Easy to find parking in the garages by grimaldi's or by frost gelato. Friendly staff and great food and it was so beautifully decorated inside We had the short rib hummus, grilled chicken, shrimp kebabs, blistered green beans, and the honey cake. My favorites were the hummus and the shrimp kebabs. They do not disturb drink was also very refreshing. read more

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We had a wonderful dining experience here! We started with two rosé wines, and both were excellent. From the mezze menu, we ordered the Mushroom Escargot and the Hot Honey Halloumi, and they were both absolutely delicious. The flavors were unique, creative, and unlike anything we've had before. For our main courses, we had the Grilled Chicken Kebab and the Spicy Brisket Kefta Kebab. Both were incredibly tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked. The brisket kefta, in particular, was packed with flavor and was definitely the highlight of the meal. I was so hungry by the time the grilled chicken arrived that I completely forgot to take a proper picture before digging in, so please forgive the less-than-perfect photo! The only downside was the wait time between the mezze and the kebabs. It took quite a while for our main dishes to arrive, but aside from that, the atmosphere was warm and enjoyable, the food was outstanding, and we had a great time. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for delicious food with unique flavors. read more

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It's a cute spot, with the interior just looking very pleasant. The food is solid and well done. I'd say that while everything was very good, not one dish really just hooked me in an exceptional way that made any specific lasting impression to crave or come back for. I can't help but compare it a bit to Aba, where it felt like the dishes here were overall somewhat slight downgrades from ones I know and love from their sister restaurant. The lamb ragu hummus just made me crave Aba's crispy short rib hummus, and the spicy hummus just made me want the muhammara. They were great with accommodating dietary restrictions and allergies, though it felt like the menu was inherently more limiting than Aba as well, with dishes not really being able to be adjusted as well. Overall still a pleasant new spot, and I always appreciate somewhere that will cater towards people with food allergies including gluten. read more

Ema - Mediterranean Near Me - Austin, Texas

This is the hot, new Mediterranean place in The Domain. It definitely has Domain vibes/prices. Nonetheless, we had a nice time. A group of us shared appetizers. I got the spicy whipped feta, but my favorite appetizer was the mushroom escargot, which is buttery, garlic mushrooms served like snails. For my main, I got the spicy beef kefta. I got it because I haven't seen brisket on a Mediterranean menu before. These kebabs were just ok, in my opinion. It was a consensus that the appetizers were better than the mains, so I would suggest sharing a bunch of small plates when you come here. I do prefer its sister restaurant, Aba, over this place. read more

Ema - SPICY BRISKET KEFTA - Mediterranean Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Nice appearing place but fair food. Located in The Domain but easy to find parking in the nearby garages. We were seated outside which I would not recommend in the future. There is way too much noise from people going by and the band at the neighboring restaurant. Most of the time we were almost yelling to hear each other and this was outside. We started off with the Classic & Spicy Hummus. There is no question the hummus is quite good here. The bread is fresh and they were quick to refill out basket when we started getting low and we still had quite a bit of hummus left over. Just to keep things simple, we both had the grilled chicken kebab. The chicken is good but the meal is pretty bland. It's made in a yogurt marinade but seriously lacking any flavor. The marinade needs some lime juice, onion, salt, turmeric, and saffron to say the least. The chicken was cooked well, but again, devoid of any real flavor. It's served over basmati rice, but again... add a little saffron. It's an attractive restaurant but again, I would never sit outside again given the noise level. Service was good but got annoying at the end. Our server pointed out some cube on the table we could scan and pay at the table. But when we hadn't done that soon enough for his liking, he returned to the table with paper bill in the traditional binder. What ever happened to the days when you could enjoy a meal and sit for a few minutes to relax. And do you really have to hound us? Can we just pay when we are ready? After that, the server stopped refilling our waters which we ran out of given the extreme heat outside. Overall, the hummus and bread are great; the food, from what we tried, was just satisfactory. The service, started out good but then took a turn for the worse. Maybe next time we will just order hummus to go and avoid the attitude. read more

