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Stopped by for dinner and luckily seated right away. I was happy they were still taking orders at 930pm. Technically they close at 10pm but looked like more people came in and they were placing orders. I ordered the spicy whipped feta. This was excellent! Good for sharing but filling for 1 person. Comes with rosemary pita. Yum! The bill was a little confusing as I was charged an extra $1. I asked my server why the menu showed $1 cheaper for my food. He agreed that it was wrong. Eventually a manager came out to apologize and removed $1. He mentioned prices had gone up but menu wasn't updated. I thought for all the hassle they might have comp'd something. Instead I got an apology and updated check. Decor was nice and overall ambiance. Great for groups or date night. Attached to the Hyatt hotel.
You can't go wrong with $1 froyo. The line does get kind of long (it moves fast), and they do cut off the line as it gets closer to 3:30ish. The froyo itself with no toppings is $1 then any additional topping is $2. They only have strawberry rhubarb and pistachio syrups as toppings though. The line moves fast and the inside is really cute to look at as you wait. If you time it just right, it's perfect as a Friday afternoon sweet treat!
We had a very long wait on Tuesday evening as a walk in for two. Waited almost two hours despite the Open Resy waitlist indicating we were on a waitlist with only two other parties. Not sure what happened there but after a few reminders to the hostess that we were still, in fact waiting -- we were finally seated. Luckily we had some drinks at the bar in the meantime. Food came out fairly quick. The best thing we had there was the lamb raft hummus and crispy mushrooms so highly recommend those. Chicken kefta was underwhelming for a standard Mediterranean dish but based off other reviewers pictures, the other kebab dishes did not look that interesting. Food 3/5 Service 3/5 Drinks 4/5 Prices 4/5 Ambience 5/5
I used to really like Ema, but unfortunately the portion sizes have gotten smaller and we've had a few misses with the food. Generally speaking, the top of the menu is better than the bottom. But the most recent time we've been, the tuna-watermelon dish from the raw menu didn't taste as fresh fish should. Lamb hummus, while good, was about half the size. The crispy potatoes were so crispy it was hard to bite into them. The whipped feta was fresh and lovely, but the price seems high for a dip with no protein. The pita is seasoned and yummy still. Bummer that this spot has gone downhill, especially as competition picks up in River North.
We had a fantastic experience at Emma after exploring downtown Chicago. We made reservations inside but decided to sit outside because of the weather. Heads up - you're basically sitting in the road on some of these patio tables. We had amazing service walking through and explaining the menu. The food came out at a good pace and we genuinely enjoyed each bit. With so much great food in Chicago it's hard to commit to coming back to any one place but Ema deserves a spot on the list. Best bites - hamachi and roast avocado
I celebrate my birthday with my family at Ema every year, and at this point it's become one of my favorite 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.
