Ema

Name: Ema
Address: 74 West Illinois Street, Chicago, IL, United States, 60654
Telephone: (312) 527-5586
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

4.7

4130 Reviews

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Top Tags:

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 1, 2023

7:30 PM

Booked 122 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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
(312) 527-5586
Website
http://www.emachicago.com/
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.

Location
74 West Illinois Street, Chicago, IL 60654
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

Featured in

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Popular dishes

Frozen Greek Yogurt
- Olive Oil, Sea Salt$7.95
- lemon honey, candied lavender$10.95
Honey Pie$9.95
marinated peaches, whipped cream, toasted sesame
Sticky Date Cake$9.95
medjool dates, sumac, whiskey caramel, whipped cream
Double Chocolate CRISP$10.95
dark chocolate crisp, milk chocolate mousse, sesame, tahini caramel, whipped cream, sea salt
Milk & Cookies$10.95
frozen greek yogurt, whiskey caramel, chocolate chip halva cookies, black sesame

Surcharge

As a way to offset rising costs associated with the restaurant (food, beverage, labor, benefits, supplies), we have added a 3% surcharge to all checks. We do this in lieu of increased menu prices. You may request to have this taken off your check, should you choose.

What 4,130 people are saying

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

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Chicago / Illinois
Mediterranean
Chicago
Mediterranean

