Ember Kitchen

We went to Ember for my birthday and then our anniversary dinner. Both experiences were 10/10. The service is always amazing and they went above and beyond to treat us for the occasion. I love the drinks and the attention to detail for each ingredient. Although pricey, the food is worth the $$ We will continue to make reservations for special occasions as this is the best food I’ve had in Austin so far! Please enjoy the pictures of the food that we took during both visits.

Just wow! If you’re looking for the perfect place to celebrate your anniversary, look no further. From the exceptional service to the unforgettable food, this place truly deserves 5 stars. The chef was so involved and attentive, it made us feel incredibly special, exactly how an anniversary dinner should feel. They even gave us a sweet signed card, and for the “grand finale” (as the chef called it), they surprised us with a beautifully prepared dessert plate. We will never forget this night. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for making our anniversary so special ❤️

This place was tricky to find if you haven’t been here before. Uber dropped us off on some back street near the parking garage, we found an elevator and got up to the main level. The drinks were fun, the staff was very very knowledgeable and fun. The food took forever to come out, maybe it was just a tactic to get more drinks in us. Servers kept coming by and waving shiny things in our faces. Offering us cool shots and tequila flights. The food was good, a little pricy for the proportions but still good. The beef tallow potatoes were amazing. The appetizers were good too. The tuna tartar and the crab cake were flavorful and fresh. I would definitely come back here and order the food right away so we have something to munch on. They did bring us a house salad for free because they recognized that it was taking so long. Super nice of them.

Had a lovely dinner at Ember Kitchen and really enjoyed the overall experience. We ordered a few signature dishes—Josper Halibut, Josper 1/2 Chicken, and started with the Morita Shrimp—all beautifully cooked and full of flavor. The ambiance was great, and the hostesses were super friendly and attentive. We did have to wait over 40 minutes past our reservation time, and while they mentioned we’d receive a complimentary comp for the delay, it never came. But the food and service still made the night enjoyable. Worth visiting for a special dinner in Austin.

Maybe we just got unlucky? Food: ⭐️ ⭐️ Service: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Atmosphere: ⭐️ To start off, the waitstaff were solid and we had no complaints there! 🙌🏽 For context, we were seated upstairs. It was loud and we had to kind of yell over the noise to hear each other. Secondly, the seats we were seated at were ripped up and the foam padding was showing underneath us. It was not a great first impression and it was not very comfortable. All in, it was about $100/each for our whole party food wise. While the Josper dishes (like the fish and chicken) were decent, unfortunately the wagyu and filet came out lukewarm and chewy for being medium/medium rare. It was disappointing because we had heard great things. By the time we got our knives (they were brought out after the dishes were served), the steak dishes were completely cold. On a good note, the desserts were tasty at least. Overall, for the prices, it felt about 3x too expensive given the torn up seating and barely warm meat dishes. Once again, the staff were friendly, but we couldn’t justify coming back and spending hundreds of dollars each for the quality of food we were served. It was, to our surprise, unfortunately a very disappointing experience.

Had a wonderful Sunday brunch with my friends. Their homemade biscuits were delicious! I had the wagyu burger with Oaxaca cheese and it was amazing. My friends had the steak and eggs and were raving about it. The best part of the experience was their espresso martini. I ordered it with Vodka instead of tequila and let me tell you that every sip was better than the previous one. Also, they give you 2-hour complementary parking when you scan a QR code. I look forward to coming back for dinner!

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Austin. I have hosted business dinners here and friends. The ambiance is nice. The music is a bit loud, but they have a great playlist. The service is always stellar. The steak is amazing, the greens as well as the beef fat potatoes. I try different apps all the time. The crab cake has a great smokey flavor. I love the Ember margarita. It is delicious!

This was one of the best dining experiences we've had. We sat at the Chef's table and every person who walked by interacted with us, answered our questions and in general spoiled us rotten. The food and drinks were sublime and the flavors both familiar/comfortable with some unexpected and delightful twists. Highly recommend.

Do not miss out on this gem of a restaurant! Ember is tucked away in the corner of the plaza at Seaholm and I finally got to experience its *magic* last month. For two, we ordered a cocktail, crab cake, salad, wagyu, halibut, and chocolate mousse. The wagyu was the star of the show and paired so nicely with the bright and colorful salad... we almost licked both plates clean! Halibut was a tad greasy but still delicious. The texture and star anise flavor of the mousse was a bit unexpected - probably the only thing that I wouldn't order again. The restaurant itself is stunning. So much natural light, greenery, and lots of contemporary, fun decor. Coupled with excellent service by Presley, we felt so well taken care of. Last but not least, there is complimentary parking! Timing was a bit tight with everything we ordered and leisurely consumed... something to keep in mind if things are slower moving or you want to hit up Trader Joe's after your meal.

Great date night spot for me and my man on our visit to Austin! the ambiance is cute and classy and they even have a downstairs bar. We made reservations in advance so not sure how seating is without one. Our server was well-versed in the menu and helped us make good decisions for our meal. The food was very flavorful and my boyfriend was actually raving about the beef fat potatoes and broccolini. The wagyu steak was cooked well but a little too salty for us to finish. Also the shrimp DELICIOUS I WOULD definitely recommend this to a friend visiting. One thing that was disappointing - we were told there's a bar downstairs that has a live DJ but that wasn't the case and we went on a Friday night. It would be nice just because walking to other places can be a little far and I love spending my evening at one place. Just an idea!