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The setting speaks for itself, and feels like an oasis within the Domain. We were seated outside, but next time I would request inside as it has a clean, modern decor and lovely ambiance. The food was on par with the environment. All plates are for sharing and we split the Brussels Sprouts and Honey Crisp Apple, the Spicy Whipped Feta spread, the Sweet Corn hummus, the Mushroom Escargot, and the Branzino. The Spicy Whipped Feta is a must and was the perfect balance of feta and spice. The Mushroom Escargot was creative, but not quite as tasty as we had hoped. And the branzino was tasty, but a small portion to split among more than two. Overall, a lovely spot with delicious Mediterranean food. read more

Ema - Brussels Sprouts and Honey Crisp Apple - Mediterranean Near Me - Austin, Texas

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We stopped by Ema after a hike and enjoyed drinks and appetizers on their outdoor patio. The waiter was fantastic, and we definitely connected when it came to our views on food. The sweet potato latkes were delicious, and everyone loved their drinks they were refreshing and well balanced. The pita bread was also excellent. We tried the roasted eggplant as well. I liked it, but didn't love it, although I'm not a huge eggplant fan to begin with. My mother-in-law, on the other hand, absolutely loved it. The only reason I'm knocking off a star is that the restaurant is on the pricier side and the portions are fairly small for what you pay. Other than that, the atmosphere was great, the patio was beautiful, and we had a very good experience overall. read more

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Our server Jacob was attentive and great. I learned that this restaurant is a more feminine approach from Aba. Reservations are kind of hard to get so we ate at 5PM. They currently don't have a happy hour but probably because they are so busy. The inside is so pretty, soft glowy and the green in the ceiling just makes you feel cozy and relaxed. Drinks were very different and I enjoyed mine "Do Not Disturb". Our favorites were the halibut, mushroom escargot and tuna & watermelon. Everything else was delicious. I wouldn't get the halloumi again, it was cheese trying to be like tofu, but I understand halloumi is hard to make well (Devil May Care had a great dish! I tried making it for a salad and failed.) We were leaving and ended up in the back where there is this bar and more dining. So we sat at the bar and had a round of drinks and dessert. Their greek yogurt was so refreshing in this heat. Our bartender was so sweet. I like it here and would come back! read more

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Sad to say I have mixed reviews! The area 10/10, vibes are so good. Super cute interior tropical Mediterranean oasis, with a big patio deck and bar that's all first come first serve. Only sad part is it's not covered. They offer the full menu outside which is amaze! We sat on the covered outdoor portion of the restaurant which was hoppin on a Friday night. We ordered cocktails to start. I had the lychee margarita which was out of this world but felt like nyc pricing for a cocktail. They have a full bar, beer, wine etc. for apps we did the hummus, whipped burrata, Brussels, and falafel. The bread for the dips was incredible, we kept asking for more. And the Brussels were yummy too. Falafel was a bit of a disappointment, not sure what they were going for but didn't taste super traditional. We tried the spicy brisket kebab as well which was tasty but had a kick! And the shrimp kebab which was also good. My main disappointment was price per dish and quantity of food. Pretty pricey for small portions that didn't blow my mind. Everything was good, but not something you crave to come back for, minus maybe the margarita. Our server was great, and I like that they have QR codes for check out where you can split the bill or pay in full (nice for groups). Overall not bad but not somewhere I'd come back to for the cost. read more

Ema - LYCHEE MARGARITA - Mediterranean Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I love that Ema is at The Domain because you can make a whole day out of it, grab lunch or dinner with your girlfriends and then go shopping afterward. It's such a cute spot for a special occasion or just a fun girls' day. The ambiance inside is beautiful, cozy, and inviting. The service was excellent, and of course, the food was amazing. I ordered the salmon kebab, and it was so flavorful and perfectly cooked. I also recommend ordering a few sides to share with the table. They have plenty of delicious vegetarian options too, so there's something for everyone. One thing I really appreciated was how easy it was to split the bill among multiple people, which made dining with a group super convenient. Overall, Ema is definitely a place I'll be coming back to! read more

IN MY TOP 5 RESTAURANTS IN AUSTIN! The food was so fresh and flavorful! Everything was seasoned to perfection! The menu selection and decor of the restaurant send you right to the Mediterranean. This will definitely be a restaurant that I recommend to anyone that comes to Austin! Our server was incredibly sweet and accommodating. read more

