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Ema - Ema, Chicago, IL

Ema

4.6
4.6
4061 Reviews
$31 to $50
Mediterranean
A Mediterranean & California-inspired restaurant featuring small plates & Chef CJ Jacobson's lighter style cooking in Chicago's River North.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 146 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Mediterranean, Californian
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–4:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 3:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (312) 527-5586
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    CJ Jacobson
  • Catering
    Enjoy Ema Catering for your next event at home, in the office, or for your next celebration! Contact emaparties@leye.com for more information.
  • Private party facilities
    The open and inviting dining room features reclaimed wood, rustic white brick and an indoor ivy terrace with operable windows. The dining room accommodates groups up to 150 guests and may be custom configured for your next family-style dinner, business lunch or cocktail reception event.
  • Neighborhood
    River North (Chicago)
  • Cross street
    Clark & Illinois
  • Parking details
    Valet parking is located just east of Ema on Illinois Street at the Hyatt Place/Fairfield Inn valet. It costs $21 for 3 hours with validation, and increases to $45 after 3 hours.
  • Public transit
    Red Line Stop at Grand / Blue Line Stop at Clark
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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What 4,061 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Chicago / Illinois

    Mediterranean

  • Chicago

    Mediterranean

4,061 Reviews
  1. LizS

    Chicago

    20 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    20 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food4service3ambience5
    Very cute place, love all of the outdoor seating as well. Unfortunately service was very slow, my guess is they were short staffed. You could definitely tell our waiter was rushed with a very short attention span. Like he had too much on his mind to do elsewhere in the restaurant. It was good overall, but not the usual LEYE experience.

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  2. Peter

    Chicago

    54 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    54 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    First time at Rma. Both food and service are great!

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  3. Penny

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    This was the most delicious restaurant meal that I’ve ever had! I know this is a strong statement, but I can’t think of another better. I enjoyed the slower pace of getting one shared plate at a time. We ended up dated, but not stuffed.

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  4. RyannQ

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and service. Would absolutely go back.

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  5. LynnieD

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    A fresh, lovely atmosphere serving gorgeous, delicious food! Highly recommend the tuna carpaccio and hummus with lamb ragu!

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  6. DomL

    Montreal

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    So fortunate to have found this restaurant while on a short trip in Chicago. I will be back for sure! The food is amazing; the decoration and service was just as well. Make your reservation in advance!

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  7. NoelM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was very tasty and the mix of flavours complimented well with the ambience. Menu selection is good if dining with other people. Lots of choices. Service was excellent. The location of the place is really very strategic close to Magnificent mile, the river, etc... Can't wait to come back and try the brussels sprouts again. Can't wrong with this place if dining with others, or if going there with a date.

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great food and atmosphere! Would recommend starting with the hummus and lamb dish for the table and the cauliflower. Chicken kebob was incredible. Best espresso martini I have ever had

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    Fort Lauderdale

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food , and even better service! We were certainly impressed with Ema, and we look forward to our next visit. Our server, Zane, was fantastic - so professional, well spoken, and conscientious. Thank you Zane, for a lovely afternoon!!

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  10. Asha

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    We were at Ema for brunch on a lovely Saturday morning. The service was fine and the company was great, however the food was unfortunately so so. Our table had some good dishes like the shakshuka and the chicken sandwich, but also other dishes that weren't like the halva toast (small, bread was stale and hard to chew on). There are not a lot of options to pick from which is disappointing, especially if you don't want meat for brunch.

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  11. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall2food1service5ambience3
    For the price of the food and drink it was way below expectations. Ordered one of their premium old fashioned which was worse than jack and coke. For the food, presentation was there and it was just that. All the items had no flavor and best item was rice they served.

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  12. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our experience at Ema was fantastic. The food is up there with the best Mediterranean restaurants in Chicago (Aba, Avec, etc.). The service was fantastic; our server was attentive and helpful. The ambiance was also great. Not too dark, not too loud. Would recommend 10/10

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  13. CharlesS

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience. Delicious food and very good staff. Highly recommend.

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  14. Cecilie

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall3food1service2ambience4
    I’ve been to Ema once before about six weeks ago to celebrate a birthday and had a great experience here. The experience was so memorable that I wanted to return to celebrate another special occasion. Half of what we ordered was the same as the previous visit but this time me and my parents all had upset stomach and digestive issues. I suspect the falafel was the issue because it was too hard on the outside and too wet on the inside, but it could have been anything we ordered. Our waiter during this visit was both friendly and frantic. For the price of this meal, I’d prefer if the experience was a slower pace.

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  15. tini

    Chicago

    45 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on September 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Enter of skewered Cheese and brussel sprouts was lukewarm but the corrected it immediately. The Hummus with Lamb Ragout and the Eggplant apps were amazing. They comp'd our dessert which was also delish, the chocolate dessert. Definitely a "go back" again.

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  16. Actuary2468

    Chicago

    52 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    52 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server was outstanding. The food was fresh tasting and the flavors were excellent.

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  17. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Nice ambiance. Buzzy crowd. Most of the food was delicious—especially Brussels sprouts, eggplant, greek yogurt w honey. Would not recommend toothpick lamb—looked a little like the tongue of a leather shoe and had a similar texture (i imagine). Turns out to be fairly expensive once you add up all the mezze plates. All in all a nice evening.

