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Ema - Ema - River North, Chicago, IL

Ema - River North

4.7
4.7
4609 Reviews
$31 to $50
Mediterranean

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 134 times today

About this restaurant

  • Charming
  • Vegetarian-friendly
  • Healthy
A Mediterranean & California-inspired restaurant featuring small plates & Chef CJ Jacobson's lighter style cooking in Chicago's River North.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Mediterranean, Californian
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–4:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 3:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (312) 527-5586
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    CJ Jacobson
  • Catering
    Enjoy Ema Catering for your next event at home, in the office, or for your next celebration! Contact emaparties@leye.com for more information.
  • Private party facilities
    The open and inviting dining room features reclaimed wood, rustic white brick and an indoor ivy terrace with operable windows. The dining room accommodates groups up to 150 guests and may be custom configured for your next family-style dinner, business lunch or cocktail reception event.
  • Neighborhood
    River North (Chicago)
  • Cross street
    Clark & Illinois
  • Parking details
    Valet parking is located just east of Ema on Illinois Street at the Hyatt Place/Fairfield Inn valet. Valet costs $25 for 3 hours, no validation needed. Regular rates apply after 3 hours.
  • Public transit
    Red Line Stop at Grand / Blue Line Stop at Clark
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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What 4,609 people are saying

Ema - River North reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Chicago / Illinois

    Mediterranean

  • Chicago

    Mediterranean

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Ema in River North offers a delightful modern Mediterranean dining experience, celebrated for its "absolutely delicious" food and "impeccable" service. The warm, welcoming ambiance enhances the enjoyment of standout dishes like salmon kebabs and hummus. The venue caters well to dietary needs, making it a versatile choice for varied dining occasions.

4,609 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    Houston1 review

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food and service were excellent. We were looking for something that had a bit healthier menu and Emma’s didn’t disappoint. Very nice atmosphere.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Jorge

    Chicago14 reviews

    1.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    Very poor service. Did not explain entree options and quantity of food for the price was just a bad deal. Waitress had a poor attitude to our questions.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Lindsey

    Kansas City2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Had a great experience with Ema. Staff was friendly and flexible with me adjusting our reservation. Our waitress was patient with us ordering a few different courses. She took the time to explain the menu to us as well. Would definitely come back here!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Catherine

    Chicago31 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    Nice lunch at Ema. Food is always good, although I have to say it was not as good as other times I have dined there. Service on this particular day was slow. Lunch took longer than usual. Our server was also making the drinks so maybe short-staffed? My dining companion had not eaten at Ema before and enjoyed it. Overall good just not great on this day.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Laura

    Chicago8 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    Our food took one hour to show up. We waiter was never around. We have to leave without having coffee or dessert as it was getting later for our other commitments.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Rebeca

    Houston22 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 9, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This restaurant was a wonderful discovery! The food was outstanding! Our waitress was super helpful and we had a great experience.

    Is this helpful?

  7. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 9, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious! Gluten-free and perfect! The chicken keffa and halloumi kebabs were terrific, and the hummus, falafel and Brussels sprouts were fabulous too, all presented with incredibly fresh vegetable garnishes. Wonderful relaxing atmosphere. Great service—they brought me scrumptious gluten free crackers without me having to ask. I’ll definitely go again and enthusiastically recommend to friends.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Mathew

    St. Louis18 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 8, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    One of the best. Food is so creative and tasty.

    Is this helpful?

  9. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago1 review

    4.0

    Dined on March 8, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was great, but it felt very crowded, with many tables crammed in. We had a 5:30pm reservation and we're seated immediately. The wait staff were very attentive and refilled our water several times during our meal which was appreciated.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Elizabeth VIP

    Chicago6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 8, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food, as always, was delicious and the service great.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Ema - River North offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (312) 527-5586.

Ema - River North is rated 4.7 stars by 4609 OpenTable diners.

Ema - River North does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 134 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Ema - River North

74 West Illinois Street, Chicago, IL 60654

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Clark & Illinois
  • Neighborhood
    River North (Chicago)
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–4:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 3:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Mediterranean, Californian
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Valet parking is located just east of Ema on Illinois Street at the Hyatt Place/Fairfield Inn valet. Valet costs $25 for 3 hours, no validation needed. Regular rates apply after 3 hours.
  • Public transit
    Red Line Stop at Grand / Blue Line Stop at Clark
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    CJ Jacobson
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (312) 527-5586
  • Catering
    Enjoy Ema Catering for your next event at home, in the office, or for your next celebration! Contact emaparties@leye.com for more information.
  • Private party facilities
    The open and inviting dining room features reclaimed wood, rustic white brick and an indoor ivy terrace with operable windows. The dining room accommodates groups up to 150 guests and may be custom configured for your next family-style dinner, business lunch or cocktail reception event.
Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card
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