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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

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🥂 |

: take your summer party planning to the next level with NEW Mediterranean-inspired   from , now available for carryout...
06/05/2026

: take your summer party planning to the next level with NEW Mediterranean-inspired from , now available for carryout & delivery! ✨ Curate your custom mezze spread ft. hummus, spreads, salads, kebabs + more for meetings, events & offsite occasions - order online directly via link in bio 🥗|

Coffee, tea & something sweet - the ideal way to end a visit at  ✨ Share the Honey Cake with burnt honey whipped cream o...
28/04/2026

Coffee, tea & something sweet - the ideal way to end a visit at ✨ Share the Honey Cake with burnt honey whipped cream or Honey Pie with sesame, made in-house alongside the Triple Chocolate Torte, Vegan Coconut Crémeux & more 🍯

Something to cheers to:   is now offered on the patio at   ! 🍸 Enjoy select mezze, craft beer, sommelier selected wine p...
23/04/2026

Something to cheers to: is now offered on the patio at ! 🍸 Enjoy select mezze, craft beer, sommelier selected wine pours + more every Monday - Thursday between 4PM-6PM ✨ |

All your    favorites at your doorstep? Yes please✨ Carryout & delivery is NOW AVAILABLE for lunch & dinner - view the M...
18/04/2026

All your favorites at your doorstep? Yes please✨ Carryout & delivery is NOW AVAILABLE for lunch & dinner - view the Mediterranean-inspired menu + order via link in bio! (Wine not included, but always completes a spread 😉) |

Make Tequila Yuzu Espresso Martini daydreams a reality by booking weekend brunch at    ✨ Share Jerusalem Bagel w/ Smoked...
16/04/2026

Make Tequila Yuzu Espresso Martini daydreams a reality by booking weekend brunch at ✨ Share Jerusalem Bagel w/ Smoked Salmon Spread, Chocolate Babka French Toast, Soft Scrambled Eggs & more, plus exclusive spritzes and hand-crafted cocktails 🍳 Available Saturday & Sunday starting at 10AM! |

Upgrade your lunch this week with a grilled Faroe Islands Salmon Kebab ft. juicy sweet pepper, red onion, zhoug + lemon ...
13/04/2026

Upgrade your lunch this week with a grilled Faroe Islands Salmon Kebab ft. juicy sweet pepper, red onion, zhoug + lemon dill basmati rice, plus mezze favorites like Sweet Corn Hummus or House-Made Labneh ✨ Reserve or order via link in bio! |

Summertime group dining needs 🤝    patio ✨ You can now book your large party dinner, birthday, bachelorette, shower or a...
07/04/2026

Summertime group dining needs 🤝 patio ✨ You can now book your large party dinner, birthday, bachelorette, shower or any special occasion under the southern heritage oak tree draped in lanterns & surrounded by lush greenery - view the menu & inquire to learn more about parties for groups over 12 guests! 🌿 |

An instant favorite to add to the mezze spread: the Spicy Whipped Feta w/ smoky morita chili & pistachio muhammara & pom...
03/04/2026

An instant favorite to add to the mezze spread: the Spicy Whipped Feta w/ smoky morita chili & pistachio muhammara & pomegranate 🌶️🌱 Scoop, dip or spread onto our warm house bread for dine-in or carryout enjoyment!✨ |

Escape spring showers inside  with Happy Hour at the   &   locations ✨ Cheer up with sommelier-selected wine pours, craf...
31/03/2026

Escape spring showers inside with Happy Hour at the & locations ✨ Cheer up with sommelier-selected wine pours, craft beer, mezze exclusives & more under the greenery every Monday – Thursday from 4PM – 6PM downtown or Monday – Friday from 3PM – 5PM in the ! 🌿🍹 |

Deciding where to spend Easter? Perhaps we can inspire you with crisp sips, specials & mezze meant for sharing with the ...
25/03/2026

Deciding where to spend Easter? Perhaps we can inspire you with crisp sips, specials & mezze meant for sharing with the whole family…

✨ : enjoy the Spring Frittata w/ Lump Crab
✨ North & : cheers w/ a glass of Landron Melon B. “Amphibolite”, Muscadet Sèvre-et-maine, France, 2022 poured table side from magnum!
✨ Plus, enjoy NEW brunch specials at Glenview 🍳

Reserve now via link in bio! |

Get ready   - weekend   begins March 21st! 🍳✨ Make plans to enjoy Lamb Shakshuka, Chocolate Babka French Toast, Kefta & ...
15/03/2026

