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Ema - Ema - River North, Chicago, IL

Ema - River North

4.7 (4675)
$31 to $50
Mediterranean
74 West Illinois Street, Chicago, IL 60654

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 140 times today

About this restaurant

  • Vegetarian-friendly
  • Charming
  • Lively
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 4,675 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 - River North offers "delicious food" with standout dishes like the "bhel hummus" and "hot honey halloumi." Guests appreciate its "great service" and the thoughtful accommodation of dietary needs, including gluten-free options. While some find portions modest and prices high, the vibrant ambience and "friendly staff" ensure a memorable dining experience.
4,675 Reviews
  1. Lisa

    Atlanta2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined today

    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?

  2. Debra VIP

    Chicago / Illinois3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Very helpful service for individuals with food restrictions in our group.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Lauren VIP

    South Carolina3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Ema is my favorite restaurant in Chicago. I traveled in and it was my first stop! I dream about their toasted almond garlic spread and fresh warm pita often. 10/10 as usual

    Is this helpful?

  4. Jen

    Charlotte2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Very delicious food and thoughtful plates, though expensive. Four tapas and two cocktails set us back over $100 before tip. Still a special treat and a great night out. Don’t skip the sprouts!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Jennifer

    Detroit / Eastern Michigan13 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was great. They should tell you upfront that they apply a 3.5% food up charge fee. They snuck that in.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Chaune

    Las Vegas2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on June 6, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Tucked into the heart of Chicago, Ema offers a modern Mediterranean dining experience with a vibrant atmosphere and a menu that mostly delivers. We started with the bhel hummus, which was a standout dish—creamy, flavorful, and paired with some of the best pita bread I’ve ever had. Warm, pillowy, and perfectly cooked, the pita alone is worth a visit. The snap peas were fresh and well-seasoned, though slightly overcooked, which dulled their natural crunch. Unfortunately, the lamb and beef kefta was a miss—severely overcooked and dry to the point of being inedible, which was disappointing given the promise of the dish. The ambience helped elevate the experience. We sat on the patio, enjoying a lovely evening. While the occasional traffic noise broke the serenity, the overall vibe was relaxed and enjoyable. Our server was excellent—friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, which made a big difference. Despite the misstep with the kefta, I’d be willing to give Ema another try. With such strong starters and a great setting, there’s definitely potential for a more consistent experience next time.

    Is this helpful?

  7. James

    Pittsburgh / Western PA3 reviews

    1.0

    Dined on June 6, 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    Service was quite weak: we only saw our waiter, who didn’t introduce himself, 3 times, including when he brought the check. 25 minutes to get a second drink, and that was after asking a server if he could find our waiter who had disappeared. Food was also weak and quite overpriced for having languished under the heat lamps for too long. Roasted potatoes were like rocks, chicken kabobs dry and tough. Must’ve been the heat lamps.

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  8. sofia

    Washington, D.C. Area2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food! Drinks selection is amazing! Our server recommended the salmon t it was delicious! Please ask for the pistachio yogurt ice cream!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Yaron VIP

    Washington, D.C. Area26 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on June 2, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Amazing food. Every dish was a wow. Service was great too.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Neal

    Chicago / Illinois2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 29, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent dinner—great sharing dishes and good drinks.

    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 4675 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 140 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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