Best Group Dining Gatherings Greek Restaurants in River North
3 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Ema
High-volume Mediterranean mezze from Chef CJ Jacobson with consistently strong execution.
Notable Picks
#1
Ema
8.9
Ema is Lettuce Entertain You’s bright River North Mediterranean room, built around Chef CJ Jacobson’s lighter California-style mezze, hummus, and kebabs in the lobby of the Hyatt Place. High-volume, multi-platform reviews and a steady local following make it one of the neighborhood’s most reliable spots for shareable small plates and vegetable-forward spreads.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Hummus with Lamb Ragu, House-Made Stracciatella with Vine-Ripened Tomatoes, Lamb Kefta Kebabs
What Makes it Special: High-volume Mediterranean mezze from Chef CJ Jacobson with consistently strong execution.
8.7
Avli River North is an upscale Greek restaurant in the heart of River North, known for contemporary takes on classics like saganaki, souvlaki, and lobster pasta served family-style. A large patio, upstairs dining room, and lively bar make it a go-to for group dinners, date nights, and Santorini-adjacent happy hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Flaming Saganaki, Chicken Souvlaki, Short Rib Pastitsada
What Makes it Special: Modern Greek cooking with a big patio and shareable feasts.
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
What Makes it Special: Hotel-attached modern Mediterranean spot with full-day service and a spacious, comfortable dining room.