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  18. IlirR

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Food was decent overall, but falafel was too dry (overcooked), and grilled haloumi was almost tasteless (nothing like the real haloumi from Cyprus), and it came with a tomato sauce on it, it should be on the side (at least). Overpriced for the size of the dishes. Server was extremely nice.

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  19. Shelly

    Chicago

    34 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    My first and WON'T be my last visit. Delicious!!!! Everything was served beautifully and tasted delicious. Really enjoyed ourselves.

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  20. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing waiter, amazing food, amazing atmosphere.

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  21. BobbyB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Couldn’t highly recommend this place enough. The food was fantastic. The drinks were great. We left in a food coma, it was so good. We went for our anniversary and they gave us a free dessert.

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  22. kidsndogs

    Washington DC

    37 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    You MUST have the hummus topped with lamb ragu - it was incredible! Every dish we had was excellent, but we ordered too much. I suggest starting with less than you think you will need and then add plates as you go. Our service was excellent - attentive without being overbearing. Highly recommend!

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  23. JoshS

    St. Louis

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Ema was great! Highly recommend the lamb hummus, it was amazing.

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Great spot, good prices, good experience, will be going back

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  25. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall4food3service3ambience4
    It was fine but Aba was better. The food just never lived up to what we expected

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  26. JEREIDY

    Atlanta Metro

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was my first time at Ema but it will definitely not be the last. Everything was PERFECT - the ambience, the food, the service, all fantastic. I also suffer from celiac disease and need special precautions in my food preparation in order to not get sick. Every single person who came to our table new about the gluten issue and confirmed that my food was safe. I cannot even express how much that means to someone who has to be scared and each every time I go out for a meal. THANK YOU for all you do for folks with food allergies.

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  27. DavidN

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved how are server was so knowledgeable about the menu and that provided many good suggestions for dinner.

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Good food - went for lunch on a weekday. Could’ve gotten a better table, but besides that, good experience overall.

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  29. Petunia

    Chicago

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Met an old friend who was in from out of town for dinner. We sat outside. Our waitress was very accommodating. She also didn't make us feel rushed through your our entire meal. The food was delicious!

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  30. DianeB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Drinks, food, and service was great. I will definitely go back again.

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  31. DetroitVisitor

    Detroit

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    The food was excellent. The Labneh was awesome. Our waiter (Eric G.) was very attentive and great with the recommendations. Will definitely go back.

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  32. LauraM

    Minneapolis

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved everything about our experience! Delicious!! ☺️

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  33. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our waiter was incredibly helpful and attentive The portion sizes were great for sharing. I highly recommend the hummus with lamb. Everything was delicious.

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  34. dessertmavin

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Great seafood and dips with delicious pita sprinkled with zatar seasoning. Wonderful service, very attentive.

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  35. JenniferT

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience2
    Dishes ranged from pretty good to subpar. Tuna carpaccio left with silver skin so couldn't even cut it. Service was both absent and absent-minded. Hopefully just an off night for what used to be a standard go-to in the city.

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  36. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    The chicken kebab was moist and nicely seasoned. The ahi tuna was also delicious! I highly recommend it! ! The cauliflower was tough and hard to cut. I had expected a burst of flavor but It was pretty bland, as was the eggplant dip. Our server was attentive and helpful, but I was disappointed to be seated by the kitchen when there were other tables open near the windows or in the main dining room. Who gets those tables I wonder? I had chosen this restaurant for a special dinner with friends because of the ambiance (which is amazing in the main room-) and we didn’t get to enjoy that, except for when we walked in. I wondered why we were seated in the back nook with no ambiance.

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  37. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were so pleased with the whole experience, but especially the food and drink. We are snobs about old fashioneds and theirs is delicious. The tuna carpaccio was fantastic. It was a perfect anniversary dinner!

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  38. AudreyD

    Western NC

    101 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    101 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    It may not be very creative, but we ordered the Hummus with Lamb Ragu, the Cauliflower, and the Stacciatella. They are the top seller for a reason. All three exceeded our expectations. We also ordered the Beef and Lamb kabobs and the crispy potatoes. Both of which were delicious.

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  39. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great atmosphere and food! Perfect for a date. Would def visit again!

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  40. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved everything about Ema! The food was so delicious.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Ema using the Order Online button. Ema also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (312) 527-5586.

Ema is rated 4.6 stars by 4061 OpenTable diners.

Ema does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 146 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Ema

74 West Illinois Street, Chicago, IL 60654

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Clark & Illinois
  • Neighborhood
    River North (Chicago)
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–4:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 3:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Mediterranean, Californian
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Valet parking is located just east of Ema on Illinois Street at the Hyatt Place/Fairfield Inn valet. It costs $21 for 3 hours with validation, and increases to $45 after 3 hours.
  • Public transit
    Red Line Stop at Grand / Blue Line Stop at Clark
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    CJ Jacobson
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (312) 527-5586
  • Catering
    Enjoy Ema Catering for your next event at home, in the office, or for your next celebration! Contact emaparties@leye.com for more information.
  • Private party facilities
    The open and inviting dining room features reclaimed wood, rustic white brick and an indoor ivy terrace with operable windows. The dining room accommodates groups up to 150 guests and may be custom configured for your next family-style dinner, business lunch or cocktail reception event.
Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card
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