# Ema > Ema — Mediterranean restaurants in Chicago, IL. ## Key facts - **URL**: https://frankiapp.com/business/ema-15940 - **Type**: Restaurants - **Cuisine**: Mediterranean - **Location**: Chicago, IL - **Address**: 74 W. Illinois St. (Clark), Chicago, IL 60654, US - **Phone**: 13125275586 - **Website**: https://emachicago.com - **Coordinates**: 41.890918, -87.630957 - **Claimed**: unclaimed - **Vibes**: Intimate, Buzzing, Classy, Casual ## About Ema is a Mediterranean restaurant at 74 W. Illinois St. in Chicago's River North neighborhood, helmed by Chef CJ Jacobson and inspired by a lighter, California-influenced approach to the cuisine. The menu centers on spreads, dips, and mezze-style small plates designed for sharing, so the table becomes a spread of vibrant, communal dishes. Guests consistently rave about the lamb ragu hummus, green falafels, charred eggplant dip, and honey pie. The space balances an intimate warmth with a buzzing, classy energy that suits date nights, group outings, and celebrations alike. Vegan and vegetarian options are plentiful throughout the menu. ## Hours - Monday: 11am - 10pm - Tuesday: 11am - 10pm - Wednesday: 11am - 10pm - Thursday: 11am - 10pm - Friday: 11am - 11pm - Saturday: 11am - 11pm - Sunday: 11am - 9pm ## Highlights - **Lamb ragu hummus** — The hearth-baked pita and lamb ragu hummus is a guest favorite every visit. - **Mezze-style sharing** — Every dish is built for the table, so guests explore bold flavors together. - **Cocktails and mocktails** — A full bar with creative cocktails and a solid mocktail menu pleases everyone. - **Intimate, buzzing atmosphere** — The warm, classy space works equally well for date nights and group celebrations. ## Amenities - Vegan - Credit Card - Outdoor Seating - Full Bar - Free Wi-Fi - Reservations - Delivery - Take Out - Wheelchair Friendly - TV - Staff Wears Masks ## FAQ ### Where is Ema located? Ema is located at 74 W. Illinois St. at Clark in Chicago's River North neighborhood, IL 60654. ### What are Ema's hours? Ema is open Monday through Thursday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. ### What kind of food does Ema serve? Ema serves Mediterranean cuisine with a lighter, California-influenced style from Chef CJ Jacobson. The menu is built around spreads, dips, and mezze-style small plates meant for sharing. Standout items praised by diners include the lamb ragu hummus with hearth-baked pita, green falafels, charred eggplant dip, sweet corn hummus, whipped feta, crispy potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and the honey pie for dessert. You can browse the full menu at emachicago.com. ### Does Ema have options for vegans and vegetarians? Yes, Ema offers a generous selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes. Diners highlight the spread sampler, crispy potatoes, and green falafels as standout plant-friendly choices. ### Is Ema a good spot for celebrations or group dining? Ema works beautifully for celebrations, date nights, group hangouts, family meals, business outings, and happy hour. The sharing-plate format is especially well suited to larger tables, and the intimate yet buzzing atmosphere adds to the occasion. Reservations are available, so you can secure your spot in advance. ### What is Franki? Franki is a restaurant discovery app that helps you find great places to eat through real video reviews from actual diners. You can browse reviews, photos, and videos of Ema on Franki, and earn cash back when you dine there. Download Franki on the App Store or Google Play to start exploring. ### Does Ema have a full bar? Yes, Ema has a full bar with creative cocktails and a well-regarded mocktail selection, so there is something for every guest at the table. ### How can I contact Ema? You can reach Ema by phone at (312) 527-5586 or explore the menu and make reservations at emachicago.com. ### Does Ema have outdoor seating? Yes, Ema offers outdoor seating for guests who prefer to dine outside. ## Reviews ### tidbits.ofus — 4.8/5 · Dec 6, 2022 Beautiful restaurant with a nice intimate ambiance. The food was fantastic but maybe skip the salmon? It was just ok compared to everything else we ate. The honey pie was absolutely amazing! ### corrine_eats — 5.0/5 · Jun 14, 2024 Last week, I had the most amazing meal at Ema! 🤩 I’m alllll about shared plates (since I can never decide what I want while I’m out), so I absolutely loved their concept! My favs were the green falafels and toasted almond & garlic spread. ### spill.the.chi — 5.0/5 · May 14, 2024 Ema is the perfect Mediterranean spot for a brunch or dinner with friends! All of the spreads are so good and the dishes were so tasty. Fun cocktails and they have a good selection of mocktails too. #FlashDashWeek3 ### brianallee — 5.0/5 · Mar 23, 2025 The most magical Mediterranean food can be found at Ema in Chicago’s River North neighborhood! Everything is sharable, but def recommend: 🐑 🫓 Lamb Ragu Hummus with hearth baked pita (best item on the menu!) 🍆 Charred Eggplant dip (cool compliment to the warm lamb ragu hummus) 🥧 Honey pie (sweet ending) #chicago #magicalmediterranean #mediterranean ### deepa — 5.0/5 · Mar 7, 2026 Ema is a great spot for after work drinks and bites. The dips were the star—highly recommend the sweet corn hummus and whipped feta. Very interesting ingredient combinations in each dish we had which were surprising and delightful. ### nat124 — 5.0/5 · Jan 31, 2024 Amazing fresh mediterranean food! Perfect date night spot. The food is meant to share, and the drinks are delicious with mocktail options ### chicagotreets — 5.0/5 · Dec 21, 2021 Birthday celebrations 🎉 This place had amazing vegan and vegetarian options to choose from! Highly recommend the spread sampler and the crispy potatoes 😍 ### chicagotreets — 5.0/5 · Jun 21, 2022 The perfect place for friends, families, or date night! Do not miss out on the Brussels sprouts! ### spill.the.chi — 5.0/5 · Mar 11, 2025 Some of my favorite Mediterranean food in Chicago! Delicious and fresh flavors with a pretty ambiance and decor. Loved the spreads, brunch & drinks 🧆🥙🍹