ZipPicks Awards
Best Mediterranean in River North
Best Greek in River North
Best Pet Friendly Restaurants in River North
Best Happy Hour in River North
Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in River North
Master Critic Review
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
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: High-volume Mediterranean mezze from Chef CJ Jacobson with consistently strong execution.
Who should go: Groups and couples who like shareable spreads and small plates.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours or weekend brunch for peak energy.
What to order: Spicy Hummus, Stracciatella, Lamb Kefta Kebabs.
Insider tip: Build a meal around 2–3 spreads per two people and one kebab, then add the warm sticky date cake if you have room.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hotel valet available via Hyatt Place entrance; nearby River North garages within 1–2 blocks; metered street parking is limited after 6pm
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished and slightly dressy
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is possible at most two-tops, but larger tables get louder during peak hours
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during prime hours
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short 5–10 minute pause
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — many mezze, spreads, salads, and vegetable plates are naturally vegetarian
Vegan options: Limited but workable — 2–3 spreads and sides can be ordered vegan with guidance from staff
Gluten-free options: Yes — several naturally gluten-free plates and labeled options; staff is used to substitutions
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the shareable mezze format keeps the meal interactive, and the room is lively without being overwhelming during early evening seatings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — walk-ins are common at the bar and smaller tables, but expect a wait on weekend evenings unless you arrive early or later in the night.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately — daytime and early dinner seatings work for older kids who can share plates, but the space feels more adult-leaning during busy evenings.
Best For
Better for: Shareable small plates, lighter Mediterranean flavors, and a reliable group-friendly setting with consistently strong service and pacing
Skip if: You want a quiet, low-energy dining room or a heavy, entree-focused meal instead of a mezze-style spread