Went on Fri 8/23/24 6:30 reservations -Got seated immediately -Inside seemed a little warm so asked for outside last minute & they were able to accommodate us. (Noticed later heat must have been from the beautiful bifold windows to create indoor/outdoor dining that there was warmth coming inside) -Started with their apple cocktail which was refreshing and beautiful presentation - Server was professional helpful knowledgeable & friendly. We learned later that it was only her, the owner (who was very humble) the bartender & the hostess running the whole place. They like many places we're understaffed but handling it so well. There were at least 12 reservations that walked in while we were there. -We got to try al 4 empanadas they were all delicious but for our taste budds spinach & cheese and the corn were outstanding but really they all were excellent & they were extra creamy inside, as well as, the shell was perfectly deep fried without any freezer burn or mush. -Our grilled octopus had the exact amount of char without being bitter or hard at the same time drizzled with good flavor and tender without being rubbery. The topped potato sticks were crispy, plentiful and nice flavor only change would be too cut them down shorter awkward to balance on fork and get into your mouth. -Our dinners looked as good as they were. My skirt steak was charred without bitterness but marinated so it was so tender & flavorful. Mashed were whipped silky smooth. Asparagus had the correct char and crunch. It is so easy to get that char wrong but this chef never did. -My husband had the tuna that was the right color for freshness & cooked to the correct temperature. I forgot what grain he said it was topped with, but he really enjoyed it! -Unfortunately, we had to skip band that had just started and dessert because the mosquitos that are brutal in Bergen County had just come out. If it's not crowded in size you could prob ask for a table inside for dessert. Def will b back!
Monica Laina
You won't believe the experience I had at this restaurant today—it was my first time, and it was amazing! The food and atmosphere were fantastic, and the owner is incredibly pleasant. I’m honestly at a loss for words; this place is definitely going to be my new spot. I went during lunch, so I didn't get to try any cocktails, but I’ll definitely be back for happy hour. You really need to check it out!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Flan, Risotto
David Sherman
My wife and I ate outside on a beautiful night. We had the empanadas and the bread basket for appetizers. The beet yogurt dip with the raisin nut bread was delicious and all three of the selection of empanadas were flaky and tasty. The entrees were outstanding. I had the brisket bolognese, which was rich, complex, and savory. My wife had the shrimp risotto, which was perfect. Velvety smooth, cheesy, and creamy with large chunks of shrimp and whole shrimp as a delicious garnish. I can’t wait to go back to try the rest of the menu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Risotto
Sara Natkins
Really sad to be giving this place 2 stars. First of all, our server was great. Ambience is great. Music is great. Drinks- great. Food…for ALMOST the most part… great. We had the octopus, empanadas (beef and ham & cheese) and arugula salad as apps. Everything was really good, although the octopus was a bit too spongey texture-wise. The issue came when mains came out. My husband ordered their burger and I ordered their seafood pasta. Pasta’s flavors were definitely there although it seemed they semi cheapened out on the seafood as they gave you mini scallops, mini shrimps and calamari rings. The bigger problem came with the burger. My husband ordered a “medium” burger, and when I tell you it came out rare, it came out RARE. So we told the very nice waiter about the issue and to send it back to the kitchen. Following this, a woman, who seemed like the manager, had the audacity to come over to our table and argue that “this is what the chef considers medium. But sure, we can send it back to the kitchen.” First off, when I say this thing was red, it was bleeding. If that’s what you consider medium, FDA would have you guys cancelled in a heart beat. Sadly I didn’t have enough time to take a picture of the burger as my husbands frustration rose very quickly… Secondly, if anyone knows anything about the restaurant biz, customers are always right… rude or not (though we definitely didn’t intend to be), they are. But she had the time to take the time to walk over to our table to tell us/gaslight us into thinking that red burger was medium. But worst part was after my husband told her just to give us a check and not to send the burger back out the assumed manager comes right back out with the now overcooked burger and with a ton of attitude says it’s on the house.
Don’t need to say much more but s/o to The very kind waiter who also seemed semi high but was super super chill.
