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Ema - Ema - River North, Chicago, IL

Ema - River North

4.7 (4686)
$31 to $50
Mediterranean
74 West Illinois Street, Chicago, IL 60654

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 167 times today

About this restaurant

  • Charming
  • Healthy
  • Good for special occasions
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 4,686 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 / Illinois

    Mediterranean

  • Chicago

    Mediterranean

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Ema in River North boasts a "vibrant atmosphere" and "delicious food," offering a modern Mediterranean dining experience. Signature dishes include the "bhel hummus" and "hot honey halloumi," both praised for their flavors. The service is often described as "attentive" and "knowledgeable," enhancing the overall delightful experience.
4,686 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco Bay Area1 review

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was absolutely delicious. The Tahini Caesar was divine. Everything was fresh, tasty, colorful, and rich. I will absolutely be back. Thank you for a beautiful dinner. Complements to every chef in the kitchen.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Yvonne VIP

    Wisconsin4 reviews

    2.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    It was hot no AC. Food was just average but good drinks.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Sarah VIP

    Wisconsin1 review

    4.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    It was extremely hot last night and the AC in the restaurant was not cooling customers off! People were fanning themselves and we were SWEATING!!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Diego

    Chicago / Illinois2 reviews

    2.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 2
    Delicious food and the service was excellent. The very bad thing about our stay was that it was so hot inside that we couldn't fully enjoy the time and food at the restaurant. The service personnel mentioned that the air conditioning was working at the lowest temperature but it was not enough. Everyone was sweding (between 5-7pm).

    Is this helpful?

  5. Alejandro VIP

    Dallas - Fort Worth6 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Restaurant is beautiful and atmosphere very appealing. Food was mediocre and service as well. Waiter was great but diluted amongst many tables. Overall liked the experience but more flavorful food would’ve made the difference.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Aaron

    Las Vegas3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Food is amazing. Service a tad slow, they were very busy. Music a bit loud for conversation. But on the whole, I’d recommend this place to anyone.

    Is this helpful?

  7. John VIP

    Asheville / Western North Carolina9 reviews

    2.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    Ordered a Bombay Saphire gin and tonic. The other three diners drinks were delivered but no g&t….server said they were working on it. After 10 minute wait he returned to say they had run out of Bombay Saphire and needed to get more.Waited another 10 minutes before being told they did onthand any and I needed to select another gin. After selecting another gin it took another 10 minutes to receive my drink….30 minutes to receive a cocktail. Our appetizer course was severed and earthen by the time I received my drink. Our next two courses were very slow in being delivered. So much so we wanted to cancel the order and call it a night. Granted they were very busy but wait times were ridiculous.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Carolyn

    Chicago / Illinois4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The charred eggplant, Brussel sprouts, crispy potatoes, and lamb and beef Kefta are all A+ dishes and you will not be disappointed. If you have more than 2 in your party, order 2 charred eggplant. It’s just divine!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Sara VIP

    Chicago / Illinois2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Lovely waiter who was very accommodating, and food was delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Lisa

    Atlanta2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Ema did not disappoint. The food, service and ambience were exceptional. We will definitely be back.

    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 4686 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 167 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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