ēmmē

ēmmē is a stunning light-filled diner dishing up a produce-driven menu, breathtaking interiors and exceptional brews. 

Taking over the space formerly occupied by Spoon Deli Cafe, ēmmē is giving the gorgeous James Street venue a new lease on life, boasting a revolutionary restaurant concept that embraces raw edges, enticing textures and vibrant colours. 

ēmmē's warm and inviting interior, which features plenty of natural light, earthy tones and an eye-catching open fire pit, is the perfect accompaniment to its flavour-packed menu that is predominately Mediterranean-inspired with touches of Middle Eastern influence, and a little bit of everything else. 

ēmmē is currently serving a breakfast and lunch menu, with plans to include a dinner offering down the line. Diners are warned not to get too attached to the current offering though, as it's flagged to change fairly frequently due to ēmmē's focus on hyper seasonal and local produce. 

Hungry visitors can opt to dine in the sun-soaked interior space, or the alfresco coffee bar for those grabbing a quick brew or bite to eat. 

Despite the ever-changing menu, you can expect to indulge in a range of breakfast dishes such as pickled eggplant with fried egg, walnuts, labneh, chilli and sourdough; poached eggs with labneh, burnt butter and sourdough; potatoes and eggs with cumin, fried garlic, chilli oil and sourdough; or French toast with date caramel, whipped yoghurt and seasonal fruit - for those with a morning sweet tooth.  

A lunch offering features a mixture of smaller and larger plates such as freshly-shucked oysters; raw fish with green harissa and pickles jalapeno; swordfish kofta, saffron yoghurt and pickles; grilled baby squid with pineapple, herbs and paprika; Wagyu rib skewers, native spice and spring onion salsa; BBQ chicken, garlic labneh and shishito peppers; 250g Riverina 3+ Wagyu striploin with spiced mustard and more. 

For drinks, the high-end coffee kiosk will be pouring a Five Senses brew, Felons Brewing Co. will be providing the beers and an extensive wine list will include vinos from Italy, France, Australia and New Zealand. The bar is also stocked with all of your favourite cocktail creators. 

Need to know: There is plenty of free parking available in the James Street Market car park, but time limits do apply. 

By Bryanna Rossow