Another spot to add to your already overflowing “must eat” list. But this one’s different. ēmmē (yes, with the little wiggle thing on top) has the fire, literally. We’re talking wood-fired everything, Mediterranean flavours with a Jordanian and Moroccan twist.
If you’ve scrolled James Street on Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen someone posing here with a glass in hand. And the vibe is pure chef’s kiss. A marble bar curves around the open kitchen, flames flicker in the background and the space nails that warm, minimal aesthetic.
ēmmē leans into Wabi-Sabi, the Japanese idea that beauty lives in imperfection. A little rough around the edges and all the better for it. That approach shows up on the plate too, where smoke, spice and seasonality set the tone from morning till late.
Breakfast is a James Street ritual and ēmmē makes it worth rolling out of bed for. Turkish eggs with labneh and Aleppo pepper. French toast with whipped honey butter and berries. A crab and eggs situation that’ll ruin plain avo toast for you forever.
By lunch, the woodfired pita takes centre stage with halloumi, lamb or crab and harissa. The “greens and grains” are a must with bowls of silverbeet, quinoa, pomegranate and avocado or grilled persimmon, spinach, ricotta and burnt honey.
When the sun goes down, ēmmē lifts the bar even higher. Yellowtail kingfish with green harissa. Spiced lamb ribs with zucchini tzatziki. Woodfired king prawns dripping in spiced red pepper and fried garlic. And if you’re lucky enough to score the limited spiced lamb shoulder, don’t waste time debating it, just order. Add charred broccoli with macadamia cream and roasted cauliflower with chutney and crispy bits and you’ve basically got a feast.
Emme James Street
3/22 James St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
0466 723 337
Emmejamesst.com
