The atmosphere was great for our 6 person group for brunch! Service was fantastic A very nice ambiance that wasn't too loud for a brunch at 11am where we could all hear each other, sat at a round table so we could see each other. That part was lovely because often I find that with larger groups it's hard to ensure everyone is able to interact (especially since I was taking my parents) Lamb shakshuka was a winner in my book!! So flavorful and perfect hearty brunch. The skewers my parents got were wonderfully cooked. Others got a more standard scrambled egg breakfast that they said was nothing special. Definitely opt for a Mediterranean breakfast if you're at a Mediterranean spot imo. read more

I was really disappointed with my experience at Ema. The portions were much smaller than expected, especially considering the prices. The biggest issue was that our drink glasses had a terrible odor, as if they hadn't been washed properly. We mentioned it to the manager, who promptly replaced the glasses, and the new ones did not have the smell, which confirmed there was an issue with the original ones. I ordered the short ribs, which cost $35 and the portion was extremely small. One of the pieces was also mostly fat, leaving very little actual meat. For the price, I expected a much better-quality dish and a more satisfying portion. Overall, the experience did not live up to the restaurant's reputation or pricing. Unfortunately, I won't be returning. read more

We had a very long wait on Tuesday evening as a walk in for two. Waited almost two hours despite the Open Resy waitlist indicating we were on a waitlist with only two other parties. Not sure what happened there but after a few reminders to the hostess that we were still, in fact waiting -- we were finally seated. Luckily we had some drinks at the bar in the meantime. Food came out fairly quick. The best thing we had there was the lamb raft hummus and crispy mushrooms so highly recommend those. Chicken kefta was underwhelming for a standard Mediterranean dish but based off other reviewers pictures, the other kebab dishes did not look that interesting. Food 3/5 Service 3/5 Drinks 4/5 Prices 4/5 Ambience 5/5 read more

Ema - Crispy Wild Mushrooms, chicken kefta, crispy potatoes - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I used to really like Ema, but unfortunately the portion sizes have gotten smaller and we've had a few misses with the food. Generally speaking, the top of the menu is better than the bottom. But the most recent time we've been, the tuna-watermelon dish from the raw menu didn't taste as fresh fish should. Lamb hummus, while good, was about half the size. The crispy potatoes were so crispy it was hard to bite into them. The whipped feta was fresh and lovely, but the price seems high for a dip with no protein. The pita is seasoned and yummy still. Bummer that this spot has gone downhill, especially as competition picks up in River North. read more

Ema - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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We had a fantastic experience at Emma after exploring downtown Chicago. We made reservations inside but decided to sit outside because of the weather. Heads up - you're basically sitting in the road on some of these patio tables. We had amazing service walking through and explaining the menu. The food came out at a good pace and we genuinely enjoyed each bit. With so much great food in Chicago it's hard to commit to coming back to any one place but Ema deserves a spot on the list. Best bites - hamachi and roast avocado read more

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Not best experience at all. Hostess are very far from friendly - not one, but all of them were not that happy. Bad first impression when you go to a place for the first time. Food was average flavor - we got Brussels sprout to start and Lamb Kefta + Grilled Chicken. Also not the best food you can find in River North. Place offers both inside and outside seats - inside is just beautiful and very well decorated. It is not a great option, but not a bad option either. Do not expect too much. A bit overpriced based on quality and overall service. They should focus a bit more on customer experience. read more