Ember was THE BEST. The food is so so bold and vibrant with flavor yet so comforting. From the complementary tequila mixed shot, to the mouth watering wagyu steak - Ember hit's on all marks. I highly recommend you get the Tuna Tartare, Crispy Tamale, Wagyu Steak, 1/2 Chicken (sooo juicy), shrimp appetizer and the beef fat potatoes!! Also, You can not go wrong with any of their desserts - so so tasty. Also they make the experience so fun! Everyone got to choose which knife they wanted to use for the steak - so fun. Also the added shot for tequila day - can't miss it. Ember is easily top 3 best in Austin! Can not wait to come back!!

I loved this place so much!! Damon was our server and was super helpful with picking drinks & recommendations. The ember greens salad was delicious and so full of color and crunch. The halibut was probably my favorite dish and the espresso martini was delicious (and made with tequila) The vibes are great and the inside is beautiful! Such a great spot for agirls night or dinner!

I had a really great dinner at Ember. The restaurant is so pretty with the lighting and decor, upscale atmosphere. The service is top notch. My husband and I sat at the chef table and had a view of the kitchen, which was fun to watch. The waiter was friendly and professional. He gave us some good recommendations and was able to review the menu with us. We settled on tuna tartar, the bone in ribeye, beef fat potatoes and ember greens. The rib eye was cooked to our liking medium rare and was very tasty. Tuna tartar was fresh. The potatoes were nicely crispy on the outside and fluffy inside on top of a nice sauce. Drinks were really tasty and well crafted - I can't remember the name but amore something was so good!! Our potatoes came out a little later than our meal so the kitchen comped our dessert. Very unexpected and generous. The dessert was divine and rich.

Ember kitchen is a 5 star dining experience. The service was amazing and very friendly, the ambiance was modern and classy, and we absolutely loved the food. We were seated upstairs in a booth, as we requested, and got to look down onto the bar below. Even though we went on a Tuesday night, I can see this place being packed and lively on a Friday or Saturday. So it would definitely be nice to come back on a weekend. Our waitress started us off with some complimentary shots which was a nice touch. We ordered several appetizers to start, including the tuna tartar, the crab cake and the morita shrimp. Wow. Each one of these dishes was incredible, bursting with flavor. The morita shrimp absolutely blew me away. The flatbread was incredible soft, fluffy, just as you would want it, and the sauce was unbelievably delectable. I would come back just for the morita shrimp. The crab cake was probably one of the best I've had in my life. Just the right flavors and crunch. The tuna tartar was also excellent, very fresh fish, and you could tell the quality was really good. For the entrees we ordered the filet mignon and the scallops with sides of the beef fat potatoes and plantains. The scallops were probably the only thing that I would not recommend ordering and would not order again. The scallops were good, but I've had better scallops elsewhere in Austin, such as the guesthouse, and they were honestly so small. It came with two tiny scallops - that really were just a bite each - and it was good, but for the quantity and it was just not worth the $32 in my opinion. However, everything else was phenomenal. The filet mignon was one of the Highlights of the meal, along with the shrimp appetizer, it was so delectable, melted in your mouth and was cooked to perfection. The flavors from the oven that they use made it so delicious and mouth watering. It was served with was squash and a light, refreshing salad. The filet could not have been better. I loved it. The side of potatoes were great, cooked to perfection, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a sauce that made it even better. The plantains were also very well done. We also got the lychee de Tigre and golden hour spritz to drink. I personally loved the golden hour spritz as it was sweet and refreshing. For dessert, we got one of the chocolate desserts which was great for people who like rich, dark chocolate. Parking is also convenient and they validate in the garage. I highly recommend ember kitchen and can't wait to be back!

I was so impressed by Ember! There was not a single miss, everything had a lot of care put into every ingredient/component. 1. Market fish crudo: Hamachi with radish and berries. At first it doesn't seem like the berries would be a natural fit here but combined with the limey sauce, it was perfect! The fish slices were surprisingly thick but also tender so they didn't get overwhelmed by the rest. I drank the remaining juice with a spoon. 2. Wagyu beef: I think this is Texas wagyu rather than Japanese wagyu, and it was so flavorful (great char). It was not buttery soft as Japanese wagyu, but my partner actually prefers beef with more .. beef-like(?) texture. The salsa dona was excellent though it slightly overpowered the flavor of the beef. Came with fresh blue corn tortillas. 3. Halibut with romesco, yellow tomato butter, cherry tomatoes and fingerling potatoes: fish was perfect and meaty. Romesco was generous and delicious. And oh man, that SAUCE!!! SO buttery and umami I could bathe in it! 4. Best potatoes EVER. They are boiled, then roasted, then fried in beef tallow, I believe. Amazing flavor. Crispy outside and so pillow creamy soft in the center. Sits on top of aioli which ups it even more. MUST GET. Loved every cocktail too -- all well-balanced and creative. I'm just so impressed by Ember -- it sits up there with the other more upscale restaurants in Austin, but comes in slightly cheaper and with more consistency.

