How is Embeya - Permanently Closed restaurant rated?

Embeya - Permanently Closed

4.3

954 Reviews

$31 to $50

Contemporary Asian

Top Tags:

Embeya is an Asian fusion restaurant that allows patrons to taste all its offerings before they order a meal. The Embeya restaurant also offers a selection of wines which gel with the meals they order. Not only has Embeya been named among Crain's top 3 restaurants, the restaurant also graced the pages of Esquire Magazine where it was introduced as a prestigious and best new restaurant. Zagat also didn't hesitate to name this restaurant among the top 10 sexiest restaurants in its issue. While the Asian food here is authentic, it is the unique cocktails prepared by Embeya's chefs that are well-known among the locals. A dish like tendon and lime serves vodka and fresh coconut water with citrus and caramelized coconut skewers.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary Asian, Asian, Contemporary French / American
Hours of operation
Dinner: Monday - Thursday: 4:30pm - 9:00pm, Friday & Saturday: 4:30pm - 10:00pm
Phone number
(312) 612-5640
Website
http://www.embeya.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Mike Sheerin
Private party facilities
Embeya offers a fully customizable approach to private events. Whether an intimate private dinner for 10, a fun corporate function for 60 or an energetic reception for 200, Embeya's event team executes every detail to ensure that your event is a great success. Menus range from $45-$95/person.
Private party contact
Komal Patel: (312) 612-5640

Location
564 West Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60661
Neighborhood
West Loop
Cross street
Jefferson and Randolph
Parking details
Embeya offers valet parking for a cost of $12/car. Limited street parking is available on both Randolph and Jefferson streets at a cost of $4.75/hr with a 2 hour limit. We strongly recommend using our valet service, it is convenient, safe and cost-effective if you are joining us for more than 2 hours.<br /><br />
Public transit
We are a short walk from the Clinton stop on the green and pink line, as well as a few blocks from the 8 bus on Halsted and Randolph.
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Corkage Fee, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 954 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.3

