Ema - River North

4.7

4532 Reviews

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 23, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 108 times today

Good for special occasions
Lively
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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Popular dishes

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
Pumpkin$16.95
brown butter, toasted pumpkin seed, nutmeg
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
mick klug cranberry, cinnamon, orange, pistachio
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*$19.95
pineapple, charred avocado, ginger-scallion relish
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

Greek Village$16.95
romaine, tomato, cucumber, kalamata olive, feta, red pepper, dijon vinaigrette
Brussels Sprouts & Honeycrisp Apple$15.95
pomegranate, marcona almond, honey 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
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.

What 4,532 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
4.5Service
4.6Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Chicago
Mediterranean

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Ema in River North offers a delightful Mediterranean dining experience with "amazing food" and "excellent service." Guests rave about the modern atmosphere and fresh, flavorful dishes like hummus and kebabs. While some mention slow service, the overall experience is praised for its vibrant vibe and friendly staff. Perfect for a special occasion or a fun night out.

4,532 Reviews

C
Carole
Grand Rapids
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined today
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The hummus (the one with pineapple) was fab, as were the brussel sprouts. Kebabs and Keftka were ok. Service and ambiance were wonderful.
Is this helpful?
M
Marc
Chicago
16 reviews
4.0
16 reviews
Dined today
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
The bass was excellent, and the Kofta was tasty. However, the humus was a disappointment—not better than what one can buy in a grocery store. The cauliflower/broccoli dish was a good surprise. Overall, the food was good, but not surprising. The place was full (on a Friday night) -- crowded and noisy. Service was slow.
Is this helpful?
a
alicia
Chicago
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our waitress made wonderful recommendations. Each dish was fantastic. I appreciated the option of creative zero-proof cocktails. Wonderful!
Is this helpful?
A
Andrea
New York City
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious food and knowledgeable waiter. Lovely dinner!
Is this helpful?
A
Amy
Milwaukee
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 15, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Incredible food. I have allergies. the manager came over to talk to us and take our order and make sure everything was OK. So excellent service excellent food !
Is this helpful?
HC
HanselC
Houston
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 15, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
For a mediterranean restaurant, I’ve had better. The hummus was very watery. The octopus was very salty but as tender as jerk chicken. The lamb ragu was okay. The flat bread was probably the only phenomenal food there. Maybe also the drinks. Great bartender…they need better chefs…
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K
Ken
Chicago
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on November 15, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Wonderful place to celebrate my birthday! Our server was exceptional.
Is this helpful?
B
Beth
Kansas City
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on November 15, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food and fun atmosphere! Lots of good choices for shareable dishes. Highly recommend.
Is this helpful?
J
Je
St. Louis
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 15, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The service was impeccable! Our server Eric G. was so attentive and assisted me greatly as someone who has celiac and cannot eat any gluten. He made sure any glutenous toppings were removed and on the side for the other guests and repeatedly came back to check and make sure I knew what was safe to eat. I cannot thank him enough. The food itself was delicious and the restaurant had a lovely ambience.
Is this helpful?
M
Mary
Chicago
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 13, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great place for a wonderful meal before a play downtown.
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 4532 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

Nov 23, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 108 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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

Gift card

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

Send a gift card

Ema - River North

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

50 Chicago Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

The Diner Reviews Are In: 100 Best Restaurants in America

Gift card

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels Sprouts & Honeycrisp Apple

Chicken Kefta

Hummus

Classic$13.95

Spicy$14.95

"Bhel" Hummus$15.95

Pumpkin$16.95

Hummus w/ Lamb Ragu$18.95

Spreads

Charred Eggplant$14.95

House-Made Labneh$14.95

Toasted Almond & Garlic$15.95

Moroccan Onion Dip$15.95

Raw

Truffled Salmon*$18.95

Hamachi*$19.95

Big Eye Tuna & Honeycrisp Apple*$21.95

Salads

Greek Village$16.95

Brussels Sprouts & Honeycrisp Apple$15.95

Mediterranean Chopped$15.95

House-Made Stracciatella$18.95

Vegetables

Feta & Olives$14.95

Brussels Sprouts$14.95

Pan-Roasted Romanesque Cauliflower$15.95

Hot Mezze

Crispy Potatoes$12.95

Green Falafel$13.95

Hot Honey Halloumi$14.95

Delicata Squash Farrotto$16.95

Sandwiches

Green Falafel$15.95

Grilled Chicken$16.95

Braised Short Rib*$18.95

Kebabs

Grilled Halloumi$17.95

Chicken Kefta$18.95

Grilled Chicken$19.95

Lamb & Beef Kefta*$19.95

Faroe Islands Salmon*$24.95

Surcharge

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Ema - River North offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Ema - River North restaurant rated?

Does Ema - River North offer gift cards?

Is Ema - River North currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

50 Chicago Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

The Diner Reviews Are In: 100 Best Restaurants in America

Gift card