Ema

Went for a business dinner for 3. Great food, great service. Everyone loved every dish and dessert . Can’t wait to return.

The food at Ema was very good, as usual, especially loved the Brussels sprouts and spreads. Service was a bit scattered, not sure if it was due to Easter brunch timing, although it did not look more crowded than usual. Had to request straws several times, and finally took some clean plates off of an empty table. But we come back for the creative and tasty plates.

Ema serves California influenced Middle Eastern influenced, River North priced dishes. It is pricey for the small sampling of food you get but if you are out for a hip environment in this busy, congested neighborhood and some tasty Israeli dishes with your drinks, go for it. I have been to Ema several times and will likely return when with a group but count on Lettuce Entertain You style and quality, $30-40 per person, more with alcohol.

Very nice place
Really recommended

We had Cody as our server and had much fun interacting about the food and questions about menu and life in general! Very enjoyable evening. Food was very good. We would come back for sure but will first try the sister restaurant. Fun evening.

The house-made pitas with the various selections of hummus are outstanding.
Very nice, light, airy atmosphere in a great location.

Food was delicious and fresh. Nice vibe for a lunch place. Definitely coming back for carry out lunch!

Unique menu and wine selection. Enjoyed an Israeli white wine with lunch. Excellent service. Server was well versed on all menu items and provided delicious recommendations.

We loved everything from start to finish. Excellent food and very good, unobtrusive service.

I made reservations and was greeted promptly. I was provided a table type option even though I reserved high top, only available during reservation process. Opted for standard dining seating. Sever was also prompt, friendly, and informative. Cocktails and beer offerings were unique and tasty. Food overall was good especially the octopus and the tenderloin but the chicken was less appealing. For the portions, I price was on the high side but enjoyed the small plates. Enjoyed trying different dishes and will go back when back in town.

Awesome! Great Restaurant!!!

my favorite! AMAZING food! great service! great wine and cocktail choices as well!

Overall amazing. I have celiac and had no reaction - this place was amazing for GF!!!! I loved everything I ate but the lamb kebab was FIRE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great vibes here! Everything is shareable and delicious. I recommend the eggplant hummus, the lamb shakshuka, and the blueberry pancake (forgot the menu name) for brunch. Looking forward to coming back and trying something new!

Had a wonderful dinner at Ema this past weekend. All of the food was thoughtfully prepared, with real attention to detail, and we very much appreciated the vegetable-forward skew of the menu. The ambiance was also wonderful -- not too loud, well-lit, comfortable seating, + visually appealing. Would definitely recommend.

This was so phenomenal! Will definitely be a regular customer

First time visiting Ema and we LOVED it. We enjoyed several items from the brunch menu including a delicious frittata and the king salmon kebab. We will definitely be adding this to our regular rotation when heading to River North.

Great food. Both myself and sister in law are gluten and dairy I tolerate and we both enjoyed many options. Only wish you would have gluten free bread similar to your non gluten free bread. Crackers were only ok. Thanks for a lovely experience!

Healthy and innovative Mediterranean cuisine!
Desserts and wines are great too.

Great and helpful waiter staff. The food and drinks were on point.

Fresh and innovative food, good service, with my compliments to our server’s patience in the face of one of our party being difficult. Will go again soon again.

Met some friends for lunch at Ema. Was seated right away. The wait staff was excellent as was the food and seasonal beverages. Great location and ambiance in the restaurant. It was my first time there and I will definitely be back!

Amazing service. Waiters truly care if you enjoy your food and want what’s best. Amazing food too

A fresh take on Mediterranean dishes! The spicy Hummus is excellent with nice soft pita bread. The dishes are shareable which makes it easy to try a few. All the vegetables are great, with nice seasoning! The “ toothpick lamb” was a winner, but really all plates were flavorful and tasty. Also a nice selection on Mediterranean Wines!

The hummus with lamb ragu and the perfectly cooked octopus were huge hits.

Second time dining at Ema. First time we had a great server, funny, professional and very accommodating. This past Wednesday night, our server was rude. There were 4 of us and my dinner was still not served 15 minutes after the others in my party received their food. When I flagged our server and asked, she didn’t even talk directly to me... or come to our table... from across the room, she shouted, “ our dinners are prepared one at a time, so yours is still in the kitchen “. What? No, “ let me check” or “ I’m so sorry”
It only takes one bad apple.
We had one vegetarian with us... I asked if they had tofu.. Our server said, “” we have never had tofu!” But she didn’t make any suggestions.
Not in a hurry to go back.

The food was so flavorful. It had depth as well as was pleasing in appearance. I would highly recommend Ema to anyone and everyone I know.

The food at Ema was a delicious elevation of some classic middle-eastern/home-style cooking with a twist. I'll return to order the fire roasted eggplant and the salmon kabobs again!

Amazing food. Small portions gives you the opportunity to trial several meals.

we’re visiting from Seattle and had so many recs for Ema— it did not disappoint! So many items to choose from & all delicious.

Delicious food and a wonderful server. Will definitely return.

Always love stopping by with my guy for brunch or a late bite...Food is amazing and the Cocktails are just as delicious...

Great place

We had an excellent meal here - very unique and delicious take on middle eastern/Greek food. And the staff were all friendly and helpful.

Amazing food. Our mouths were happy. Love the options. Fast service too.

We really loved everything about our meal and experience other than the light level. It felt very bright in there for a 9:15pm dinner. I'd have dimmed the lights lower. It's the only thing anyone at our table took exception to. The food was EXCELLENT.

Very good Mediterranean food. Everything was well done and the service was spot on.

Wonderful small plates to choose from. The atmosphere of the restaurant is lively and welcoming. The food was wonderful. The especially loved the grilled octopus. My husband said his lamb kebob was very good and came with rice. really the larger type plates are a full entrée. As always at tapas restaurants you order more than you need but here it is worth it!!! The pita bread is the best I have ever had and you can keep asking for more. You need it to use with all the delicious spreads they have. It's a must go to restaurant!!!!

We were a party of six, and decided to share everything. The dishes were fantastic. We loved especially the lamb hummus, butternut squash risotto, spicy toothpick lamb, the octopus, the stracciatella salad, and the lentils. The pita they serve is a delicious accompaniment. Our cocktails and wine were also great (I loved my mezcal-based “Smoking Jacket”.) Our server, Dana, was wonderful and attentive. We’ll definitely be back!

We were in Chicago for a conference and EMA was recommended by a friend of ours. Made the reservation and headed over there when we got into town. We had a 6:15 reservation and the place was already in full swing for service. We always love the restaurants that focus on small plates and EMA did not disappoint. So many appetizers to chose from but settled on the Roasted Eggplant (with some awesome pita bread) followed by amazing Leek Soup and then Risotto and Walleye fish. The menu is amazing and will not disappoint. We had honey pie for dessert - what a great idea! This is a keeper and can't wait to get back there again! What an enjoyable food experience!