As the ice finally melts and the city gets back out and about, there’s a new reason to explore the dining scene this weekend: Much-anticipated concept Ēma is finally debuting in North Austin on Saturday. The first Texas location of the Mediterranean- and California-inspired restaurant from Chicago-based Lettuce Entertain You hospitality group, the new sibling concept to South Congress hot spot Aba will feature a 5,000-square foot indoor-outdoor restaurant at Domain NORTHSIDE.
Chef partner CJ Jacobson.
Meaning “mother” in Hebrew, Ēma focuses on lighter fare, with an emphasis on vegetable- and seafood-forward small plates. The concept helmed by Top Chef alum CJ Jacobson features signature dishes such as octopus carpaccio, crispy maitake mushrooms, sweet corn hummus, and a grilled halloumi kebab. Cocktails highlighting Mediterranean ingredients include the Tequila Yuzu Espresso Martini, featuring Lalo Blanco, Oka Yuzu Vodka, Beatrix espresso, and Demerara yuzu bitters, and the Don Higo, made with Uruapan charanda rum, fig, coconut, rishi Greek mountain tea, honey, and rosemary.
The new restaurant opens its doors Saturday, Jan. 31 at 3120 Palm Way, Ste. 170 in Domain NORTHSIDE. Read more at emarestaurants.com/austin or follow Ēma on Instagram here.