Ema - Mediterranean restaurant in Chicago - 74 W Illinois St, USA

Went for restaurant week! Although there are lots of tables, the music volume and configuration of those tables lended to a pleasant ambiance. Dare I say - we liked it better than aba?? Only missing the whipped feta! It’s all very similar food (if not the exact same). Really enjoyed it. Eggs were super creamy and too salty. I wouldn’t order that again, but there’s plenty more that I’d try.

First time visit, based on great reviews and recommendations from our hotel. Food is delicious, out of this world! Great presentation is a plus. Mediterranean Greek is my favorite. Great service, in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Would go back again. Highly recommend.

Amazing ambience and quick service. We ordered the charred eggplant and grilled halloumi, grilled eggplant is flavorful and the bread with it was fresh, the grilled flavor of the Halloumi was amazing, tasted fresh and perfectly cooked. However the accompanying rice tasted a bit undercooked. The quantity is good and fulfilling. I found the tables to be a bit cramped up and the restaurant had an odd rag odor when we entered, luckily we couldn’t smell the odor at our dining table. Also we were charged 3% surcharge, for just 2 people seems unreasonable.

Gorgeous ambiance and terrific food! I can’t stop thinking about the charred eggplant dip. It is not what you would expect, truly whipped and creamy, but absolutely phenomenal. The grilled branzino may have been one of the best entrees I have ever had. It was so fresh and light.

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.

Tasty food for a casual Mediterranean experience, but we aren’t dying to go back. Spicy lamb toothpicks were filled with flavor. Greek salad was nothing memorable, and heavy on the lettuce and lacking the rest of ingredients. Salmon kebab was also acceptable but lacked a unique flavor. Frozen Greek yogurt was delicious. Staff was super nice and the beer they recommended was just what we asked for.

The foods are excellent. It comes in small dishes so you can order several things with out burden you stomach too much. Everythings that we ordered were so good. The waiter was so nice.

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.