Top restaurant in Austin IMO. Love the atmospheric. Service is impeccable. Food is outstanding! Josper halibut is hands down the best fish dish I've eaten in my entire life! We celebrated 2 birthdays this last visit a couple of weeks ago. Our first time at Ember Kitchen we were seated downstairs. It feels cozy and intimate in the basement. We didn't want to leave so we moved to the bar in the basement for an after dinner drink to free up our table. Dining on the main level is lively but not loud. We easily chatted with our friends. Highly recommend!

Ambience - 10/10 Service - 10/10 Price - high Food - 8/10 Crudo - 8/10 needed a pinch of salt Lamb - 10/10 extremely flavorful and tender Halibut - 8/10 Crab cakes - 8/10 Broccolini - 0/10 the amount of salt gave me hypertension jk but nope Potatoes - 7/10 Plantains - 10/10 prepared just how I like Black beans - 5/10 too sweet Overall great experience and if im the mood to drop more than $400 on a meal between 4 people I'll be back My biggest gripe is the drink prices $30 for a martini is a bit excessive

Great first time experience at Ember last night with girlfriends! We had a delightful tasting so that we could try many items on the menu. My favorites were probably the wagyu steak in a taco and the crudo. The chocolate cake dessert was also a fan favorite! It was the perfect spot for a girls night and would also be great for a date as it has a sultry vibe. Service was fantastic!

Another great example of Latin inspired flavors mixed with a Mediterranean flare of foods that is incredible. The dining experience is high ambience with a posh feel with amazing cocktail drinks and service. Our waitress was amazing and detailed. I love how she shared the special off menu items that we opted for. For example, the whole fried red snapper and the ribeye dish, she made great recommendations and happy she shared it all. Must try the red snapper amazing flaky buttery fish with no bones in the body but yes the tail and head does a have bones but it's nice to somewhat naw on them. The fun factor of fish. Tried the caviar appetizer, it was ok, I felt it was bland with less flavor and I couldn't really taste the caviar. It wasn't as pronounced as I would have hoped for. The tuna tartare had expected flavors but considering the cost vs the amount of red tuna it came with, better dishes elsewhere. The scallop dish was good but I was expecting a more crispier crust with more scallops, considering the price point and less than 4 pieces, I wasn't blown away as much as the red snapper or ribeye dish. Amazing high quality ribeye, cut against the grain, soft, buttery, tender, and dolloped with the sauce it came with, great dish and when you add the snap of the seared broccolini on the side, fresh greens cleanses pallet. My overall take away is if you're looking for a high-quality, fresh ingredients, umami, flavored experience, come to this restaurant. Because of high-quality the food is don't expect large quantities of food sometimes less is more and it heightens the overall experience.

THE BIG: Located inside the Seaholm District of downtown Austin. 3 story space with the bottom space being a separate bar. Nice and moody environment that's perfect for a date night. THE BLACK AND WHITE: The wife and I came here on a random Friday night and got a table fortunately. We were also welcomed with a tequila cocktail which was a nice touch. We were seated at the bar and saw all the open fires cooking the food. For food, we had the caviar bites, which were tiny and would I recommend again...probably not. The Cojito shrimp was massive. Something about gulf shrimp am i right? The wagyu steak was cooked to perfection and it helped the case when we saw the ember (no pun intended) cooking it. The salad was pretty big and a nice palette cleanser. THE FINAL BAMBOO: Overall, the damage done was $180 for the caviar bites, wagyu steak, cojito shrimp and salad. Very nice ambiance and I will be back for sure.

Girls night out and we had to try Ember back in December The ambiance was cozy but a little industrial at the same time somehow. We sat upstairs and they welcomed us with very tasty shots ! The drinks were so good and flavorful. They had something for when it came to cocktails. Smokey, juicy, or even wine, you'll find something to sip on. Food was outstanding! I will say i have a big appetite and this spot encourages shareable plates and to order them as it takes some time to come out of the oven. So if you're starving order all that you want right away. For food we enjoyed: Salpicon de Pulpo, morris shrimp, the half chicken and the ribeye! They also brought some boiled/roasted beans that were nice to crunch on. I would say it was a bit pricy for what i would normally like to pay for. I was full but i think we all just had big appetites and we maybe didn't order enough to split. Definitely would be a cute spot for a date night and share a few things.

I've been wanting to try this spot for so long! I love Latin flavors and Ember really knows how to bring a refined touch to their dining experience. They had unique and memorable dishes such as "ahogada" sweet potato puree ball with goat cheese and pecan adobo sauce, tender and succulent filet mignon with cilantro lime aioli, scallops with a delicious sweet corn mousse, salsa verde pasta, delicious cocktails, and Mexican chocolate mousse with fennel crumble to to top it all off. Everything was not just unique in ingredients and ideation, but scrumptious in execution and plating. The service was also really friendly and intentional in explaining all the food. I truly don't have a single bad thing to share about this place!