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I've been obsessed with Aba for years, so I had high expectations walking into Ēma... and somehow they still exceeded them. The spicy whipped feta deserves all the hype, and the chicken kebabs, shrimp kebabs, and brisket kefta were all incredible. Every bite was fresh, perfectly seasoned, and packed with flavor. The menu has that same elevated Mediterranean feel I love, but with its own personality. The only downside? I waited this long to try it. Being so much closer than Aba, I have a feeling Ēma is about to become my new go-to spot. read more

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Located next to Culinary Dropout, Ema is a can't miss restaurant at the Domain. We stopped in and sat at the bar for appetizers and cocktails. All were delicious but the standouts were the spicy feta, watermelon and tuna salad, the "do not disturb" and "Rosa's spritz"cocktails. I wanted to try the "Flora's Cora" but they couldn't substitute vodka for gin- not sure why though. We ordered it anyway and it was just okay but I am not a gin lover. The decor is beautiful and creates a great vibe with all the greenery and Mediterranean decor. We'll definitely be back for dinner. read more

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The Domain desperately needed an upscale, beautiful spot like Ema! I was thrilled to finally be able to visit. Reservations are impossible but we walked in for an early dinner on a weekday and had no issues snagging an outdoor table in their gorgeous courtyard. The whole dining experience is a vibe. Kicked it off with some top notch cocktails - highly recommended the Don Higo! Our server was super friendly and helpful in guiding us through their extensive menu. Everything is shareable/family style. We decided to try: 1. Whipped feta spread served with hot fresh pita bread (made in house). So epic. Definitely worth a try! I wish they offered a spread sampler so we could try more! 2. Sweet Potato latkes - these were delicious! 10/10 recommend. 3. Mushroom Escargot - this was okay, I could've skipped it honestly. My least favorite item. 4. Shrimp kabobs - I liked these (great quality shrimp, grilled to perfection!). I will be trying either the chicken or salmon kabob next time. We got the panna cotta for dessert which was light and refreshing. I can't wait to come back to Ema, experience indoor dining in their main dining room, and try more of their incredible drinks and food! read more

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This place is so cute for a nice yet casual meal! The ambiance of the patio is lively. The music is agreeable. The staff is attentive. Note - some spots are closer to trees, so beware of falling organic matter if sitting in a table at the corner of the patio. I enjoyed everything I got (see photos). My favorites that I would get again are the charred eggplant spread and the green beans. I'd love to try a different hummus. And I don't regret getting the mushroom escargot. Everyone should try it once! read more

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11/10 Ema may have just become my favorite restaurant in Austin. I went in expecting to love it, but somehow it still exceeded my expectations, and that's saying a lot because I was already a huge fan of Aba. Everything we ordered was incredible: * Spicy whipped feta, absolutely lived up to the hype and is a must-order. * Hamachi and charred avocado with gluten-free crackers, fresh, flavorful, and beautifully balanced. i've never tasted anything like this so much flavor and not fishy taste * Crispy Brussels sprouts, the real star of the meal. They were hands down the best Brussels sprouts I've ever had in my life. I genuinely wish I could eat them every day. Brisket kefta was also really good! * Darling beer from Meanwhile Brewing, so good that I was obsessed, and I don't even like beer. * Froyo with olive oil and salt, surprisingly delicious and absolutely worth trying. The service was just as impressive as the food. Our waiter JAson knew the menu inside and out and gave us fantastic recommendations throughout the meal I literally can't wait to go back Every dish felt thoughtful, unique, and packed with flavor. Ema isn't just a great meal, it's a culinary experience. Highly recommend. read more

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My second time at ēma was improved! The staff and server were just as great and the food was better. I enjoyed everything we got! I got another N/A Hugo spritz which was perfect. Then we shared a variety of things! The falafel was definitely expected my expectations, normally when I ordered falafel places it's dry but this wasn't and the tzatziki served with it was the perfect pairing. The brussels sprouts & honey crisp apple salad was delicious, we ordered two different dressings on the side I really liked the honey mustard one and my friend enjoyed a lemon vinaigrette. The perfect sweet corn hummus was good but I think aba's spreads are better still. The crispy potatoes were really yummy, we got the cheese on the side. They were crispy and fluffy, my only minor change would be to make the pieces smaller so you get more crunch but other than that they are worth ordering! As I said in my last review, the patio is gorgeous and seriously the perfect escape, you don't even feel like you're sitting in the Domain. Can't wait to come back again. read more

