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.
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Recent social media posts

Set your special occasion in a Mediterranean-inspired atmosphere for memories (& photos!) to last a lifetime ✨ Our dedic...
09/09/2026

Set your special occasion in a Mediterranean-inspired atmosphere for memories (& photos!) to last a lifetime ✨ Our dedicated team is here to make your next group dining event, holiday party or life moment nothing short of transportive 🥂🌿 PC: Kelsey Combe

Inquire via link in bio.

Savor the long weekend with something sweet at Ēma! 🍦👀 Swipe through these Frozen Greek Yogurt specials starting Saturd...
04/09/2026

Savor the long weekend with something sweet at Ēma! 🍦👀 Swipe through these Frozen Greek Yogurt specials starting Saturday - & start making plans:

✨ Pop by the FroYo To-Go Cart Pop-Up on the patio at Domain NORTHSIDE | Austin, TX in on Saturday, September 5th

✨ Stop in the Labor Day FroYo Bar Pop-Up to build your own FroYo with unlimited toppings at in on Monday, September 7th

✨ Grab $1 FroYo To-Go for the whole family from the Carryout Window in on Monday, September 7th

*Restrictions apply. While supplies last.

: transport to the Mediterranean during lunch with  ! ✨Enjoy a special two or three-course mezze menu between August 28...
27/08/2026

: transport to the Mediterranean during lunch with ! ✨Enjoy a special two or three-course mezze menu between August 28th – September 13th & as a proud supporter of Austin Restaurant Weeks, we’ll be donating a portion of the proceeds from each of the beverage specials to the Central Texas Food Bank.

Restrictions apply. Reserve now via link in bio!

A custom catering spread is only a swipe away ✨ Make client lunches as breeze or let us handle hosting with large format...
24/08/2026

A custom catering spread is only a swipe away ✨ Make client lunches as breeze or let us handle hosting with large format dips, kebabs, mezze & more - available to order online directly for pickup or delivery 🥗🧆 (Plus, don’t forget a Whole Honey Cake or Sticky Date Cake for dessert!)

bookings for specials, the complete Dinner For Two To-Go & à la carte catering options are now open at Ēma ✨ Celebrat...
19/08/2026

bookings for specials, the complete Dinner For Two To-Go & à la carte catering options are now open at Ēma ✨ Celebrate with exclusive dishes including Date Glazed Brisket, Tzimmes, Mediterranean Pearl Couscous, Whole Roast Cauliflower + hand-picked w**e selections🍷

Learn more by visiting your location of choice in bio!

When you don’t have to choose between savory or sweet at brunch 👏✨ Get a little taste of everything from Strawberry Rico...
14/08/2026

When you don’t have to choose between savory or sweet at brunch 👏✨

Get a little taste of everything from Strawberry Ricotta Toast to Soft Scrambled Eggs, plus exclusive cocktails available only on Saturday & Sunday during weekend brunch at Ēma & ! Reserve now.

All of our favorite ways to sip, dip, scoop & savor Mediterranean-inspired must-haves at Ēma ✨🍹 See you soon for Happy ...
11/08/2026

All of our favorite ways to sip, dip, scoop & savor Mediterranean-inspired must-haves at Ēma ✨🍹 See you soon for Happy Hour!

Step & sip inside The Vanessa Room at Ēma   🥂🌿 From intimate dinners to bridal brunches, baby showers or birthday celeb...
07/08/2026

Step & sip inside The Vanessa Room at Ēma 🥂🌿

From intimate dinners to bridal brunches, baby showers or birthday celebrations with only your closest friends, it’s the ideal backdrop for any event you might have in mind ✨ Inquire with the team to begin planning!

Chicago Tribune featured our Summer Spritz & Sip Patio Party in their latest event round-up - cheers to summer still goi...
03/08/2026

Chicago Tribune featured our Summer Spritz & Sip Patio Party in their latest event round-up - cheers to summer still going strong on Ema River North's patio on Wednesday, August 19th!

August is the last chance to take full advantage of summer before the weather starts to cool, and Chicago bars and restaurants are making the most of the season.

Saturday +   = you sipping the afternoon away on the patio ✨🍹🌿 Cheers with a Rosa Spritz with pink guava, prosecco, hibi...
01/08/2026

Saturday + = you sipping the afternoon away on the patio ✨🍹🌿 Cheers with a Rosa Spritz with pink guava, prosecco, hibiscus rose soda & vanilla in or try the zero-proof Hugo Spritz!

Summer celebrations are still in full swing - plan yours at Ēma in Domain NORTHSIDE | Austin, TX ✨ Whether it’s   at th...
30/07/2026

Summer celebrations are still in full swing - plan yours at Ēma in Domain NORTHSIDE | Austin, TX ✨ Whether it’s at the bar or group dining amidst the greenery, there’s a scenic spot to celebrate 🌿

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

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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!