food: everything was yummy and had nice flavors, the chicken kefta was a bit dry for me but everything else i would order again. seemed pretty authentic. the main standouts that i would get again next visit are hot honey halloumi, short ribs, onion dip, and the pistachio froyo service: the service was immaculate, really liked our waiter and he comped our desserts without us saying anything because the kitchen messed up and missed some of our orders ambiance: really nice vibe, great for dinner and chats, apparently very Cali, did a birthday dinner here and couldn't ask for better atmosphere read more

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I was really craving something light and fresh and this place really hit the spot. The almond spread was a bit surprising. It was kind of crunchy like the almonds weren't fully pureed but it added a unique texture that was oddly satisfying. The kebab was delicious and everything I was wanting. I ate it all in one sitting and didn't feel overly full. The rice was fluffy and flavorful and meat was well seasoned a juicy. The service was nice but slow despite it not being busy. The restaurant itself is cozy and well decorated. We requested bar on our reservation as that's the only place that does happy hour, and they put us in the back of the back corners by the kitchen which honest is the worst seat in the house despite the fact that we got their early and no one was at the bar yet. So that was disappointing, but not enough to diminish the deliciousness of the food. read more

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ORDER Faroe Island Salmon - super impressed by the flavors from the sweet peppers and zhoug! The rice tasted so flavorful especially with the sauce. Salmon was cooked medium rare (?) with a tad bit of raw which made it nice and juicy. Mockingbird Zero Proof Cocktail - has ritual bitter aperitif, pineapple, hibiscus, pomegranate. There is only a slight bitter taste which is reminiscent of an alcoholic beverage so it feels like you're drinking when you're not. Super refreshing and light! Loved it! VIBES This place has a cutesy interior and definitely gives more elevated casual vibes. The lanterns and wooden tables, tans and plant interior give a nice natural feel to the place. It's dimly lit and perfect for a nice lunch or dinner. Very crowded! Seating consists of bar, table, booths and normal tables and chairs. SERVICE Service was great! Definitely book a reservation in advance if you want to get a good spot. Luckily I went with only one other person, so they had some high seating that was available. Food came out quickly and no complaints with service. read more

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Oh em geeee. So delicious. A little on the pricier side but worth to try at least once. We got the charred eggplant, brussels sprouts, hot honey halloumi, spiced chicken thigh, and lamb & beef kafta. Everything was perfection. Delicious flavors. Honestly, I can't even name a favorite because everything was so good. Most importantly, can't forget about the delicious pita with herbs. We also got some drinks. we tried the Strawberry Rose Paloma, Slow Cheetah, Cactus Queen, and Rhubarb Stinger. Again, very yummy. Attentive service and beautiful environment. I'd definitely come back! read more

Great food! It seems their menu may have changed a bit from the last time I was there. We had a variety of dishes that my friend and I shared. The brussels sprouts were very flavorful and cooked to perfection. We also really enjoyed that chicken kebab with rice. They make a great hummus and gave us vegetables as well as gluten-free crackers for me, and pita for my friend. A little pricey but love the ambience and the service is very good. read more

My friends and I had dinner here one Saturday and it did not disappoint. The ambiance was cozy, yet modern. Beautiful. The service was top notch. We decided to order various small plates for the table, which is the way to go. The pumpkin hummus was SO good. It tasted like a more mild sweet potato puree. The pita that came with it was also delish. The crispy potato's were amazing, super crunchy and huge. The Moroccan onion dip was the perfect ratio of onion and date. Super interesting. The kale Caesar was perfect, with a great crunch to it. Lastly, the salmon kebab was cooked perfectly. I think it's hard to get salmon right, but they did it. And then the chicken kefta was amazing too. Highly recommend. read more

