Modern, Trendy restaurant located on the corner of 4th avenue and 13th street in Parkhurst. Embarc opened their doors on the 17th of November 2020, as a concept by Chef Darren O’Donovan. With Darren’s vasty knowledge of culinary skills, having worked at a number or esteemed restaurants, Embarc offers its diners, an international standard of contemporary European flair, in a relaxed and comfortable environment.

 

In 2025, Embarc brought in Head Chef Aren Pollack, who brings diverse international experience from a multitude of world-renowned restaurants both locally and abroad. Aren’s cooking is driven by a love for bold, clean flavours with a focus on sustainability and seasonality. He has a thoughtful and creative approach, and leads a collaborative kitchen where curiosity, care, and good food come first.

Embarc is an intimate 32-seater restaurant, providing diners the chance for lunch and dinners from Tuesdays through to Sundays. It offers an ever-evolving menu - not only with the seasons, but the trends and times as well - that has been carefully curated by Chef Aren Pollack, under the direction of Chef Darren O’Donovan. Embarc backs the menu with an equally evolving curated wine list, showcasing the very best wines South Africa has to offer, and a few prime examples of the international equivalents. It’s complimented by a small but trendy spirits and cocktail list.
 

Over the years, Embarc has also become a well-recognized restaurant, having won South Africa’s best new restaurant through the Luxe Hosco awards for 2021, Best Bistro for 2022, Star wine list award 2022, and featured in Discovery Top 50 which runs in conjunction of Worlds 50 Best Restaurants.

Recently the Embarc team has been collaborating with private lodges and hotels throughout Africa and is bringing in that local flair and touch to the cuisine now found at Embarc. Make sure to follow the Embarc social media pages to find out more about the next Embarc to the bush event.

 

This quaint street side eatery was all from a dream and has in turn become a Parkhurst favourite for many.