Get ready - weekend begins March 21st! 🍳✨ Make plans to enjoy Lamb Shakshuka, Chocolate Babka French Toast, Kefta & Eggs, Soft Scramble, Jerusalem Bagel w/ Smoked Salmon Spread + more starting at 10AM every Saturday & Sunday - don’t forget a cappuccino or spritz to top it all off! Reserve now ==> bit.ly/emaglenviewbrunch

A must-have to add to your weekend mezze spread: the White Cheddar Labneh with honeycrisp apple, lemon zest, almond gran...
13/03/2026

A must-have to add to your weekend mezze spread: the White Cheddar Labneh with honeycrisp apple, lemon zest, almond granola & cinnamon phyllo 🍋✨ Reserve now via link in bio! |

Passover orders are now open for   &  ! ✨ Opt for dine-in specials such as Matzoh Ball Soup, Roasted Half Chicken or Coc...
05/03/2026

Passover orders are now open for & ! ✨ Opt for dine-in specials such as Matzoh Ball Soup, Roasted Half Chicken or Coconut & Honey Tart between April 1 - April 2, or celebrate at home with the Passover Dinner For Two To-Go ft. Toasted Almond & Garlic Spread w/ matzoh crackers, Crispy Potatoes, Beef Brisket & more. Add on bottles of sommelier selected wine, or secure catering-size portions of the specials from 🍷 Learn more via link in bio! |

Sip and savor acclaimed wines from Massaya Winery as part of a one night only event at    on March 18th 🍷Enjoy selection...
25/02/2026

Sip and savor acclaimed wines from Massaya Winery as part of a one night only event at on March 18th 🍷

Enjoy selections from the vineyards located in the notable & picturesque Mount Lebanon & Beqaa Valley regions, paired perfectly with an exclusive four-course menu of Mediterranean-inspired mezze. Starting with an Arak cocktail toast, cheers your way through the experience as Massaya’s Sami Ghosn educates on the tasting notes, terroir and heritage of Lebanon’s historic vineyards ✨🌿 Purchase tickets via link in bio! |

Planning this week’s lunches? We’ve got you ✨ Opt for the Chicken Caesar Wrap w/ Calabrian chili crunch & house laffa at...
23/02/2026

Planning this week’s lunches? We’ve got you ✨ Opt for the Chicken Caesar Wrap w/ Calabrian chili crunch & house laffa at all locations, or head to for the weekday exclusive Lunch Kebab Special with all your favorite Mediterranean flavors in one spread for $18.95, plus tax 🥙 |

Refresh your weeknight dinner plans with must-try mezze favorites ft. the Grilled Oishii Shrimp Kebab w/ roasted tomato,...
16/02/2026

Refresh your weeknight dinner plans with must-try mezze favorites ft. the Grilled Oishii Shrimp Kebab w/ roasted tomato, souvlaki, lemon, zhoug & basmati rice - best paired with a crisp glass of rosé, of course ✨ |

The sun is out & we’re getting Tan Lines at    ☀️🍹 Sip the frozen cocktail ft. tromba blanco, tanteo chipotle, fruitful ...
11/02/2026

The sun is out & we’re getting Tan Lines at ☀️🍹 Sip the frozen cocktail ft. tromba blanco, tanteo chipotle, fruitful blood orange, maraschino & lime alongside mezze favorites, or try a Don Higo for rum, fig & rosemary notes! 🌿 |

Savor mezze specials meant to share this   🫶 Opt for House-Made Truffled Stracciatella & Grilled Maine Lobster at  , Jum...
05/02/2026

Savor mezze specials meant to share this 🫶 Opt for House-Made Truffled Stracciatella & Grilled Maine Lobster at , Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes & Red Beet Hummus at + sweet favorites like the Triple Chocolate Torte at all ✨ Best enjoyed with a glass (or bottle) of wine, or better yet - Tequila Yuzu Espresso Martini! 🥂 |

28/01/2026

It’s official: our THIRD location opens this Saturday, January 31 at Austin’s ✨Joining our sibling restaurant , down South, will offer Mediterranean-inspired lunch exclusives & dinner mezze favorites from Chef CJ Jacobson, globally-sourced wines + unique cocktails surrounded by potted trees & lush greenery 🌿

Reservations are now live ==> https://emarestaurants.com/austin

is BACK starting Friday, January 23rd - Sunday, February 8th! ✨ Make plans to join   &   for prix fixe lunch, dinner +...
18/01/2026

is BACK starting Friday, January 23rd - Sunday, February 8th! ✨ Make plans to join & for prix fixe lunch, dinner + weekend brunch (River North only) menus with favorites including Sweet Corn Hummus, Charred Eggplant Spread, California Chopped Salad & Chicken Kefta Kebab. View the menus & reserve via link in bio! |

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!

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