We love this place. Used to come here more often but the past few years maybe once or twice a year…read more Still a go to spot when we have guests from out of town for some of the best Greek food in Chicago.. All high-quality ingredients across the board, the dolmas are superb. Always quick friendly service always busy with a full restaurant whether we come at lunch or dinner. I've never seen this place slow. They no longer torch the flaming saganaki in the dining area in front of you like so many Chicago Greek restaurants have over the past number of decades. That was a show & highlight every time. I believe now they torch in kitchen and bring to your table. I miss that experience, perhaps a thing of the past. I can only speculate a plate of flaming saganaki met a litigious human at some point along the line in the Greek food world, ending an era. Alas, I Look forward to returning.

Visiting my Cypriot friend in Chicago of course meant many and many Greek dinner, Greek bars, Greek…read morecafes and Greek lunches. I had no complaints at all and wished out loud with each new space that New Jersey had such a wonderfully condensed representation of my favorite cuisine in one area. We came to Athena's for lunch, sat inside under their covered and enclosed space that felt like a patio because it was all windows and had an incredible meal. We started with two frappe because there is no other way, and decided to order a bunch of the appetizers for a little bit of a lunch mezze. Delicious! We got the: -trio of dips. The taramasalata was my favorite. -a horiatiki salad, basically a greek salad with no lettuce. -octopus and the kolokithia (zucchini chips) A perfect lunch. We left full but not weighed down like so many of our other meals that week, and had left overs to nosh on that night. The space is lovely, the service was fast and friendly and it was so great that they had free valet. Would highly recommend and I am sure I will be back the next time I am in town.

The portion size were good and the food itself was ok. Mediocre at best. The service was…read moreacceptable. The workers were nice. The ambiance and the decor is maybe the only redeeming factor. It has some nice touches, but again nothing crazy.

I celebrate my birthday with my family at Ema every year, and at this point it's become one of my…read morefavorite traditions. Ema is, hands down, my favorite restaurant in Chicago. From the food and ambiance to the consistently outstanding service, everything is truly top-tier. This visit was just as exceptional as every one before it. We shared the Sweet Corn Hummus, Spicy Whipped Feta, Brussels Sprouts, Crispy Wild Mushrooms, Crispy Potatoes, Grilled Chicken, and the Lamb & Beef Kefta. Every single dish was outstanding. I wish I had taken more photos, but we were too busy enjoying the food as it arrived at the table! For drinks, my sister loved the Strawberry Rose Paloma, and I enjoyed a glass of Kir-Yianni Sparkling Rosé, which paired beautifully with the meal. The warm, seasoned pita deserves its own recognition. It's soft, pillowy, and absolutely addictive. Honestly, it's hard not to fill up on the pita and spreads before the rest of the meal even arrives. Our server struck the perfect balance between friendly and attentive, without ever feeling intrusive. We usually make room for dessert, but we were completely stuffed this time. In the past, though, I've loved both the Warm Sticky Date Cake and the Frozen Greek Yogurt, and I'd recommend either without hesitation. I was secretly hoping for a tiny scoop of frozen yogurt as a birthday surprise, but my server didn't mention it and I didn't remind him of the celebration (and honestly, we were way too full anyway ). As a huge Top Chef fan, it's always special dining at Chef CJ Jacobson's restaurant. I had the opportunity to meet him during my very first visit to Ema, and he was incredibly gracious. His creativity and attention to flavor are evident in every dish. Ema continues to set the standard for what a great dining experience should be. It's the restaurant I recommend most often when people ask me where to eat in Chicago, and it remains my go-to place for special celebrations. I can't wait to come back again soon! #ImNotAFoodie #ImJustAGirlWhoLovesFood #YelpEliteSquad PS: the hotel next door no longer provides parking validation.

Stylish Fulton Market Brunch with Great Food and Service…read more Booked brunch for two on OpenTable at Aba in Fulton Market, and it's easy to see why this spot is so popular. The space is beautiful--open, bright, full of natural light, and stylish without feeling overdone. We ordered the Short Rib Shakshuka, which was flavorful with just a hint of spice and a generous portion size. The warm, soft pita served alongside was perfect for dipping. The Steak and Eggs was also excellent--the steak and eggs were cooked perfectly, and the fried potatoes were a standout: crispy on the outside while still moist and tender inside. Portion sizes were just right. We also tried both of the recommended brunch cocktails, and they were strong, flavorful, and well balanced. Service from Mike was great--friendly, efficient, and attentive throughout the meal. Overall, Aba delivered a polished and enjoyable brunch experience. Highly recommend, and based on what we tasted, I'd absolutely come back to try dinner.

