CasaEma
Mexican restaurant · Greater Heights
5307 N Main St Suite 100, Houston, TX 77009
Highlights
James Beard-nominated cafe with Mexican pastries, chilaquiles
James Beard-nominated cafe with Mexican pastries, chilaquiles
"A James Beard Award–finalist cafe that blends a coffee shop, bakery, and Mexican brunch counter, open early (7 a.m.–3 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m. on weekends). Pastry and drink highlights include conchas, blueberry scones, blue corn conchas, buttery elote cornbread, and berlinas (brioche doughnuts filled with horchata pastry cream seasoned with cinnamon, anise, and citrus), alongside a horchata latte made with condensed rice milk, optional whole or oat milk, cinnamon, and either espresso or matcha—the matcha reads as white-chocolate–like, while the espresso (best cold) gives a roasted note that pairs with cinnamon. The kitchen serves inventive Mexican dishes such as enchiladas, huaraches, chilaquiles, the lone taco (taco de zanahoria with a toasted blue corn tortilla, confit carrot, pumpkin-seed salsa, and house-made queso fresco), hoja santa French toast (thick brioche soaked in hoja santa custard with strawberry compote and whipped cream), and a vibrant papaya salad with yogurt, house granola, blood orange, and an agave-lime dressing. The intentional lack of Wi-Fi encourages guests to be present in the experience." - Brittany Britto Garley
"This Heights bakery and counter-service cafe has had a clutch on the Houston community since its opening last year, and it’s still making waves. Most recently named a finalist for the James Beard Award’s Best New Restaurant category, Ema has made a reputation for highlighting Mexican foodways through its pillowy conchas, pastries, and fulfilling breakfast and brunch plates. Check the pastry case for the offerings of the day — the berlinesa and blue corn concha are favorites. For brunch, you can’t go wrong with the French toast with brioche and hoja santa custard, the sweet papaya salad with yogurt and agave lime dressing, or the suadero chilaquiles. Know before you go: Though it’s technically a coffee shop, too, there’s no free WiFi here. Prepare to use your hotspot, or just close your laptop to fully take in this dining experience." - Brittany Britto Garley
"Breakfast is just the starting point at Ema, a newer Mexican bakery and cafe in Houston that garners lines extending outside its doors. Following significant experiences in the worlds of coffee and taquerias, James Beard semifinalist Stephanie Velasquez and partners Nicolas Vera and Marlén Mendoza take the possibilities of corn seriously at this Heights outpost, where they illustrate the beauty of Mexican bread and dining by way of the country’s produce, grains, and native ingredients. The menu highlights Mexican foodways through delightful breakfast plates, refreshing coffee drinks and aguas frescas, and plenty of outstanding pastries. Try the French toast with brioche and hoja santa custard or the sweet papaya salad with yogurt and agave lime dressing for a dish you’ll remember Ema by." - Marcy de Luna
"This Mexican bakery in the Heights is full of surprises. On Ema’s menu, you’ll see words like “blue corn” and maybe expect a tortilla, but gotcha, it’s a crumble on top of a sweet concha. Or maybe you’ll clock “horchata” and think drink, but find this cinnamon goodness whipped into a cream and then stuffed inside a donut. While breakfast here doesn’t start until 10am on weekdays, which is a bit of a bummer, ordering a coffee and pastries at the counter makes a delicious way to pass the time." - gianni greene, chelsea thomas, julie takahashi
"Pastries are taken very seriously at this James Beard Award-nominated bakery, where the flaky creations are made fresh every morning. It’s no wonder that the conchas, which have earned a reputation as some of the softest in the city, often sell out fast. Get there early to snag a seat and savor popular dishes like the French Toast, featuring brioche soaked in a Hoja Santa custard and served with whipped cream and berries. For a savory option, consider the huaraches — tender masa cakes topped with black beans, grilled chicken, salsa paloma, cabbage, and a dollop of sour cream, and don’t forget to take something from the pastry case home. The masa cornbread and blue corn conchas won’t disappoint." - Brianna Griff, Brittany Britto Garley