4.3 based on all time ratings

4.4Food
4.3Service
4.4Ambience
3.8Value

Noise • Moderate

918 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on June 18, 2016
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
2 out of 6 appetizers were not available on a Friday night. However, the 3 appetizers that we ordered were outstanding, especially the Pork. Service was OK, was told that the dessert was on the house to make up for the unavailable appetizers, only to see the dessert appear on the bill....
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta Metro
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on June 1, 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Loved our dinner! Food was delicious and creative as always. I make a point to go to Embeya every time I am in Chicago.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 21, 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Awesome place.........owners are amazing. Food is great......👌🏼👍🏼
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R
Runoto
Chicago
10 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on May 20, 2016
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We went there while in Chicago in March. I enjoyed the creative menu so much we went back. The menu had completely changed to Thai with many exciting new options. I wanted to sample everything. My son and I had soft shell crab, mussels, pork and squid. All was wonderful. The service on both occasions was helpful, respectful of our time and not pushy.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 20, 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great Service and Thai menu was amazing!!!
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JF
JohnF
Chicago
23 reviews
4.0
23 reviews
Dined on May 19, 2016
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Although the waiter stated that the restaurant was Asian Fusion and had a variety of themes, the night we went, it was Thai. Not that it was not desirable, since that was what we thought the theme of the restaurant was, but perhaps on another occasion, one might not get the cuisine that they wanted. In any case, the food was nicely prepared, presentation was good. One got the sense that the ingredients were all fresh - nice balance of Thai spices, not too spicy, but flavorful. Service was attentive, not bothersome. Moderately expensive in price.
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E
Esther
Chicago
10 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on May 19, 2016
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The service , entrees and appetizers were outstanding. Soft shell crab, although deep fired was great. Entrees, fish and chicken satay were delicious with fabulous flavors. Dessert, sticky black rice with mango, was disappointing and the coffee was cold and only filled half the cup. This was our third time at Embeya and we plan to come again.
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JR
JoanR
Chicago
7 reviews
vip
3.0
7 reviews
Dined on May 18, 2016
1. Overall 3
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 1
After being away for almost six months I was excited to be home and able to go to my favorite Chicago restaurant. Reservation made and date set to enjoy the evening with a friend I also had seen for more than six months. Much to my disappointment, a special event for 90 people was scheduled in the main part of the restaurant with no mention of that from the restaurant until we got there. The kitchen worked its magic on the food, but overall the evening was much less than magical. We could hardly hear one another! Why wouldn't a restaurant let those making reservations know that a special event was scheduled so that regular diners could choose to be there or not? Well, I think I know why, but I am disappointed.
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L
Lauren
Chicago
18 reviews
vip
4.0
18 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2016
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We recently went to Embeya because they're hosting their Thailand menu which we were super excited about. The food didn't disappoint - we were very happy and full and highly recommend Embeya to others who love Asian cuisine!
1 person found this helpful
MB
MikeB
Chicago
8 reviews
vip
1.0
8 reviews
Dined on May 9, 2016
1. Overall 1
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Very slow service and super long meal for lunch.
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F
Fooddabbler
Chicago
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The food was absolutely outstanding. The fixed price menu was great sharing for our group of four. All four of us loved the Thai influence in the dishes as well as a couple of surprising ingredients. The service was perfect. It was a wonderful all around experience.
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KJ
KJODining1
Chicago
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on May 6, 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
My initial visit to Embeya was excellent, and my second visit did not disappoint! The menu had changed to feature the Thai palate, and everyone in the group had a delicious meal. Both the flavors and the textures were so interesting, and the artistic presentation of the food made it so appetizing. Our server was knowledgeable and accommodating, and he contributed to a lovely dining experience. This is becoming one of my favorite Chicago restaurant destinations!
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CL
Caryn2Lee
New York Area
30 reviews
vip
3.0
30 reviews
Dined on May 1, 2016
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Great space. Disappointed with the smoked scallops. Didn't stay for dessert. I enjoy Thai food but wouldn't go back.
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S
Sammy
Greater Boston
19 reviews
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on April 30, 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
5 of us were seated at a table made of magnificent wood planks. The tables are well-spaced, so we weren't sitting on top of the other diners. We ordered the Chef Sampler--the chef's choice of appetizers, mains and desserts served family style . We influenced the chefs choices by expressing an interest in the shrimp pad thai and rib eye. The wine list was a wonderful surprise--replete with a large selection of both familiar and unfamiliar labels, all with the spice and flavors of their cuisine in mind. The Rib Eye was the favorite! The Halibut and Pad Thai were excellent also. We had a delightful time and would highly recommend the Embeya to others.
1 person found this helpful