I first discovered Aba around the time they had first opened up and it was such an amazing dining…read moreexperience, that I made a reservation again when I came back into town all these years later. I have to admit... it's not the same as it used to be. Don't get me wrong, it's an excellent place to dine at, especially on their patio during the Chicago summer, which was one of the biggest reasons why I came back. I was with someone who had not explored Chicago before so it definitely gave the city ambience while being engulfed in the Mediterranean experience. Yet the inside dining area feels like you're dining in small romantic villages in Italy or Greece. Service is still top notch. But the food is what's not the same. For me, the highlight was the crispy short rib hummus. I never thought they'd go well together but the juices from the meat blended in with the hummus and it's just soooo good. The kefta was nothing to be impressed about in which I expected more for the price we paid for. The chicken thighs were good but also nothing to be that impressed about. The one thing I was a little disappointed by is that they no longer serve a desert I tried the first time I was there, and their new desserts are average. Nothing to marvel about. Their OG desert is what had stayed in my mind all these years. You can't go wrong for a nice little date night at this spot or if you're new to the city, but it's not exactly a place I feel like I want to come back to, especially at that price. You're really mostly paying for the experience of the place.

Discovered this little gem after I couldn't eat any more Chicago pizzas, hot dog or beef…read moresandwiches. The place was packed on Tuesday night so make sure to book a reservation. I ordered the item charcuterie and chose coppa, prosciutto, and a French Brie. The meat and cheese were good as expected but that quince spread really took the dish over the top! It was the perfect complement to the fatty meats. Next was the Mushroom dish and while the mushroom purer wasn't a looker, it was a huge umami bomb! Really good pairing with the other mushrooms on the plate. Lastly, I got the milk braised shoulder and it was so tender and flavorful. Good size portion, too! Took leftovers and made a breakfast sandwich the next day and it was still good! I regret not ordering the beef marrow, the table next to me did and I had food envy the whole time but honestly, I had no more room, I was so stuffed! Drinks and service was great, too! Highly recommend you go here if you are in downtown Chicago.

As a last minute change of plans, my friend and I impulsively ended up at this spot after a long…read moreday of travel. This was the best meal I've had in recent months with melt in your mouth pork, whipped feta, and dessert. I would have loved to try the cocktails but I'm breastfeeding and avoiding alcohol. We had bar seating so our server was very attentive. We also got to see the kitchen staff as they worked and they all genuinely seemed happy to work and cook. If you've never worked in restaurants, kitchen staff is often highly stressed and gets annoyed with each other in high paced environment and despite it being super busy, they all seemed like they loved what they were doing.

Had the absolute best time here w a friend. We came at an odd hour, at 330pm, and walked in without…read morea rez. The interior is inviting and warm. Our server, Katie, was excellent. She was so friendly and knowledgeable, she explained all the different dishes so well and came around right at the exact times we needed her. OThe food was amazing. We started out w the mezze collection, we chose tzatziki, spicy whipped feta, and the skordalia w octopus, it came w 2 wood fired pitas. You guys, this mezze collection was straight fire. It was divine. It also was quite filling and we prob didn't need a whole fish after, but I was not mad about the fish bc the fish was incredible as well. We got the wild lavraki, which was explained to us as the cousin of branzino. It was deboned for us at our table and he sprinkled flaky salt, squeezed lemon, and added some delicious flavored oils on top. Prob the freshest fish I've had in the city. We also had a couple cocktails, I had a spritz that was lovely. The total bill was a bit shocking, cant lie, but I also believe it was worth it for the quality of service and food that we received. I will mos def be back! Parking over here is rough, plan ahead and give yourself some time to find parking if you're driving!

Such a delightful restaurant with beautiful intimate but also friendly vibe. We made reservation in…read morecase it would be packed. We were seated right away even though we were roughly 15 minutes early. We came here for brunch hours and everything we ordered was delicious. The service was amazing; our waiter was very friendly and made sure everything was delicious and perfect. We ordered the crushed avocado with spicy everything bagel (bagel in general was pretty salty for our taste) but still delicious, tsoureki French toast (so delicious, perfect sweetness from the honey), and Cretan with over easy eggs. They brought out a complimentary appetizer which was so simple but unbelievable delicious. Cherry tomatoes on the vine with olive oil and salt with some seasoning. I would eat this everyday if I could. The cherry tomatoes was so sweet with the perfect crunch. Definitely worth having. Will definitely be coming back to try other dishes on the menu. They also have valet for $15 for 3hrs, I believe.

