Austin is buzzing with the announcement of several new and returning culinary establishments set to open their doors in late 2025 and early 2026, promising a diverse range of dining experiences from gourmet burgers to Mediterranean mezze an…
We went on opening day at Ema and had such a great experience. The vibe was spot on and the food was amazing. We ordered the hummus and spreads, which came with warm pita bread and gluten free crackers, and everything was so good.
The mocktails were delicious and really pretty, too. The interior decor felt modern but still super relaxing, which made it a great place to hang out and enjoy the meal.
The service really stood out. The owner and manager both stopped by to say hi, which was such a nice touch. I also accidentally spilled my mocktail and even though it was completely my fault, the staff immediately apologized and brought me a new one on the house. That kind of service really goes a long way.
It is definitely on the pricier side, but it feels pretty standard for an upscale spot in Austin. Honestly, that is the only thing I could even slightly complain about.
We will for sure be going back. Nothing but good things to say.
This place is phenomenal!!! It has all the best parts about Aba, their sister restaurant, but even more elevated. The food is amazing, the staff is so efficient and sweet even with the high demand for tables. Sooo glad the domain finally got a really amazing restaurant. Will absolutely be coming back here over and over again. Lauren took amazing care of us all evening. Thanks for everything!
5.0
Last night, I had the pleasure of dining at ÉMA, and it was truly a delight. Considering it was only their second day open, everything was outstanding. The menu is designed around shareable plates, which made the experience even more fun.
We ordered several dishes, and every single one impressed us. The white cheddar labneh was incredible and paired perfectly with the sweet corn hummus. The real standout for me, though, was the Caesar salad—hands down the best Caesar I’ve had in town. It’s a bright lemon Caesar, topped with a crunchy chili element and sweet spicy pepper (not sure of the exact terms, but wow). It was refreshing, balanced, and so flavorful.
We also tried the salmon kebabs, which were cooked beautifully, and ended the meal with a date cake that was rich, sweet, and unlike anything I’ve had before absolutely outstanding.
Service was just as memorable as the food. Maya, our server, was wonderful, and Emmanuel (I believe he was our busser) was incredibly kind and attentive as well.
Overall, ÉMA is officially my new favorite spot in the Domain. I can’t wait to go back.
4.0
Yum! The vibe is all here. Aesthetically pleasing, service is top tier . Our favorite appetizer was the mushroom escargot it had the most flavor, not gonna lie everything else just tasted very “safe” if that makes sense. Still delicious tho but nothing stood out or wowed me. Definitely coming back to try some other dishes on our next visit back.
We are on dry run at the moment but drinks looked amazing! 8-10.
5.0
Just had an excellent experience at Éma in north Austin. The food was fresh, vibrant, and beautifully balanced—exactly what you hope for from a Mediterranean spot. Everything we ordered was packed with flavor, from the smoky whipped feta and Brussels sprouts to the chicken Caesar wrap and frozen Greek yogurt dessert (don’t skip that).
What really elevated the meal, though, was our server Peter. He was attentive without hovering, genuinely friendly, and clearly knew the menu well. His recommendations were spot-on, timing was perfect, and he made the whole experience feel relaxed and well taken care of.
Great food, great atmosphere, and standout service. Éma is a fantastic addition to the domain in Austin, and we’ll definitely be back—ask for Peter K if you can.