Ema - Brussels Sprouts and red wine - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I celebrate my birthday with my family at Ema every year, and at this point it's become one of my favorite traditions. Ema is, hands down, my favorite restaurant in Chicago. From the food and ambiance to the consistently outstanding service, everything is truly top-tier. This visit was just as exceptional as every one before it. We shared the Sweet Corn Hummus, Spicy Whipped Feta, Brussels Sprouts, Crispy Wild Mushrooms, Crispy Potatoes, Grilled Chicken, and the Lamb & Beef Kefta. Every single dish was outstanding. I wish I had taken more photos, but we were too busy enjoying the food as it arrived at the table! For drinks, my sister loved the Strawberry Rose Paloma, and I enjoyed a glass of Kir-Yianni Sparkling Rosé, which paired beautifully with the meal. The warm, seasoned pita deserves its own recognition. It's soft, pillowy, and absolutely addictive. Honestly, it's hard not to fill up on the pita and spreads before the rest of the meal even arrives. Our server struck the perfect balance between friendly and attentive, without ever feeling intrusive. We usually make room for dessert, but we were completely stuffed this time. In the past, though, I've loved both the Warm Sticky Date Cake and the Frozen Greek Yogurt, and I'd recommend either without hesitation. I was secretly hoping for a tiny scoop of frozen yogurt as a birthday surprise, but my server didn't mention it and I didn't remind him of the celebration (and honestly, we were way too full anyway ). As a huge Top Chef fan, it's always special dining at Chef CJ Jacobson's restaurant. I had the opportunity to meet him during my very first visit to Ema, and he was incredibly gracious. His creativity and attention to flavor are evident in every dish. Ema continues to set the standard for what a great dining experience should be. It's the restaurant I recommend most often when people ask me where to eat in Chicago, and it remains my go-to place for special celebrations. I can't wait to come back again soon! #ImNotAFoodie #ImJustAGirlWhoLovesFood #YelpEliteSquad PS: the hotel next door no longer provides parking validation. read more

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This is for Ema Rotisserie - $1 froyo right in the city is so hard to beat! Came during a quick lunch break to grab a sweet treat and was directed to the side of the Ema restaurant to wait in line for Ema Rotisserie. Even though there was good 10+ people in front of me, the line went by quick and staff was very efficient. The classic froyo + olive oil + sea salt is $1, or you can get a strawberry rhubarb sauce or pistachio sauce for an additional $1. The froyo was good, not as creamy or tart as I'd prefer but still delicious. The strawberry rhubarb was also great, not too sweet or tart and balanced the froyo really well. I definitely want to return to try the other flavors too! read more

Ema - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Went here last night for dinner w/ my hubby and had an amazing time sitting on the patio. Our waiter(male) was phenomenal as was the food! Started with a crunchy /almond dip & charred cauliflower. My hubby had chicken kabob but the headliner was my BRANZINO w/ brown butter- yum yum. read more

Ema - Indoor ambience is so cool w/ a plethora of hanging wicker pendants. Outdoor patio was cozy too! - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I enjoyed ema so much I visited twice on my visits. Food was very fresh and well made. Service was excellent. Ambiance is comfortable, clean and trendy. I enjoyed the Paloma and do not disturb as a drink. For food the salmon kebab was ok, the falafel, crispy potato's, pita bread and spread was delicious. read more

Ema - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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If you're looking for a delicious Mediterranean meal in the heart of River North, Ema has been a hit for me! These are mezze/sharing type platters and allows you to try a variety of delicious foods. I went for the falafel, hummus & kabab platters. Each of these were packed with flavor, the highlight for me was the hummus, I'd probably try all the different flavors of it! I really enjoyed the different sauces and spices that were in this meal, balanced out with the rice it was amazing! The ambiance itself is picture worthy and the staff is super friendly. My one note is that I would avoid going during rush hour times as the space inside is quite small so I felt a bit cramped at my table! read more

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The food is incredible here. The Lamb Ragu specifically is a must try! The vibes are very fun as well. A great place to have drinks or a meal with friends. Very great visuals for pics of you want. The service was mid. That was the only drawback. I would go back for the food but it was if we were a bother to the server. We made a reservation and were seated at the bar area. Our server forgot our wine. It was just the worst service I had of any of the places visited while I was in town. read more

Ema - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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We had a reservation at 1PM Sunday and were seated outside. I have always walked past Ema, so it was a delight to be able to try it for the first time. Our server was kind and great at showing recommendations. They suggested that each person has 2-3 plates since the menu was full of small-plate style food. And honestly, I think we could have gone away with 1-2 plates per person since we were very full by the time we finished eating The interior is absolutely gorgeous. Part of me wishes that we got the chance to sit down inside, but maybe that will be the excuse to come visit another time. The Blueberry Clafoutis was my favorite dish. The blueberries were sweet, and it was like eating a blueberry crepe/pancake. The sweetness level was not overpowering, which was what made this dish so enjoyable. The "Bhel" Hummus and Spicy Whipped Feta were both very tasty. I loved the fruitiness of the "Bhel" Hummus and loved how the Spicy Whipped Feta had its pomegranate bits. Each were so unique, and it was an adventure with each bite. Excellent service and food overall. It was a pleasant new experience. read more

