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Ema
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Ema
8.9
Ema is Lettuce Entertain You’s bright River North Mediterranean room, built around Chef CJ Jacobson’s lighter California-style mezze, hummus, and kebabs in the lobby of the Hyatt Place. High-volume, multi-platform reviews and a steady local following make it one of the neighborhood’s most reliable spots for shareable small plates and vegetable-forward spreads.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Hummus with Lamb Ragu, House-Made Stracciatella with Vine-Ripened Tomatoes, Lamb Kefta Kebabs
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: High-volume Mediterranean mezze from Chef CJ Jacobson with consistently strong execution.
Who should go: Groups and couples who like shareable spreads and small plates.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours or weekend brunch for peak energy.
What to order: Spicy Hummus, Stracciatella, Lamb Kefta Kebabs.
Insider tip: Build a meal around 2–3 spreads per two people and one kebab, then add the warm sticky date cake if you have room.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hotel valet available via Hyatt Place entrance; nearby River North garages within 1–2 blocks; metered street parking is limited after 6pm
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished and slightly dressy
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is possible at most two-tops, but larger tables get louder during peak hours
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during prime hours
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short 5–10 minute pause
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — many mezze, spreads, salads, and vegetable plates are naturally vegetarian
Vegan options: Limited but workable — 2–3 spreads and sides can be ordered vegan with guidance from staff
Gluten-free options: Yes — several naturally gluten-free plates and labeled options; staff is used to substitutions
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the shareable mezze format keeps the meal interactive, and the room is lively without being overwhelming during early evening seatings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — walk-ins are common at the bar and smaller tables, but expect a wait on weekend evenings unless you arrive early or later in the night.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately — daytime and early dinner seatings work for older kids who can share plates, but the space feels more adult-leaning during busy evenings.
Best For
Better for: Shareable small plates, lighter Mediterranean flavors, and a reliable group-friendly setting with consistently strong service and pacing
Skip if: You want a quiet, low-energy dining room or a heavy, entree-focused meal instead of a mezze-style spread
Ema
8.9
Ema is a high-volume Mediterranean spot from Lettuce Entertain You where hummus, spreads, and small plates lean light and vegetable-forward with clear Greek influences. Diners use it for everything from business lunches to buzzy nights out, fueled by mezze, kefta kebabs, and a strong cocktail program.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Hummus, Lamb Kefta Kebab, Warm Sticky Date Cake
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: A packed Mediterranean small-plates room where hummus, spreads, and kebabs stay remarkably consistent at scale.
Who should go: Groups and duos who like sharing lighter Mediterranean plates.
When to visit: Weeknight happy hour or prime-time dinner for full energy.
What to order: Spicy Hummus, Greek Village Salad, Lamb Kefta Kebab.
Insider tip: Treat it like tapas—stack spreads and vegetable plates first, then add one or two protein dishes to avoid sticker shock.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in River North; most guests use nearby paid garages or rideshare. Valet is occasionally available during peak dinner service depending on season and hotel traffic.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but many diners lean polished for evening visits.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively — conversation is possible at smaller tables, but the room gets buzzy at peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during prime hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though larger groups should book ahead.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options — many spreads, salads, and small plates are naturally vegetarian.
Vegan options: Moderate — several vegetable dishes and spreads work, but some plates include yogurt or cheese.
Gluten-free options: Good coverage — many mezze and proteins can be prepared gluten-free; ask staff to flag modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the shareable plates and warm, modern room create an easy conversational flow, though it can be lively during peak dinner hours.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes for smaller parties if you’re flexible with bar or patio seating; during prime weekend dinners, a reservation is strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably — early dinners work best for families; menu has approachable dips and kebabs, but the energy skews adult during later seatings.
Best For
Better for: Light, vegetable-forward mezze, consistent execution at scale, and a versatile setting that works equally well for business lunches and social dinners.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate dining room or a heavier, traditional entrée-focused Greek meal.
Ema
8.7
Ema is a Mediterranean small-plates restaurant built around hummus, spreads, and vegetable-driven mezze, with a bright, modern room that still feels busy and social. The sidewalk patio is dog-friendly, so it doubles as a spot where you can graze on lamb ragu hummus and labneh while your dog naps under the table.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hummus w/ Lamb Ragu, House-Made Labneh with honey and pomegranate, Green Falafel with beet tzatziki
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A well-reviewed Mediterranean mezze spot where the hummus program, bright room, and dog-friendly patio make it feel like a daytime and evening staple.
Who should go: Mediterranean fans who want lighter plates and patio time with dogs.
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner for easier patio seating and less street noise.
What to order: Hummus w/ Lamb Ragu, House-Made Labneh, Green Falafel and warm bread.
Insider tip: Order a spread-heavy lineup and share bread with the table so you’re not juggling too many large plates around a leashed pup.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce in River North; expect paid garages nearby. Valet is typically offered during peak dinner service, but availability can vary — confirm when booking.
Dress code: Smart casual — polished but relaxed; jeans are fine if styled neat.
