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ZipPicks Awards
Best American in Northridge
Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in Northridge
Best Pet Friendly Restaurants in Northridge
Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Northridge
Master Critic Review
Emle's Restaurant
7.9
A 70-year family operation that runs an unusually wide lane—California comfort plates like waffle chicken sandwiches and funnel cake French toast share the menu with Mediterranean staples like soujouk calzone and foul modammas, all served from a strip-mall storefront on Reseda. It draws weekend brunch crowds for the creative egg-and-griddle combinations, but the all-day depth means weekday drop-ins rarely feel like an afterthought.
Must-Try Dishes:
Waffle Chicken Sandwich, The Stuffed Frenchie, Short Rib Benedict
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Family-run since 1955, Emle's merges California comfort cooking with Mediterranean staples like soujouk calzone and foul modammas across an unusually deep all-day menu.
Who should go: Brunch crews and families wanting creative, shareable plates
When to visit: Weekend mornings for the full brunch lineup
What to order: Start with a benedict or The Stuffed Frenchie, split a Waffle Chicken Sandwich for the table, and save room for the Funnel Cake French Toast as a sweet finish.
Insider tip: The Waffle Chicken Sandwich is their best-seller — each bun is two full waffles with chipotle coleslaw and aioli.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Strip mall with its own lot—plenty of spaces on weekdays, fills up weekend mornings. Street parking on Reseda also available but watch for nearby college resident permits.
Dress code: Come-as-you-are casual—shorts and sandals fit right in with the laid-back brunch crowd.
Noise level: Conversational—floor-to-ceiling windows open up the room so even with close tables it never gets loud. You can talk at a normal volume.
Weekend wait: Weekend brunch is the real rush—expect a crowd by 10 AM Saturday/Sunday, but turnover is fast (most parties in and out within an hour). Dinner is less hectic.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options—tabouli, garbanzo bean dip, eggplant dip, stuffed grape leaves, and a full Mediterranean veggie platter with hummus and grilled vegetables.
Vegan options: Dedicated homemade vegan burger patty with lettuce, tomato, onion, and avocado. Plus multiple mezze plates (hummus, tabouli, eggplant dishes) are naturally plant-based.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for a low-key dinner date — the warm, well-lit space with floor-to-ceiling windows creates a comfortable setting, and the noise level is moderate enough for easy conversation. A classical pianist performs Friday through Sunday evenings (6–9 PM), which adds a nice romantic touch. It's more casual family restaurant than fine dining, so set expectations accordingly — ideal for an early-stage date where you want good food without the pressure of a formal setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday meals are generally walk-in friendly. Weekend mornings are peak time — this is a beloved neighborhood brunch spot — so expect a wait if you show up without calling ahead on Saturday or Sunday before noon. For dinner, especially Friday–Sunday when the live pianist plays, calling ahead is a smart move. Reservations are taken by phone at (818) 772-2203; no online booking confirmed.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — this is a family-run restaurant with a casual, noise-tolerant atmosphere where kids fit right in. The broad menu has plenty of approachable options at various price points, from simple items like English muffins to full entrees, plus vegetarian choices. Breakfast is served all day, which is a plus for younger eaters. High chairs and a dedicated kids menu are not confirmed online — call ahead if you need either.
Is it good for groups? Yes — the restaurant seats up to 115 inside and 32 on the patio, and they accommodate parties from 1 to 60 people. An elegant privacy curtain can section off part of the dining room for semi-private events, and custom menus are available for larger bookings. Private event hours run 2:30–10 PM. For groups over 6, call ahead to arrange seating; for private events, contact them directly at (818) 772-2203.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — a patio area seats up to 32 guests and is dog-friendly with leash clips provided. The space is wheelchair accessible. Whether the patio is covered or has heaters is not confirmed online — call ahead if weather protection matters for your visit.
Best For
Better for: Weekend brunch with the family or a relaxed outdoor patio meal—big portions, fast turnover, natural-light-filled room that works for groups with kids.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a quiet, intimate dinner date—it's primarily a breakfast/brunch/lunch destination and the close table spacing doesn't lend itself to private conversation.
Hours
Monday7:30am - 9pm
Tuesday7:30am - 9pm
Wednesday7:30am - 9pm
Thursday7:30am - 9pm
Friday7:30am - 9pm
Saturday7:30am - 9pm
Sunday7:30am - 9pm