Ema – River North

River North, Chicago
74 W IllinoisChicago, IL 60654 (312) 527-5586
Reserve parking, Book with Spothero
View WebsiteHours
Monday - Thursday: 11:00am - 10:00pm
Friday - Saturday: 11:00am - 11:00pm
Sunday: 11:00am - 9:00pm
Please Note: Holiday Hours May Differ
Menus
Gluten Free
Gluten-Free Lunch
available Monday - Friday until 3:00PM
Spreads
served with gluten-free crackers
Hummusza'atar, vegetable crudité13.95
Toasted Almond & Garliccastelvetrano olives, fresh herbs13.95
House-made Labnehspring pea & lentil salad, radish, mint, dill13.95
Charred Eggplantwalnut, garden herbs, pomegranate molasses14.95
Ginger Turmeric Labnehspring onion salsa verde, sesame15.95
Hummus W/ Lamb Ragu*braised lamb, spicy harissa17.95
Samplerselect 3: hummus, labneh, toasted almond & garlic, charred eggplant18.95
Cold Mezze
Feta & Olivesmarcona almonds, lemon zest, middle east spices12.95
Ora King Salmon*japanese sesame, shaved asparagus, radish, crispy shallot16.95
House-made Stracciatellamighty vine tomatoes, sherry shallot vinaigrette, basil16.95
Hot Mezze
Crispy Potatoesmizithra, rosemary, scallion crema11.95
Green Falafelbeet tzatziki, garlic tahini, dhania spice12.95
Brussels Sproutscrispy shallots, pumpkin seeds, sherry glaze13.95
Pan-roasted Romanesque Cauliflowerhouse yogurt, local honey14.95
Salads
add green falafel $5.95, add roasted chicken $6.95, add ora king salmon $9.95
Greek Saladromaine, tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, red peppers, dijon vinaigrette13.95
Mediterranean Choppedarugula, romaine, cauliflower, capers, dates, parmesan, olives, red peppers14.95
Spring Greens W/ Roasted Sumac Chickenroasted artichokes, asparagus16.95
Kebabs
Grilled Halloumigreek cheese, red onion, date, red zhoug15.95
Chicken Kefta*lemon, olive oil, tzatziki17.95
Grilled Chicken*yogurt marinade, sweet peppers, zhoug18.95
Lamb & Beef Kefta*lemon, olive oil, tzatziki18.95
Faroe Island Salmon*sweet peppers, red onions, lemon, olive oil, zhoug24.95
Gluten-Free Dinner
served daily after 3:00PM
Spreads
served with gluten-free crackers
Hummusza'atar, vegetable crudité13.95
Toasted Almond & Garliccastelvetrano olives, fresh herbs13.95
House-made Labnehspring pea & lentil salad, radish, mint, dill13.95
Charred Eggplantwalnuts, garden herbs, pomegranate molasses14.95
Ginger Tumeric Labnehspring onion salsa verde, sesame15.95
Hummus W/ Lamb Ragu*braised lamb, spicy harissa17.95
Market Vegetables
Grilled Leeksromesco sauce, piquillo, almond, roasted garlic, aleppo13.95
Pan-roasted Romanesque Cauliflowerhouse yogurt, local honey14.95
Roasted Smoky Carrotslabneh, spiced dukkah, roasted garlic oil15.95
Beets And Berriesstrawberry harissa, charred avocado, crispy lentils, herbs15.95
Raw
Ora King Salmon*japanese sesame, shaved asparagus, radish, crispy shallot16.95
Hamachi*avocado, rhubarb, serrano, sesame, cilantro16.95
Cold Mezze
Feta & Olivesmarcona almonds, lemon zest, middle east spices13.95
Greek Saladromaine, tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, red peppers, dijon vinaigrette14.95
House-made Stracciatellamighty vine tomatoes, sherry shallot vinaigrette, basil18.95
Hot Mezze
Crispy Potatoesmizithra, rosemary, scallion crema11.95
Green Falafelbeet tzatziki, garlic tahini, dhania spice12.95
Brussels Sproutscrispy shallots, pumpkin seeds, sherry glaze13.95
Spicy Toothpick Lambcumin, chilies, house yogurt18.95
Seafood
Grilled Octopus*calabrian chili conserva, fava bean masabacha, cara cara orange, piquillo24.95
Grilled Branzino*brown butter, ramps, caper, pine nut, charred lemon28.95
Crispy Skin Seabass*beluga lentils, black kale, medjool date, basil pistou29.95
Kebabs
Grilled Halloumigreek cheese, red onion, date, red zhoug15.95
Chicken Kefta*lemon, olive oil, tzatziki17.95
Grilled Chicken*yogurt marinade, sweet peppers, zhoug18.95
Lamb & Beef Kefta*lemon, olive oil, tzatziki18.95
Faroe Island Salmon*sweet peppers, red onions, lemon, olive oil, zhoug24.95
Gluten-Free Brunch
Brunch
Soft Scrambled Eggssautéed mushrooms, parmesan cream, closed loop farm herbs13.95
Kefta & Eggschoice of: chicken or lamb & beef, fried eggs, cucumber & tomato salad, lemon dill rice18.95
Lamb Shakshukabaked egg, spicy harissa, gluten-free crackers18.95
Spreads
served with gluten-free crackers
Hummusza'atar, vegetable crudité13.95
Toasted Almond & Garliccastelvetrano olives, fresh herbs13.95
House-made Labnehspring pea & lentil salad, radish, mint, dill13.95
Charred Eggplantwalnuts, garden herbs, pomegranate molasses14.95
Ginger Tumeric Labnehspring onion salsa verde, sesame15.95
Cold Mezze
Feta & Olivesmarcona almonds, lemon zest, middle east spices13.95
Greek Saladromaine, tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, red peppers, dijon vinaigrette14.95
Ora King Salmon*japanese sesame, shaved asparagus, radish, crispy shallot16.95
House-made Stracciatellamighty vine tomatoes, sherry shallot vinaigrette, basil18.95
Hot Mezze
Crispy Potatoesmizithra, rosemary, scallion crema11.95
Green Falafelbeet tzatziki, garlic tahini, dhania spice12.95
Brussels Sproutscrispy shallots, pumpkin seeds, sherry glaze13.95
Pan-roasted Romanesque Cauliflowerhouse yogurt, local honey14.95
Kebabs
Grilled Halloumigreek cheese, red onion, date, red zhoug15.95
Chicken Kefta*lemon, olive oil, tzatziki17.95
Grilled Chicken*yogurt marinade, sweet peppers, zhoug18.95
Lamb & Beef Kefta*lemon, olive oil, tzatziki18.95
Faroe Island Salmon*sweet peppers, red onions, lemon, olive oil, zhoug24.95
Surcharge - As a way to offset rising costs associated with the restaurant (food, beverage, labor, benefits, supplies), we have added a 3% surcharge to all checks. We do this in lieu of increased menu prices. You may request to have this taken off your check, should you choose. *These items are cooked-to-order. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness
Lunch
Spreads
served with our house bread