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We came to celebrate a birthday. We decided on Ema a little over a week out and they were already booked up so we ended up with 5:15pm reservations. When we arrived we were seated right away. There were not many other groups around at the time but by the time we left the place was packed. The decor gets a 10/10. The restaurant merges with a hotel lobby but you would never know. We started with the classic hummus which came with a basket of pita bread. The pita was so fresh, warm, and flavorful. The hummus was also so good and came with a few fresh veggies on the side. Next, we tried the falafel, which didn't disappoint. It was so crispy and flavorful. I'm going to be dreaming about the beet tzatziki for a while. We also ordered the halloumi cheese (which came with more pita) and the lamb stew. For the birthday boy, they served us a complimentary frozen yogurt topped with olive oil and sea salt. It was an...interesting combo. At first it tasted a bit icy but the flavor is a delayed effect. I'm not sure I would order this dessert otherwise though. Overall, food was great! Our waitress also made great recommendations. We ended up staying for almost two hours since we ordered our meal one dish at a time. It felt so nice to slow down and not feel rushed by the staff. read more

Ema - Green Falafel - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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We went to Ema last night while on a work trip with over 30 additional people. We had a set menu with our reservation. To drink, I ordered a cocktail called the Cactus Queen. It was nicely portioned and had a great sweet flavor. Our set menu included apps, shared mains, and dessert. Our apps were charred eggplant spread, hummus, crispy potatoes, and a Greek village salad. My favorite was the eggplant. It had just the perfect amount of spices and flavor. For our mains, we had the salmon, lamb and beef kefta, and the chicken kefta. The lamb meatballs and the salmon were the stars of the show. I did not partake in the dessert because I was so full but my colleagues enjoyed the honey pie and the triple chocolate torte. The triple chocolate torte was a crowd hit and had a mousse consistency on the inside. I would come back and would recommend if anyone is in the mood for Mediterranean. The overall vibe was nice and modern. read more

Looking for a quick bite in Chicago and I found a wonderful gem. I am a sucker for a good Mediterranean meal and I must say this was exceptional. The flavors were amazing, the food perfectly cooked and presented, and the staff was attentive and very personable. I would definitely recommend this restaurant if you are in Chicago I will definitely return. Shout out to David for your incredible service. read more

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Ema has a nice ambiance and is a decent spot for Mediterranean food, but overall, our experience was just okay. We tried a good mix of dishes, some of which were great, while others fell flat. We started with two zero-proof cocktails--the Pomegranate Backsplash and Say Less. Both were refreshing but nothing memorable. For appetizers, the hummus and house bread were solid, but nothing that stood out. The green falafal was flavorful but a bit dry, while the brussel sprouts were delicious with a nice char. The crispy potatoes were a hit at the table, well-seasoned and perfectly cooked. For the mains, we got the Chicken Kefta and the pan-roasted Romanesque cauliflower. The kefta was well-spiced but a little on the dry side. The cauliflower was tasty but felt a bit overpriced for what it was. Dessert was probably the best part. The warm sticky date cake was rich and comforting, and the double chocolate crisp was a chocolate lover's dream. Definetly the highlight of the meal. Overall, it was a decent meal, but nothing that would make us rush back. The flavors were good, but some dishes lacked that wow factor. Service was friendly but a bit slow at times. For the price point, we expected a bit more. read more

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Stopped in for a quick drink and the kale caesar with chicken and it was a great experience at the bar during happy hour. Quick service even when they were busy and good happy hour prices. The salad was filling with the chicken added and the Amber Road drink tasted just like an 'elevated green tea shot' as the bartender said it would! read more

Ema - Amber Road - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Super cute restaurant! They did a fabulous job with decor! I would suggest making a reservation as it was packed. I really enjoyed how fresh everything was. Despite our server telling us portions are small, I respectfully disagree as we found the portions to be quite large. We shared the hummus, the Greek salad, and the beef and lamb meatballs which also came with a large portion of rice and were stuffed! read more

Ema - Inside - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Cute place but the food wasn't anything outstanding. Smaller portions and the octopus was either overcooked or didn't taste fresh. The service seemed like a casual diner more than a trendy spot. read more