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We found Ema on Yelp. Ema was busy and we didn't have reservations, but we were seated immediately. We enjoyed a delicious kebab and a kafta entree. The star of the meal is the Crispy Mushroom appetizer. Great lunch experience. I highly recommend Ema! Service was fast, friendly and efficient. read more

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Beautiful ambiance. Appetizers were 10/10. Main course was good, but not the best. The hummus was our favorite. read more

Ema - Hummus - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Lunch on the patio was the perfect way to enjoy lunch. The freshness and varying combination of flavors blew us away. I'm not typically a hummus fan but the Bhel Hummus won me over. I need to have all my hummus going forward with this much explosion of amazing flavors. Mushroom escargots were also flavorful and broccoli nicely salty and sweet. Chicken fetas were also tender and delicious. Dishes here are definitely a feast for the eyes and tastebuds. read more

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Veryyyy cute restaurant! We came here for lunch after getting off the train in Chicago. I'm so glad we found it because the food was really good. The restaurant does recommend sharing plates, but I ended up getting a bowl which I thought was good just for me. We also got the brussels sprouts and potatoes to share for the whole table. The brussels sprouts were really good and had a little balsamic on it which made it taste even better. The food didn't take too long to come out and our waitress was very attentive. I also really like how they have the QR codes on the table so you can pay and split your tab. read more

Ema - Brussels Sprouts - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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decent hotel restaurant with an array of healthy mediterranean options. interior is very clean and modern with coastal, cream, and blue tones. the food was fresh and hearty, with a good variety of vegetables and flavors. my only complaint was that at the bar, the staff didn't pay much attention to the patrons in front of them, and left me waiting for quite some time despite not being busy. read more

Ema - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I have been here twice--one time I sat inside, enjoying the cute, classy, nature-inspired decor, and one time I sat outside on the patio, which was surprisingly nice for its location--and I think this is probably the best Mediterranean food I've had in the United States. Everything was absolutely delicious, and the staff were helpful in assisting us with choosing our dishes. There are plenty of options for vegans/vegetarians/GF free people. Highly recommend! read more

Ema - Green Falafel and Crispy Wild Mushrooms - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Went Ema with my Wife, Daughter and her roommate. We were hungry and ordered too much food. We started with Bhel Hummus, Lanbeh, and chicken kefta. All yummy. We also had cocktails: strawberry rhubarb Negroni and do not disturbs. Refreshing and excellent. We then had Big eye tuna & watermelon, hamachi, Greek salad, Stracchiatella, Brussels sprouts, roasted cauliflower, grilled octopus, lastly lamb and beef kefta. The food was outstanding. Service was excellent and the ambiance gave off a Mediterranean feel. Loved it here! read more

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The ambiance and aesthetic here is really cool. The staff here is great; they explained the menu and top favorites. Most of the food was enjoyable but the spicy chicken thigh was a joke. This is supposed to be an entree / bigger dish that is not meant to be shared like the other dishes. It came with one singular chicken thigh with some sauce and that's it. No rice or pita or anything. This item was $25-$27. Everything else was reasonably priced but this item was ridiculous and I would rather go to their sister restaurant, Aba then come back here. read more

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We got the hot honey halloumi, a chicken shish, chopped salad, and potatoes. Everything was delicious and well cooked. We did wish the potatoes came with more sauce. The salad was interesting with the grapes in it too. Overall a great meal. read more

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Excellent choice for a really good simple yet classic Mediterranean meal. The hummus and St breads can stand alone as a meal paired with a fresh and delightful cocktail, but don't stop there because the salads and perfectly seasoned salads and grilled kebabs are memorable. Service is five star and the aesthetic of the restaurant is cool chic. Great vibe. read more