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My long time Yelp bestie Raisha was visiting Austin so we went out for lunch! We were able to snag an open table reservation a few hours before. The interior decor is gorgeous. It definitely puts you in a great mood to eat some mezze with friends. We had an amazing wait staff who was hospitable and very descriptive for recommendations. Between us 3 adults and 2 toddlers, we shared: Kefta kabob, chicken shawarma bowl, mushroom escargot, lamb ragu hummus, unlimited pita!!!!,2 raw appetizers, chicken tenders/fries, buttered pasta. It was plwnty of food! Each item was between $15-25 roughly. All items were very easily shared and split. I loved the mushroom Escargot, it definitely reminded me of Paris. Haha. haven't seen anything like that in town so that was a cute find! Between the hamachi avocado and octopus carpaccio, all the flavors were sweet yet refreshing at the same time. The carpaccio was my favorite as it had beet chips to accompany the bites. Wow texture and flavor explosion... The ambiance, portions, flavors.. would absolutely have another girls night here. read more

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Ended up at Ēma in the Domain after hearing it had that polished Mediterranean feel, as well as being the sister to Aba. Aba being one of my favorite top tier restaurants in Austin, I was excited to see what they could bring to the domain. Atmosphere: Beautiful space. Light, airy, plant-filled, and a little vacation-y without trying too hard. It has that "nice dinner" feel but still stays relaxed, which I appreciate. The patio is absolutely the move if the weather is cooperating, but the inside is just as pretty and has a good lively energy. I'd even recommend the outdoor bar area especially during Golden Hour, the placement of trees makes it perfect. Food: This is where Ēma really shines. Everything feels bright, fresh, and built for sharing. The spreads are a must--especially if you're into hummus, whipped feta, or anything you can drag warm pita through. My all time favorite and must get will now forever be Sweet Potato Latkes, the perfect crip with the avocado creme and japaleno just makes it delectable. Service: Polished, friendly, and helpful without being too formal. They gave good recommendations, paced the food well, and kept the table moving without making us feel rushed. Wrap-up: Ēma is an easy 5 stars for me. Gorgeous space, strong service, and Mediterranean food that feels fresh, flavorful, and genuinely fun to eat. Definitely one of the better dinner options in the Domain. read more

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Made it to the Domain to try Aba's sister restaurant Ema. It is another beautifully decorated space, with a big tree and lights inside. There is also a spacious patio area under the trees outside with an outdoor bar. We tried a few of the specialty cocktails, including the Don Higo and Heel the Rail. The Don Higo was a favorite with the fresh rosemary, and coconut - had an almost buttery finish to it. We came for happy hour so stuck to some bites on the lighter side - snapper crudo, tuna + watermelon, and green falafel with beet tzatziki. Will have to come back for dinner to try some more hot mezze, kebabs and entrees, but the service was good, the vibes were lovely. I would recommend snagging a reservation as the restaurant was still full even on a weeknight. read more

Ema - bathroom decor - Mediterranean Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Ema is great! Everything we got was amazing. Always recommend the whipped feta and hummus. We loved the brussel sprouts, Greek village salad and crispy potatoes to munch on. We also got the chicken kebabs and slow braised short rib which was insane. Honey cake was INCREDIBLE and the sticky date cake was good too maybe just a little burnt? Service was just a tad slow but they're new and still ramping up so give them some grace! read more

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Ema might be the best restaurant in the Domain, and it's not even close. The food is exceptional across the board. It starts with these tiny warm bread bites and a spread of different hummus, and it only goes up from there. The fresh fish is cooked beautifully, the desserts are awesome, and every single dish lands. Even the girls were happy, working through their buttered noodles and the fresh pita. The space might be the best part though. Easily the most beautiful interior at the Domain. Plants everywhere, gorgeous lighting, a European, Greek-island kind of feel. It's genuinely romantic and the cocktails are great. A couple honest things. It's popular so the wait can get long, and the prices are high. But that's about what you'd expect for a nice spot in the heart of the Domain. Neither one knocks it down. If you're at the Domain, this is the one. read more