v
vinnie
Chicago
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on April 27, 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food here is always delicious and the cocktails were wonderful! Our waiter Josh is the best!!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on April 23, 2016
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
Embeya had nice food but unfortunately the server was a bit too cavalier for the cost of the food. We had to wait 30 minutes from when he left the bill to when he picked it up to run the cards. While the people serving the food and clearing the table were great, our waiter left a lot to be desired. We spent a lot of money for a dining experience so to have mediocre service was a bit of a let down.
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LG
LeahG
Chicago
9 reviews
3.0
9 reviews
Dined on April 21, 2016
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We went for Chef's Week. The service is fantastic. The prefix options were drenched in soy sauce and very salty. We didn't really like any of the dishes that much. The cocktails were good, though.
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Y
Yvonne
Greater Boston
226 reviews
vip
4.0
226 reviews
Dined on April 20, 2016
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
We love the atmosphere at Embeya. It's beautiful, comfortable and classy. The spacing between the tables is ideal for ensuring that private conversations remain private without feeling like you're separated from everyone else. There are many seating options ranging from intimate two-person tables to long tables for groups. The food was good. Some of the dishes (such as the beef jerky) were really delicious and hit a home run for us. The service from Eric was good. He seemed to effortlessly make a connection with each of his guests. He was a chameleon who seemed to interact with everybody. One thing he did for everybody was touch them on their arms and shoulders. Personally, I'm not one for touching so I could have done without that but I imagine that the gesture goes far for most people. Although we think that Embeya is expensive, it seems as if they have some good deals for Happy Hour where many drinks and dishes are $8. We went fro a Chef's Week lunch where it was supposed to be $22 per person but they insisted on charging us $25. That was disappointing.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 19, 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Attilla is a perfect host, waiter Michael was outstanding, food was terrific! (But ask about heat level if it is not indicated on the menu ... I ordered a cold appetizer that I thought would be on the tropical/sweet side but it turned out to be very spicy. I enjoyed it but I wasn't prepared for the heat level!)
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J
Jimmy
Milwaukee
31 reviews
vip
5.0
31 reviews
Dined on April 17, 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic restaurant. Tasting menu is always wonderful.
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h
hkoppula
Chicago
50 reviews
vip
5.0
50 reviews
Dined on April 16, 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great style and a beautiful restaurant. The food is incredibly flavorful and is one of our favorite restaurants in the Chicago. The wonderful couple that own it are the most gracious hosts.
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G
Gramdmom2014
Chicago
13 reviews
vip
4.0
13 reviews
Dined on April 16, 2016
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Embeya is a beautiful restaurant with a distinctive menu. There is low level background music which makes this very conversational friendly. Everything we ordered was well presented and delicious. This was true on our two prior visits to this restaurant as well The drinks choices were broad The dessert menu is a bit thin but after our first two courses with drinks we were not missing the dessert
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 16, 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The appetizers were great for sharing. Highly recommend the Chinese bacon and the bass crudo. The duck two ways was so good!
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a
aspiringfoodie
Chicago
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 5, 2016
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
At this price range, I do expect the food to be more memorable. We, a party of four, went less than a week ago, and yet as I sit here to dutifully write a review, I am having some difficulty remembering what we had. The food was decent, but nothing special, not for what they charge.
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p
pamp
Chicago
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on April 4, 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food and drinks were unbelievable good. beautiful presentation, friendly staff, lovely environment.
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H
Hyacinth
Chicago
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on April 3, 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food - interesting flavor combinations; service, ambience were all excellent. Servers were attentive without hovering and pleasant. The decor is lovely.
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KJ
KJODining1
Chicago
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on April 3, 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The atmosphere was lovely, and the food was exquisitely prepared!
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KM
KristinM
Chicago
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on March 30, 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The menu is very creative and a thoughtful wine list has been curated to complement the flavors. Excellent service.
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BH
BeckyH
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 27, 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food at Embeya never disappoints. I took my parents and some family friends here and we had a great time. Everyone loved the food. I recommend sharing plates so that you can get a full range of the menu.
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JA
JohnA
Chicago
28 reviews
5.0
28 reviews
Dined on March 26, 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Outstanding! Every dish is a flavor bomb. Playing is imaginative and fun.
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PM
ProachieM
Chicago
38 reviews
vip
3.0
38 reviews
Dined on March 26, 2016