Nut allergy warning: There are nuts in virtually every dish in some way, shape, or form. Please let your server know early. They were able to easily accommodate. Time from Order to Appetizer: 17 minutes Time from Order to Entree: 42 Minutes Total Meal: 1 hour 58 minutes, barely on time for parking validation! Located in the Seaholm Plaza with two hour parking validation in the garage, Ember is located upstairs across the green. We had a 7:30 appointment on a Sunday night and were immediately seated on the second floor. We were promptly served with their complimentary shot, a mixed tequila drink that is like a smoky Bloody Mary. They made a mocktail version for my partner. It was served with the crispy pork rinds and lime. Nice way to start the meal. Appetizer: Caviar Bites (?/5): I just verified that I can't enjoy caviar for the price. I would never order this again even though I'm sure it was good for caviar with the masa corn tortilla. I just can't pay the equivalent of an entree for four tiny flavorless bites. Entrees: Overall, perfect portions for an appetite. Jasper 1/2 Chicken (4.5/5): Perfectly tender with crispy skin. The chimichurri and brine added the perfect amount of complexity to the chicken and salad. Great seasoning. Joseph-Roasted Market Fish Halibut (4.5/5): Tender inside with a perfect smoky char. Lovely tomato butter. The romesco had nuts so I couldn't have it, but my partner said it was a delicious accompanyment. Sides: Also great for two. Charred Broccolini (4.5/5): The lemon adds the perfect balance of flavor. I had it without the pine nuts of course. I would've appreciated broccolini with more florets than stems, but the presentation was nice. Crispy Beef Fat Potatoes (4/5): My partner said the sauce tasted like Chick-fil-A sauce. I thought it had a nice kick and the potatoes were perfectly crispy (though some were pretty burned). Misses: -The bathroom never had paper towels. -I had to really flag someone down to get water twice. I later learned our waitress had six tables, so they were quite busy. I would've just appreciated a carafe on the table if they're that busy. -I relearned I seriously cannot appreciate caviar for the value but I won't fault Ember for that.

I was really impressed with the food. Each dish was inventive, flavorful, balanced and delicious. The interior is a great combination of modern chic while still bright and cheerful. Service was a little slow the first time we went and the second time when I made a reservation and showed up to an empty restaurant they tried to seat me in the basement which was a little weird. But I will continue to go back for the half chicken (some of the best of my life) and the shrimp appetizer. I could drink the sauce on that shrimp. It's delightful. The desert is also wonderful. Don't skip the one with the cardamom meringue.

Amazing ambiance and great food! Really enjoyed girls night out. We were greeted with welcome shots and appetizers. All of our food were spectacular!! No complaints here. I do have to say the restaurant is a bit hidden. It's in the corner in the very back of the Trader Joe's plaza.

The flavors and options aren't for everyone but for those that love the Latin flavor they'll love this upscale place! The cocktail taster in the beginning was a bit thick. Our table was not a fan of the consistency. The entrees were good. I felt the fish was overcooked and although sitting in yellow butter it was dry! My colleagues had the chicken and loved it. The plantains were a table favorite. But overall with all the other amazing local spots we probably wouldn't be back.

Ember Kitchen exceeded my high expectations in nearly every area from the beautiful ambiance to the phenomenal service with some of most flavorful and delicious food I've had the pleasure of tasting! This was one of my favorite meals I've had in Austin from start to finish and I'd highly recommend it to others! FAST FACTS: * Reservations: available online through Sevenrooms (fee of $25 per person for no shows or late cancellations) but walk-ins are welcome * Parking: complimentary 2-hour parking validation for the Seaholm Garage (scan the QR code by the hostess stan) * Subterra Agave Bar located downstairs * Menu centers around meals prepared in the Josper oven * Kitchen closes at 10:00 pm for last seating * Complimentary house made chicharrones and a cocktail sample served after you are seated SERVICE - I can't rave enough about how impressed I was by the service! I had reservations for 2 for 8:15 pm and arrived about 10 minutes early but we were seated right away. Our server, Hannah, was SO friendly, engaging, and attentive throughout the entire meal. She asked about our alcohol preferences before bringing the cocktail sample and was able to bring a mocktail version for me since I don't drink which was greatly appreciated. Our water glasses were refilled, used plates and utensils were removed from the table quickly throughout the entire meal, and every server and food runner we interacted with was pleasant and helpful. PRICING - The total was $185.11 after tax and before tip for the Salpicon de Pulpo ($21), Tuna Tartare ($21), Josper-Roasted Halibut ($35), Filet Mignon ($52), Josper-Roasted Carrots ($16), Crispy Beef Fat Potatoes ($11), and Maiz y Chocolate ($15). Obviously it's a pricer meal but as long as you know that going in, you'll leave feeling incredibly satisfied because the food quality and presentation definitely matches the cost! SALPICON DE PULPO (9/10) - This dish looks like a piece of art and is packed with flavors! The actual octopus was absolutely delicious (I just wish there was more of it) while the radish and tomatoes added even more freshness. The burned salsa and avocado were great for dipping and allowed you to change up the flavors with each bite. I'd order this again! TUNA TARTARE (8/10) - The tuna was super fresh and paired so well with the avocado underneath! I loved the combination of yucca and plantain chips so you could switch back and forth between bites to change up the flavors. This was a great small plate, but was a little in the shadows compared to the Salpicon de Pulpo... I'd still order this again! JOSPER-ROASTED HALIBUT (10/10) - I don't typically order fish but this was PHENOMENAL! The halibut was cooked perfectly with a beautiful crisp on the outside and the romesco on top added so much flavor! The fingerlings and pickled tomatoes were delicious and the yellow tomato butter was so unique... I could have eaten an entire bowl of it like a soup! I swear I said "mmm" with every single bite and I was so sad when it was gone. I'd order this again in a heartbeat! FILET MIGNON (9/10) - The filet was cooked perfectly and the seasoning on the outside was INCREDIBLE! You could taste the smoky flavor from the Josper which is super unique. The vegetables on the side were so flavorful and refreshing that they weren't an afterthought, which is rare for steak dishes. The cilantro lime aioli paired perfectly with both the veggies and the steak! JOSPER-ROASTED CARROTS (8/10) - These are super unique and packed with flavors! The strawberry piloncillo glaze on the carrots was delicious, especially the pieces that were slightly charred, and the herbed requeson (similar to a ricotta cheese) on the side was perfect for dipping each bite in! I'd order these again! CRISPY BEEF FAT POTATOES (10/10) - These are some of the best potatoes I've ever had (which sounds dramatic but I promise you'll understand after one bite)! They are so incredibly crispy on the outside, as the name suggests, but soft on the inside and the beef fat flavor takes them to the next level! Plus, the sauce at the bottom is good enough to eat on it's own! I'd order these again (and would probably get my own so I don't have to share because they're that good)! MAIZ & CHOCOLATE (9/10) - Again, this dish was like edible art and thankfully the taste matched the beauty of the plate! The chocolate mousse was more dense than others that I've had (which I loved) and was incredibly decadent! But, the acidity from the gooseberry helps cut through the sweetness and the crème fraîche added a lightness that was perfect! The chocolate crumbles scattered on the plate were perfect for coating each bite with a little texture. I'd order this again! I had high expectations for Ember Kitchen but was still blown away and honestly feel like it deserves even more praise and hype! I will recommend Ember to anyone I know in the Austin area looking for the perfect date night spot or wanting to celebrate a special occasion!

