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Ema - Ema - River North, Chicago, IL

Ema - River North

4.7 (4663)
$31 to $50
Mediterranean
74 West Illinois Street, Chicago, IL 60654

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 158 times today

About this restaurant

  • Lively
  • Vegetarian-friendly
  • Charming
A Mediterranean & California-inspired restaurant featuring small plates & Chef CJ Jacobson's lighter style cooking in Chicago's River North.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • 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
  • 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@lettuce.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.
  • Delivery & takeout
  • 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. Valet costs $25 for 3 hours, no validation needed. Regular rates apply 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 4,663 people are saying

Ema - River North reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Chicago

    Mediterranean

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Ema in River North offers a vibrant dining experience with "delicious food and outstanding service!" The atmosphere is lively yet cozy, ideal for both casual and celebratory meals. Notable highlights include "amazing accommodations for gluten-free needs," a creative Mediterranean menu, and attentive staff. A must-visit for memorable gatherings!

4,663 Reviews
  1. Sophie

    Cleveland1 review

    4.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 5
    The service both at the bar and at the table was a bit slow. It is like they avoided making eye contact because we would flag them over to order, or get the check. Good service usually means they come and check on you regularly. Not the case that night. The Greek salad was outstanding, dressing was just right. Delicious. However octopus and lamb stew were super salty. The hummus to start was delicious. Falafel were over fried. The atmosphere is wonderful.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Linda

    Chicago / Illinois1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our waiter was very sensitive to our lactose intolerant diner. Went out of his way to make his dining experience exceptional. We will definitely be back!

    Is this helpful?

  3. John

    Chicago / Illinois2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Ema - another great experience with high quality food, drinks, and service!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Allie VIP

    Raleigh9 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Beautiful space, great decor. Disappointed in the food. Wasn’t impressed with 4 of the 5 dishes we had. The spreads were too dessert-like (over-powering strawberry jam and overpowering sugary taste for the onion spread). The truffle salmon was just okay. It was unique but had an interesting burning sensation which I think was from too much garlic or vinegar. The cauliflower dish was inedible and I sadly had to send it back, which I’ve never done in my life. Service was kind and prompt.

    1 person found this helpful

  5. Michael VIP

    Chicago / Illinois28 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food, as always, was delicious. Service was unobtrusive and efficient, server was friendly and always smiling.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Natalie

    Chicago / Illinois1 review

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    One of our party has celiac and the restaurant was SO accommodating. Almost every single thing was made gluten free and labeled with special “allergy” skewers and they let us know the chef paid specific attention to each dish they brought out. Made us feel so safe and comfortable. Plus it was all delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Melanie

    Atlanta18 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food and outstanding service! Ambience was lively and contemporary but also cozy and comfortable. Lovely interior.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Akshay

    Chicago / Illinois1 review

    2.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Food was dry, in extremely small portions, and overpriced. The pan-seared cauliflower was tasteless.

    Is this helpful?

  9. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago / Illinois1 review

    5.0

    Dined on May 17, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Fantastic experience. First time for the 5 of us. Our server was knowledgeable and managed my gluten allergy very well. We shared about 7 dishes, including spicy hummus,

    Is this helpful?

  10. Zachary

    Washington DC2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The hummus and Farrotto were divine! Everything was great or outstanding! Drinks also were very good! Great service! Would recommend to anyone for a great lunch

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Ema - River North offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (312) 527-5586.

Ema - River North is rated 4.7 stars by 4663 OpenTable diners.

Ema - River North 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.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Chicago / Illinois
  4. Chicago
  5. River North (Chicago)

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 158 times today
Google Map for Ema - River North

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
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • 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. Valet costs $25 for 3 hours, no validation needed. Regular rates apply 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
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Phone number
  • Catering
    Enjoy Ema Catering for your next event at home, in the office, or for your next celebration! Contact emaparties@lettuce.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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