We were greeted warmly for our reservation and made to feel special right away as we were having lunch to celebrate my friend's birthday.Thankfully, it was the perfect day to sit outside under the trees. We started with some delightful cocktails and then shared several dishes. The whipped feta was excellent, and we also enjoyed the green falafel, brisket kebabs, and melon salad. The melon salad was a favorite for us both and rounded everything out perfectly. Service was attentive throughout the meal, and the whole experience felt relaxed and celebratory. We're already looking forward to going back. read more

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Went to celebrate our son's birthday. I had made reservations a month in advance. We got there and were told there is a 20 minute wait. Apparently there were people sitting for 3 hours after eating and not leaving. It had rained so their outdoor seating was closed. The server was apologetic and tried to get us situated but it took a long time. Once seated our server told us it's best to put in everything up front because it would take Time to get anything else after that. He probably checked on us 1 time after the order was place. The drinks were okay. All non alcoholic, but wasn't a fan of any. The lemonade was quite tart for the kids. The hummus bowl came out quick. It was yummy. The lamb pasta, cauliflower and chicken kebab plates were good. The Brussels sprouts were by far the best in everything we ordered. While their crispy potatoes were compared to McDonald's potatoes, no one cared for them in our family. They don't celebrate birthdays. While most restaurants including Michelin stars we've been to give something small and special, Ema does not. They don't have to, but we've never been to a place that doesn't. So we bought our own dessert. They did give us a signed card for our son and he liked it a lot. Overall it was okay. They do. Have a lot of vegetarian options so that's a plus for someone looking to eat less protein more veg. read more

Ema - Birthday Card - Mediterranean Near Me - Austin, Texas

A friend was in town for the weekend, and invited me out for dinner and drinks. I had told her about this new place Ema in The Domain. So we made plans to meet up around 7:30pm I earlier had tried to make reservations on their website, but the earliest, EARLIEST was 10pm!!! But the bar outside is open seating. So we thought we would take a chance. We did see 2 people getting ready to leave, what perfect timing, so we snagged their seats at the bar. The bar was packed, the restaurant was packed, I mean, this place is just incredible. We both looked over the menu for cocktails. But as I was watching the bar tenders make drinks I was just ordering what looked awesome. This one drink had a rosemary sprig, lit on fire, smoking, smelled so good. I love everything rosemary. My favorite herb! I was like, I want that right there. I don't care what's it in, I want it. Most delicious, beautiful drink I've ever seen. The drink is called Don Higo. I also got a mockingbird which is a non alcoholic drink, but the bartender added vodka to it, I just liked the pineapple, and pomegranate combination. Really fresh clean, pineappley flavor with a little vodka. I had been here before with another friend who shared his salmon kebabs with me. So I knew tonight I had to get the Salmon Kebab's. Salmon Kebab's comes with fluffy warm, buttery white basmati rice. The salmon is on a metal skewer with red peppers and red onions. There is a green zhoug "sauce" which was minty. And a juicy lemon wedge. Love lemon on fish. The restaurant was busy, and it did take a long time for our meals to come out. I'm not even hating on that. My friend and I talked, caught up, had a couple cocktails, I mean, it was just a wonderful night. When our meals did come, we couldn't get over how wonderful everything looked. Plated beautifully. We just stopped our conversation and just enjoyed the flavors of our meal. Funny cause when we got inducted into the "Clean Plate Club" we both said, "notice how we just stopped talking" Just an amazing night. Really enjoyed catching up with my friend. I needed this night out. It's been an emotional exhausting week. Ema, you're my new favorite restaurant. Just stunning inside and out. Craig, you're my favorite server! read more

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THE BIG: Sister restaurant to Aba and located in the Domain in North Austin. Absolutely beautiful boho chic interior with lots of plants for the vibes. Garage parking available. THE BLACK AND WHITE: The wife and I came here with our newborn son on a friday afternoon. There was a long line and fortunately they were taking walk-ins. Our wait was about 20 minutes before we got seated. We ordered the spicy whipped feta, crispy maitake mushrooms, spicy brisket kefta kebab, and the ora king salmon. The mushrooms were amazing. Stringy and a blast of umami. The ora king salmon was a bit overcooked however the sauce was great. The kebabs are always a hit and was full of flavor. THE FINAL BAMBOO: All in all, we spent around $123 for the four dishes. Good meal however I think Aba is better down in South Congress. read more