Stumbled upon Ember Kitchen on a Friday night without a reservation. My husband and I ended up sitting at the bar, which was an amazing experience! We got to see the cooks and the grill in action. The decor was modern all around with low lighting at night and bright natural light during the day. To kick off our night, we were welcomed with a tequila mixed cocktail shot and chicharron with spice and lime. It was a fantastic way to wake my taste buds up. For dinner we had the cavier bites, shrimp, ember salad, and the wagyu steak. The shrimp sauce is to die for. The wagyu steak was cooked medium rare with delicious rinds of char along the edges. The ember salad was massive and paired well with the entire dish! Shout out to Bianca, who took care of us Friday night and made our first Ember Kitchen experience extra special! She did a fabulous job explaining all of the different dishes, pacing our food, and making sure we had everything we need. We will be back!!

Yes! The spot is great for a small gathering. People are tentative and food is great. The welcome drink they provide was delicious, portion size was small however, it did take some time for some of the food to be brought out.

It's a fine dining experience near the river. It's located in what looks to be an old power plant. The food was pretty good, and the staff was friendly and professional. The interior has mood lighting and this place would make for a great place for a date or a group of friends.

I was a bit disappointed they didn't have a reasonably priced ribeye. We ended up ordering the wagyu and it was very good though. The only glass of cab they offer is $19 a glass and it's measured to a T so don't expect a worthy pour. Appetizer we ordered was the shrimp which was delicious but basically like 4 shrimps total. I don't mind paying the expensive fees but I don't get why they have to short on the quantity.

Had an amazing experience here. Had complimentary shots given to us and then the chef even came out and gave us a complimentary potatoes dish that was amazing for the table to share. For my meal I had the halibut which was the market fish of the day and my boyfriend had the special off menu which was the rib eye steak. It was cooked to a perfect medium rare. For appetizer we had tuna tartare. All the dishes hit the mark in my opinion but more that if you eat on the lighter side taste wise the fish dish can taste a lil salty. My friends also raved about their scallops and I tried some of their chorizo mussels (off menu) which was divine. Staff was super speedy and friendly. We had such a great time. Also loved the interior design. Great for celebration or date night

Stop what you're doing and figure out a way to come down to Ember Kitchen for a date night, friend night or whatever type of night! The food, the ambiance, the music, the hospitality and the drinks will not disappoint you. You can make a reservation (like I did) and share what special occasion you are celebrating, but they also accept walk ins. We celebrated an anniversary of our first date and our table had a card signed by everyone in the restaurant!

The food was amazing!!! The market fish entree was exceptional... the old fashion was one of the best I have had... amazing dinner. If I am ever in the area again this will be my first stop!

Just like a charcoal grill, some parts of Ember are hot, and others are not. Let's start off with the good: The ambiance and service are (mostly) top notch! Though the footprint is a little small, there's a modern, chic industrial vibe to the interior. We sat in the cozy upper loft and had a nice view of the bar. Our server (Mattie??) was very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and friendly! We're pretty particular about our cocktails, but they were batting 1000. The Lychee de Tigre, Siente el Fuego and their old fashioned were all easy to recommend. Then we get to the food (and later, the bill) and the wheels come off. The filet and lamb were both very good, particularly the rice with lamb fat! The market fish was slightly salty, but decent. Sides ranged from forgettable (beef fat potatoes & josper roasted carrots) to inedible (the broccolini was so salty, I'd challenge anyone to try and eat it). Our crudo was oddly warm as well. No one got sick, but still...kinda off putting. We were with another couple, and our bill was a bit North of $500. The bill was also an absolute mess. We send the broccolini back, which the manager obviously wasn't happy about, yet it was still on the bill. They also tried to charge us for several drinks we didn't order. If you're planning on a big night out, they have a $50 off $150 coupon on their website you can take advantage of, but I'd recommend just popping in for a drink, or sticking to the entrees.