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Restaurant Week Lunch menu was better than expected! Good portion and most food was very tasty. Falafel was sublime. Probably the only moist falafel I have ever had lol Eggplant spread was also good. The pita bread that goes with the spread was soft, but had a bit too much spice. Lamb and beef kebab was also fantastic! Meat was very juicy. But the chicken was very dry compared to the kebab. I'll definitely go back and try their regular menu. read more

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I'll keep the 4 star rating- the actual service is great but they are always running behind with reservations. The mushroom "escargot" was really good. The hot honey halloumi was honestly not good. The spiced whipped feta was good as always. Triple chocolate torte was like insanely good. read more

Ema - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Amazing food, great ambiance and even can be kid friendly -- this place has it all. They even have a kids menu with butter noodles that the kids will lick their plates. Whipped feta is a must, salads are super fresh and tasty, branzino was excellent, great mushrooms -- everything was fabulous. I compare it to Bavel in LA but a bit more casual. Services is so nice and the wait staff is incredibly attentive. Highly recommend on all fronts. read more

The food was delicious. My chicken kebab was exactly what I needed, very filling. The kale salad with falafel was what you'd imagine. The beet appetizer was unbelievable - admittedly inspired me to buy beets to make at home. And the pita bread is warm and fluffy. My one complaint is: the kitchen may have been backed up because our simple meals took a while to come out (maybe 30 minutes, even though the restaurant didn't seem to be at full capacity). Would probably find myself here if I lived in the city! read more

Ema - Chilled beets - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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We went to Ema for dinner and had a really nice experience. The restaurant is super comfortable with really nice decor and ambiance. Our server was super friendly and made us feel very welcome. The place was pretty packed, which wasn't a problem, but it did make it a little hard to hear each other at times. We started with the spicy hummus (not actually spicy), and it was just delicious. The pita bread was great, and the hummus itself had perfect seasoning with really nice toppings. I ordered the lamb and beef kefta. It was a pretty good and filling dish overall, but the meat was a little on the dry side, which gave it a slightly weird texture, but still enjoyable We also had the sweet potato latkes, which I think were a seasonal special, but delicious and really interesting. I loved the unique flavor the sweet potato brought to the dish. The mushroom escargot was another standout. They did a great job imitating actual escargot using mushrooms and keeping it vegetarian-friendly. This dish alone is worth coming to try. Overall, really solid food, great service, and a cozy atmosphere. Definitely a place I'd recommend and would love to come back to. read more

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Great service and lovely atmosphere Many gluten free choices available Kids friendly read more

Ema - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Ema in Chicago offers a wonderful Mediterranean dining experience with a lively, stylish atmosphere that feels perfect for both a night out or a casual get-together. The drinks were a major highlight, they were creative, well-balanced, and clearly made with care, making them a great way to start the meal. The lamb ragu hummus absolutely stood out, with an amazing depth of flavor that was rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying. It's easily a must-order dish. The braised short rib sandwich was also excellent, with tender, flavorful meat and a great balance of textures that made every bite enjoyable. Service was friendly and attentive throughout the meal. While it can get busy and some items are a bit on the pricier side, the quality of the food, drinks, and overall experience make it well worth it. I'd happily return and recommend it to others. read more

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Ambiance - modern, spacious, simple and cozy interior Service - our server was nice and polite, it was just super hard to get his attention for the check Food - octopus was cooked to perfection, grilled chicken kebob was slightly on the drier side read more

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My first time here was April 2022. Yes the hummus, Charred Eggplant, Brussel Sprouts, lamb, beef and Warm Sticky Date Cake was delicious, but what is most memorable was the signature Old Fashion made with figs. That cocktail set the bar. Whenever I travel, wherever I eat, I snidely judge, and reminisce about Ēma. Waiting for a Miami outlet. read more

I was very impressed with the staff. I had a reservation but called to say I'd be arriving much later than expected--they were kind enough to still seat us as long as we finished by a certain time, which I appreciated. The ambiance was cozy and perfect for a date night or girls' night out. While it shares a lobby with a hotel, you hardly notice unless you're near that side. The falafel was probably the best I've ever had - flavorful and perfectly done. The complimentary naan was soft and warm, pairing well with the hummus and almond garlic spread. I'd definitely come back to order the same dishes and try a new hummus next time. read more