House-made Labnehspring pea & lentil salad, radish, mint, dill13.95
Charred Eggplantwalnuts, garden herbs, pomegranate molasses14.95
Ginger Turmeric Labnehspring onion salsa verde, sesame15.95

Sampler
Samplerselect 3: hummus • labneh • toasted almond & garlic • charred eggplant18.95
Cold Mezze
Feta & Olivesmarcona almonds, lemon zest, middle east spices13.95

Ahi Tuna And Pomegranateisraeli cous cous, mint, nigella yuzu vinaigrette18.95
House-made Stracciatellamighty vine tomatoes, croutons, sherry shallot vinaigrette, basil18.95
Hot Mezze

Green Falafelbeet tzatziki, garlic tahini, dhania spice12.95

Pan-roasted Romanesque Cauliflowerhouse yogurt, local honey14.95
Asparagus Farrobrown butter, parmesan, chives16.95
Salads
add green falafel / 6.95 add roasted chicken / 7.95 add faroe island salmon / 10.95
Greek Saladromaine, tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, red peppers, dijon vinaigrette14.95
Mediterranean Choppedarugula, romaine, cauliflower, capers, dates, parmesan, olives, red peppers15.95
Spring Greens W/ Roasted Sumac Chickenroasted artichokes, asparagus, farro, flatbread16.95
Sandwiches
Green Falafelhummus, tzatziki, tomatoes, red onions, house dressing14.95

Grilled Chicken*hummus, tzatziki, tomatoes, red onions, market vinaigrette16.95
Kebabs
Grilled Halloumigreek cheese, red onion, date, red zhoug15.95
Chicken Kefta*lemon, olive oil, tzatziki17.95
Grilled Chicken*yogurt marinade, sweet peppers, zhoug18.95


Surcharge
As a way to offset rising costs associated with the restaurant (food, beverage, labor, benefits, supplies), we have added a 3% surcharge to all checks. We do this in lieu of increased menu prices. You may request to have this taken off your check, should you choose.
*These items are cooked-to-order. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness
Dinner
Spreads
served with our house bread


