Clicky

Ema Ema is a Mediterranean and California-inspired restaurant located in River North, Chicago. Led by Chef CJ Jacobson, the restaurant offers a variety of small plates and mezze that showcase their lighter style of cooking. Signature dishes such as the Spicy Hummus, House-Made Stracciatella with Vine-Ripened Tomatoes, and Lamb Kefta Kebabs are sure to satisfy any cravings. Additionally, Ema shares its kitchen with Rotisserie Ema which offers chef-prepared salads, rotisserie chicken and their famous house-made frozen Greek yogurt. Whether guests are looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, Ema is an excellent choice to experience fresh Mediterranean cuisine.
(1231)

Recent social media posts

Swipe to scoop a Mushroom “Escargot” baked in a lime pickle-infused butter & layered with fragrant garlic, parmesan + to...
23/06/2026

Swipe to scoop a Mushroom “Escargot” baked in a lime pickle-infused butter & layered with fragrant garlic, parmesan + toasted Calabrian chili breadcrumb - don’t forget a fresh lime squeeze to top it off 🍋‍🟩✨ Vegetarians, this one is for you!

An evening spent al fresco amidst the greenery is sure to be one to remember ✨Join the patio at Ēma   for your upcoming...
18/06/2026

An evening spent al fresco amidst the greenery is sure to be one to remember ✨Join the patio at Ēma for your upcoming birthday, shower, bachelorette or special celebration - learn more about group dining reservations & inquire via link in bio! 🥂🌿

plans = pulling up a seat on the patio in   &   or under the skylight in   for dinner with Dad! Cheers with a special ...
15/06/2026

plans = pulling up a seat on the patio in & or under the skylight in for dinner with Dad! Cheers with a special Padre-Rita w/ reposado tequila, yuzu juice, blackberry & agave 🍹🌿 Reserve now via link in bio ✨

Insider scoop? The best part of your mezze spread is the lemon dill rice doused with souvlaki 🍋✨ Add a Grilled Chicken K...
10/06/2026

Insider scoop? The best part of your mezze spread is the lemon dill rice doused with souvlaki 🍋✨ Add a Grilled Chicken Kebab to your carryout or delivery order tonight! Order via link in bio. |

Spring showers don’t have to dampen weekend plans when brunch is involved ✨ Pop by  for weekend exclusives in   &   plus...
05/06/2026

Spring showers don’t have to dampen weekend plans when brunch is involved ✨ Pop by for weekend exclusives in & plus all of your mezze favorites - Crispy Potatoes w/ scallion crema hit any time of day 😉

Cheers to   at ! ✨🌈 Pop by for a refreshing summer sip for a good cause at these locations: 🍹  - From June 1st – 30th, $...
01/06/2026

Cheers to at ! ✨🌈 Pop by for a refreshing summer sip for a good cause at these locations:

🍹 - From June 1st – 30th, $1 from every Prickly Pear Mule sold goes to Brave Space Alliance, a black and trans-founded LGBTQ+ center rooted in the south side of Chicago.
🍹 - From June 1st – 30th, $1 from every zero-proof Palmer’s Paradise sold goes to the Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook’s Pride Youth Program, which supports LGBTQ+ youth ages 4-24 and their families across Chicago’s northern suburbs.

Spring menu refresh? One of everything, please! ✨ Order carryout after a long weekend to try the new Roasted Walnut Humm...
26/05/2026

Spring menu refresh? One of everything, please! ✨ Order carryout after a long weekend to try the new Roasted Walnut Hummus - mandarin orange, chive & kumquat chutney, Spicy Whipped Feta w/ smoky morita chili & pistachio muhammara & pomegranate + more 🍊🌿 |

🍦ONE WEEK🍦until your Frozen Greek Yogurt-fueled summer plans start at ! Swipe for all the super sweet fro-yo details at ...
15/05/2026

🍦ONE WEEK🍦until your Frozen Greek Yogurt-fueled summer plans start at ! Swipe for all the super sweet fro-yo details at your go-to location 👆

✨ Rotisserie Ema: $1 Fro-Yo Fridays* resume Friday, May 22nd at 11AM!

✨ - snag a Fro-Yo w/ olive oil & sea salt to-go from the carryout window for $1* through Memorial Day Weekend! Fro-Yo To-Go resumes Tuesday, May 26th.

✨ - make a Fro-Yo stop while shopping or split for dessert at !

*Tax applicable, one per person while supplies last.

A favorite from the gluten-free mezze selections: Crispy Wild Mushrooms w/ black lime, green chili crema, spiced honey &...
13/05/2026

A favorite from the gluten-free mezze selections: Crispy Wild Mushrooms w/ black lime, green chili crema, spiced honey & chive 🍯🍋‍🟩 Order as part of your to-go dinner spread from alongside Green Falafel, Spicy Whipped Feta w/ gluten-free crackers & more!

How your spring shower, party, rehearsal dinner or special occasion could look in The Vanessa Room at    ✨🌿 Host in the ...
08/05/2026

How your spring shower, party, rehearsal dinner or special occasion could look in The Vanessa Room at ✨🌿

Host in the private dining space seating up to 52 guests with custom table configurations, menus, access to A/V capabilities & all of your favorite Mediterranean-inspired drinks, mezze & dessert, of course! Inquire to learn more & work with the onsite team🥂 |

Address

74 W Illinois Street

60654

Opening Hours

Monday 11:00 - 22:00
Tuesday 11:00 - 22:00
Wednesday 11:00 - 22:00
Thursday 11:00 - 22:00
Friday 11:00 - 23:00
Saturday 11:00 - 23:00
Sunday 11:00 - 21:00

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Ema posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Share

What people say

Mediterranean restaurants are known for their fresh and healthy ingredients, bold flavors, and unique culinary traditions. Ema, located in Chicago, is a perfect example of a Mediterranean restaurant that showcases all these qualities and more.

At Ema, Chef CJ Jacobson's lighter California style of cooking shines through in every dish. The menu features an array of spreads, dips, and mezze - small plates that are perfect for sharing with friends and family. The Spicy Hummus is a must-try dish that will leave your taste buds tingling with delight. Another signature dish is the House-Made Stracciatella with Vine-Ripened Tomatoes - a refreshing and flavorful salad that perfectly captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.

One cannot talk about Ema without mentioning the Lamb Kefta Kebabs - juicy and succulent meat skewers that are grilled to perfection. These kebabs are a true testament to the quality of ingredients used at Ema.

In addition to its main dining area, Ema also shares its kitchen with Rotisserie Ema - a quick casual counter where you can enjoy chef-prepared salads, rotisserie chicken, and house-made frozen Greek yogurt.

Overall, Ema is a fantastic Mediterranean restaurant that offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking for light bites or hearty meals, this restaurant has got you covered. So if you're in Chicago and craving some delicious Mediterranean food, be sure to check out Ema!

Claim ownership or report listing