If you’ve spent time in Pascoe Vale South chances are you’ve passed by 347 Reynard Street, a corner that has quietly woven itself into the fabric of the neighbourhood for nearly fifty years.
What began in 1978 as a family-run milk bar by George and Mary El-Khoury has since been lovingly transformed by their sons, John and George, into Emil’s Café - a place that feels familiar, welcoming, and deeply rooted in local life.
Much of the original home remains, from the stained-glass windows and moulded ceilings to the old door frames and even the original auction notice. Family photos still line the walls, and the brothers were intentional about keeping its character intact. “We didn’t take any of its characteristics out,” they explain, wanting the space to feel just as warm and personal as it always has.
Growing up here with four siblings, John and George were surrounded by constant family energy and community spirit - something they’ve carried into the café today. “It’s a family hub here in Pascoe Vale South,” they say. “It feels like a home, and that’s how we want our customers to feel.”
The café still proudly honours its milk bar origins. Shelves are lined with nostalgic Australian and Middle Eastern pantry staples, lollies, and Emil’s merchandise, reflecting the brothers’ Lebanese-Australian upbringing and the shop’s long-standing place in everyday neighbourhood life. Some regulars even remember seeing John and George behind the counter during after-school shifts, long before the café took shape.
In the kitchen, the menu is a collaboration between head chef and their mum, Mary, blending family recipes with thoughtful, modern touches. Turkish eggs with sujuk and lime yoghurt have become a signature, alongside dishes inspired by home cooking and shared traditions. Word has travelled well beyond the suburb too, with Emil’s earning praise from food lovers including RecipeTin Eats’ Nagi Maehashi and features in Good Food.
In the latest instalment of our Local Stories series, Rebecca Towns from Nelson Alexander Pascoe Vale meets the family behind Emil’s, exploring how a former milk bar has evolved into a café that continues to shape daily life in Pascoe Vale South.
It’s this deep understanding of neighbourhoods, people, and place that our local property experts bring to every conversation about buying, selling, leasing and living locally.
Watch the full Local Stories Interview below