Some friends and I were in town for a birthday and decided we wanted to do the riverboat architecture tour. Our friend group is split between two groups. The 1st that plans ahead and gets to places early. And the 2nd that is there for a good time but always gets everywhere late. Those of us that wanted to come early and not worry decided that we wanted to go to a restaurant close by to wait for our tour time and that's how we found Ema. As soon as we walk inside we see how beautiful and modern the interior looks. They had a lot of seating available and we got a nice table by the window with a view We wanted to eat light before the tour so we shared a bunch of small plates. We ordered the mushroom escargot, lemon Caesar, crispy potatoes, a couple orders of hummus and some chicken kebabs. That mushroom escargot was one of my favorite things I ate during the entire Chicago trip. The mushrooms were creamy and rich. It tasted umami, bright from the lemon, slightly spicy from the Calabrian breadcrumbs, and paired perfectly with some warm pita bread on the side. The hummus was smooth and well seasoned. The lemon caesar was fresh and fairly standard. The crispy potatoes were perfectly textured and were soft and pillowy on the inside. As long as they sat on the table they never lost their crisp. The chicken kebabs were tenderly, juicy and garlicky. We were all putting together our perfect bite combinations with the pita bread. Everything we ordered I would actually order again. Though may want to try a different salad next time since the Caesar was pretty simple. Regardless, still no real complaints with the food Our server was charismatic and funny. He had a great attitude and entertained us throughout the meal. Everything came out promptly as well so we made it out and could take our time walking to the riverboats. Lucky for our friends the tour said they'd be docked for a few minutes after our scheduled start time to set everything up. As 3 minutes after our start time we see group 2 sprinting up from a couple blocks away Overall Ema was consistent, flavorful and reliable. Not a bad price point either for what you get. I'd definitely recommend and come back
This is for Ema Rotisserie - $1 froyo right in the city is so hard to beat! Came during a quick lunch break to grab a sweet treat and was directed to the side of the Ema restaurant to wait in line for Ema Rotisserie. Even though there was good 10+ people in front of me, the line went by quick and staff was very efficient. The classic froyo + olive oil + sea salt is $1, or you can get a strawberry rhubarb sauce or pistachio sauce for an additional $1. The froyo was good, not as creamy or tart as I'd prefer but still delicious. The strawberry rhubarb was also great, not too sweet or tart and balanced the froyo really well. I definitely want to return to try the other flavors too!
The food is incredible here. The Lamb Ragu specifically is a must try! The vibes are very fun as well. A great place to have drinks or a meal with friends. Very great visuals for pics of you want. The service was mid. That was the only drawback. I would go back for the food but it was if we were a bother to the server. We made a reservation and were seated at the bar area. Our server forgot our wine. It was just the worst service I had of any of the places visited while I was in town.
We had a reservation at 1PM Sunday and were seated outside. I have always walked past Ema, so it was a delight to be able to try it for the first time. Our server was kind and great at showing recommendations. They suggested that each person has 2-3 plates since the menu was full of small-plate style food. And honestly, I think we could have gone away with 1-2 plates per person since we were very full by the time we finished eating The interior is absolutely gorgeous. Part of me wishes that we got the chance to sit down inside, but maybe that will be the excuse to come visit another time. The Blueberry Clafoutis was my favorite dish. The blueberries were sweet, and it was like eating a blueberry crepe/pancake. The sweetness level was not overpowering, which was what made this dish so enjoyable. The "Bhel" Hummus and Spicy Whipped Feta were both very tasty. I loved the fruitiness of the "Bhel" Hummus and loved how the Spicy Whipped Feta had its pomegranate bits. Each were so unique, and it was an adventure with each bite. Excellent service and food overall. It was a pleasant new experience.
Not best experience at all. Hostess are very far from friendly - not one, but all of them were not that happy. Bad first impression when you go to a place for the first time. Food was average flavor - we got Brussels sprout to start and Lamb Kefta + Grilled Chicken. Also not the best food you can find in River North. Place offers both inside and outside seats - inside is just beautiful and very well decorated. It is not a great option, but not a bad option either. Do not expect too much. A bit overpriced based on quality and overall service. They should focus a bit more on customer experience.
Went here last night for dinner w/ my hubby and had an amazing time sitting on the patio. Our waiter(male) was phenomenal as was the food! Started with a crunchy /almond dip & charred cauliflower. My hubby had chicken kabob but the headliner was my BRANZINO w/ brown butter- yum yum.
I enjoyed ema so much I visited twice on my visits. Food was very fresh and well made. Service was excellent. Ambiance is comfortable, clean and trendy. I enjoyed the Paloma and do not disturb as a drink. For food the salmon kebab was ok, the falafel, crispy potato's, pita bread and spread was delicious.
