Ema

1. Hummus with lamb ragú with the freshest zaatar pita2. Brussel sprouts with pepitas and pumpkin seeds 3. Toasted almond and garlic spread?? So unique have never had something like this before4. Risotto with asparagus and parmesan5. Straciatella w crispy bread dipping pieces and grape tomatoes6. Chicken meatballs w rice and tzatziki (unfortunately we were so full by the time this arrived that we didn't give it a fair try, but essentially liked the other 5 better )Waiter was attentive with our cocktails and ordering!

Mediterranean place in River North! Our server was incredibly nice and the vibes were gorgeous - loved the plant/vine themed decor and the natural lighting. We ordered the grilled chicken kebab, the avocado toast, and the beef/lamb kefta and eggs. The grilled chicken kebab was a tad bit dry, but still very flavorful and paired well with the citrus infused rice. The avocado toast was classic and had a nice touch of pomegranate seeds, and the beef/lamb kefta (spiced ground meat shaped into a ball) had a similar base to the grilled chicken kebab, but with more raw marinated veggies and a runny egg.

My recent visit to Ema was an absolute delight! The soft aesthetic of the restaurant created a wonderful ambiance, perfect for a relaxing Sunday brunch.Our waiter was incredibly friendly and attentive, ensuring we had everything we needed throughout our meal and provided helpful recommendations.We started with the Big Eye Tuna and Hamachi for our raw appetizers. Both were very light and refreshing, with the fish tasting fresh. A perfect start to our dining experience.The Lamb Shakshuka was a highlight! It was bursting with flavor, and the lamb was incredibly tender. The dish paired wonderfully with the house bread.We also had the Blueberry Clafoutis. It was airy, not too sweet, and filled with fresh blueberries, making it a delicious sweet dish.The grilled chicken kebab was decent but didn't quite stand out compared to the other dishes.Overall, I highly recommend Ema for brunch!

Ema is a great place to go with people to enjoy many different dishes. Their pita and hummus is some of the best I've tried at a trendy spot. The restaurant itself is lovely with plenty of seating. Their drinks are just okay I thought. Food, overall, is really good! If I had to nitpick, I would say that the crispy potatoes need a little more flavor and the cauliflower tasted like brussel sprouts except the charred pieces were so good! I will definitely go again for the hummus and pita but as far as the other dishes go, not much to offer to vegetarians. We had people at the table who tried the lamb and they really enjoyed the cook and flavor on it. Service was also good! We had a birthday at the table so they gave the dessert on the house :) it was delish!

fantastic food, fabulous patio, and great service! we ordered the labneh, falafel, stracciatella, and the grilled halloumi kebabs, and everything was delicious! drinks were also super refreshing, and I couldn't have asked for more on this hot summer day.

Best brunch ever. The food was so delicious. Best hummus, chicken lamb etc that we've had. Everything we ordered was amazing. The lamb shakshuka was sooo tender and flavorful. Staff was very friendly. The decor was very zen and inviting. We had a great time.

I had a reservation for 5pm and it seemed like just about everyone in the city also had a 5pm reservation. The line was out the door when we arrived so it took a minute to get checked in and once I got to the host stand, I was told it would be another minute before the could seat me. The waiting area is tiny and there was really no place we could wait without being in someone else way. Took about 10 minutes after that to be seated and then almost another 10 minutes for our server to come by. Might need to look at spacing the reservations out better because it did not seem like the staff could handle the rush. Food was nothing crazy. Kind of just came here as a pre-dinner snack so we ordered light. The pita bread that comes with the hummus was 10/10. We asked for more since we still had hummus left and it came out as we were pretty much cashing out and leaving. The olives that came with the feta had pits in them so it was a little obnoxious to be spitting out the pits around the table. Maybe just not my thing but I would be intrigued to try one of their dinner dishes when I'm back in the city.

DELICIOUS MEDITERRANEAN IN CHICAGO Last week, I had the most amazing meal at Ema - a Lettuce Entertain You restaurant! I'm alllll about shared plates (since I can never decide what I want while I'm out), so I absolutely loved their concept! We sat outside on their patio, but the inside decor was STUNNING! I will definitely be back to sit under their vined ceiling someday Here's the breakdown of what we ordered (and our favs! ) Slow Cheetah - $15 Strawberry Rhubarb Negroni - $17 Toasted Almond & Garlic Spread w/ Homemade Pitas - $14.95 Crispy Potatoes - $12.95 (honestly was a little let down by these - they were wayyyy overhyped) Green Falafel - $13.95 Grilled Halloumi Kebab - $17.95 Frozen Greek Yogurt w/ Olive Oil + Sea Salt This was suchhhh an enjoyable meal and the perfect option for anyone who always wants a bite of everything on the menu - we would have ordered even more if we had more people with us! Our server was super amazing and so helpful throughout the meal - but the hosts were not very friendly and left me feeling disappointed in the experience before we even sat down.

I'm not sure how I haven't reviewed Ema yet?! One of my favorite restaurants in the city, for sure. They are a sister restaurant of Aba, with the same great food but easier to get a table! I love the happy hour as well, although it must be enjoyed at the bar and not at a table. I've always loved the labneh with grapes and a crunchy nut, however they have changed it and looks like maybe they change the toppings on the labneh with the season :). Either way all of the spreads are incredible. The pita, is the BEST pita in Chicago, hands down. I love the seasoning and how soft and warm it is.... I could eat this pita for breakfast lunch and dinner! You also can't go wrong with the kebabs, crispy potatoes, brussels (yum!) and don't forget to save room for dessert. I've even visited Ema solo and sat outside on the patio, with a friend for happy hour at the bar, or even with a group in the dining room for brunch. This place is just consistently good, and if you haven't stopped in I definitely recommend it.

Ema's ambience embodies a luminous and airy aesthetic, imbued with a touch of Californian nonchalance. This bright and breezy atmosphere sets the stage for a delightful exploration of the Mediterranean.My initial foray was the "spicy toothpick lamb" ($19). This dish featured tender morsels of lamb redolent with cumin, artfully presented alongside a house yogurt. The lamb itself was commendably supple, boasting a subtle yet piquant kick that awakened the palate.Next, I ventured towards the house-made labneh ($15). This creation showcased spring peas in their verdant glory, complemented by diminutive thumbelina carrots and a bed of lentils. The labneh, a delightful yogurt cheese, served as the foundation for this symphony of textures and flavors. A lemon vinaigrette added a touch of refreshing acidity, further elevating the dish. The accompanying fresh-baked pita bread deserves its own accolades - it was demonstrably some of the most delectable bread I have ever encountered, boasting a perfect balance of texture and flavor.My final course was the grilled chicken ($20). Succulent segments of chicken, marinated in a yogurt concoction, emerged from the grill imbued with a smoky essence. A vibrant condiment of sweet peppers and zhoug, a Yemeni hot sauce, provided a delightful counterpoint. The basmati rice, infused with a pronounced lemon essence, served as an excellent textural and flavorful accompaniment.Overall, Ema offers a vibrant and flavorful exploration of Mediterranean cuisine presented in a stylish and contemporary setting. The quality of the ingredients and the culinary finesse are undeniable. While some may find the portion sizes a touch wanting given the price, the overall experience remains highly commendable.