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Yasemi Modern Mediterranean
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
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.
Yasemi Modern Mediterranean
8.1
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Girls Night Out Approved
Group Dining Gatherings
Instagram Worthy Wonders
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:
Cheese Pie, Youvetsi Lamb Shank, Spicy Whipped Feta
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 6.6
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Hotel-attached modern Mediterranean with a Greek-leaning menu and design-conscious room.
Who should go: Hotel guests and locals wanting polished Greek-leaning Mediterranean.
When to visit: Happy hour or early dinner when the room feels relaxed.
What to order: Spicy Whipped Feta, Cheese Pie, Youvetsi Lamb Shank.
Insider tip: Use the generous happy hour pricing to sample spreads and snacks, then share one or two larger plates instead of ordering solo mains.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hotel valet available at The Godfrey (pricing varies by event/time); nearby paid garages are common, and street parking is limited in the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine if styled clean and dressy; many guests lean business-casual due to the hotel and business-dinner crowd.
Noise level: Moderate — conversational at early dinner and lunch, livelier during peak evening and cocktail hours.
Weekend wait: Often seatable with a reservation; without one, expect a potential 30–60 minute wait during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, especially for smaller parties.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several mezze, salads, and cheese-based small plates work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — a few spreads and vegetable dishes may work with modifications; confirm with the server.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free options (grilled proteins, salads); ask staff to advise on breaded or pastry items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the polished hotel setting and warm lighting feel upscale without being formal, especially if you book an earlier seating when it’s quieter.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often possible outside of peak weekend hours, but reservations are recommended for prime dinner times; the bar area can be a reliable fallback for small parties.
Is it kid-friendly? Occasionally — children are fine at earlier seatings, but the space skews adult-leaning and cocktail-focused at night, better for teens and older kids than toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Polished hotel-adjacent dining, shareable mezze, and a design-forward room that works for business dinners, girls’ nights, and upscale casual gatherings.
Skip if: You’re seeking rustic, traditional Greek tavern fare, budget-focused dining, or a loud, high-energy late-night scene.