Been eyeing Ember Kitchen for some time and finally had the opportunity to try it out. The restaurant is a bit inconspicuous, located in the back area of the Seaholm center. There is a QR code that can be scanned upon walking in that will discount your parking garage amount by 2 hours worth. Here are the items we ordered and shared family style: Market Fish Crudo (Kampachi I think) - this was enjoyable, I liked all the flavors overall, but after eating the caviar bites first, this dish tasted more muted than everything else Caviar Bites - really tasty, but I wouldn't consider worth the cost. Wouldn't order again if I came unless others wanted to try it for the first time. Crispy Tamal "Ahogado" - this was alright, I didn't get much of the goat cheese flavor in it. So, appetizers were a bit underwhelming for me, personally, but the entrees made this a 5-star review. Josper 1/2 Chicken - Chicken may seem simple but this Josper cooked chicken had an excellent grill flavor, was really juicy, and was an excellent value to top all of that. I think this is a dish always worth getting here Tomahawk Steak - My favorite dish. I don't eat steak often, but the Tomahawk was perfectly cooked. Massive bone, with the steak sliced neatly, and we got the beef fat potatoes with them. Just excellent flavor overall, tastes great with or without the Bearnaise sauce. Pasta dish (I forget what it was exactly) - I liked this dish and it had a nice spicy kick to it, but it wasn't my favorite. I'd rather get pasta at an Italian restaurant, but for some others in our group, it was actually their favorite dish. The ambience is upscale and fancy, but I didn't feel out of place wearing shorts and sneakers. The service was very prompt and helpful with any questions or adjustments we needed based on dietary restrictions. Would definitely come here again if I wanted to impress a guest!

We were amazed at how good the food and restaurant was. The downstairs area with the bar felt like a speakeasy and the food was stunning...! My friend now wants to do her birthday party there.

I can't say enough about this Latin inspired restaurant. We stopped in for a birthday dinner in a Saturday night with some friends. The setting is very intimate with dim lights, and the inside is pretty small. Upon being seated we were given a taste of the signature drink and it was very good with a little spice. Our waitress was very informative and explained the cooking process, and the origin of the dishes. This was some of the BEST food I've ever had. Everything was cooked to perfection, full of flavor, and a decent portion size. The cream sauce that came with the shrimp appetizer tastes so good I asked for extra. If you're looking for a good drink you can't go wrong with any one of them they were made really well. The pork chop,chicken, and the shrimp are a must try!

Came here with a couple of friends and had such a good time. I feel like for the service level that you get the price is worth it. And I understand that that can kind of sound snobbish. But let me explain why I think it's worth paying $35 for a fish. It's the service! They do such a good job of making you feel welcomed and part of the family. They have such a beautiful space and they do a good job of providing a great experience.

Ambiance, service, cocktails and food are all excellent. Reservations recommended. Come prepared to drop some cash. Quiet, intimate setting downstairs. Knowledgeable staff who described each menu item with exquisite detail, including off menu items. Attentive without being obtrusive. Everything we ordered was fantastic. From cocktails to dessert, this is a fine dining experience. All of the food is fresh and flavorful. Salpicon de pulpo and Tamal were delish. Entrees are shareable. Lomo saltado (off menu) was the table fave. Tender, perfectly seared med-rare beef in a salty/spicy Asian sauce that paired amazingly with the garlic rice. The fricken chicken is fricken awesome! Who knew yardbird could taste that good? Halibut was exquisite - light and flavorful. Carrots were okay. Plantains were FANTASTIC! Desert was decadent!

Ember Kitchen is such a vibe. We went to dinner with old friends and were impressed with food, drinks, and service at this restaurant. We were offered complimentary shots from the bartender which contained watermelon. It was refreshing and definitely a good start to the night. We ordered several plates to share but I think the two dished that stuck out to me were the Wagyu Steak and the plate of carrots that came with a dolloped sauce. The plates were super flavorful, unique, and interesting. It's not the type of restaurant I would ever select as I usually opt for my safe choices. I am glad to have tried a new cuisine. Cheers!

Ember may have taken La Piscina's spot as my favorite restaurant in Austin. There are three floors for dining (the basement started as a speakeasy but they repurposed it for extra tables) and you will notice relics from the old Seaholm power plant. As soon as you sit down, the staff greets you with a welcome drink (with or without alcohol). I called ahead to share that we'd be celebrating our anniversary and the staff left a thoughtful, hand-written card. We had Christina who was nothing short of wonderful. Ember is the only restaurant in all of Texas that owns a josper oven (google it). If you like sauce and spice, this is the place for you. The crudo was fresh but the winner was definitely the prime filet skewer. You can never go wrong with cooked filet paired with charred peppers and a jalapeño sauce. The shrimp was cooked perfectly but this dish was the only one that was on the heavier side with its use of cream. All in all, Ember Kitchen is a must try!

Service-EXCELLENT. Above and beyond. Our servers were attentive and had a passion for culinary culture which made the whole experience. Ambience-EXCELLENT. Gorgeous two stories of thoughtful wall decor, plants, lighting and more. Reminded me of cdmx style upscale decor. Food-GOOD. This is where I had to dock a star. The complimentary cocktail shots and corn nuts were delicious and a hospitable gesture. The ceviche and pulpo were fantastic and fresh. Incredible attention to detail in these starters. The dessert, a cardamom meringue and ice cream situation was one of the best desserts I had in my life and the most memorable part of the meal. However the two entrees, lomo saltado and halibut were over salted. They nailed the flavors and textures of each but due to the saltiness we were chugging water throughout the entree portion of the meal and went to bed with that same parched feeling. Overall I'd return just to have the dessert again and perhaps explore alternative entrees.