I LOVED my meal here! Ēma (Ay-mah) brings some glamour and glitz to the Mediterranean dining scene, with an airy, elevated hotel-lobby feel that still doesn't demand a dress code. Dresscode: Smart Casual / Casual Noise Level: Medium (it gets buzzy after 5:30pm) Thursday night Happy Hour was lively, so it took about 10-15 minutes for someone to come around, but service was attentive once we got going. The food is where Ēma really shines. From the Happy Hour menu, the Charred Eggplant Hummus and Crispy Potatoes were generously portioned and great for sharing. On the main menu, the Indian-Mediterranean fusion Bhel Hummus was a party for my taste buds, while the Hot Honey Halloumi and Chicken Kefta rounded out the table nicely. The halloumi is more of a side than a main, but that sweet-and-salty hot honey combo was chef's kiss. For our finisher, the Chocolate Torte knocked us out. Decadent, delicious and chocolate with lots of depth. Overall, Ēma is an excellent spot to order a bunch of dishes for the table and get an elevated meal without feeling stuffy, and delicious without taking itself too seriously. DO's: - Make a reservation ahead, especially for happy hour 4-6pm - Treat apps like small plates, order 2-3 to sample - Entertain their wine list, they have a lot! - Bring vegetarians here, there are plenty of options DON'Ts: - Dismiss the desert menu. It's fantastic and shareable! - Forget to ask for extra pita with the hummus! - Miss out on the LettuceEats loyalty points (check-in with your server before paying your check) read more
2 days ago
Stopped by for dinner and luckily seated right away. I was happy they were still taking orders at 930pm. Technically they close at 10pm but looked like more people came in and they were placing orders. I ordered the spicy whipped feta. This was excellent! Good for sharing but filling for 1 person. Comes with rosemary pita. Yum! The bill was a little confusing as I was charged an extra $1. I asked my server why the menu showed $1 cheaper for my food. He agreed that it was wrong. Eventually a manager came out to apologize and removed $1. He mentioned prices had gone up but menu wasn't updated. I thought for all the hassle they might have comp'd something. Instead I got an apology and updated check. Decor was nice and overall ambiance. Great for groups or date night. Attached to the Hyatt hotel. read more
You can't go wrong with $1 froyo. The line does get kind of long (it moves fast), and they do cut off the line as it gets closer to 3:30ish. The froyo itself with no toppings is $1 then any additional topping is $2. They only have strawberry rhubarb and pistachio syrups as toppings though. The line moves fast and the inside is really cute to look at as you wait. If you time it just right, it's perfect as a Friday afternoon sweet treat! read more
We had a very long wait on Tuesday evening as a walk in for two. Waited almost two hours despite the Open Resy waitlist indicating we were on a waitlist with only two other parties. Not sure what happened there but after a few reminders to the hostess that we were still, in fact waiting -- we were finally seated. Luckily we had some drinks at the bar in the meantime. Food came out fairly quick. The best thing we had there was the lamb raft hummus and crispy mushrooms so highly recommend those. Chicken kefta was underwhelming for a standard Mediterranean dish but based off other reviewers pictures, the other kebab dishes did not look that interesting. Food 3/5 Service 3/5 Drinks 4/5 Prices 4/5 Ambience 5/5 read more
1 month ago
I used to really like Ema, but unfortunately the portion sizes have gotten smaller and we've had a few misses with the food. Generally speaking, the top of the menu is better than the bottom. But the most recent time we've been, the tuna-watermelon dish from the raw menu didn't taste as fresh fish should. Lamb hummus, while good, was about half the size. The crispy potatoes were so crispy it was hard to bite into them. The whipped feta was fresh and lovely, but the price seems high for a dip with no protein. The pita is seasoned and yummy still. Bummer that this spot has gone downhill, especially as competition picks up in River North. read more
1 month ago
We had a fantastic experience at Emma after exploring downtown Chicago. We made reservations inside but decided to sit outside because of the weather. Heads up - you're basically sitting in the road on some of these patio tables. We had amazing service walking through and explaining the menu. The food came out at a good pace and we genuinely enjoyed each bit. With so much great food in Chicago it's hard to commit to coming back to any one place but Ema deserves a spot on the list. Best bites - hamachi and roast avocado read more