4,130 Reviews

VQ
docVQ
Chicago
88 reviews
vip
5.0
88 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience3
We brought 3 out of town guests and as usual, Ema didn’t disappoint! The Branzino was a nice Mediterranean interpretation and the lamb kabobs were amazing. For apps we tried the lubneh and the lamb ragú hummus - very nice and well complimented by the pita. We chose a wonderful Tempranillo to help us round out the dishes, it was superb.,
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E
Eric
Chicago
5 reviews
vip
2.0
5 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall2food1service3ambience4
The food just was not good this time. I was disappointed with every dish. Had the lamb ragu hummus, octopus, and chicken kefta.
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AW
AlanW
Philadelphia
43 reviews
5.0
43 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
always excellent. The food presentation, choices, tastes...all excellent and we are returning diners all the time.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
My 2nd time there in 2 weeks! Excellent food, wine and service.
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K
K123
New York Area
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall4food5service5ambience4
Enjoyed it, ambience a little off, possibly due to relative lack of diners
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SM
SusanM
Las Vegas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fabulous food - great vegetarian options, but the meat kebab was delish!
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DM
DavidM
Chicago
15 reviews
4.0
15 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall4food5service4ambience4
What a great find on our monthly different neighborhood and new to us restaurant event, The food was so delicious. Amazing flavors and unique combinations of ingredients. There is def a reason for this being a sought after reservation.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Fantastic! Great service, delicious food and extra care taken for people with food restrictions.
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AB
AltynaiB
Greater Boston
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on November 24, 2023
overall1food3service1ambience3
Worst service ever. Never going back to that restaurant.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Exclusive
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was outstanding, drinks were excellent and came quickly. Five stars.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, great service, and great ambience. We were seated promptly for our reservation. They were very kind and they even threw in a free frozen yogurt for our anniversary. Totally worth it.
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SF
SophFromTheSuburbs
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My second time visiting Ema, and I loved it just as much as I did the first time. The waitress was very accommodating of all the allergies and dietary needs of our table and the food was absolutely delicious. I highly recommend the pumpkin hummus!
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RH
RachelH
Chicago
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food and a full gluten free menu! Love this place!
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PJ
PaigeJ
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Great spot for a dinner with friends. The shared plates are of a medium size, so good to get many to share. The ambiance and service were both excellent.
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K
Kyle
Austin
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
After the bartender took a brash approach to asking us for our order, our server, Enrique, saved the day with his wit, charm, and understanding. He made the experience amazing.
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AZ
AZCat2000
Chicago
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food, service and ambiance. Small plates ideal to share and try more items. Can’t wait to go again.
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R
Rich
Greater Boston
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is amazing but the small portion sizes are a small for the price. Must try !
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DH
DeannaH
Chicago
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a great experience at Ema. The gluten free options were top notch and they handle cross contamination very seriously.
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G
Gorditafeliz
Mexico City
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
La comida deliciosa! La relación precio producto de lo mejor!! Y excelente atención! Definitivamente regresamos!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2023
overall3food2service2ambience4
We came for lunch. A bit disappointed given Ema’s popularity and other high ratings. We ordered the cauliflower, tuna carpaccio, falafel, toasted almond and garlic spread, and chicken kefta. We enjoyed the spread and pita, as well as the falafel. The cauliflower was fairly undercooked making it hard to cut with a knife and to enjoy. Tuna carpaccio was OK, tasted a bit overwhelmingly like olive oil and not much else. The service wasn’t terrible by any means, but fairly unfriendly and inattentive. We ordered a drink each from both the cocktail and mocktail menus and they were quite good.
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A
Adrienne
Chicago
29 reviews
vip
5.0
29 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
The host placed us at a table us in the hotel lobby after we told 2 of us have hearing issues. Much appreciated!
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JC
JacC
Chicago
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
Nice environment with a corner location. Nice inviting people welcomed us and showed us to our table. Food and as delicious and our waiter pointed out some popular items to share. They're popular for a good reason. Fresh and tasty. Chicken kebabs were particularly flavorful.
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PS
PamelaS
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I had an AMAZING and EXCEPTIONAL experience at Ema. Ema food was so DELICIOUS AND SO YUMMY. No problem with gluten, I ate safely and for sure I want be back there. The staff was amazing and knows about the celiac protocols even for drinks and this made me very happy. Loved everything: food, drinks, service… everything
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d
dvak
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 12, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
so yummy! and they treated us with dessert which was nice my only qualm was that i had a lot of bones in the branzino but everything was delicious
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We came to celebrate our 6 year anniversary and enjoyed every minute here. Portions are smaller so we got 4 dishes to share: grilled chicken kebabs, lamb kebabs, crispy potatoes, and grilled eggplant with pomegranate. My favorite was the eggplant dish with fresh bread. We also ordered dessert. Let me tell you this: the date cake is by far best thing I’ve eaten, ever. Unreal. Coming back soon
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience5
The food was delicious 😋 server was very friendly. He suggested plates and made sure to notify what items on the menu had dairy (one person at the table is allergic to dairy). One minor derail, we waited 15 minutes for a table when we had a reservation. The table that we were seated was available when we arrived, and the restaurant was practically empty. So it was not very welcoming. But overall, very good food and service.
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s
sxswann
Chicago
24 reviews
vip
3.0
24 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2023
overall3food4service3ambience2
Waited 20 minutes for a reservation - which seemed like a lot when we could see open tables. I've never been to this restaurant and had a good experience with the host/hostess. Server was good, but the rest of the staff act like they are doing you a favor. Distinct lack of enthusiasm in working with the public. L.uckily the food and cocktails here are delicious once you put up with getting your table.
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DL
DanielL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food with great flavor and variety. Would go again soon!
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F
Foodie
Chicago
3 reviews
vip
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience4
we had a nice experience, server was great. we found a long hair in our salad, the server took care of it right away as well as comped our wine. was unnecessary but very kind! The food was good, grilled chicken kabob was very dry, not much seasoning. But otherwise everything was very nice!
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JE
JEREIDY
Atlanta Metro
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on November 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love Ema! And are so grateful to their special attention to food allergies. I have celiac disease so can't have gluten. Ema has SO many options and the staff go above and beyond to keep me safe. We'll definitely be back soon!
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JB
JeffB
Chicago
15 reviews
vip
4.0
15 reviews
Dined on November 8, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience5
Our Server and Expeditors were excellent as well as the ambience. Great go to restaurant after a play or musical. Ema offered a nice selection of gluten free options which are great for those with Celiac Disease. The appetizers are very good, the shish-ka-bobs were average as a result of Emas using ground beef and ground lamb...marination of beef and lamb chunks would have been better. Overall a nice restaurant.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The mediterranean food was incredible. Favorites were eggplant spread, mushroom farfel and if of course, the bread. We are NOT vegetarians but based our restaurant choice on our friend from Austin that is.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Everything we ate was phenomenal! We had a very attentive server - service was excellent especially considering it was a busy Saturday night. Would definitely come back.
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LH
LibbyH
Detroit
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was so fresh and wonderful . The beet n berries was excellent too but should have more beets w less berries vs reverse . Jose was a wonderful server as was everyone we had contact with while there . Great evening there .
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VO
VisitOmaha
Omaha
35 reviews
3.0
35 reviews
Dined on November 4, 2023
overall3food4service3ambience4
Good food. We felt rushed and hurried throughout our meal. Not sure if they needed the table or just an off night. Salmon kebab was fantastic!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We made a reservation for 6 but had two other families join last minute on a Friday night. Lots of kids and Ema staff accompanied. Semi-private room. Food, service, and atmosphere were dazzling.
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AT
ATLBAP
Atlanta Metro
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent gluten free options, including gluten free crackers for starters.
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M
Monica
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 29, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
The server was very helpful to note the gluten and dairy free items on the menu to meet myself and my son. The food was delicious and portions were plentiful. Overall, a wonderful meal-- I will return!
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LL
LauraL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Delicious creative food, nice atmosphere, fun environment but conducive for conversation.
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TH
TeresaH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food, cocktails and service were fantastic! The restaurant itself is beautiful with lots of greenery and cozy lighting.
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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 4.7 stars by 4130 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

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 1, 2023

7:30 PM

Booked 122 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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

Website
http://www.emachicago.com/
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.

Featured in

Gift card

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

Send a gift card

Ema

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

50 Chicago Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

The Diner Reviews Are In: 100 Best Restaurants in America

Gift card

Popular dishes

Charred Eggplant

Greek Salad

Grilled Branzino

Menu

Dessert

Frozen Greek Yogurt

Honey Pie$9.95

Sticky Date Cake$9.95

Double Chocolate CRISP$10.95

Milk & Cookies$10.95

Surcharge

What 4,130 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

Screening

FAQs

Does Ema offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Ema restaurant rated?

Does Ema offer gift cards?

Is Ema currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

50 Chicago Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

The Diner Reviews Are In: 100 Best Restaurants in America

Gift card