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Ema - Ema - River North, Chicago, IL

Ema - River North

4.7 (4652)
$31 to $50
Mediterranean
74 West Illinois Street, Chicago, IL 60654

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2 people
19:00
Booked 177 times today

About this restaurant

  • Vegetarian-friendly
  • Lively
  • 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
  • Area
    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
    Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining
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What 4,652 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
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Diners' Choice Awards

  • 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.
4,652 Reviews
  1. Alon

    New York City3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined today

    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?

  2. Philip

    Chicago9 reviews

    2.0

    Dined 1 day 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?

  3. Evie VIP

    Seattle11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day 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?

  4. Alyssa VIP

    Philadelphia6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    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?

  5. Jenny VIP

    Chicago57 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    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?

  6. Lindsay

    Chicago27 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on 7 May 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?

  7. Linda VIP

    Chicago7 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on 7 May 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?

  8. Brittany VIP

    Minneapolis10 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on 3 May 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?

  9. Aaron

    Las Vegas3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 2 May 2025

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

    Is this helpful?

  10. Filip VIP

    Chicago4 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on 25 April 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Great food and service at the table A smile at the reception desk would be nice

    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 4652 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 booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 177 times today
Google Map for Ema - River North

74 West Illinois Street, Chicago, IL 60654

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Clark & Illinois
  • Area
    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
    Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining
  • 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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