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Hospitality makes a big difference to me- great service can carry a meal even if the food is just okay, and that's exactly what happened here. Our waitress was incredibly friendly and attentive. We were celebrating a one-year-old's birthday, and she matched the energy perfectly, which made the experience feel special. The space itself is beautiful- very Tulum beach vibes with neutral tones that I loved. As for the food, I wouldn't say it was bad, but it didn't quite meet my expectations, especially considering the connection to Aba. A lot of the dishes felt like fluff without much substance, if that makes sense. That said, there were some standouts. The crispy potatoes with rosemary and scallion crema were easily my favorite. I'm slightly embarrassed to admit I almost finished the entire plate myself, but they were actually filling. The mushroom escargot was phenomenal. It had a subtle heat from the Calabrian chili oil breadcrumbs and felt really unique. We also ordered the branzino and brisket kefta, along with the spicy whipped feta, Brussels sprouts, and a few other items. While everything was fine, the meal as a whole didn't feel very cohesive or well-rounded. read more

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I'm still thinking about this meal, and honestly wish I lived in Austin just so I could come back regularly. We went here after spending the morning at Viva Spa in The Domain, and it ended up being the perfect afternoon lunch spot. The atmosphere felt light and elevated without being overdone, and everything we ordered was so fresh and flavorful. Our waitress was incredibly kind and informative, which made the whole experience even better. You could tell she genuinely knew the menu and cared about making sure we had a great time. This is one of those places where everything just works. The food, the service, the setting. It felt like the kind of place you accidentally turn into a weekly ritual. read more

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Let me start by saying I wish I had the whole weekend just to explore this menu in it's entirety. If there were ever a time I truly just wanted extra real estate in my stomach it would be to eat here. I really, genuinely loved everything we tried. We set our reservation almost 2 weeks in advance and really wanted to sit outdoors but the day we ate there it was raining on and off and they gladly transitioned us into indoor dining. The restaurant is beautiful both inside and out, just like it's sister location Aba (which I love and have frequented, review posted.) The service is great, they take your order, bring it out, check on you, and leave you alone. It's perfect. We ended up coming here for lunch ( which we overheard ends at 4pm) so we ordered off the lunch menu. Spicy Whipped Feta - 10/10 this was delicious, light, flavorful, full of texture and spices, but not too spicy. We loved this spread, my husband ate it with pita (which he rated average) and I ate it with gluten free pita chips, which were delicious, great flavor and crunch. Melon & Avocado Salad - 10/10 this should not work. Nothing about these ingredients says, "oh yes that sounds great together." Yet here we are. It worked. It goes together. It was amazing. Sweet, salty, refreshing, perfection! Crispy Wild Mushrooms - 10/10 These were delicious. I have a weird obsession with mushrooms and these could not be more perfect. My biggest complaint is that there wasn't more. I need this to come in a big back portion. I could live off of these! Sweet Potato Latke - 10/10 These were so good I want to try with everything in me to recreate these at home. We almost always have sweet potatoes and these are definitely going to be attempted at home. The avocado and jalapeno crema was the perfect touch! Grilled Shrimp Kebab (Oishii Shrimp) - 8/10 I wanted to love this. The shrimp were good, the rice was good, the sauce was good, but the sauce was overkill. It covered the shrimp AND came on the side. It was too much. The dish was also not hot. Warm, not hot. We also didn't get the roasted tomato but didn't notice until after we left. This would be perfect with a small portion of roasted or grilled veggies. I understand that veggies can be ordered on the side but those feel more like apps not to go alongside a meal. Either way, it was the one slight of all the other dishes. The flavor was delicious nonetheless. Honey Cake - 9/10 This cake was SO good! Light, not too sweet, not heavy or dense, would be perfect in the fall with a cup of freshly brewed black coffee. I didn't really get the lemon zest that it says it has. I think the light citrus would've made a difference. The cake was still amazing and actually worked for a rainy day but for a sunny day, I would really have liked to feel that vibrancy from the lemon zest. Next time I go (because I will be back) I am hands down going to try the vanilla bean panna cotta! This menu is great for those looking for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, they truly have something for everyone! read more