My wife and I frequent Ember twice a month. Excellent food and even better wait staff. We have worked with Presley, Megan, Brian and others all are wonderful. However the management seems a bit dazed and confused as they invited us to the soft brunch opening and ask us to send an email. When we sent the note we never heard back. We asked them about it subsequently and the manager told us they were still preparing and they would let us know however we never heard back. Separately we inquired about an event for 22 people both in person and in email a total of four times with no response. Hopefully the management does not drag down what is otherwise a great experience as it does not feel good to be ignored.

Our waitress "Kayla" was AMAZING and she was so cool and the food was top tier we went back the next day and she reminder me and provided the same excellent service at the bar with her beautiful co-workers ... 10 outa 10 recommend

Delicious food. Friendly service. Slow wait time for food. Vibrant atmospheric with very fun music. We happened upon this place when we couldn't walk in to anyolace downtown and were pleasantly surprised. Definitely should try it if you haven't already.

This restaurant is absolutely one of the best in Austin!!! Food, service and ambiance were all 5 star!!! Most of our meal came from the daily specials offered, not the menu. First off, they bring you complimentary in house made blue corn tortillas and butter. AND they also serve a complimentary "cocktail shot". I do not drink cocktails but decided to give it a try. It was made with Blanco tequila, watermelon juice, lime and chiles. This may not be 100% accurate, just what I can remember the server saying. Anyway, it was fantastic! If I wasn't drinking wine, I would have ordered one! For the small plate, we had the Ora king salmon ceviche special. It was superb. So fresh and flavorful. I can't remember what was in the preparation but it was delicious. For our "Land & Sea" entrees, we shared the stir fried filet beef. It has to be one of the best dishes I've ever put in my mouth! Full on flavor! The word umami was created for this dish. The sauce was made with had garlic, ginger, soy, oyster sauce, and fish sauce. Maybe more things. Sounds pretty standard Asian fare, but it tasted anything but standard. Also, in the stirfry, they were nice tomato wedges, green onions, and crispy potatoes. It was served with Bomba rice, which have a wonderful garlic flavor. We also shared the half chicken entree. Again, a very well seasoned flavor bomb. The chicken was very moist as well. For our side, we had the whole roasted carrots. These are not regular, roasted carrots, prepared again with full on flavor. For dessert we had pieces of chocolate cake topped with flan and drizzled with caramel. It too was amazing. Not overly sweet. All flavors of each layer came through. Our server, Kinsey, had to be the most pleasant, knowledgeable, top notch server that we have had in a very long time, anywhere. She embodies proper customer service and etiquette. Prices are on point for what you are getting and the quality. The only place I think they feel short were the prices for bottles of wine. We are very familiar with wine cost, retail, and at upscale and fine dining restaurants. Most of the wines were four times the retail price and that's not reasonable to us. This place is flavor, flavor, flavor! We can't wait to go back!!! It is most definitely one of our favorite restaurants in Austin now! If not our very favorite!!

This place is dark and loud. The shot they give you before ordering was one of the best things about the place. Server spoke softly so I couldn't hear the descriptions of the evening's specials. Ordered the Scallops and got (2). The sauce on the mussels was very rich in flavor. Requested more bread and when it arrived the server said, "Oh, the bread." I wouldn't return. Don't waist your time or money.

Loved this restaurant! We took my son and his wife when they visited a couple of weeks ago. They are total foodies and Ember did not disappoint! The ambiance was fun and inviting. It was my daughter in laws birthday and they brought her a card signed by the staff when we were seated. I thought that was such a unique touch. Our server then delivered little shots to start-again something different and appreciated. The food was spectacular. Let's just say that we loved everything we tried-and we tried a lot! The wait staff were all very knowledgeable and helpful. Great experience and I highly recommend it!

Five stars for the food, presentation, ambience, creativity, music, and staff! I've never said that for another restaurant before. This place had it all! Do yourself a favor - make a reservation, check out there website, download their app! When we were there we got a complimentary cocktail that was delicious along with blue corn tortillas and delicious butter. Pure Latinx vibes! My abuela would approve. The food was beautiful, absolutely delicious and light. We shared everything and glad we did in order to take in all of the flavors. Our hostess was amazing! Bianca took care of us and made great recommendations and really took the time to talk about the food. The people who brought the food out were also very nice. The music that night featured Selena, Juanes, Mana and other Latinx artists. Listening to Spanish music really made the experience for us. Check out my pics and please go dine at this new restaurant located in downtown Austin by central library. You will not regret it!