I celebrate my birthday with my family at Ema every year, and at this point it's become one of my favorite 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. read more
Some friends and I were in town for a birthday and decided we wanted to do the riverboat architecture tour. Our friend group is split between two groups. The 1st that plans ahead and gets to places early. And the 2nd that is there for a good time but always gets everywhere late. Those of us that wanted to come early and not worry decided that we wanted to go to a restaurant close by to wait for our tour time and that's how we found Ema. As soon as we walk inside we see how beautiful and modern the interior looks. They had a lot of seating available and we got a nice table by the window with a view We wanted to eat light before the tour so we shared a bunch of small plates. We ordered the mushroom escargot, lemon Caesar, crispy potatoes, a couple orders of hummus and some chicken kebabs. That mushroom escargot was one of my favorite things I ate during the entire Chicago trip. The mushrooms were creamy and rich. It tasted umami, bright from the lemon, slightly spicy from the Calabrian breadcrumbs, and paired perfectly with some warm pita bread on the side. The hummus was smooth and well seasoned. The lemon caesar was fresh and fairly standard. The crispy potatoes were perfectly textured and were soft and pillowy on the inside. As long as they sat on the table they never lost their crisp. The chicken kebabs were tenderly, juicy and garlicky. We were all putting together our perfect bite combinations with the pita bread. Everything we ordered I would actually order again. Though may want to try a different salad next time since the Caesar was pretty simple. Regardless, still no real complaints with the food Our server was charismatic and funny. He had a great attitude and entertained us throughout the meal. Everything came out promptly as well so we made it out and could take our time walking to the riverboats. Lucky for our friends the tour said they'd be docked for a few minutes after our scheduled start time to set everything up. As 3 minutes after our start time we see group 2 sprinting up from a couple blocks away Overall Ema was consistent, flavorful and reliable. Not a bad price point either for what you get. I'd definitely recommend and come back read more
2 months ago
This is for Ema Rotisserie - $1 froyo right in the city is so hard to beat! Came during a quick lunch break to grab a sweet treat and was directed to the side of the Ema restaurant to wait in line for Ema Rotisserie. Even though there was good 10+ people in front of me, the line went by quick and staff was very efficient. The classic froyo + olive oil + sea salt is $1, or you can get a strawberry rhubarb sauce or pistachio sauce for an additional $1. The froyo was good, not as creamy or tart as I'd prefer but still delicious. The strawberry rhubarb was also great, not too sweet or tart and balanced the froyo really well. I definitely want to return to try the other flavors too! read more
3 months ago
The food is incredible here. The Lamb Ragu specifically is a must try! The vibes are very fun as well. A great place to have drinks or a meal with friends. Very great visuals for pics of you want. The service was mid. That was the only drawback. I would go back for the food but it was if we were a bother to the server. We made a reservation and were seated at the bar area. Our server forgot our wine. It was just the worst service I had of any of the places visited while I was in town. read more
We had a reservation at 1PM Sunday and were seated outside. I have always walked past Ema, so it was a delight to be able to try it for the first time. Our server was kind and great at showing recommendations. They suggested that each person has 2-3 plates since the menu was full of small-plate style food. And honestly, I think we could have gone away with 1-2 plates per person since we were very full by the time we finished eating The interior is absolutely gorgeous. Part of me wishes that we got the chance to sit down inside, but maybe that will be the excuse to come visit another time. The Blueberry Clafoutis was my favorite dish. The blueberries were sweet, and it was like eating a blueberry crepe/pancake. The sweetness level was not overpowering, which was what made this dish so enjoyable. The "Bhel" Hummus and Spicy Whipped Feta were both very tasty. I loved the fruitiness of the "Bhel" Hummus and loved how the Spicy Whipped Feta had its pomegranate bits. Each were so unique, and it was an adventure with each bite. Excellent service and food overall. It was a pleasant new experience. read more
