What is the best Greek restaurant in River North?

Ema is our top pick for Greek restaurants in River North, scoring 8.9/10. High-volume Mediterranean mezze from Chef CJ Jacobson with consistently strong execution.

Any insider tips for Ema?

Build a meal around 2–3 spreads per two people and one kebab, then add the warm sticky date cake if you have room.

What should I order at Ema?

Spicy Hummus, Stracciatella, Lamb Kefta Kebabs.

When should I visit Ema?

Prime dinner hours or weekend brunch for peak energy.

Who should go to Ema?

Groups and couples who like shareable spreads and small plates.

Any insider tips for Avli River North?

Book patio seats in warm weather; build a meal around spreads and one or two large mains instead of over-ordering.

When should I visit Avli River North?

Evenings for patio dinners or weekday happy hour.

Who should go to Avli River North?

Groups and couples craving lively modern Greek in River North.

Any insider tips for Yasemi Modern Mediterranean?

Use it for Restaurant Week or pre-theater dinners when nearby reservations are tight—same-day tables are often available.

What should I order at Yasemi Modern Mediterranean?

Whipped feta, avgolemono soup, lamb shank youvetsi.

When should I visit Yasemi Modern Mediterranean?

Weekday lunches and early dinners when the room is relaxed.

Who should go to Yasemi Modern Mediterranean?

Hotel guests and nearby workers wanting convenient sit-down Mediterranean.

Any insider tips for Sinya Mediterranean?

Lean into the customizable plates—ask for extra pickles, sauces, and a mix of proteins to maximize variety for a single meal.

What should I order at Sinya Mediterranean?

Chicken shawarma plate, mixed grill entree, side of hummus or falafel.

When should I visit Sinya Mediterranean?

Weekday lunch rush or early dinner for freshest turnover.

Who should go to Sinya Mediterranean?

Neighborhood workers and locals wanting quick, filling Mediterranean.

Best Greek Restaurants in River North (60654)

Q: What should I order at Avli River North?

Flaming Saganaki, Chicken Souvlaki, Short Rib Pastitsada.

4 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked

Last Updated: January 2026

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Our Top Pick

Ema

High-volume Mediterranean mezze from Chef CJ Jacobson with consistently strong execution.

Notable Picks

#1 Ema

8.9

$$ River North

Vibes: Date Night Magic Trendy Table Hotspots Girls Night Out Approved Group Dining Gatherings

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

What makes it special: High-volume Mediterranean mezze from Chef CJ Jacobson with consistently strong execution.

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#2 Avli River North

8.7

$$$ River North

Vibes: Date Night Magic Group Dining Gatherings Outdoor Dining Oasis Trendy Table Hotspots

Avli River North is an upscale Greek restaurant in the heart of River North, known for contemporary takes on classics like saganaki, souvlaki, and lobster pasta served family-style. A large patio, upstairs dining room, and lively bar make it a go-to for group dinners, date nights, and Santorini-adjacent happy hours.

Must-Try Dishes: Flaming Saganaki, Chicken Souvlaki, Short Rib Pastitsada

What makes it special: Modern Greek cooking with a big patio and shareable feasts.

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#3 Yasemi Modern Mediterranean

8.1

$$$$ River North

Vibes: Business Lunch Power Players Group Dining Gatherings Girls Night Out Approved

On the lobby level of The Godfrey Hotel, Yasemi runs an all-day modern Mediterranean menu with a strong Greek accent—think whipped feta, cheese pies, kebabs, and youvetsi lamb shank. The space skews polished and atmospheric, making it a flexible option for hotel guests, business dinners, and cocktail-forward nights in River North.

Must-Try Dishes: Whipped Harissa Feta with Warm Pita, Grilled Octopus, Youvetsi Lamb Shank with Orzo

What makes it special: Hotel-attached modern Mediterranean spot with full-day service and a spacious, comfortable dining room.

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Worthy Picks

#4 Sinya Mediterranean

7.9

$$ River North

Vibes: Quick Bites Champions Healthy Haven Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Solo Dining Sanctuaries

Sinya is a fast-casual Mediterranean counter in River North where shawarma, gyro, kabobs, and salads get the volume treatment for office workers and late-shift diners. It leans more casual than the neighborhood’s sit-down Greek spots but covers the cravings for platters, wraps, and baklava at everyday prices.

Must-Try Dishes: Chicken Shawarma Plate, Mixed Grill Entrée, Falafel with Hummus

What makes it special: Fast-casual Mediterranean with big portions and buildable plates in a central River North location.

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