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Food: Highly recommend the Bhel Hummus--fresh, tasty, and especially delicious with the hot, flavored pita. The combination gives off a pizza-like vibe, in the best way. The Salmon Kebab had a slightly fishy aroma at first, but once paired with the side sauce and a squeeze of lemon, it became a perfect match. The Chicken Kefta was a bit salty on its own, but dipping it in the creamy sauce balanced the flavor beautifully. Service: We noticed the Charred Eggplant didn't look like the photo on Yelp and the taste wasn't quite what we expected. We brought it up with our server, who was incredibly kind and understanding--offering to take it back without hesitation. We ended up ordering the amazing salmon instead. Big thanks to the server for turning things around and making our experience so enjoyable! Ambiance: I loved the interior--it gave me a sense of freedom, like a bird dining in nature. A lovely and refreshing atmosphere to enjoy a meal. Price: $70 for 2 after tax for what we order, added on a 22% tips for the cute server. read more

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Oh my god Ema has been highly recommended to me and it lived up to all the expectations. Great ambiance, great service, AMAZING food. Brought some out of town friends here for a 1pm lunch on a Sunday. It was a hit. My friends all found something they were excited to eat. 10/10 will return! read more

Ema - Kefta & Eggs* - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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If you get one item, let it be the sticky date cake! It was perfection and was perfectly warm. I also really enjoyed the hummus with lamb and they gave a lot of bread with it as well. Very spacious and beautiful space read more

Ema - Sticky Date Cake - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Very chic and busy Mediterranean restaurant in the heart of downtown Chicago. Was crowded so recommend making reservations. Learned this is the sister restaurant of Aba which was also on our list of places to try in town. Wait time was about 30 mi it's on a Thursday night (no reservations) so not bad. We sat at the bar and enjoyed a couple of mocktails (on the clock). Say less: passion fruit and lime giving a citrus kick (delicious). Believe they make it with tequila but honestly would taste amazing with vodka or rum as well. Pomegranate Backsplash: hibiscus and orange flavoring. Not much citrus (although may have been dimmed as I started with say less which is far more citrus flavoring). Was good. It like the first one better. For our meal we ordered the following. All of which were very tastefully done and presented beautifully. Charred eggplant: always a fan. Served with side of pita. We scarfed it down in two minutes Chicken kefta kebab: meat was perfectly cooked leaving it tender (but not undercooked) and lightly flavored. Served with basmati rice and side of tzatziki sauce...chefs kiss Faroe Islands Salmon: grilled salmon lightly flavored with olive oil and lemon. Also served with basmati rice and a green sauce which was delicious. Again meat perfectly cooked and tender. Very good and recommend. Overall a great experience and would try again. read more

Ema - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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We had the opportunity to try Ema during Restaurant Week. We decided to visit for lunch and opted to order from their special Restaurant Week lunch menu. One of the standout dishes was the falafel -- it was absolutely amazing. The flavor was rich, and the texture was perfectly crispy on the outside while tender on the inside. We also decided to try halloumi for the first time. Although it was an interesting experience, I wasn't particularly fond of it. I'm not sure if this is the traditional way it's meant to taste, but I had expected it to be a bit softer in texture. For the main courses, we ordered the grilled chicken kebab and the lamb and beef kefta. Both dishes were fantastic -- had just the right amount of seasoning. The rice served with the dishes was also well-seasoned and complemented the meat perfectly. Beyond the food, the restaurant's aesthetics were absolutely beautiful. The ambiance was warm and inviting, with a modern yet cozy feel. read more

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Wow wow wow! 10/10! This place is incredible from the friendly service to the delicious food, I would highly recommend it! The ambience is so warm and inviting as well. I might be back again in a couple days... The fusion of Mediterranean flavors is creative and rich. read more

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Back with the girls! We went out for a lovely birthday dinner for my friend courtesy of her hubby. She's gluten free and picked the place! It's in a good area downtown so that was fun. A snowy night too! Our server was David. He was great! Very attentive and personable! Very small tables but all staff handled it really well. They did a great job of accommodating the allergies at the table (all nut allergy as well, haha). We got the classic hummus- i didn't know hummus could be that yum-, the crispy potatoes (omg!!), the halloumi kebab, chicken kefta, and the crispy mushrooms All very good and FRESH tasting. Me and my girl who were feeling frisky got some custom cocktails. David got behind the bar and made them! WOW! The violet one for me and the cactus queen for my gal. Overall a great night out. I'll be back. read more

