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Best Girls Night Out Approved Mediterranean Restaurants in River North

4 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked

Last Updated: February 2026

Our Top Pick
Ema
High-volume Mediterranean mezze from Chef CJ Jacobson with consistently strong execution.

Notable Picks

8.9
$$ River North Mediterranean, Greek
Ema is Lettuce Entertain You’s bright River North Mediterranean room, built around Chef CJ Jacobson’s lighter California-style mezze, hummus, and kebabs in the lobby of the Hyatt Place. High-volume, multi-platform reviews and a steady local following make it one of the neighborhood’s most reliable spots for shareable small plates and vegetable-forward spreads.
Must-Try Dishes: Spicy Hummus with Lamb Ragu, House-Made Stracciatella with Vine-Ripened Tomatoes, Lamb Kefta Kebabs
What makes it special: High-volume Mediterranean mezze from Chef CJ Jacobson with consistently strong execution.
8.7
$$$ River North Mediterranean
From the team behind Indienne, Sifr brings wood-fired Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking to a bi-level River North space, backed by a Michelin Bib Gourmand and steadily growing review volume. Charcoal-grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables come in shareable formats that pair well with a cocktail program locals use for date nights and small-group dinners.
Must-Try Dishes: Black Tiger Prawn with Toum and Harissa, Hokkaido Scallop with Zaitoon, Lamb Kebab with Wood-Fired Vegetables
What makes it special: Michelin Bib Gourmand wood-fired Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking in a design-forward space.
$$$$ River North Mediterranean, Greek
Yasemi sits off the lobby of the Godfrey Hotel as a modern Greek-leaning Mediterranean dining room with plenty of natural light and a flexible all-day menu. Open since 2025, it runs from breakfast through dinner, giving River North visitors and office workers a sit-down option for mezze, grilled seafood, and braised lamb without leaving the block.
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.

Worthy Picks

$$$ River North Mediterranean
Perched on North Avenue Beach, Shore Club pairs a Mediterranean-leaning menu and big mezze platters with lakefront cabanas and a glass-walled dining room. Food quality is solid if uneven, but the draw is cocktails, shared plates, and postcard views over Lake Michigan.
Must-Try Dishes: Mezze platter, Shrimp tacos, Whipped feta dip
What makes it special: Seasonal lakefront spot on North Avenue Beach with Mediterranean-inspired share plates and cocktails.