donas are something special that only they have. You order at the counter, and the staff help with finding a place to sit. Everyone there is friendly. Expect a wait and very limited parking if you go later in the morning on the weekends.
3 months ago
I've tried almost everything at Ema Mexican Restaurant, and it never disappoints! The food is always delicious, the pastries are sweet and fluffy, and the aguas frescas are amazing with new flavors to try. Service is fast and attentive, and the atmosphere is calm and welcoming. I recommend going early since it gets busy and the pastries sell out fast. Overall, an amazing spot! read more
3 months ago
My 1st time here and my 1st time trying. Mole verde and OMG that thing is amazing. I had regular Mole before but not the green type. Food here is amazing a bit pricey on the bakery but they are good. Parking is super limited on site but there is a big parking across the street , doesn't have any sign but you can park there and it's free. read more
2 years ago
Enjoyed checking out this spot - menu is really interesting. Lots of (what I consider) authentic Mexican options and takes on classics. I ordered their on-special pork belly tacos and they were excellent; super succulent pork in great spices. Biggest win for me personally here is the pastry and coffee drink selection - I was in heaven. Interior is light and airy; somewhere you would want to hang out for a while and catch up with friends. Parking: small lot; be mindful of reserved parking signs read more
4 months ago
After receiving the Bib Gourmand from Michelin, we had to check out Ema. So I took my wife for her birthday breakfast. It is order at the counter, which surprised us. We ordered a big selection of the pastries (all of which were delicious), chilaquiles, another entrée I cannot remember that had eggs, and the Horchata Latte. Everything was delicious. Service was great. Glad to have this neighborhood gem in the Heights. Only issues is the parking. We were lucky we went on a Tuesday morning, so there was not a line and there was a parking spot available. read more
Reminds me of the the times I was in Mexico! Everything tastes fresh and the different flavors (like pumpkin salsa) together really work! I got the Chilaquiles and my friend got the mushroom tostada. We also got a selection of pastries due to yelp- and everything was so good it was hard to pick a favorite. They also had a special- coconut tres leches, and I was basically in food heaven. There is a line as it's the new hot spot, but the line moves quick. And once inside it's fast served with friendly staff. read more
29 days ago
3 months ago
Truly amazing food, coffee, and service!! I cannot wait to come back, and I truly think anything from this place would be absolutely amazing!!! read more
3 months ago
Casaema is an amazingly great place to enjoy authentic Mexican food! Visited the place a couple of times before, and today we had breakfast. My wife had the Puerco Mole Enchiladas and I had the Suadero Chilaquiles. Deliciously delightful! The place is clean and the staff are friendly and service is excellent! I recommend this place 101%!!! read more
Came on a Sunday afternoon. My friend was playing some music so we came to support. The line to get food was very long, we probably waited 30 minutes to order and find seats. But food came out fairly quick. I had the chorizo chilaquiles and it was very flavorful and yummy. My drink I tried the horchata matcha, and my friend had the latte. Both were really good! They also have an assortment of pastries available, I opted for a concha. Overall was a decent experience. I would love to come back and try some of their other menu items. read more
11 months ago
Love that the raza is thriving and showing off their delicious mexican cuisine and yummy brews! The restaurant is beautiful, modern, little small but aesthetic. You'll start by getting in line, looking over the menu and order your food at the counter and give you a number where they will bring you your food at your table. We ordered both the horchata latte and matcha. We really enjoyed it, the latte was strong (which I love) and can really taste the horchata. To eat we got the red chilaquiles and huarache de pollo. Both dishes were upscaled from how they're traditionally served which was super cool to see and were bursting with flavor. Honestly, the only real downside of this place was parking. We got lucky but the parking lot only has about 6 spots reserved for the restaurant or else you'll have to find parking in the neighborhood so be prepared for that. Other than that, delicious, beautiful food, modern coffee shop, and friendly service. Would come again! read more
8 months ago
Wow! Firstly I have to give props to how they move their queue! All though it is a walk up ordering system they have some one seat you after you've ordered, keeping the line moving really quickly. Food was amazing and so were all the drinks we ordered. Everything was super clean and delivered quickly. Special shout out to the chicharrones love loved the flavor profile especially the grilled onions, because it was very strongly lime. As a second gen Mexican can totally give stamp of approval on food!!!!! Sometimes upscale Mexican place totally miss the mark but CasaEma is Michelin recommended for a reason!!! read more
Went with a friend and got the pambazo de puerco, the chilaquiles, the horchata latte, and the piloncillo chai. The pambazo was huge and very filling. A bit bland but overall worth the price. (5/10) The chilaquiles were definitely better, but standard in terms of flavor. (5.5/10) The horchata latte tasted like a very watered down latte with no taste of horchata. The chai also tasted just like a regular chai. (4/10) Overall, would come for the food more so than the drinks. The parking is also limited. read more
1 year ago
There was a line when we got there around noon, but it moved quickly. Parking was a little limited, but not too bad. I had the puerco mole enchiladas (Olotillo Blanco Tortillas, roasted Pork, Mole Negro, Sesame seeds, arugula salad) and the mole itself was sooo flavorful -- left me wanting more! Can't wait to come back and try the huarache de pollo read more
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
2 years ago
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
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
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
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
2 years ago
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
1 year ago
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
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
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
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
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
10 months ago
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
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
11 months ago
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
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
1 year ago
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
1 year ago
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
2 years ago
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
1 year ago
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
10 months ago
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
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
2 years ago
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
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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Ask the Community - CasaEma
Is the noise level loud and I can't take my elderly Aunties who are hard of hearing?
No, it's not loud even when crowded. They also have patio seating.
Do they take reservations for lunch?
I don't think so! You order at the counter and find a seat afterwards.
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Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
5 reviews that are not currently recommended
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CasaEma - mexican - Updated September 2026
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