Esmai's – Middle Eastern
Esmai’s serves as a vibrant crossroads of global flavors, where the sizzle of charred octopus and the sweet heat of hot honey wings create an atmosphere of adventurous discovery. The kitchen masterfully bridges continents, pairing the rich decadence of bone marrow banh mi with the playful crunch of bulgogi empanadas and truffle-scented fries. Each plate is a colorful, sensory celebration designed for sharing, inviting guests to linger over an eclectic tapestry of tastes in a space that feels both sophisticated and spirited.
1306 Beacon Street, 02446 https://esmaisbrookline.com/Rating: 3/5 (1 reviews)
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Price range: $$
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, keto, low-carb, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, glp1, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, carnivore, low-fodmap, renal, tlc, volumetrics, zone, lectin-free, slow-carb, sesame-free, soy-free
Diet fit at Esmai's
Dairy-Free at Esmai's
Esmai's in Brookline has 10 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Vegetarian Eggrolls, Vegan Glass Noodles and Lemongrass Chicken Salad. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at Esmai's
Esmai's in Brookline has 6 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Hot Honey Wings, Lemongrass Chicken Salad and Vietnamese Eggrolls. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at Esmai's
Esmai's in Brookline has 19 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Curry Tofu Banh Mi, Vegetarian Eggrolls and Soufflè Pancake. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at Esmai's
Esmai's in Brookline has 8 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Lemongrass Chicken Salad, Lemongrass Chicken Banh Mi and Vietnamese Eggrolls. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Keto at Esmai's
Esmai's in Brookline has 3 keto-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Truffle Fries, Curry Chicken and Grilled Octopus. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at Esmai's
Esmai's in Brookline has 5 low-carb-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Truffle Fries, Lemongrass Chicken Salad and Fried Brussel Sprouts. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Nut-Free at Esmai's
Esmai's in Brookline has 2 nut-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Vietnamese Eggrolls and Grilled Octopus. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at Esmai's
Esmai's in Brookline has 5 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Vegan Glass Noodles, Sorbet and Salt & Pepper Mushrooms. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at Esmai's
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Squid Ink Pasta | 10.8 g | 49 g |
| Smoked Fried Rice | 11.6 g | 47.9 g |
| Vietnamese Eggrolls | 7.9 g | 39.3 g |
| Esmai's Smash Burger | 55.6 g | 37.9 g |
| Grilled Beef Banh Mi | 15.4 g | 37.4 g |
| Crab Omelette Rice Plate | 21.9 g | 37.3 g |
| Curry Chicken | 0 g | 37.2 g |
| Pappardelle Pasta | 0 g | 29.8 g |
| Mini Beef Wellington | 4.2 g | 28.9 g |
| Lemongrass Chicken Salad | 12.5 g | 24.6 g |
| Smoked Vegan Fried Rice | 4.9 g | 23.5 g |
| Everything Breakfast | 7 g | 23.4 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently closed
Hours
- Tuesday - Thursday
- 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Friday
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- Saturday
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- Sunday
- 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
What diners are saying
Celebrated for its fair pricing and casual atmosphere, guests appreciate the reliable dining experience and unpretentious setting. Reviewers highlight the steady service and approachable menu, noting that it serves as a solid choice for a relaxed meal where the value is consistently praised.
Menu
Petite Plates
- Fried Brussel Sprouts - $14: Truffle oil, parmesan & bacon bits Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Low-Sodium, South-Beach Available at: dinner, lunch
- Street Corn - $10: Scallion-miso butter Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Truffle Fries - $12: Parmesan, truffle oil Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Atkins, South-Beach Available at: dinner, lunch
- Vegetarian Eggrolls - $7: Vermicelli, carrots, tofu, taro with a sweet fish sauce Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Banh Mi & Bone Marrow - $18: Vietnamese charcuterie; cold cuts, chicken pate, pho bone marrow, pickled daikon & carrots Available at: dinner, lunch
- Bulgogi Empanadas - $13: Gochujang mayo Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mini Beef Wellington - $17: Prosciutto, mushrooms, carrots, truffle aoili Dietary tags: Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Hot Honey Wings - $15 Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Vietnamese Eggrolls - $8: Pork, carrots, taro, side of sweet fish sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Atkins, South-Beach, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Grilled Octopus - $15: Poached Asian Pear Salad, Olives, Dill Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Carnivore, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mussels - $19: Roasted tomato reduction Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC, Alkaline, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Shrimp Bao - $12: Honey mayo Dietary tags: High-Protein, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Salt & Pepper Mushrooms - $14: Teriyaki, pickled baby leeks Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
