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Ema - Ema, Chicago, IL

Ema

4.7
4.7
4130 Reviews
$31 to $50
Mediterranean
A Mediterranean & California-inspired restaurant featuring small plates & Chef CJ Jacobson's lighter style cooking in Chicago's River North.

Make a reservation

2 people

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
  • 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.
  • 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 4,130 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

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Chicago / Illinois

    Mediterranean

  • Chicago

    Mediterranean

4,130 Reviews
  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  4. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  5. 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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  6. 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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  7. 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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  8. 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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  9. AltynaiB

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall1food3service1ambience3
    Worst service ever. Never going back to that restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  10. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  11. 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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  12. 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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  13. 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!

    Is this helpful?

  14. 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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  15. 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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  16. 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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  17. 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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  18. 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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  19. 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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  20. 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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  21. 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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  22. 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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  23. 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

    Is this helpful?

  24. 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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  25. 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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  26. 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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  27. 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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  28. 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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  29. 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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  30. 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!

    Is this helpful?

  31. 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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  32. 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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  33. 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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  34. 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 .

    Is this helpful?

  35. 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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  36. 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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  37. 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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  38. 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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  39. 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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  40. 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

2 people

7:30 PM


Booked 122 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Ema

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
  • 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.
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