Visited Ember Kitchen on a Tuesday night around 7:45 pm. I was about 3 minutes late to my reservation as it was my first time, and I had a bit of difficulty finding the restaurant. Once I arrived, I was promptly seated in their downstairs seating area. I'm going to start this review by talking about my experience before I get into my thoughts on the food. The Experience: I was out for a solo date night and was seated at a two-top that faced the bar. It was storming this night, and they had a little drip that was being caught by a bucket right in front of my table. In most cases, I probably wouldn't have the smell but as I sat for an hour waiting for food it stuck out a little bit. When I ordered the chicken, my server did let me know that the kitchen was behind and that it would take about 30-40 minutes to which I told him this was okay. This turned into almost an hour as my server forgot to initially put my order in. There was a table that was seated after me that received welcome shots and snacks and after my server noticed me looking at the table, he brought me the welcome snack (pork rinds with salt and pepper), I never received the welcome shot. As I was solo, not sure if this was the reason for me not receiving. My drink took about 15 minutes to arrive after ordering and the caviar bites took about 35 minutes. Because of the long wait on my entree, Marissa came over to me and let me know that my meal would be comped. I was really surprised by this as most places would just offer to buy you a drink for your wait. When my entree did finally arrive, I began to enjoy it (more details below) before finding a hair in my salad. My server did offer to replace the meal but as it was now after 9, I told him not to worry about it. Marissa came back and talked to me again, apologizing for all of the inconveniences and inviting me back so that they could make it right. I had also ordered another drink when my meal was dropped off but at this point it was still nowhere to be found so after making sure nothing was needed from my end, I ended up just leaving. While there were a series of unfortunate events throughout this meal, I do appreciate the customer service that was provided and the fact that they continuously tried to make things right. I don't know if it will be anytime soon, but I will definitely consider returning if for nothing more than the caviar bites (: The Meal: I ordered the caviar bites (sope, creama, huevo curada), josper 1/2 chicken (orange and guajillo brine, pollo ala brasa, achiote chimichurri), the crispy beef fat potatoes (Yukon gold, red bliss, garlic, shallot, beef tallow) and the lychee de tigre (flor de cana white rum, charanda, lychee, pineapple, lime, egg white). Let's break down the food. Caviar Bites: 10/10. They were absolutely amazing. Definitely just a bite but worth every penny. I could have had way more than 4. Josper 1/2 Chicken: I had very high hopes for this item as it had amazing reviews, but I wasn't really impressed. The char on the chicken was beautiful, it was nice and juicy and the chimichurri added a nice touch but even with all of this, it was still pretty flavorless in my opinion. Wasn't blown away by this at all. It is paired with a salad that was tossed in some sort of citrus vinaigrette and was very flavorful! Crispy Beef Fat Potatoes: The potatoes are baked three ways. They come out very crispy on top of an aioli. The flavors of the potato and aioli pair very well together. The manager also brought me a sauce that is not typically served with them, and I can't remember the name of it, but it was spicy and DELICIOUS. In my opinion, it might even have paired better than the aioli and if you like a little spice I would recommend asking for it (and hopefully they know what they're talking about since I can't remember the name). Highly recommend and would order again. Tigre de Lychee: I've been on a lychee martini kick lately and this drink did not disappoint. It was a bit on the stronger side, but the flavors balanced very well.

I loved this unique restaurant! The dishes feature throw unique oven that gives all the items a wood fire flavor which I love. The spices and options are flavorful and amazing!! Everything we got was terrific. Lots of windows that allow the light to pour in. I enjoyed the atmosphere and it's fun as they start with a free bite and shot to set the mood. It is a the pricy side making it great for a special occasion. The workers are very helpful and quick. I highly recommend!!

This restaurant continues to be one of my favorites in Austin. Presley (not sure how she spells it) was an amazing waitress. Her excitement and passion for the food at Ember was incredible. Her level of service was just right! She knew exactly when to come over to us. My boyfriend and I really enjoyed our meal. We especially loved the carrot dish. It was so good. It was almost like a dessert! The fish dish I ordered was incredible. The fish was so perfectly cooked and tasty! We also got this dessert with some kind of cardamom ring. That was amazing! It was all different textures and different sweet flavors. My boyfriend ordered a drink. He thought his Old Fashioned was a bit too strong. I tried it and I agreed. They do validate parking in the garage for 2 hours which is great. We finished up in just under the allotted free time which was a win! $0 to park! Going to Ember is truly a treat. I can't wait to visit again soon.

I love this place!! There is a parking garage but not sure about validation. The food is soo good! We tried the following: - beef skewer - my favorite - ribeye - potatos - scallops - melt in your mouth - wagyu - so good! - shrimp - so good! Can't wait to come back and try more!

Fantastic food and service, we had a great experience! The server was very knowledgeable and helpful in recommending what to order, hubby and I both enjoyed our yummy meals (scallops, lobster tail and filet mignon). Loved the welcome shot, the chicharrones, and fried plantains with guac. Yum.

New and upcoming restaurant that will be a rising star in Austin. The flavors were unique and spot on. Each dish had its own exquisite sauce different from the other. We were first treated to complimentary mezcal and blue corn tortillas. The cocktails were refreshing. All the dishes we ordered were amazing except for the carrots. We weren't a fan of that roasted salsa. If you like spicy foods, this is your place. The scallops and filet were perfectly cooked and seasoned. It's been awhile since we've had a memorable meal like this. The service was great and attentive. We will definitely dine here again.

I really enjoyed the diverse menu and the Smokey flavors from the Josper oven. The roasted fish was flavorful and cooked perfectly. My favorite dish was the Marita shrimp (I didn't get a pic). Our server was knowledgeable (Meghan) and the food came quickly. Nice casual atmosphere.