Emilia reviews a family home turned into a contemporary Australian-Arabic restaurant!
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Emil’s Cafe
347 Reynard Street
Pascoe Vale South
Immediately when you walk into Emil’s on a random back street in Pascoe Vale you feel like you’re arriving at the El-Khoury’s family home and that’s no coincidence – you are. The brothers, John and George returned to their childhood home with 15 years of hospitality experience to bring new life into their old home. The front section was their family milk bar, opened in 1978 and behind was the two bedroom flat Emil (who the cafe is named after) and his wife, Houda raised their 6 kids in. Now, they’ve turned both the milk bar and family home into a contemporary Australian-Arabic all-day lunch spot for people to gather, eat and drink. The balance of the decor is beautiful, they’ve left the ceiling with ceiling roses floating above the area they call the ‘living room’, the original fireplace and brickwork.
As soon as you walk in there are family pictures on one wall and community service awards on another, that tells you everything you need to know about the heart of this place. I had it proven to me as I went there with my sister and my 3 month old niece, and John jumped from behind the register to help me carry the pram up the stairs and into their courtyard.
Before you even decide what you want to eat you have to decide from their drinks menu which is just as extensive as their food menu. We tried their cold pressed juices and I curiously tried something called creme brulee in the coffee section. An iced coffee made with 2 ristretto shots of Code Black coffee, cream and as the name suggests, a creme bruleed top, with a sugar cookie on top.
The falafel at Emil’s strikes that elusive balance: crunchy on the outside, fluffy and herbaceous inside. These conical spheres come around the outside of a pumpkin and walnut salad, around the outside, a smooth and nutty hummus. The personal touch was a charred E on the flatbread – a plate that’s equal parts rustic and refined.
One of my very favourite breakfasts ever is the Turkish eggs, so seeing it on the menu was both a challenge and an excitement. Poached eggs in a pool of garlicky labneh, infused with warm butter and chilli oil, punctuated by the smoky spice of lebanese sausage, sujuk and freshness of dill.
I could hardly have a burnt honey chilli chicken burger sit on the menu without giving it a try too. The fried chicken was juicy and perfectly crisped, glazed in a sticky burnt honey chilli that walked the line between sweet heat and savoury depth. Sandwiched between a soft brioche bun (I tried the gluten free for the gluten free amongst us) with a tangy slaw and pickles, it was indulgent without being overwhelming – the kind of dish that makes you stop mid-bite and nod in approval.
Emil’s isn’t just a café – it’s an experience steeped in memory and modern flair. These dishes reflect both a reverence for tradition and a flair for fusion, where Middle Eastern warmth meets Melbourne’s innovative brunch ethos. Whether you’re here for a comforting classic or a new flavour adventure, Emil’s delivers with heart and hospitality.