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I was really excited to try this place since I like Aba, and having something similar in the Domain sounded great. The ambiance is very good--lively and great for a night out. Service was also solid. Definitely make a reservation, as it gets busy. Coming to the food, it was a bit of a mixed experience, especially for vegetarians. The hummus with fresh pita bread was really good, but the Brussels sprouts salad was a miss. The falafel felt overcooked, and the grilled cauliflower was just okay. Portion sizes also felt a bit small for the price. On the non-veg side, the salmon was good. Overall, great vibe and service, but the vegetarian options and portion sizes didn't quite meet expectations. read more

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Ēma is the relatively new sister restaurant to South Congress' Aba. I was taken there to celebrate my birthday. Ēma is a Mediterranean mezze restaurant where you share small plates. This was a perfect concept for my daughter and I. On this lunch, we tried the Lamb Ragu Hummus, the Spicy Whipped Feta, the Sweet Potato Latkes, and the Mushroom "Escargot". My daughter enjoyed the zero proof, Hugo Spritz and myself the Palmer's Paradise. And we finished with the honey cake. My favorite dish was the whipped feta. Those were served with a cracker that seems to be house-made, and I forgot the name of. The other dishes were served with pita. I really enjoyed the latkes and mushrooms as well. All of those dishes were well seasoned. The Lamb Ragu Hummus was good but a little underseasoned at both the ragu and hummus level. The pita served with it was good and served warm. I personally would've preferred if they served warm, soft whole, pita versus cut and toasted pita. Both of our drinks were light and refreshing, and the honey cake was absolutely delicious. It got taken home since after sharing the other plates we were more than full and could only enjoy a few bites of the cake. It's very tall and sweet but moist and light at the same time. It feels like they're still getting out a couple of kinks from being new but it's definitely a restaurant that I would go to again with one more friends. read more

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

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The vibes were here but food was slightly a miss for me. My husband and I came on a Friday evening at around 5:45p. We didn't have a reservation, but we walked in and got a table in about 20min. The space is gorgeous with plants and boho furniture everywhere. Service is fantastic as well. They brought us the wrong dish and corrected it immediately. For the food, I wasn't a big fan. I liked the whipped feta and the salmon kebobs. The lamb kabobs and salmon main dish was very dry. We also ordered the fried mushrooms which was okay in my opinion. Pita and pita crackers were always fantastic. read more

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Updating my review to add a few more items we tried: Hits: -Spicy Hummus (they were great about being proactive with the extra pita, much appreciated) -sweet potato latkes (delicious, perfect amount of crunch) -mushroom escargot (not AS great as the first time BUT still solid. Make sure you add some of the crunch to your hummus for a little texture punch!) Miss: -Big eye tuna (boy noted that the marinade seemed to have been just thrown on. I get it keeps the brightness of the fish, but we would have loved a little more flavor/long time marinating) read more

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We love Aba in SOCO. So when we heard a sister-restaurant would be opening, we knew we had to give it a try. The vibe of the restaurant is great. Feels similar (but lighter and brighter) than Aba. It was quite busy, with most tables being full. There's plenty of Domain parking garages nearby, or a valet spot right out front. But that street gets quite busy, and hard to circle around. The hostess and service were great. The food was fantastic! Faves of the night were the beet and horseradish dip (though I couldn't really taste any/much horseradish). The chicken kebab was just the same as Aba, and great. And the sweet potato latkes. Amazing. If I happen to be up at the domain and need a spot to eat, then would def try and get in here. But otherwise will stay close to home to Aba! read more

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I was expecting something stellar from the Aba group when they added this restaurant to the domain area. Since this place just opened, it is still finding its bearings, and a lot of the dishes we ordered were overseasoned or underwhelming. We came on a Monday evening to check this place out, and since I had made a reservation online, we were promptly seated. The interior and all the decorations are aesthetically beautiful; for that aspect of the restaurant, I'd give the designer 5 stars! It's definitely a place to get some good social media photos. The service was prompt, and she gave us good suggestions on what to order. My husband and I started out with the whipped feta spread, which might have been a mistake, as the dish tasted overly salty; the Kofta that came with it was superb. We also ordered the hamachi and avocado crudo; however, the server informed us that the kitchen was out of it, so we opted for the salmon crudo. When the salmon crudo came out we were both underwhelmed by the size as well as the flavors that the chef tried to mesh together. When you ate the Salmon crudo, none of the flavors enhanced the fish quite right, and they all seemed to mesh together. The following items that came out were the spicy brisket kebabs and the crispy mushrooms. The spicy brisket kebabs were meatballs with tzatziki and BBQ sauces, slaw, lettuce cups, and mint. The flavors were good; however, the kebabs were dry. The last thing to come out was the Crispy mushrooms, which were probably the best item we had. The ambiance is quite nice here, as for the food, I'd have to say I'd rather go out to Aba. It was a miss for me, but hopefully on my next visit, things will have improved food quality-wise by then. read more

