New Heights Café Opening: Ema

Recently, a café by the name of Ema has opened in the Heights at the corner of 20th and Studewood street. Among the owners is local Houstonian, Stephanie Velasquez, a 2024 James Beard Award semifinalist who is credited with developing their menu of Mexican inspired baked goods. Velasquez is known to put her own spin on traditional recipes often incorporating French baking techniques into her process. You can certainly notice her style when comparing their conchas, made from a brioche-like dough or their guava queso empanadas which use a French style puff pastry to achieve the flaky layers of their exteriors. The owners have so far enjoyed success with their previous pop-ups and residencies and this year they finally opened a brick and mortar location which became Ema’s Cafe and Bakery.

Experience & Ambience

The restaurant is a one business in the rather unique building at the chaotic intersection where Cavalcade, Studewood, 20th, and Main all join together. They have a simple sign by the doorway that does not particularly stand out, but that has not stopped them from quickly becoming a popular destination for breakfast or lunch. Their hours are posted by the doorway, which indicates that they are typically open from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM on most days except Monday when they are closed or Sundays when they open at 9:00 AM instead. There is a parking lot for the building that is somewhat prone to overcrowding during the busier hours of the day which can make it a bit limiting if there are not a few spots available. When you enter you will notice that the main seating area is very open with large floor to ceiling windows on each side of the room. Numerous faux plants are placed around the space giving it accents of green that go well with the tile at the counter and the natural wood finished tables. The atmosphere has a bright and open feel to it that makes the small space feel more relaxing and not overly cramped even though the tables are in fairly close proximity to each other. There is a station by the doorway where customers have access to glasses and water, but for other drinks and food orders, proceed to the counter where you pay for your food and receive a number for your table. Simply take your pick of the open seating and the staff will bring your order to your table.

Prices & Rating

In general the prices are a bit above average which you might expect from a restaurant that sells more upscaled versions of dishes as Ema does. The price of a full meal here will typically run about $20 per person considering that the larger plates are all priced between $12 and $16. Their daily selection of baked goods are around $3-$5 which is a common price point for bakery pastries. The drinks are also fairly average in pricing with lattes at $5 as well as their daily aguas frescas flavors. As far as my rating goes, I would definitely recommend this cafe. The baked goods that I have tried so far have had very well balanced flavors without being incredibly sweet. Their breads are likely their greatest selling point as they are very well done and you can even get sandwiches made with their freshly baked bread. The larger plates that they offer are well above average in terms of food quality that you can normally find at a cafe or bakery, and the menu is evenly split with vegetarian options. The rotating seasonal dishes and daily selection of baked goods also offers customers opportunities to return and try new dishes which we otherwise might pass up for our go to orders. As the new cafe in the area is certainly worth trying out, but if you’ve set your eyes upon their pastries, make sure to go early before they sell out for the day!

What To Order?

Horchata Berlinesa
This simple freshly made doughnut filled with their horchata custard is a top choice when they haven’t already sold out for the day. Don’t miss out if you get the opportunity to try one!

Conchas
Their conchas or pan dulce are one of their signature items which are made with a different type of dough than usual, making for a more moist, almost brioche-like version of the bread.

Guava Queso Empanada
One of the mainstays on their menu of baked goods are the empanadas which are made with a French style puff pastry, guava paste, and cream cheese.

Hoja Santa French Toast
This dish comes with a thick slice off their in house sweet brioche bread topped with Hoja Santa custard, whipped cream, strawberry compote, as well as fresh strawberry slices.

Aguas Frescas
Their flavor of these beverages, which are a refreshing blend of fresh fruit, lime juice and water, rotates by the day. Make sure to ask about the current flavor!

Suadero Chilaquiles
This dish comes with their house-made totopos topped with brisket, black beans, salsa verde, red onions, cilantro, dill, sour cream, queso fresco, and a fried egg.

Torta Milanesa
These sandwiches are quite filling and come stacked with breaded chicken, black beans, green tomato, red onions, morita mayo, and cabbage on their house-made bolillo bread.

Pambazo
Another sandwich option featuring their achiote pork, guajillo salsa, black beans, morita mayo, cabbage, and guacamole.