Ema

I was absolutely blown away by everything we have ordered. Everything was a 10/10. My friend is celiac and our waiter gave us a dedicated gluten free menu. Everything we ordered was so flavorful and fresh - it was a shame we didn't have room to order more. The atmosphere and vibes were also emaculate and the staff attentive despite it being pretty busy. A really solid brunch/lunch spot for sure and I would 100% come back.

My dining experience at this restaurant was exceptional. During dinner, I ordered 'Beets and Berries,' 'Green Falafel,' and 'Rent Free.' Each dish impressed me with its delightful taste and good portion sizes. The 'Beets and Berries' and 'Rent Free' were particularly outstanding, offering a burst of flavors that pleasantly surprised me. While the 'Green Falafel' was good, it didn't quite match the excellence of the other dishes. The ambiance of the restaurant added to the overall enjoyment — the music was at a perfect volume, creating a pleasant atmosphere without being overwhelming. The service was noteworthy as well; the staff was attentive and suggested dishes that precisely matched our preferences. I'm definitely planning a return visit to explore more of their menu, especially the frozen yogurt that has caught my eye.

Ema, nestled in the heart of Chicago, offers a culinary experience that tantalizes the taste buds with its Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. My visit to this charming restaurant was marked by a warm, inviting atmosphere that set the stage for a delightful dining adventure. The standout dish of the evening was undoubtedly the octopus entrée. Perfectly grilled, the octopus was tender yet crisped to perfection, creating a harmonious balance of textures. Each bite was a melody of flavors, enhanced by a blend of aromatic herbs and spices typical of Mediterranean fare. This dish was not just food; it was a testament to the chef's expertise in bringing out the best in seafood. For dessert, the 'milk and cookies' was a revelation. This wasn't your ordinary milk and cookies. The cookies were decadently rich, yet not overly sweet, perfectly complementing the creamy, chilled milk. It was a nostalgic dish, elevated to gourmet standards, and it ended the meal on a high note. Ema's ambiance was both chic and comfortable, with decor that mirrored the lightness and freshness of its cuisine. The service was impeccable, with attentive staff ensuring a memorable dining experience. Overall, Ema stands out as a culinary gem in Chicago, perfect for those seeking a blend of exquisite flavors, cozy atmosphere, and top-notch service. The octopus and the milk and cookies dessert are must-try items that will leave you yearning for more.

My friend and I enjoyed our dinner here. Decor was definitely nice. Service was just a little slow when we first arrived, but progressively improved after our server finally came. We received great suggestions and enjoyed our food. I really liked the Parmesan Farro w/ mushroom Ragu appetizer. My friend loved her lamb & beef Kefta. Everything was very zesty, more than I would've preferred but still enjoyed nonetheless.

Awesome location!!! So many delicious gluten free options, and they were super accommodating with my dairy free requests as well. They even brought out gluten free crackers to eat with the hummus, even though I hadn’t thought about ordering that (wasn’t even on the menu)- so thoughtful!! The salmon kebab with the rice was amazing, as was the Bhel Hummus (omg), the green beans were great and the falafel also very tasty. Felt like a lot of food for two people but we ate it all, of course!!! Service is awesome. Highly recommend!

Refined Mediterranean experience with good food, cocktails, and ambiance. During our recent visit on a late Saturday night, my friend and I started our dinner with a triad of spreads: Charred Eggplant, Hummus with Lamb Ragu, and the House-made Labneh. Among these, my favorites were the Eggplant and the Labneh. With the trio of walnuts, pomegranate, and molasses coming together to create a refreshing and crunchy bites, the eggplant spread was particularly enjoyable. In labneh, lentils gave a textural contrast to the creamy yogurt, and I liked how it was subtly fragrant with mint and dill. From the bigger plates, we ordered the Lamb & Beef Kefta and the Grilled Octopus. Kefta was quite plain, as we found the meats to be a tad dry, but the highlight of this dish was the rice – doused in olive oil and lemon zest, it added much-needed moisture and zest. On the other hand, the Grilled Octopus was fantastic. It was tender and perfectly seasoned, with the citrusy hints and sweetness of oranges and the spicy undertones of chili conserva. Ema is no doubt, a good Mediterranean restaurant. However, when compared to its competitors in other big cities, it feels more like a standard experience for an elevated Mediterranean restaurant.