Salads
- Fall Salad - $15: Spring mix, roasted pumpkin, grape tomatoes, prosciutto chips, & citrus vinaigrette Available at: dinner, lunch
- Green Papaya Salad - $16: Shredded papaya, tomatoes, basil, pesto, grilled shrimp & a chili vinaigrette Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Lemongrass Chicken Salad - $16: Asparagus, spring mix, roasted baby carrots, lemongrass chicken, citrus vinaigrette Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
Main Courses
- BBH Banh Mi - $23: Banh Mi Bo hue, vietnamese braised beef, aromatic jus Available at: dinner, lunch
- Curry Chicken - $25: Yellow curry, root vegetables Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, GLP-1, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Renal, Slow-Carb, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Loco Moco - $20: Japanese hamburger, spam, fried egg, mushroom gravy served with jasmine rice Available at: breakfast, brunch, dinner, lunch
- Smoked Fried Rice - $24: Fried shrimp, Vietnamese sausage, eggs, ham, edamame, corn, smoked tomato Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Esmai's Smash Burger - $18: Lettuce, American cheese, special sauce, bacon, pickled cherry peppers, side of fries Available at: dinner, lunch
- Smoked Vegan Fried Rice - $21: Fried tofu, edamame, corn & smoked tomato Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
Pasta & Noodles
- Hop's Mac and Cheese - $18: Radiatore pasta Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Lentil Bolognese - $25: Lentils, white beans, vegetable ragu Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pappardelle Pasta - $29: Braised top sirloin, tomato jus, anise, chili, cloves, ginger, paprika Available at: dinner, lunch
- Vegan Glass Noodles - $20: Sweet potato glass noodles, bell peppers, tofu, sweet soy Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Low-Cholesterol Available at: dinner, lunch
- Squid Ink Pasta - $32: Thai basil pesto, scallops, shrimp, mussels, tomatoes Dietary tags: High-Protein, Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
Brunch
- Soufflè Pancake - $15: Signature delicate airy texture Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Stuffed French Toast - $15: Choice of chocolate or ube cheese ganache Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Chicken & Waffles - $18 Available at: breakfast, brunch, dinner, lunch
- Everything Breakfast - $18: Eggs, sausage, bacon, tots, half waffles or toast Available at: breakfast, brunch
- The OG Banh Mi - $12: Chicken Pate & Vietnamese Cold Deli, pickled carrots & radishes, jalapeños, soy sauce, sweet fish sauce, garlic butter & cilantro Available at: brunch, dinner, lunch
- Curry Tofu Banh Mi - $14: Curry tofu, pickled carrots & radishes, jalapeños, soy sauce, sweet fish sauce, garlic butter & cilantro Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: brunch, lunch
- Grilled Beef Banh Mi - $15: Grilled beef, pickled carrots & radishes, jalapeños, soy sauce, sweet fish sauce, garlic butter & cilantro Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: brunch, dinner, lunch
- Lemongrass Chicken Banh Mi - $15: Lemongrass chicken, pickled carrots & radishes, jalapeños, soy sauce, sweet fish sauce, garlic butter & cilantro Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: brunch, dinner, lunch
- Crab Omelette Rice Plate - $18: Lump crab, roe, scallion, spicy mayo, macaroni salad & white rice Dietary tags: High-Protein, Halal, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: breakfast, brunch, lunch
Desserts
- Lava Cake - $10: Matcha ganache Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Crème Brûlée - $10: Weekly flavor Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Sorbet - $7: Daily flavors Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, TLC, Renal
Beverages
- Appletini - $15: grey goose vodka, rockey’s liqueur, clarified green apple cordial
- All Hands on Deck - $15: appleton estate rum, old forester bourbon, passionfruit, amargo de chili liqueur, honey Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Vietnamese Coffee - $6: rich drip coffee sweetened with condensed milk
- Impromptu Rendezvous - $10: habanero, acid-adjusted pineapple, ginger, clove, allspice, hibiscus, brown sugar Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian
- Allagash White - $9: 5.2%, 16oz
Frequently Asked Questions about Esmai's
- Is Esmai's dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. Esmai's has 10 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Vegetarian Eggrolls, Vegan Glass Noodles and Lemongrass Chicken Salad.
- What can I eat at Esmai's on a dairy-free diet?
- Vegetarian Eggrolls, Vegan Glass Noodles and Lemongrass Chicken Salad carry the dairy-free tag, out of 10 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does Esmai's have vegan options?
- Yes. 5 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Vegan Glass Noodles and Sorbet.
- Is Esmai's gluten-free?
- 6 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at Esmai's?
- Squid Ink Pasta, at roughly 49g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
Restaurants near Esmai's
- Tatte Bakery & Cafe — Middle Eastern
- Bab Al-Yemen — Middle Eastern
- Zaaki — Middle Eastern
- Cafe Landwer — Middle Eastern
- Shah's Halal Food — Middle Eastern
- Ariana Restaurant — Middle Eastern
- Ajeen — Middle Eastern
- Clover Food Lab — Middle Eastern
- Moona — Middle Eastern
- Pita Cambridge — Middle Eastern
- Wrapro — Middle Eastern
- Helmand — Middle Eastern