From the moment you walk in, it's clear that Athenian Room holds a beloved place in the Lincoln…read morePark community! It's a mom-and-pops shop through and through- you'll see homely decor, a simple but well done menu, and people from all walks of life coming together over delicious food. The staff was warm and attentive throughout the meal and brought out delicious complimentary french bread. It's pretty cool that although the restaurant doesn't serve alcohol, staff from the adjacent bar came around every so often and took orders. For appetizers, we started with the feta and olive appetizers. They were good, but I'd probably order something a little more unique next time. I opted for the chicken kalamata dinner for the main event, which came with more french bread and a salad. The salad came out first, and it was pretty simple with minimal dressing. I wished there had been more variety in produce and something besides iceberg lettuce for greens. I'd recommend getting some feta on the side to add some flavor. The chicken, however, was absolutely outstanding. It was super tender, seasoned beautifully with za'atar, and brined in vinegar (I think). The za'atar seasoned french fries underneath were extra crispy and perfectly soaked up the extra sauce from the chicken. For the price, this place is a steal- you really can't beat the quantity and quality of food that you get. Overall, a great experience- I definitely recommend making a stop if you're in the area!

Sadly I found this place right before I move…read more This place is cash only so make sure to come prepared - I do think there's an atm at the bar next door if you do forget. We tried the skirt steak and chicken. The steak is OUTSTANDING. I'm not sure what secret spice blend they use in the kitchen but it's delicious. We always make sure to order a side of pita and Tzatziki to make our own gyros. The chicken is also a great choice, but the steak remains #1. The service here is always quick. We've never had to wait for a table, but if we did the bar connected next door is a great place to hang out in the meantime.

I don't really go out to Greek restaurants often but this place was really good. There were 10…read morepeople in our party and we ordered around 16 dishes. We ordered the breads and the spread and the pita was so warm and delicious! The spicy feta and the tzatziki were a hit. We ordered some horiatiki salata which was a nice and refreshing taste to balance all the heavy meats. If you want to try everything and people aren't picky, family style is the best! We started off with the crispy zucchini and egg plant. These were fried and more like veggie chips. Nonetheless the crunch with the dip was delectable. The waitress was so helpful and she served/cut each plate so everyone got to try one. The saganaki (Greek pan fried cheese) came out flamed! Such a show stopper and really delicious, dense cheese. We also ordered the slow roasted lamb gyros, charred octopus, bouzoukia potatoes, wagyu beef skewer, chicken skewer, grilled lamb skewer, grilled roasted chicken, and branzino. We ordered A LOT of food and every dish was so flavorful and packed a punch. Lastly, we finished it off with dessert with loukoumades which are Greek fried donuts. Such a sweet and warm dessert to end off an amazing meal. Truly impeccable service, vibes were amazing, and 10/10 would come here again!

Yeah it lives up to the hype! I came here with some friends for a little celebration and the vibes…read moreare great. I think my one complaint would be I was expected the towel swinging + more sparklers for how loud it was in there so at times it just felt like a REALLY LOUD place to be where you also ordered up scale mediterranean food... but other than that I won't complain because the food was delicious. To start, I got the drink with tequila which was stunning and beautiful. To start, we got the dips which came with veggies and pita and each one was delicious. We also tried the wagyu meatballs which were super tender, the spanokopita which is a classic and the calamari. For the entrees, we shared the chicken and the halibut both of which were delish. We ordered plenty of food and had a lovely evening!

I've been in once and have had delivery too. The food here is great and the portions are pretty…read morebig. I thought the service at the bar was nice and attentive. It's got a decent amount of seating and some TVs scattered throughout the restaurant. The inside is nice but seems a little older for sure. When I was there I tried the Philly which came a a big seeded roll, was piping hot and fresh also came with my choice of potato which I got Greek style (it was huge and amazing). For delivery I got a gyro plate which was a nice amount of food as well (also very good) came with a Greek salad and typical platter sides, tzatziki sauces. I'll be back and probably would order delivery from here again. The menu is huge and there's a lot of options to try.

So, this is not the cute Greek restaurant you visit in Greektown. This is "the walk through the ice…read morecream shop and display cases, to the dark panel traditional Chicago-style bar, back to the rear and up some stairs to chairs and tables in a dining room with TVs on the wall" type of spot. And I was here for it! Great service from our server. Good quality and variety of food. (Hello, octopus?!). The "Greek" dressing on my Greek salad was...interesting. I'll definitely make sure to just ask for oil and vinegar next time. Drinks were a generous pour and didn't take long to be made. Overall, it's what I'd consider a "true Chicago kickback spot"z: No frills, but worthy.