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

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Let me tell you that the inside of this place is gorgeous. You need to make sure I get a table in the middle of the restaurant so you can see the status of it. They also have an outdoor area which is sweet. Definitely get a reservation or you will wait forever for a table. Luckily, I made one and we got to sit in an amazing area. Our waitress was so nice and you exactly what to recommend cause we told her we loved this restaurant to this place and she gave us a whole background story to how it came to be and what the names mean and that was just so cool to know. So we didn't know what to start with we did say how much we loved the hummus from ABBA so she said to try out this sweet corn wine that it was delicious and she was correct. It was so good. You can literally lick the plate. We then also got the mushroom escargot and it was so good. It literally was almost like actual escargot. We also tried the Hamachi and it was very fresh and not fishy which means they get a good source of it. Lastly, we shared the chicken bowl and let me tell you the rice with the pomegranate and it was so delicious. The chicken taste tasted so fresh. Overall, this restaurant is great. They also have a full bar so you can get whatever drink you want and they had a great wine selection. I tried a Greek wine rosé, which was so nice and light. I will definitely be coming back to try out more stuff. It is a beautiful restaurant whether you're going for a date night or lunch or just a girls day or night. read more

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Today I met a Yelp friend for lunch at Ema (pronounced E mah) at the Domain Northside. It was my first time visiting whereas my friend has been there three previous times. She met me with her cute little son, who looks like a Gerber baby. Fun facts...Ema means Mother in Hebrew and Abba means Father in Hebrew. Abba on S. Congress is Ema's brother restaurant. When you walk into Ema you are totally transported to a Zen haven - lots of greenery, straw chandeliers and soothing colors. There is a tree inside the restaurant, and you literally can dine under a tree...how cool is that? Also, there is indoor and outdoor seating, with open windows which allows a small breeze to flow through. Another area of Ema is currently under construction. It looks like a hut you might find at a resort. We ordered Sweet Corn Hummus (aleppo, chive, black lime), Brussel sprouts (crispy shallot, pumpkin seed, agrodolce) and Crispy Potatoes (mizithra, rosemary, scallion crema). All dishes are shareable with good size portions. While I liked all dishes, Brussel sprouts were hands down my favorite. The Brussel Sprouts were crispy, airy and flavorful. Important to note, Ema has a rewards program. Also, there is ample free garage parking as well as street parking. The menu is a little on the pricey side, but well worth the price. Calen, our server, was excellent. He spent time sharing his favorite menu items. He was also very attentive. Really enjoyed the meal and catching up with my friend... read more

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Came here for the first time for some drinks the other night and had a decent experience. The restaurant itself is beautiful and has some nice outdoor seating but I wasn't very impressed with the menu. Everything was a bit overpriced and our server was not very nice. Overall we had an okay experience but left slightly disappointed. read more

Ema - Mediterranean Near Me - Austin, Texas

Ok So first things wait time. I have heard a few people mention how long and hard it is to get in. We have to remember they just opened about 2 weeks ago. So it's gonna be tough. Now is it worth that wait. I found the menu very well created. Plenty of options for everyone. Even the drink menu has Zero proof options. My group ordered just about all of the main specialty cocktails. All tasted amazing. For the food we ordered two spreads and some brussels sprouts Then we all ordered something different from the sandwich space. All of it was delicious. The one thing I will say as to why I'm not given 5 stars was price. I feel the price could be knocked down maybe 2 dollars on everything. Other than that it was definitely worth it. For the space it's very well curated and welcoming. The staff especially was very kind and welcoming. Although I wonder how that will last with it just opening I'm sure they have the employees stacked to give off good turn over times for orders. But if it stays as such I will be pressed to find anyone else that can offer the amazing service. We had Maya as our main server and she was absolutely fantastic. She gave great recommendations and was so attentive. I'll be going back for sure even with the prices just maybe not as often as I would like. read more

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