26 days ago
Not best experience at all. Hostess are very far from friendly - not one, but all of them were not that happy. Bad first impression when you go to a place for the first time. Food was average flavor - we got Brussels sprout to start and Lamb Kefta + Grilled Chicken. Also not the best food you can find in River North. Place offers both inside and outside seats - inside is just beautiful and very well decorated. It is not a great option, but not a bad option either. Do not expect too much. A bit overpriced based on quality and overall service. They should focus a bit more on customer experience. read more
Went here last night for dinner w/ my hubby and had an amazing time sitting on the patio. Our waiter(male) was phenomenal as was the food! Started with a crunchy /almond dip & charred cauliflower. My hubby had chicken kabob but the headliner was my BRANZINO w/ brown butter- yum yum. read more
I enjoyed ema so much I visited twice on my visits. Food was very fresh and well made. Service was excellent. Ambiance is comfortable, clean and trendy. I enjoyed the Paloma and do not disturb as a drink. For food the salmon kebab was ok, the falafel, crispy potato's, pita bread and spread was delicious. read more
1 month ago
If you're looking for a delicious Mediterranean meal in the heart of River North, Ema has been a hit for me! These are mezze/sharing type platters and allows you to try a variety of delicious foods. I went for the falafel, hummus & kabab platters. Each of these were packed with flavor, the highlight for me was the hummus, I'd probably try all the different flavors of it! I really enjoyed the different sauces and spices that were in this meal, balanced out with the rice it was amazing! The ambiance itself is picture worthy and the staff is super friendly. My one note is that I would avoid going during rush hour times as the space inside is quite small so I felt a bit cramped at my table! read more
30 days ago
1 month ago
We found Ema on Yelp. Ema was busy and we didn't have reservations, but we were seated immediately. We enjoyed a delicious kebab and a kafta entree. The star of the meal is the Crispy Mushroom appetizer. Great lunch experience. I highly recommend Ema! Service was fast, friendly and efficient. read more
2 months ago
Lunch on the patio was the perfect way to enjoy lunch. The freshness and varying combination of flavors blew us away. I'm not typically a hummus fan but the Bhel Hummus won me over. I need to have all my hummus going forward with this much explosion of amazing flavors. Mushroom escargots were also flavorful and broccoli nicely salty and sweet. Chicken fetas were also tender and delicious. Dishes here are definitely a feast for the eyes and tastebuds. read more
2 months ago
Veryyyy cute restaurant! We came here for lunch after getting off the train in Chicago. I'm so glad we found it because the food was really good. The restaurant does recommend sharing plates, but I ended up getting a bowl which I thought was good just for me. We also got the brussels sprouts and potatoes to share for the whole table. The brussels sprouts were really good and had a little balsamic on it which made it taste even better. The food didn't take too long to come out and our waitress was very attentive. I also really like how they have the QR codes on the table so you can pay and split your tab. read more
I have been here twice--one time I sat inside, enjoying the cute, classy, nature-inspired decor, and one time I sat outside on the patio, which was surprisingly nice for its location--and I think this is probably the best Mediterranean food I've had in the United States. Everything was absolutely delicious, and the staff were helpful in assisting us with choosing our dishes. There are plenty of options for vegans/vegetarians/GF free people. Highly recommend! read more
Went Ema with my Wife, Daughter and her roommate. We were hungry and ordered too much food. We started with Bhel Hummus, Lanbeh, and chicken kefta. All yummy. We also had cocktails: strawberry rhubarb Negroni and do not disturbs. Refreshing and excellent. We then had Big eye tuna & watermelon, hamachi, Greek salad, Stracchiatella, Brussels sprouts, roasted cauliflower, grilled octopus, lastly lamb and beef kefta. The food was outstanding. Service was excellent and the ambiance gave off a Mediterranean feel. Loved it here! read more
2 months ago
