CasaEma
Mexican restaurant · Greater Heights ·
Globally inspired Mexican fare, outstanding pastries & unique brunch plates
Globally inspired Mexican fare, outstanding pastries & unique brunch plates
"Holds a Bib Gourmand, Michelin’s designation for 'good quality food for a good value' and a 'personal favorite' among inspectors." - H. Drew Blackburn
"I’m happy to wait in line for the airy, light-filled room and the pastry case at this Houston spot where choices like the horchata berlinesa and hibiscus-dusted concha compete with breakfast and lunch dishes such as thick French toast blanketed in strawberry compote and spiced hoja santa custard, and savory wonders like the taco de zanahoria — a confit sweet carrot on a well-hydrated heirloom-corn tortilla with crisp pumpkin seeds in an enlivening salsa." - ByBon Appétit Staff & Contributors
"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
"A Heights eatery and bakery destination known for light, airy confections including conchas and horchata berlinesas, combining Latin flavors with delicate pastry technique." - Regan Stephens