Noise level: Moderate — conversational at lunch and early dinner, livelier during peak evening hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio seating in warm weather.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though the patio may fill during sunny days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection — many mezze, spreads, and salads are vegetarian by default.
Vegan options: Moderate — several dishes can be vegan with modifications; ask staff to confirm ingredients and bread prep.
Gluten-free options: Good support — many spreads and proteins are naturally gluten-free; staff can guide substitutions for bread-heavy items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the bright, relaxed room and shareable mezze format make it easy to pace the meal and keep conversation flowing, especially on the patio.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for indoor seating at off-peak times; the patio is more competitive and may require a wait on nice days. Arrive early or join the wait list if you’re set on outdoor seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids and calm family meals; the small-plates pacing and patio setup may be less ideal for very young children or strollers during busy periods.
Best For
Better for: Lighter Mediterranean dining, strong vegetarian-friendly mezze, and a dog-friendly patio where you can linger without a heavy, formal feel.
Skip if: You want large entrées over shared plates, very quiet dining during peak hours, or a budget-focused meal — portions and pricing lean upscale.
Ema
8.6
Ema is a Mediterranean small-plates spot where happy hour centers on mezze, flatbreads, and crisp wines in a bright, plant-filled River North room. Locals use it for shareable spreads, discounted drinks, and a softer take on the after-work scene that still feels buzzy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Hummus, Crispy Potatoes, Lamb & Beef Kefta
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Mediterranean mezze and wine-driven happy hour in a bright, modern room.
Who should go: Groups sharing small plates and wine after work.
When to visit: Weekday happy hour for deals and lighter crowds.
What to order: Spicy hummus, crispy potatoes, lamb & beef kefta.
Insider tip: Build a mezze-focused table and share a carafe during happy hour.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in River North; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option (no consistent valet service reported).
Dress code: Smart casual — polished but relaxed; jeans and casual layers are fine.
Noise level: Moderate buzz during happy hour — conversation is possible at most tables, bar area can run louder.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for walk-ins during peak hours; reservations recommended.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait outside peak business lunch windows.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — many mezze, dips, and salads are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — a few mezze and vegetable dishes can be ordered vegan or modified.
Gluten-free options: Good coverage — several items are naturally gluten-free or can be prepared without bread; ask staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the bright room, shareable plates, and moderate noise level make it comfortable for conversation without feeling quiet or formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes for small parties — arrive early in the happy hour window or later in the evening; bar seating is the most flexible for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally adult-leaning, especially during happy hour; older kids or teens are fine at earlier seatings, but it’s not designed for young children.
Best For
Better for: Shareable mezze, lighter Mediterranean flavors, and a calmer after-work happy hour alternative to louder cocktail bars.
Skip if: You want a full entrée-style dinner, very quiet conversation, or a late-night scene — other River North spots may fit better.
Ema
8.6
Ēma is a Mediterranean restaurant from Lettuce Entertain You where many mezze, salads, and kebabs are naturally gluten-free or clearly labeled on a dedicated gluten-free menu, drawing celiac-conscious diners for shareable plates in a bright River North room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Greek Village Salad, Green Falafel, Crispy Potatoes
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Mediterranean small plates with a robust, well-documented gluten-free selection in a light, modern space.
Who should go: Celiac-aware groups sharing mezze, salads, and kebabs.
When to visit: Prime dinner or weekend brunch for full menu and buzz.
What to order: Toasted Almond & Garlic Spread, Greek Village Salad, Green Falafel.
Insider tip: Let servers know you are strictly gluten-free so they can steer you toward clearly marked dishes and manage cross-contact.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot; street parking is limited in River North, especially evenings. Most guests use nearby paid garages or rideshare. Valet may be available at neighboring venues but is not guaranteed — confirm day-of.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most diners lean polished (blouses, button-downs, casual dresses).
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively during peak dinner; you can hold a conversation at most tables, but the room gets louder at prime hours.
Weekend wait: Commonly 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, though small delays are possible at peak business lunch times.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — strong coverage across mezze, salads, dips, and sides.
Vegan options: Partial — several items can be made vegan, but confirm ingredients and sauces with the server.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many dishes are clearly labeled on a dedicated gluten-free menu. Staff can help manage cross-contact, but it is not a 100% gluten-free facility.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the bright, modern room and shareable mezze work well for a relaxed first date, especially if one person needs gluten-free options. It can feel lively at peak hours, so expect a social rather than hushed vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes at off-peak times, but prime dinner windows fill quickly. Walk-ins should expect a wait on weekends; the bar area is sometimes easier to snag last-minute seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally fine for older kids and teens who enjoy Mediterranean flavors. There’s no dedicated kids’ menu, and peak dinner hours can feel loud and crowded for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Gluten-free diners seeking clearly labeled Mediterranean small plates and a stylish, share-plate setting that works for dates, groups, and business meals.
Skip if: You need a truly quiet, intimate dining room, prefer heavier entrée-style meals over shared plates, or require a completely gluten-free facility with zero cross-contact.