The ambiance and aesthetic here is really cool. The staff here is great; they explained the menu and top favorites. Most of the food was enjoyable but the spicy chicken thigh was a joke. This is supposed to be an entree / bigger dish that is not meant to be shared like the other dishes. It came with one singular chicken thigh with some sauce and that's it. No rice or pita or anything. This item was $25-$27. Everything else was reasonably priced but this item was ridiculous and I would rather go to their sister restaurant, Aba then come back here. read more
We got the hot honey halloumi, a chicken shish, chopped salad, and potatoes. Everything was delicious and well cooked. We did wish the potatoes came with more sauce. The salad was interesting with the grapes in it too. Overall a great meal. read more
7 months ago
Restaurant Week Lunch menu was better than expected! Good portion and most food was very tasty. Falafel was sublime. Probably the only moist falafel I have ever had lol Eggplant spread was also good. The pita bread that goes with the spread was soft, but had a bit too much spice. Lamb and beef kebab was also fantastic! Meat was very juicy. But the chicken was very dry compared to the kebab. I'll definitely go back and try their regular menu. read more
25 days ago
3 months ago
Excellent choice for a really good simple yet classic Mediterranean meal. The hummus and St breads can stand alone as a meal paired with a fresh and delightful cocktail, but don't stop there because the salads and perfectly seasoned salads and grilled kebabs are memorable. Service is five star and the aesthetic of the restaurant is cool chic. Great vibe. read more
3 months ago
I'll keep the 4 star rating- the actual service is great but they are always running behind with reservations. The mushroom "escargot" was really good. The hot honey halloumi was honestly not good. The spiced whipped feta was good as always. Triple chocolate torte was like insanely good. read more
10 days ago
1 month ago
decent hotel restaurant with an array of healthy mediterranean options. interior is very clean and modern with coastal, cream, and blue tones. the food was fresh and hearty, with a good variety of vegetables and flavors. my only complaint was that at the bar, the staff didn't pay much attention to the patrons in front of them, and left me waiting for quite some time despite not being busy. read more
The food was delicious. My chicken kebab was exactly what I needed, very filling. The kale salad with falafel was what you'd imagine. The beet appetizer was unbelievable - admittedly inspired me to buy beets to make at home. And the pita bread is warm and fluffy. My one complaint is: the kitchen may have been backed up because our simple meals took a while to come out (maybe 30 minutes, even though the restaurant didn't seem to be at full capacity). Would probably find myself here if I lived in the city! read more
We went to Ema for dinner and had a really nice experience. The restaurant is super comfortable with really nice decor and ambiance. Our server was super friendly and made us feel very welcome. The place was pretty packed, which wasn't a problem, but it did make it a little hard to hear each other at times. We started with the spicy hummus (not actually spicy), and it was just delicious. The pita bread was great, and the hummus itself had perfect seasoning with really nice toppings. I ordered the lamb and beef kefta. It was a pretty good and filling dish overall, but the meat was a little on the dry side, which gave it a slightly weird texture, but still enjoyable We also had the sweet potato latkes, which I think were a seasonal special, but delicious and really interesting. I loved the unique flavor the sweet potato brought to the dish. The mushroom escargot was another standout. They did a great job imitating actual escargot using mushrooms and keeping it vegetarian-friendly. This dish alone is worth coming to try. Overall, really solid food, great service, and a cozy atmosphere. Definitely a place I'd recommend and would love to come back to. read more
8 months ago
Ema in Chicago offers a wonderful Mediterranean dining experience with a lively, stylish atmosphere that feels perfect for both a night out or a casual get-together. The drinks were a major highlight, they were creative, well-balanced, and clearly made with care, making them a great way to start the meal. The lamb ragu hummus absolutely stood out, with an amazing depth of flavor that was rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying. It's easily a must-order dish. The braised short rib sandwich was also excellent, with tender, flavorful meat and a great balance of textures that made every bite enjoyable. Service was friendly and attentive throughout the meal. While it can get busy and some items are a bit on the pricier side, the quality of the food, drinks, and overall experience make it well worth it. I'd happily return and recommend it to others. read more