Love love this place! They have a great dinner menu and I highly recommend splitting appetizers with you table. They don't have a lot for brunch, so I wouldn't recommend that. But they have a solid lunch and dinner menu! Drinks are pricey but good. Servers are usually nice, sometimes they ignore you but overall still did their job read more

The pumpkin hummus was spectacular! The hummus was a little pumpkiny, but not overwhelmingly so, and the naan was great too. It had seasoning on it and was a great texture and flavor. I would definitely get this again! read more

Food was excellent. We enjoyed the Squash risotto and beef/lamb kefta. They were nice enough to accommodate my shellfish allergy. Lovely atmosphere and great service. read more

Solid 4 star meal. Pretty lettuce entertain you restaurant in the heart of downtown town connected to a Hyatt place hotel . Concept is to order small plates to share . Service was good. Food was solid- we shared 8 menu items for 5 of us which was the correct amount for our family of 5 ( including 2 older teen boys ). Standouts included the behel hummus, chicken kabobs , lamb and spicy halloumi . Skip the watermelon feta salad and cauliflower ( not bad per se but nothing special ). Ended with a tart, olive oil frozen yogurt which I liked ( although my kids gave this item a big thumbs down). Perfect place for a group . Recommend if you enjoy Mediterranean food and are in the area. read more

Ema - "Bhel" Hummus. Enjoyed this item! - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I fall more in love with Ema everytime I come to dine here . Our hostess Liz was stellar managing a group of 11 noisy ladies . Restaurant week choice of salad and entree was delicious !! I got the shaved Brussels sprouts salad and chicken kebab which is piling with my friend who got Lamb kebabs. Overall a terrific restaurant week experience! Can't wait to come back soon with the family!! read more

Ema - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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We went with a large group (we did have a reservation) and our table was ready when we arrived. The dining room was large and full, but not too noisy. They have some nice cocktails. The Slow Cheetah (mezcal margarita) and the Do Not Disturb (elderflower, lemon, cucumber, mint) were fantastic! Appetizers were amazing. We had the classic hummus and the bhel hummus. They even accommodated one of our gluten free members with some gluten free crackers to go with. Those crackers were my favorite dipping partner! Several of us had the braised short rib sandwich. Super tender and not fatty. Way more than I could eat for lunch. It came with fries and that serving alone was enough for 3 people. The chicken kefta kabob was also a table favorite. read more

I've come here with my boyfriend a handful of times and we love it. We like to try different cocktails every time. The mimosa on a nice summer day on the patio is my happy place. The entrees are amazing too. The rice with the chicken skewer is my favorite so far and my boyfriend loves the beef and lamb skewer. The service has always been great as well. We've had the same server a couple times now and she's friendly and gets the job done. (Wish I could remember her name!) The ambience is great. With natural light coming in and the soft lamps, it's calming. Truly a beautiful restaurant. read more

The Ambiance of the restaurant was very inviting, nice table setting. We ordered our food upon arrival. We sat for 1 hour and 45 minutes before the food arrived. People who had arrived after us had been served and eating. The potatoes were hard as a Rock. The food arrived cold and not edible. It was our first and last visit. read more

Delicious Mediterranean food with great portions and friendly service, especially accommodating for dietary restrictions! The Brussels sprouts? Next-level glaze! I also had the pan-roasted romanesque cauliflower and chicken kefta kabob, which came with a choice of rice or salad. My friend loved the braised short rib sandwich. While I personally prefer the suburban Ema location a bit more, this one still holds it down and is a solid pick in the city. Definitely try it out! read more

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Came here last minute for drinks and appetizers on NYE. Beautiful space (although I wish the music was slightly louder). Great dirty martini and my cousin loved the slow cheetah (mezcal drink). The lamb ragú hummus was phenomenal. Never had anything like it before and lovely service. read more

Ema - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Loveee froyo Fridays Prosecco Do not disturb - fave cocktail in the city! Tastes like cucumber water Faroe island salmon with spiced daal - very well cooked, interesting addition of the pumpkin but very good Hummus - fantastic garlic pita and hummus Double chocolate crisp - super rich chocolate with great whipped cream with olive oil yum! read more