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Very beautiful restaurant, but slightly cramped for space. Upon arriving, me and my guest confirmed our reservation, which we thankfully had given the restaurant was packed full with several parties waiting. To eat, we had the original hummus as an appetizer, which had an incredible pita bread accompaniment. Then, me and my friend split the lamb kebabs and octopus mains, which were each fairly small plates, but it was fine since we weren't overly hungry. I thought the lamb meatballs were okay, the octopus was pretty good. Nothing blew my socks off, but it was all solid. read more

Ema - Interior lighting - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Went there for lunch, during my break. I ordered a salad, waited a full hour, one hour. Had to call the server to check on the order. It never arrived. Had to leave to go back to work with an empty stomach. read more

Amazing place for this type of food and while we were there during the week in the early afternoon, there was no wait. Service was amazing and knowledgeable on what to try. For the dishes see below: Hummus spread Sampler: 5 of 5 and worth every penny. We had the spicy hummus, which was my absolute favorite, labneh, and the toasted almond and garlic hummus. This was the first time I have had lebnah and it won't be my last. However, each was super fresh and the ingredients mixed together to make you want to order it again. Lamb and beef Kefta 5 of 5: Not much to say but succulent and delicious with that great flavor of lamb shining. Fried chicken sandwich with beet Tzatziki 5 of 5: Perfection of the fancy chicken sandwich. Can't recommend it enough. The beet Tzatziki mixed so well with the juicy fried chicken, pickles and challah bread. Farro Rissoto 2 of 5: Not a great flavor here. Very subtle and compared to everything else was a let down. The Rissoto was cooked nicely, but that's about it. I'd recommend those other dishes. Regardless of the one bad score, the others definitely make up for it. Just give this place a try and look no further. read more

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This is always a solid dinner place! Every time I've gone the food has been great, atmosphere is a vibe, and service is attentive as well. It's family style so very fun to go with a group as well. It can be hard to get a rezzy at times but other times I've been able to walk in easily with just one other person. read more

If there's one thing you come to Ema for... let it be the hummus with lamb ragu!! We were looking for a spot close to our hotel that was open for an early lunch and landed on Ema since the restaurant's ambiance seemed super nice. We were seated promptly after opening and landed on two things to share: + Hummus w/ Lamb Ragu ($18.95) (5/5): The hummus was super rich and savory!! I loved how tender the ragu was and how well it paired with the bread. I would've ordered a second one if I wasn't so full lol. + Chicken Kefta ($19.95) (3.5/5): The portion was a good size! I think I just wasn't too big of a fan because the chicken was a bit dry. This dish just felt like it was missing something, but I couldn't quite put my finger on what. Our server was super nice, but our food took quite some time to come out. Maybe it was because we were there when they opened? Either way, it was a great experience and I'd return!! read more

Ema - Chicken Kefta - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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We ate outside and had a lovely meal. We had a reservation but waited for over 30 minutes. The manager was very nice and comped out appetizers which was very nice. The tuna with melon was incredible. The melon was perfect and the taste was incredibly paired with the tuna. The lebnah was great as were the Brussel sprouts. The Spanish octopus was amazing. Everything we touched, we were excited for! A return trip will happen! read more

Ema - Tuna and Melon. - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This was one of our regular go to lunch places when we had lived in Chicago for over 20 years and recently moved. Came back for a 2 month vacation, and had to return to Ema. We have been here 3 x already and their food was as good as we remembered. We love this place for its light Mediterranean options, and very relaxing atmosphere at the bar, dining room, or outdoor patio. Don't know why I haven't left a review before now, but due to excellent service from Jared today, and the Halibut Ceviche I couldn't not share how great this restaurant is. Came for brunch today and my husband ordered Kefta & Eggs. We ordered the Halibut Ceviche as our appetizer. Both were very good and memorable. I even ordered a second helping of the Halibut Ceviche as my main meal. Can't say enough about the service we received from Jared. I was looking to order items that we had ordered 2 years ago but unfortunately was no longer on the lunch menu or were on the dinner menu. He was very patient and offered suggestions. Service was spot on. We will continue to dine here whenever we come back to Chicago. read more

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