Jen Ace
Had a lovely brunch. The cocktails look delicious and the names are pretty funny. Try the banana pancakes 5/5 stars.
Edit - came back for dinner and tried the drink with the funny name “Chinga tu madre” delicious as was the food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Velma Guzman
We loved this restaurant. The food was amazing and the appetizers were excellent. The place has an upscale vibe loved it! We will definitely be back. Our friends are regulars and talk about it all the time now I know why!!
Carolina Correa
I was here for the first time and I loved it, the bartender was super nice, good energy, good drinks, good atmosphere, I'm sure I'll come back
My husband and I consider Emma to be our new favorite restaurant. The staff makes you feel welcomed and treats you well. The drinks are always great as is food. It never fails to disappoint.
Sharon
My husband and I consider Emma to be our new favorite restaurant. The staff makes you feel welcomed and treats you well. The drinks are always great as is food. It never fails to disappoint.
Keirstan Kennedy
The drinks were spot on, the food was spectacular and the service impeccable. Definitely going back and highly recommend!
Been here four times with many different people and they all loved it. Please try the risotto - they are the best risotto I've ever had in my life. Not to mention the stunning list of cocktails. It's definitely my top choice for a fancy dining experience in the area. The brunch was very delicious too!! Highly recommended
Esther
Good clean food, nicely decorated interior/atmosphere.
Minus one star because we felt very rushed / like we were being shooed out. We were still working through our meal and the waiter started taking away plates that seemed empty to him.. or asking if we’re still working on it when there’s still a decent amount left on the plates. Maybe his shift was ending and he was eager to close out the tab, who knows. But it was a bit upsetting he kept interrupting to a point where it felt like he was indirectly asking us to leave.
Brandon Cobb
Incredible cocktails and mocktails. The food is outstanding! Atmosphere is elevated but relaxed. Immediately became one of Hackensack’s best dinner spots. ??? We need more of this. It was so good we went two nights in a row to make sure we weren’t trippin ?
Mike Cowan
The food and drinks were very well done. Nice ambiance and very pleasant service.
Went on Fri 8/23/24 6:30 reservations -Got seated immediately -Inside seemed a little warm so asked for outside last minute & they were able to accommodate us. (Noticed later heat must have been from the beautiful bifold windows to create indoor/outdoor dining that there was warmth coming inside) -Started with their apple cocktail which was refreshing and beautiful presentation - Server was professional helpful knowledgeable & friendly. We learned later that it was only her, the owner (who was very humble) the bartender & the hostess running the whole place. They like many places we're understaffed but handling it so well. There were at least 12 reservations that walked in while we were there. -We got to try al 4 empanadas they were all delicious but for our taste budds spinach & cheese and the corn were outstanding but really they all were excellent & they were extra creamy inside, as well as, the shell was perfectly deep fried without any freezer burn or mush. -Our grilled octopus had the exact amount of char without being bitter or hard at the same time drizzled with good flavor and tender without being rubbery. The topped potato sticks were crispy, plentiful and nice flavor only change would be too cut them down shorter awkward to balance on fork and get into your mouth. -Our dinners looked as good as they were. My skirt steak was charred without bitterness but marinated so it was so tender & flavorful. Mashed were whipped silky smooth. Asparagus had the correct char and crunch. It is so easy to get that char wrong but this chef never did. -My husband had the tuna that was the right color for freshness & cooked to the correct temperature. I forgot what grain he said it was topped with, but he really enjoyed it! -Unfortunately, we had to skip band that had just started and dessert because the mosquitos that are brutal in Bergen County had just come out. If it's not crowded in size you could prob ask for a table inside for dessert. Def will b back!