Ema - Frozen Greek Yogurt - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Ema is just freaking so gooood!!! Came here years ago and I knew when I came back to Chicago I had to come back. I came to Chicago for a business trip and everyone else wanted to go to this burger joint but I knew I wanted to come here and I'm so glad I did. 1. I love that they have a happy hour menu! 2. I love their ambience 3. I love their food You cannot go wrong with the hummus, brussel sprouts and their chicken rice kabob plate. Their meat is so tender and so juicy. The hummus and bRussell sprouts are so flavorful by far the best brussel sprouts I ever had. I still can't believe I ordered all 3 and was able to finish these items all by myself. I definitely recommend sitting at the bar for the happy hour menu prices. I think it's only at the bar but I could be wrong. Anyways I had a lovely time I chatted it up with random people and I just had a blast!! I even had a man insist on me trying the ice cream and he bought it for me which was really sweet and kind. My tummy couldn't handle it but it was nice to have a bite. I love the chicken kefta and the hummus my ooh my sooo creamy. One of my top spots when visiting Chicago. I highly recommend. 5 stars in my book!! read more

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Make a reservation beforehand. Restaurant was easy to find, but make sure you find the revolving door to enter. The restaurant was loud (sometimes hard to hear people) and decently lit so you could see people near you. Feel like they jammed tables since I was right against the person at the table behind us. The staff were somewhat attentive, we had to find them every now and then since it was so busy. The food was decent, not sure if I'd say it was anything amazing. The non-alcoholic drinks were good. Wish there was more rice with the kebabs since we shared 4 dishes - it didn't seem like enough food for everyone. read more

Ema nails Mediterranean flavors, and the chicken kebab is proof! Perfectly cooked--juicy and tender--with sauces that steal the show. Even if you order to-go, it's still amazing after making the long journey. If you liked Aba, don't forget Ema. I highly recommend. -AT read more

Ema - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Have been enjoying coming to Ema every year for the past few years when visiting the city Everything is excellent, with great ambiance and service. The zaatar pita bread and all the spreads are delicious. Tried the shrimp this time around and didn't disappoint. Halloumi was on point. There is a new ice cream offering with pistachio that was also great. My favorite restaurant in Chicago! read more

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Super cute and trendy interior. The patio looked very nice as well. We split the hamachi and charred avocado app which is very small but flavorful. I enjoyed the halloumi skewers and my partner and brother got the chicken skewers. We all thoroughly enjoyed the meal. Great spot with a variety of items for a wide range of pricing. Expect to spend $20 -$40 pp. read more

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Celebrated my birthday early with family and shared delicious tapas & appetizers like spicy eggplant, short rib hummus & nicely warmed pita bread. My faves were the kebobs: juicy beef, awesome halibut & chicken (a bit dry but still tasty). The Sauvignon blanc was a crisp, cool & fresh accompaniment. Atmosphere is bright, well designed, cheerful, festive. Our fantastic waiter, José, was very polite, professional, prompt & attentive. So much that I remembered him as my exemplary waiter at last year's bday dinner on the quaint outdoor patio. Parking is tight as area is usually hopping. Good luck finding a meter & recommend Spot Hero which is a good cheaper option than valet. Easy 5 min walk from garage. read more

Ema - Short rib hummus - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Food was so good! We had an almond spread that was delicious and the sticky date cake was out of this world!! So cute inside too!

Walked in and snagged a bar seat with a friend on a Friday night - nice cocktail menu, variety of small and entree plates. Got a labneh, Halloumi, Greek salad and octopus - all were excellent! The bartenders were attentive and provided great service. Would definitely come back to either a reservation and a larger group! read more

If you're looking for a CHI spot with great food and a comfy ambiance, this is it! Ema is connected to River North's Hyatt hotel. We made reservations for a group of 3 on a 6pm Sat evening and were seated right away. Our server was lovely and gave solid recs. MUST HAVES are the Green Falafel and Brussel Sprouts! The tahini with the Falafels paired perfectly + the Agricola's sauce with the Brussel Sprouts and pumpkin seeds was delicious! The Crispy Potatoes are good, but nothing special. I enjoyed the Lamb & Beef Kefta Kebabs more than the Chicken, imo. Overall, will keep this spot bookmarked for solid, reliable, and yummy Mediterranean food in the city! read more

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