Ema

Mediterranean Restaurant $$ 4.5 (2853)


Ema is celebrated for its lively atmosphere and flavorful Mediterranean cuisine, displaying a high level of authenticity typical of traditional Mediterranean fare. Guests frequently praise the thoughtful dish pairings and the quality of ingredients used, although some expressed concerns about service speed and portion sizes, which can vary.

Overall:

4.4

(2294 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.3

Atmosphere:

4.5

Service:

4.0


Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: (312) 527-5586

Address: 74 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA

Opening hours

Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available
  • Delivery Available
  • Curbside Pickup Available
  • Reservable

Offerings

  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Beer
  • Wine
  • Cocktails
  • Dessert
  • Coffee
  • Vegetarian Options Available

Amenities

  • Outdoor Seating
  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Menu for Children
  • Good for Groups

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards
  • NFC Payments

Parking options

  • Paid Street Parking

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" I stopped by Ema after visiting a friend nearby, and I was pleasantly surprised! The ambiance has a nice casual vibe, making it perfect for unwinding after a long day. The service was attentive, with staff making great recommendations. The salads were fantastic, especially the one with the grilled chicken. The only drawback was the noise level; it can get a bit loud when busy. Overall, I enjoyed my visit and would go back. " (*Curated Review*)

" I had high hopes for Ema based on the recommendations from friends, and it did not disappoint! The service was exceptional from start to finish. I ordered the lamb kefta, which was beautifully spiced and incredibly tender. The atmosphere is lively, making it perfect for every occasion, and the drinks were refreshing. While the dessert was enjoyable, I felt the surprise surcharge at the end was a bit unnecessary. Nevertheless, I left satisfied and would gladly return. " (*Curated Review*)

" I recently visited Ema for dinner and was absolutely blown away by the authenticity of the dishes. We started with the hummus and pita, which was so creamy and delicious! For the main course, we tried the grilled octopus, which was perfectly charred and flavorful. The atmosphere is vibrant, and the service was attentive, making the entire dining experience enjoyable. I can't wait to come back and try more dishes! " (*Curated Review*)

" Ema is a tiny gem in the bustling restaurant scene. The decor is whimsical and beautiful, creating a great dining atmosphere. My meal of the day was the lamb shakshuka, which was delicious but a bit rich for my taste. One thing to mention is the service wasn’t as polished on my visit, and I had to remind them about my order. Despite these minor setbacks, I would still return for the ambiance and food! " (*Curated Review*)

" While I had high expectations based on the reviews, my visit to Ema was decent but not life-changing. Unfortunately, my dish was slightly overcooked, and I didn’t enjoy my cocktail as much as I anticipated. However, service was friendly, and the ambiance made up for it somewhat. I may consider going back in the future to try different menu items. " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (2284)

" I loved every minute of my visit to Ema! The atmosphere is upbeat, with vibrant colors and lovely decor. The food was outstanding; I couldn't get enough of the grilled octopus and crispy falafel! Service was spot on, too, with our server being attentive without being overbearing. I will be back for sure to try more from their extensive menu! " (*Curated Review*)

" I enjoyed my meal at Ema and would definitely recommend it. The selection of shared plates is fantastic! I particularly loved the grilled halloumi and crispy potatoes. The ambiance was lively yet cozy, and our server was helpful in suggesting pairings. The only downside was that drinks were a bit pricey. Overall, it was a delightful experience, and I look forward to returning to explore more of the menu. " (*Curated Review*)

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