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Yasemi Modern Mediterranean
ZipPicks Awards
Best Mediterranean in River North
Best Greek in River North
Master Critic Review
Yasemi Modern Mediterranean
8.0
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
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Hotel-attached modern Mediterranean spot with full-day service and a spacious, comfortable dining room.
Who should go: Hotel guests and nearby workers wanting convenient sit-down Mediterranean.
When to visit: Weekday lunches and early dinners when the room is relaxed.
What to order: Whipped feta, avgolemono soup, lamb shank youvetsi.
Insider tip: Use it for Restaurant Week or pre-theater dinners when nearby reservations are tight—same-day tables are often available.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hotel valet available through the Godfrey Hotel (pricing varies by event hours); nearby garages are the most reliable option — street parking in River North is limited and inconsistent.
Dress code: Smart casual — polished jeans and a blazer or dressy-casual attire fit the room; typical hotel-restaurant business guest mix skews slightly dressy.
Noise level: Moderate — generally conversational at lunch and early dinner; can trend livelier during peak hotel and weekend traffic.
Weekend wait: Often available with short waits outside peak convention and event weekends, but reservations are recommended to avoid variability.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or minimal delay, especially for smaller parties.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — mezze, salads, and a few mains can be ordered meat-free; confirm preparations with your server.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — some mezze and salads can be modified; not a fully vegan-focused menu.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes are naturally gluten-leaning (grilled seafood, salads); request guidance from staff and note that a dedicated prep space is not guaranteed.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a low-key, conversation-friendly first date — the room is bright and comfortable rather than dim or high-energy, which suits casual-polished meetups more than dramatic occasion dining.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially at weekday lunch or early dinner — availability can tighten during hotel events or busy weekends, so call ahead if timing is fixed.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably kid-accommodating for well-behaved children, with flexible seating and approachable dishes; it is not a specifically family-themed restaurant, so quieter hours work best.
Best For
Better for: Convenient, sit-down Mediterranean in a hotel-adjacent setting with all-day service — especially useful for business lunches, visitor meetups, and groups staying nearby.
Skip if: You’re seeking destination-level fine dining, trend-driven nightlife energy, or a menu with deep vegan or gluten-free specialization — alternatives in River North may suit those needs better.