2 months ago
8 months ago
Ambiance - modern, spacious, simple and cozy interior Service - our server was nice and polite, it was just super hard to get his attention for the check Food - octopus was cooked to perfection, grilled chicken kebob was slightly on the drier side read more
I was very impressed with the staff. I had a reservation but called to say I'd be arriving much later than expected--they were kind enough to still seat us as long as we finished by a certain time, which I appreciated. The ambiance was cozy and perfect for a date night or girls' night out. While it shares a lobby with a hotel, you hardly notice unless you're near that side. The falafel was probably the best I've ever had - flavorful and perfectly done. The complimentary naan was soft and warm, pairing well with the hummus and almond garlic spread. I'd definitely come back to order the same dishes and try a new hummus next time. read more
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More info about Ema
74 W Illinois St
Chicago, IL 60654
Near North Side
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(312) 527-5586
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https://www.emarestaurants.com
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Ask the Community - Ema
What is the noise level at Ema at dinner?
I've been on a Saturday night and it was loud and very lively. Def not an intimate spot if you are looking for that kind of vibe.
Does Ema add (sneak) a service charge to bills, like Wildfire? I'm not a fan of this (greedy) practice and will pass on this restaurant when they open in Glenview, if this is the case.
Hi Andy, Lettuce Entertain You restaurants have added the surcharge as a way to offset rising costs associated with the restaurant industry (food, beverage, labor, benefits, supplies). This is done in lieu of increased menu prices. When dining with…
Hi! Are walk-ins allowed?
Yes, though it is a popular place so reservations are recommended to avoid a potential wait for a table.
Are there any vegan options on the menu?
Hi Sam, we have a variety of vegan options including our Hummus, Brussels Sprouts, Toasted Almond & Garlic Spread, crudité and more. Your server will also be able to advise on dishes that can be modified to become vegan. We look forward to welcoming…
Is there a dress code?
Hi Rae! There is no set dress code. We invite to you wear whatever makes you most comfortable.
Do you allow outside wine and if so, what is your corkage fee?
Hi Kim! You are welcome to bring up to two 750ml bottles of wine, with a $35 corkage fee per bottle.
Is your patio heated?
Hi Jenna! There are heaters on the patio, however please note that the patio seating isn't enclosed. We advise dressing according to the weather. Thank you!
Is this place toddler friendly?
Hi Chaitali! Yes, guests of all ages are welcome at Ema and we are happy to accommodate with high chairs. Looking forward to having you in soon!
Is there a happy hour menu?
Hi Carolyn! Thank you for reaching out. At this time, Ema does not have a Happy Hour menu available. We look forward to having you join us soon!
Is your meat halal?
Hi Kausar - our meat is not halal. Feel free to email us at emacs@leye.com with any other questions or if we can share more details on our ingredients.
Is there parking nearby?
Hi Laela! Valet parking is available for $17 for 3 hours with validation and increases to $38 after 3 hours.
Can you accommodate (or substitute) vegetarian options?
We are always happy to help accommodate any dietary restrictions or requests that you may have! Feel free to let our team know in advance, or let your server know. Looking forward to having you in!
Can you make reservations?
Hi Chaitali, Thank you for reaching out, we absolutely can assist you with that. Please give our…
Do you carry any brand of retsina?
Hi Bob! At this time we do not carry any Retsina. Feel free to check back on our website to view our full wine list at www.emachicago.com. Thanks!
Does Ema have Happy Hour?
Hi Avita! Yes, we do! From 3-6PM enjoy $5 Mezze Plates, select Craft Beer and Wine.
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Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
80 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
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Ema - mediterranean - Updated August 2026
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