You won't believe the experience I had at this restaurant today—it was my first time, and it was amazing! The food and atmosphere were fantastic, and the owner is incredibly pleasant. I’m honestly at a loss for words; this place is definitely going to be my new spot. I went during lunch, so I didn't get to try any cocktails, but I’ll definitely be back for happy hour. You really need to check it out!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Flan, Risotto
My wife and I ate outside on a beautiful night. We had the empanadas and the bread basket for appetizers. The beet yogurt dip with the raisin nut bread was delicious and all three of the selection of empanadas were flaky and tasty. The entrees were outstanding. I had the brisket bolognese, which was rich, complex, and savory. My wife had the shrimp risotto, which was perfect. Velvety smooth, cheesy, and creamy with large chunks of shrimp and whole shrimp as a delicious garnish. I can’t wait to go back to try the rest of the menu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Risotto
Really sad to be giving this place 2 stars. First of all, our server was great. Ambience is great. Music is great. Drinks- great. Food…for ALMOST the most part… great. We had the octopus, empanadas (beef and ham & cheese) and arugula salad as apps. Everything was really good, although the octopus was a bit too spongey texture-wise. The issue came when mains came out. My husband ordered their burger and I ordered their seafood pasta. Pasta’s flavors were definitely there although it seemed they semi cheapened out on the seafood as they gave you mini scallops, mini shrimps and calamari rings. The bigger problem came with the burger. My husband ordered a “medium” burger, and when I tell you it came out rare, it came out RARE. So we told the very nice waiter about the issue and to send it back to the kitchen. Following this, a woman, who seemed like the manager, had the audacity to come over to our table and argue that “this is what the chef considers medium. But sure, we can send it back to the kitchen.” First off, when I say this thing was red, it was bleeding. If that’s what you consider medium, FDA would have you guys cancelled in a heart beat. Sadly I didn’t have enough time to take a picture of the burger as my husbands frustration rose very quickly… Secondly, if anyone knows anything about the restaurant biz, customers are always right… rude or not (though we definitely didn’t intend to be), they are. But she had the time to take the time to walk over to our table to tell us/gaslight us into thinking that red burger was medium. But worst part was after my husband told her just to give us a check and not to send the burger back out the assumed manager comes right back out with the now overcooked burger and with a ton of attitude says it’s on the house.
Don’t need to say much more but s/o to
The very kind waiter who also seemed semi high but was super super chill.
Had a lovely brunch. The cocktails look delicious and the names are pretty funny.
Try the banana pancakes 5/5 stars.
Edit - came back for dinner and tried the drink with the funny name
“Chinga tu madre”
delicious as was the food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We loved this restaurant. The food was amazing and the appetizers were excellent. The place has an upscale vibe loved it! We will definitely be back. Our friends are regulars and talk about it all the time now I know why!!
I was here for the first time and I loved it, the bartender was super nice, good energy, good drinks, good atmosphere, I'm sure I'll come back
My husband and I consider Emma to be our new favorite restaurant. The staff makes you feel welcomed and treats you well. The drinks are always great as is food. It never fails to disappoint.
My husband and I consider Emma to be our new favorite restaurant. The staff makes you feel welcomed and treats you well. The drinks are always great as is food. It never fails to disappoint.
The drinks were spot on, the food was spectacular and the service impeccable. Definitely going back and highly recommend!
Restaurantji Recommends
Been here four times with many different people and they all loved it. Please try the risotto - they are the best risotto I've ever had in my life. Not to mention the stunning list of cocktails. It's definitely my top choice for a fancy dining experience in the area. The brunch was very delicious too!! Highly recommended
Good clean food, nicely decorated interior/atmosphere.
Minus one star because we felt very rushed / like we were being shooed out. We were still working through our meal and the waiter started taking away plates that seemed empty to him.. or asking if we’re still working on it when there’s still a decent amount left on the plates. Maybe his shift was ending and he was eager to close out the tab, who knows. But it was a bit upsetting he kept interrupting to a point where it felt like he was indirectly asking us to leave.
Incredible cocktails and mocktails. The food is outstanding! Atmosphere is elevated but relaxed. Immediately became one of Hackensack’s best dinner spots. ??? We need more of this. It was so good we went two nights in a row to make sure we weren’t trippin ?
The food and drinks were very well done. Nice ambiance and very pleasant service.
Excellent cocktails, food, & great service!
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