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Ema - Ema - River North, Chicago, IL

Ema - River North

4.7 (4653)
$31 to $50
Mediterranean
74 West Illinois Street, Chicago, IL 60654

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 128 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@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.
  • 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
Gift card

Gift card

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What 4,653 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 - River North is a vibrant Mediterranean gem offering "amazing food" and a "great atmosphere." Known for its "attentive service" and "delicious mezzes," Ema provides a "wonderful dining experience." Guests rave about the "hot honey halloumi" and "creative, delicious dishes." Ideal for celebrations or casual meals, Ema impresses consistently.

4,653 Reviews
  1. Zachary

    Washington DC2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    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?

  2. Alon

    New York City3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The service was great! From the friendly hostess, the guy who walked us to our table and our server - they were all amazing! The food was delicious!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Philip

    Chicago9 reviews

    2.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    I have been here several times and this time was very bad. The greek salad was just lettuce that was chopped up and add small cherry tomatoes, cut in half and only had three slices of peppers in it. I asked for their hot sauce 4 different times and then it finally came out the fifth time. I asked and yeah, it was the wrong kind of sauce and it was too late.Anyways, because I had already finished my meal. The lamb and beef kebab was overcooked. Very disappointing that I have to drive down there and have a terrible meal and terrible service.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Evie VIP

    Seattle11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We dined outside on the patio for a birthday! It was lovely. Food was great and our server was so kind!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Alyssa VIP

    Philadelphia6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 10, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Awesome accommodations for Gluten Free needs. Food was excellent, service was great. Vibe is warm but modern. Will definitely be back

    Is this helpful?

  6. Jenny VIP

    Chicago57 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 8, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Great accommodations for food allergies, the food so wonderful it never disappoints. With we could have had more attention from our server during our meal

    Is this helpful?

  7. Lindsay

    Chicago27 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on May 7, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great restaurant, amazing and friendly staff. Just a little pricey for what you get.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Linda VIP

    Chicago8 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on May 7, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Food was very good. The Manager Scott was fantastic!! He went out of his way to make 5 senior women feel special.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Brittany VIP

    Minneapolis10 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on May 3, 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 4
    Waitress was non conversive and didn’t slow and didn’t check on us often at all

    Is this helpful?

  10. Aaron

    Las Vegas3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 2, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything we ordered was flavorful and fantastic.

    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 4653 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 128 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@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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