Ēma, a Mediterranean concept from Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants, will open at Domain NORTHSIDE on Saturday, January 31
From the team behind award-winning Aba, Ēma will bring California-style fare to Austin’s popular shopping and entertainment district
Ēma, the Mediterranean and California-inspired restaurant from Chicago-based Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants (Lettuce), will open its first Texas location at Domain NORTHSIDE (3120 Palm Way, Suite 170, Austin, TX 78758) on Saturday, January 31, 2026, marking the restaurant’s third location overall. Open for lunch and dinner service, Ēma aims to transport guests to a summer day in the Mediterranean with a vegetable-focused, mezze-style menu highlighting seasonal and local ingredients and bright flavors.
Ēma originated in Chicago’s River North neighborhood in June 2016, with the second location opening in Glenview, Illinois, in September 2024. Created by Executive Partner and Divisional President Marc Jacobs and Chef Partner CJ Jacobson, the Austin location marks the second Lettuce concept in Texas, joining its acclaimed sibling restaurant Aba, located on South Congress Avenue. Ēma, meaning “mother” in Hebrew, focuses on a lighter style of California cooking with an emphasis on vegetables and seafood.
“We’re excited to expand into North Austin,” shares Jacobs. “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.”
The “Top Chef Duels” winner Chef CJ Jacobson is known for blending his California roots with his modern approach to Mediterranean cooking. The Ēma menu features a selection of mezze, Mediterranean small plates, hummus, spreads, vegetables and kebabs. Signature dishes include Sweet Corn Hummus, Broccoli & Kale Hummus, Octopus Carpaccio, Crispy Wild Mushrooms and Grilled Oishii Shrimp Kebab.
“Since opening Aba in Austin in October 2020, we’ve been grateful for all the support we received from the community,” Jacobson shared. “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. Openings always bring fresh ideas and refinements that we can’t wait to share.”
The bar program at Ēma is helmed by Senior Beverage Manager Nicholas Berggren. Cocktails are prepared with Mediterranean ingredients that harmonize with those used in the kitchen. Highlights include the Tequila Yuzu Espresso Martini featuring Lalo Blanco, Oka Yuzu Vodka, Beatrix espresso and Demerara yuzu bitters; Don Higo with Uruapan charanda rum, fig, coconut, rishi Greek mountain tea, honey and rosemary; and zero-proof options like the Hugo Spritz featuring Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. n/a elderflower and Austin Beerworks hop water. The wine list, curated by Sommelier John C. Slatter, features selections from the Mediterranean coastline and the surrounding islands, as well as California producers with an old-world style.
The restaurant was constructed, designed and curated by Lettuce’s In-House Director of Interior Design Avril Zayas in collaboration with Executive Partner and Divisional President Marc Jacobs with additional support from local architecture firm coXist. The 5,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor restaurant accommodates 314 guests, featuring an expansive tree-covered outdoor patio. The indoor dining room and bar features warm ivory tones and textured finishes including thin brick, natural stone and reclaimed rustic wood. Cream sheers, sprawling ivy, potted trees and lush plant life fill the space. Operable windows in the dining room help transport guests to a summer day in the Mediterranean.
Ēma will be open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, with weekend brunch, delivery and carryout to follow. Restaurant hours are Monday through Thursday from 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM, and Sunday from 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Reservations can be made via OpenTable or by calling 737-402-1333. Ēma Austin is located at 3120 Palm Way, Suite 170, Austin, TX 78758.
For more information or to make a reservation, please visit emarestaurants.com/austin or follow along on Ēma’s Instagram.