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Ēma’s first Texas location is officially opening its doors to the North Austin community on Jan. 31.
The details
The Mediterranean and California-inspired restaurant will open its third location at shopping center Domain Northside.
Created by Lettuce Entertain You, the new restaurant is a sister-concept to Aba, located on South Congress Avenue.
Customers can enjoy lunch and dinner service featuring a “vegetable-focused, mezze-style menu,” as stated in a news release. The menu offers a lighter style of California cooking and prioritizes vegetables and seafood.
Diners can look forward to ordering signature dishes such as Sweet Corn Hummus, Broccoli & Kale Hummus, Crispy Wild Mushrooms and Grilled Oishii Shrimp Kebab.
To pair with meals, the restaurant offers a bar program with cocktails like the Tequila Yuzu Espresso Martini and zero proof options.
The restaurant started its story in Chicago’s River North neighborhood in June 2016, and launched its second location in Glenview, Illinois, in September 2024.
The team behind the Austin location consists of executive partner and divisional president Marc Jacobs and chef partner, “Top Chef Duels" winner CJ Jacobson.
“We’re excited to expand into North Austin,” Jacobs said in the news release. “So many of our Aba regulars now live, eat and shop in The Domain, so this location is a natural next step for our growth.”
Jacobson said the team has been met with support from the community since Aba’s opening in October 2020.
“We look forward to introducing our guests – both old and new – to Ēma and to continue learning and drawing inspiration from Austin’s diverse culinary scene,” Jacobson said in the news release. “Openings always bring fresh ideas and refinements that we can’t wait to share.”
