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Embarc Parkhurst: Inside the Award-Winning 32-Seater Defining Modern Jozi Dining
Where neighbourhood charm meets world-class cooking
On the corner of 4th Avenue and 13th Street in Parkhurst sits a restaurant that locals mention with a kind of quiet pride. Embarc opened its doors in November 2020 and quickly became one of those places that do not shout for attention, yet somehow always end up fully booked. Part of its charm is how unpretentious it feels. The space is warm, modern, and close-knit, the kind of dining room where the clink of glasses sets the tone long before the first course arrives.
Embarc began as the vision of Chef Darren O’Donovan, whose years of experience across esteemed kitchens laid the foundation for a menu rooted in contemporary European style. His philosophy was simple. Create a restaurant that feels relaxed yet serves food with the polish of an international destination.
A new chapter with Head Chef Aren Pollack
In 2025, Embarc welcomed Head Chef Aren Pollack, whose background spans several renowned restaurants locally and abroad. His cooking style is defined by clean, bold flavours and a deep respect for sustainability and seasonality. What stands out most is his curiosity, which filters through the ever-evolving menu and the collaborative energy of his kitchen.
This partnership between Darren and Aren has transformed Embarc into a creative hub where ingredients are treated with intention and every dish feels purposeful.
An intimate 32-seater with a loyal following
Part of Embarc’s magic lies in its scale. With only 32 seats, diners feel part of something personal. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner from Tuesdays to Sundays, giving guests a rhythm that mirrors the neighbourhood itself: friendly, familiar, and quietly sophisticated.
The menu changes with the seasons and with the times, a fluid approach that keeps regulars coming back. The team backs their food with a wine list that is curated as carefully as the dishes themselves. Local and international bottles feature throughout the list, ranging from elegant MCCs to textured whites and chilled reds. Their cocktail selection includes options such as the Vanilla Bean Espresso Martini and the Cucumber Elderflower Gimlet.
A menu that feels thoughtful and modern
The snacks section offers comfort with flair. Guests can start with Korean Fried Chicken Wings glazed in gochujang, Embarc Fries with truffle mayo, or Crack Chokka served with aioli. The Trio of Oysters with tosazu and daikon sits quietly at the top of the favourites list for those who prefer something fresh and refined.
From there, the savoury offering widens. Highlights include Venison Tartar with Jerusalem artichoke, Calamari Noodles with cashew XO and apricot, and Seared Scallops in a tomato beurre blanc. Vegetarians have memorable options such as Charred Cauliflower with salsa matcha or a Parmigiano Reggiano Risotto finished with truffle and pine nut. Mains such as Rolled Lamb Belly with aubergine and rosemary or Ostrich Fillet with pumpkin and café au lait show off the team’s emphasis on depth of flavour and careful pairing.
Dessert stays playful. Think Dark Chocolate Torte with marigold oil or Kiwi Pavlova with lime leaf custard. Even the Tiramisu carries an Embarc twist, reflecting the restaurant’s balance of nostalgia and creativity.
Image 1: Facebook/Embarc Restaurant
Awards that tell the story
Since opening, Embarc has earned a wave of recognition. It won South Africa’s Best New Restaurant at the Luxe Hosco Awards in 2021, followed by Best Bistro in 2022. It also secured a Star Wine List Award and was featured in the Discovery Top 50 linked to the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. These achievements reflect a restaurant that continues to grow rather than rest on early success.
Bringing the Embarc experience beyond Parkhurst
More recently, the team has been collaborating with private lodges and hotels across Africa, bringing a touch of Embarc’s style to remote luxury locations. Their travelling pop-ups have become a favourite among food lovers who enjoy seeing how the restaurant adapts its identity outside the city.
A neighbourhood dream that became a favourite
Embarc may have started as a dream, but today it stands as one of Parkhurst’s most respected dining spaces. It is the kind of restaurant people recommend with quiet confidence. A place that brings serious culinary skill without ever losing its welcoming soul.
For anyone searching for a thoughtful, intimate, and beautifully executed dining experience in Johannesburg, Embarc continues to be one of the city’s most compelling reasons to book a table.
Also read: Modena Italian Eatery brings real Italian soul to Parkhurst’s Fourth Avenue
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Source: embarcrestaurantza.com
Featured Image: News24
