Ēma, the Chicago-born Mediterranean restaurant highlighted in the Statesman’s list of exciting Austin openings for 2026, is set to open Saturday, Jan. 31, at Domain NORTHSIDE. The restaurant brings Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants’ vegetable-forward, shareable small plates to North Austin for the first time.
The opening marks Ēma’s third location overall and the second Lettuce concept in Austin, joining Aba on South Congress Avenue. The restaurant will serve lunch and dinner daily, with weekend brunch, delivery and carryout planned for a later date.
Ēma’s menu leans lighter than its sister restaurant Aba, focusing on seasonal produce and bright, Mediterranean flavors. Offerings include a range of mezze, spreads, vegetables and kebabs. Among the dishes listed are sweet corn hummus, smoky whipped feta, octopus carpaccio, crispy maitake mushrooms and grilled halloumi kebabs.
The beverage program mirrors the kitchen’s Mediterranean focus. Cocktails incorporate ingredients such as yuzu, fig, rosemary and Greek mountain tea, alongside zero-proof options. The wine list highlights producers from Mediterranean coastal regions and islands, as well as California wineries working in an Old World style.
Founded in Chicago’s River North neighborhood in 2016, Ēma was created by Executive Partner and Divisional President Marc Jacobs and Chef Partner CJ Jacobson.
Jacobson, a winner of “Top Chef Duels,” has built his reputation on blending his California roots with Mediterranean influences. Since opening Aba in Austin in 2020, he and the Lettuce team have steadily built a local following, a factor that helped drive the decision to open Ēma in the Domain.
The 5,000-square-foot restaurant was designed by Lettuce’s in-house design team in collaboration with Austin-based architecture firm coXist. The space seats 314 guests and includes an outdoor patio.
Ēma will be open seven days a week, with hours from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. Reservations open Jan. 28 via OpenTable.
Ēma Austin is located at 3120 Palm Way, Suite 170, at Domain NORTHSIDE.
Dining and Cooking