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The food wasn't bad just ....Boring menu and the flavors were very common! If they want to survive in a foodie city, they had better step up! It's no wonder finding a reservation at Embaya is so easy at any given weekend! 💔
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on March 22, 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Embeya never disappoints. The rock shrimp is a solid choice and my favorite every time.
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R
Runoto
Chicago
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on March 19, 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The decor is sleek, and warm with well-lighted tables. Favorites include the sweet potato appetizer, and the rabbit and snapper curry main courses.
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KD
KD33
Chicago
6 reviews
vip
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on March 15, 2016
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It was good , we sent back the sushimi bc it had no flavor, they replaced it with the Bacon appetizer that was delicious ! Service was very accommodating.
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DH
DonH
Chicago
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 15, 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We were visiting from Florida and looking for something unique and unpretentious . We found it!!! Fantastic food and wonderful service. A must try!
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S
Skinnybeans
Chicago
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My wife and I had a great visit with amazing flavorful food and drinks. Our server was very knowledgeable about the entrees and drinks and made great recommendations.
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LE
LaurieE
Chicago
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on March 8, 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had tickets to Opera & staff couldn't be more helpful on getting us a Wonderful meal & getting us there on time.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 4, 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
we look forward to returning with some foodie friends.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
3 reviews
vip
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 27, 2016
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
My wife and I have been a big fan of Embeya since they opened and have been enjoying amazing, consistent food, service and atmosphere with friends and colleagues for several years now. That said, we ate there a couple months ago soon after they re-opened with a new chef and menu and again last Friday night. I am not a big fan of the newer menu, but in full transparency, my wife seems to be moderately happy with her selections over-all. But for me, what was even more disappointing than the food was the way we were treated when we came in for our 8PM reservation as we were relegated to empty section of high-top tables in the front (not part of the bar or dining room) when several open tables were sitting empty in the dining room. When we asked for an alternative table in the dining room (even suggesting we may have to wait a bit) we were told by the host that he had a few "4 tops" coming in that would require those tables. So, OK, I get it -I worked in french restaurant many years ago so I vaguely remember how the whole reservations / seating thing works. But for the life of me could not figure out why it was clearly more important to seat tables of 4 people in the dining room vs. the 2 of us. In somewhat unusual form, I did not argue the point because we truly loved this place at one time but neither one of us were happy with his lack of concern and unwillingness to get us into the dinning room. Within 30 minutes or so, the restaurant was starting to clear out a bit and by the time we left there were 6 or 7 open tables. ??? Look, I know people can be persnickety when it comes to tables and location and I also know I can be one of them. But I also know that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. We were there. We also had a reservation and are (were) loyal customers. In all fairness, I should have pulled the manager / owner aside and said something to him, but honestly, it was a Friday, the end of a long week and just wanted to get out of there.
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B
Bill
Chicago
33 reviews
vip
3.0
33 reviews
Dined on February 26, 2016
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
Very limited menu which they call modern Asian, but aside from the fact that half the entrees offered were seafood, there is very little that resembles Asian on this menu. Also was a little taken aback by the loud music playing which was rhythm and blues and oldies rock....not Asian in the least bit. Service was slow and inattentive given the fact the restaurant was 85% empty. No soups or salads at all on the menu, only about 7-8 each appetizers and entrees. Overall was not impressed and given the myriad of other choices on west Randolph will probably not go back.
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FAQs

Embeya - Permanently Closed is rated 4.3 stars by 954 OpenTable diners.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

564 West Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60661

Additional information

Cross street
Jefferson and Randolph
Neighborhood
West Loop
Hours of operation
Dinner: Monday - Thursday: 4:30pm - 9:00pm, Friday & Saturday: 4:30pm - 10:00pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary Asian, Asian, Contemporary French / American
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Embeya offers valet parking for a cost of $12/car. Limited street parking is available on both Randolph and Jefferson streets at a cost of $4.75/hr with a 2 hour limit. We strongly recommend using our valet service, it is convenient, safe and cost-effective if you are joining us for more than 2 hours.<br /><br />
Public transit
We are a short walk from the Clinton stop on the green and pink line, as well as a few blocks from the 8 bus on Halsted and Randolph.
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Mike Sheerin
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Corkage Fee, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.embeya.com/
Phone number
(312) 612-5640
Private party facilities
Embeya offers a fully customizable approach to private events. Whether an intimate private dinner for 10, a fun corporate function for 60 or an energetic reception for 200, Embeya's event team executes every detail to ensure that your event is a great success. Menus range from $45-$95/person.
Private party contact
Komal Patel: (312) 612-5640