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Ēma is a Mediterranean restaurant in Chicago’s River North area showcasing Chef CJ Jacobson’s lighter California style of cooking. At the core of the menu are spreads, dips and mezze, Mediterranean small plates meant for sharing. Signature dishes include Hummus w/ Lamb Ragu, Pan-Roasted Romanesque Cauliflower, House-made Stracciatella, Green Falafel with Tzatziki, Grilled Octopus with Fingerlings and Preserved Lemon Vinaigrette, and Lamb & Beef Kefta Kebabs.
Mediterranean small plates and spreads with fresh breads paired with regional wines in an airy surrounding.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 74 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: (312) 527-5586
Website: https://www.emarestaurants.com/
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Order and Reservations
Reservations: tripleseat.com
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Reviews
Bethany
Definitely worth a visit I went on a Saturday mid morning. I had no wait time I got a strawberry Paloma to start, and then I received a hummus and pita appetizer. I also ordered the Hamachi avocado and I also ordered the beef sirloin kebab. All of the food was really good. Not a lot of complaints. the hibachi was unique not sure I would order it again, but it was unique. The beef sirloin was tasty. The meat was great and the veggies were even better. The rice it comes with was also good. My favorite thing there was probably the strawberry Paloma and the pita bread.
… moreMatt
Went here as a group of 4 for a birthday. It’s a family style dining restaurant meaning all dishes as meant to be shared. Based on the portion sizes I would recommend 2-3 plates per person. The restaurant also has a bar.
Every single dish was fantastic. The environment was quite quiet and easy to talk in. The staff was quick and attentive. The rate at which the plates came out was perfect.
The only dish I can unfortunately not recommend is the Octopus. It was frankly far too little octopus for the price. It was not an acceptable sharing size especially for the steep price of $30.
… moreEvery single dish was fantastic. The environment was quite quiet and easy to talk in. The staff was quick and attentive. The rate at which the plates came out was perfect.
The only dish I can unfortunately not recommend is the Octopus. It was frankly far too little octopus for the price. It was not an acceptable sharing size especially for the steep price of $30.
Krishna Narasimhan
We love the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine so went here for dinner on a week night based on the many positive reviews. Made reservations and when we got there we were seated reasonably quickly. The restaurant has very good ambience and decor. The staff were very friendly and efficient.
Took a look at the menu which was very interesting, a lot of mezze options which we love. Ordered a variety of hot and cold mezzes. They bring out the food in the order it is made so they came out separately but that was OK. All the dishes came with bread/pita.
While the ambiance and the service were good, the food itself didn’t taste particularly good. As a person that loves the flavorful hummus, falafels and other mezzes/dishes, and as someone that regularly goes to restaurants that serve excellent middle eastern food, I was left very disappointed overall. Admittedly, none of the restaurants that serve these dishes near me are as fancy or have this ambiance, but the food is incredible.
Ultimately, I left very disappointed, feeling Ema is mostly style over substance. The only reason I have given it 3 stars is because of the ambiance and service and maybe that’s reason enough to go there. However, if someone is looking for great tasting food, I would definitely not recommend this spot.
… moreTook a look at the menu which was very interesting, a lot of mezze options which we love. Ordered a variety of hot and cold mezzes. They bring out the food in the order it is made so they came out separately but that was OK. All the dishes came with bread/pita.
While the ambiance and the service were good, the food itself didn’t taste particularly good. As a person that loves the flavorful hummus, falafels and other mezzes/dishes, and as someone that regularly goes to restaurants that serve excellent middle eastern food, I was left very disappointed overall. Admittedly, none of the restaurants that serve these dishes near me are as fancy or have this ambiance, but the food is incredible.
Ultimately, I left very disappointed, feeling Ema is mostly style over substance. The only reason I have given it 3 stars is because of the ambiance and service and maybe that’s reason enough to go there. However, if someone is looking for great tasting food, I would definitely not recommend this spot.
Nathan Harris
Impeccable service and exquisite food! I had the spiced chicken thighs and they were prepared and presented perfectly. The crispy potatoes were like nothing I’ve ever had before and I would come back just to get those again! My date had the chicken kebab and she raved about it. We wrapped up with the chocolate torte and it was decadent!
… moreAlyssa Esquivel
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—crispy, flavorful, and perfectly done. The complimentary naan was soft and warm, pairing beautifully with the hummus and almond garlic spread. I’d definitely come back to order the same dishes and try a new hummus next time.
… moreThe 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—crispy, flavorful, and perfectly done. The complimentary naan was soft and warm, pairing beautifully with the hummus and almond garlic spread. I’d definitely come back to order the same dishes and try a new hummus next time.
David Ye
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
… moreservice: 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
Pranay Bhuiyan
The hummus (with bread) they served, without any doubt one of the best i ever had. The falafal was good too. I also had think beef+lamb kefta, which was not so good to my taste. The meat was giving off a a smell i didn’t like.
… moreYL
My god it been so long since I’ve received truly an amazing service in downtown Chicago. Our server was so pleasant and welcoming. Great salesmanship (knows how to sell drinks to his guests which I do appreciate the hospitality for a good time). Check-in with my table throughout the night even though I can see that the service was getting picked up and he was busy and he made sure our water is never below a quarter of our cup. Food and drinks were good but omg the dessert hit the spot. Makes me forget about our horrible service from the Italian restaurant across the street with how good the night went. I don’t remember our server name but he was such a sweetheart 10/10 would come back just for his hospitality:)
… moreJai Chandarana
I’d rate my first experience with Ema a 7.1/10. The spreads were very good. We got the bhel hummus, labaneh, baba (eggplant). But the quantity wasn’t that much really for two people. They give side bread which was soft and warm. The falafel we’re on point. Crispy, hot and good portion. The chicken kebab had good portion but we didn’t finish it, it was not flavorful at all. I liked the touch of sourness to it but not my thing. The side dill rice was good.
… moreJen Bahling
Vibes and decor are emaculate here. Just had a few plates. I will definitely have dreams about their hummus. The grilled chicken kabobs were a little dry on the ends but overall had a good taste and the rice with dill made us think of a seaweed salad we had in greece. Overall lovely experience and would definitely take my family and friends here. Perfect spot for a date.
… more