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Ema - Ema - River North, Chicago, IL

Ema - River North

4.7
4.7
4608 Reviews
$31 to $50
Mediterranean

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 131 times today
  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
  • Vegetarian-friendly
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
  • Website
    http://www.emarestaurants.com/
  • 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.
  • Location
    74 West Illinois Street, Chicago, IL 60654
  • 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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Menu

Hummus

  • Classic$13.95

    za'atar, vegetable crudite, california olive oil

    • Spicy$14.95

      piquillo pepper, lemon, basil

      • "Bhel" Hummus$15.95

        pineapple, avocado, pomegranate, tamarind, crispy rice, mint chutney

        • Wild Mushroom$17.95

          truffled mushroom ragu, sherry, garlic

          • Hummus w/ Lamb Ragu$18.95

            slow-braised lamb, spicy harissa

            Spreads

            • Charred Eggplant$14.95

              aleppo, mint, olive oil

              • House-Made Labneh$14.95

                local honey, date, pomegranate, aleppo, mint

                • Toasted Almond & Garlic$15.95

                  castelvetrano olive, fresh herbs

                  • Moroccan Onion Dip$15.95

                    medjool date, tamarind chutney, crispy leek

                    Raw

                    • Truffled Salmon*$18.95

                      roasted garlic, chive, crispy leek

                      • Hamachi & Charred Avocado*$19.95

                        coconut cream, lychee, jalapeño, makrut lime vinaigrette

                        • Big Eye Tuna & Honeycrisp Apple*$21.95

                          pomegranate, moroccan mint, yuzu nigella vinaigrette

                          Salads

                          add green falafel / $6.95, add grilled chicken / $7.95, add faroe islands salmon* / $10.95

                          • Tahini Caesar$15.95

                            hearts of romaine, radish, quinoa crouton, mimolette cheese

                            • Brussels Sprouts & Honeycrisp Apple$15.95

                              pomegranate, marcona almond, honey dijon vinaigrette

                              • Greek Village$16.95

                                romaine, tomato, cucumber, kalamata olive, feta, red pepper, dijon vinaigrette

                                • Mediterranean Chopped$15.95

                                  arugula, romaine, cauliflower, caper, date, parmesan, olive, red pepper

                                  • House-Made Stracciatella$18.95

                                    mighty vine tomato, crouton, sherry shallot vinaigrette, basil

                                    Vegetables

                                    • Feta & Olives$14.95

                                      marcona almonds, sweety drops, lemon zest, middle east spice

                                      • Brussels Sprouts$14.95

                                        crispy shallot, pumpkin seed, agrodolce

                                        • Pan-Roasted Romanesque Cauliflower$15.95

                                          house yogurt, local honey

                                          Hot Mezze

                                          • Crispy Potatoes$12.95

                                            mizithra, rosemary, scallion crema

                                            • Green Falafel$13.95

                                              beet tzatziki, tahini, lemon zest

                                              • Hot Honey Halloumi$14.95

                                                crispy garlic dukkah

                                                • Delicata Squash Farrotto$16.95

                                                  brown butter, crispy sage, squash vinaigrette

                                                  Sandwiches

                                                  served with mesclun greens or za'atar fries

                                                  • Green Falafel$15.95

                                                    tomato, hummus, purple cabbage, tzatziki

                                                    • Grilled Chicken$16.95

                                                      hummus, purple cabbage, sweet & spicy peppers

                                                      • Braised Short Rib*$18.95

                                                        beef jus, hummus, purple cabbage, crispy shallot

                                                        Kebabs

                                                        served with basmati rice

                                                        • Grilled Halloumi$17.95

                                                          greek cheese, red onion, date, red zhoug

                                                          • Chicken Kefta$18.95

                                                            lemon, olive oil, tzatziki

                                                            • Grilled Chicken$19.95

                                                              yogurt marinade, sweet pepper, zhoug

                                                              • Lamb & Beef Kefta*$19.95

                                                                lemon, olive oil, tzatziki

                                                                • Grilled Shrimp*$29.95

                                                                  roasted tomato, souvlaki, lemon, zhoug

                                                                  • Faroe Islands Salmon*$24.95

                                                                    sweet pepper, red onion, lemon, olive oil, zhoug

                                                                    Surcharge

                                                                    As a way to offset rising costs, we have added a 3.5% surcharge to all checks. You may request to have this taken off your check should you choose.

                                                                      Last updated: January 10, 2025

                                                                      What 4,608 people are saying

                                                                      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

                                                                      Noise • Moderate

                                                                      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.

                                                                      4,608 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. 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?

                                                                      5. 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?

                                                                      6. 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?

                                                                      7. 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?

                                                                      8. 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?

                                                                      9. 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?

                                                                      10. Janice

                                                                        Chicago12 reviews

                                                                        4.0

                                                                        Dined on March 6, 2025

                                                                        1. Overall 4
                                                                        2. Food 4
                                                                        3. Service 4
                                                                        4. Ambience 4
                                                                        All good, had a nice lunch! Will be back soon. Love the decor!

                                                                        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 4608 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 131 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
                                                                      • Website
                                                                        http://www.emarestaurants.com/
                                                                      • 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.

                                                                      Featured in

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                                                                      Gift card

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

                                                                      Send a gift card
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