I recently had lunch with a friend at Embarc Parkhurst, and while the service left a little to be desired, the food completely stole the show.

Let’s start with the only downside, the service. We were welcomed a little coldly and, after being seated, waited close to 10 minutes to receive menus despite our waiter standing nearby. It was disappointing, but hopefully just a once off. Service: 5/10.

Now onto the good stuff because Embarc is such a beautiful space.

This intimate 32 seater restaurant blends modern elegance with a trendy, relaxed atmosphere, making it perfect for lunches, casual meetings or date nights. The restaurant offers an ever evolving menu, with dishes inspired by the seasons and food trends. They also have a great wine list, featuring some of South Africa’s best wines alongside a few international gems, plus a small but trendy cocktail menu.

Starters, 10/10 Across The Board

Korean Fried Chicken Wings, Gochujang Glaze
These were an instant hit. Perfectly crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, with a sticky glaze packed with flavour. Every bite was delicious and honestly one of those dishes you don’t want to share.

Lamb Samosas, Green Sauce, Chutney
Easily one of the standout dishes of the day. The lamb filling was rich and flavourful, but that green sauce completely stole the show, absolutely divine and bursting with flavour.

Embarc Fries with Truffle and Parmesan
Such a simple dish done really well. Crispy, indulgent and loaded with flavour, these are a definite must order for the table.

Mains, Dreamy and Full of Flavour 8/10

Calamari Noodles, Cashew XO, Apricot, Curry Leaf, Masala Velouté
This dish was packed with bold flavours but still felt beautifully balanced. The calamari was tender, and the sauce brought everything together in a comforting yet elevated way.

Dirty Bird, Deboned Chicken Thighs, Smoked Corn Custard and Slaw
Comfort food but make it elevated. The chicken was tender and full of flavour, paired perfectly with the creamy smoked corn custard and fresh slaw for balance.

Overall, Embarc is a lovely spot in Parkhurst for lunch with friends, a quick meeting or a relaxed date. While the service missed the mark on this visit, the food and atmosphere more than made up for it. Hopefully the hospitality improves because this place really has the potential to be exceptional. Overall Rating 7.7/10.