House-made Labnehspring pea & lentil salad, radish, mint, dill13.95
Charred Eggplantwalnuts, garden herbs, pomegranate molasses14.95
Ginger Tumeric Labnehspring onion salsa verde, sesame15.95

Market Vegetables
Grilled Leeksromesco sauce, piquillo, almond, roasted garlic, aleppo13.95
Pan-roasted Romanesque Cauliflowerhouse yogurt, local honey14.95
Roasted Smoky Carrotslabneh, spiced dukkah, roasted garlic oil15.95
Beets And Berriesstrawberry harissa, charred avocado, crispy lentils, herbs15.95
Raw
Ora King Salmon*japanese sesame, shaved asparagus, radish, crispy shallot16.95
Hamachi*avocado, rhubarb, serrano, sesame, cilantro16.95
Ahi Tuna & Pomegranate*israeli couscous, mint, nigella yuzu vinaigrette18.95
Cold Mezze
Feta & Olivesmarcona almonds, lemon zest, middle east spices13.95
Greek Saladromaine, tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, red peppers, dijon vinaigrette14.95
House-made Stracciatellamighty vine tomatoes, croutons, sherry shallot vinaigrette, basil18.95
Hot Mezze

Green Falafelbeet tzatziki, garlic tahini, dhania spice12.95
Brussels Sproutscrispy shallots, pumpkin seeds, sherry glaze13.95
Asparagus Farrobrown butter, parmesan, chives16.95
Spicy Toothpick Lambcumin, chilies, house yogurt18.95
Seafood
Grilled Octopus*calabrian chili conserva, fava bean masabacha, cara cara orange, piquillo24.95

Crispy Skin Seabass*beluga lentils, black kale, medjool date, basil pistou29.95
Kebabs
Grilled Halloumigreek cheese, red onion, date, red zhoug15.95
Chicken Kefta*lemon, olive oil, tzatziki17.95


Faroe Island Salmon*sweet peppers, red onions, lemon, olive oil, zhoug24.95
Surcharge
As a way to offset rising costs associated with the restaurant (food, beverage, labor, benefits, supplies), we have added a 3% surcharge to all checks. We do this in lieu of increased menu prices. You may request to have this taken off your check, should you choose.
*These items are cooked-to-order. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness
Happy Hour
Mezze - $7
Hummusza'atar, vegetable crudité
Crispy Potatoesmizithra, rosemary, scallion crema
Toasted Almond & Garliccastelvetrano olives, fresh herbs
Charred Eggplant Spreadwalnut, garden herbs, pomegranate molasses
Crispy Brussels Sproutscrispy shallots, pumpkin seeds, sherry glaze
Craft Beer - $6
Lil Buddy Lagerhopewell brewing, chicago, il
Apertif Pilsnermoody tongue brewing, chicago, il
Wine - $8
Sommelier Selection White
Sommelier Selection Red
Cocktail
House Margarita10
Surcharge
As a way to offset rising costs associated with the restaurant (food, beverage, labor, benefits, supplies), we have added a 3% surcharge to all checks. We do this in lieu of increased menu prices. You may request to have this taken off your check, should you choose.
Please advise the restaurant of any dietary restrictions and allergies when dining in or placing a carry out order. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness. All items are subject to availability
Beverage
Cocktails
Do Not Disturbbasic vodka, st. germain elderflower, mint, cucumber, lemon13
Cactus Queennosotros blanco tequila, brovo pink, guava, honey, soda14
Slow CheetahIlegal mezcal, fresno chile, pineapple, lime, coriander14
Passionfruit G&thendrick's gin, brockmans gin, appel's passionfruit cordial, lime, tonic15
Black River Old Fashionedsazerac rye, allspice, demerara, black walnut bitters15
Wake Up Callfighting 69th whiskey, maplewood chocolate, espresso, licor 43, demerara, cream15
Zero-Proof Cocktails
Pomegranate Backsplashappel's hibiscus grenadine, fever tree sparkling lemon, orange10
Pineapple Ginger Sodaappel's ginger, pineapple, fever tree yuzu lime soda10
Sweet Nothingstrawberry, pineapple, pink peppercorn, tonic10
By the Glass
Bubbles
Prosecco, Giuliana, Italy, NvGlass 13Bottle 52
Brut Rosé, Francois Montand, Jura, France, NvGlass 14Bottle 56
Brut, Champagne Canard-duchêne "cuvée Léonie", France, NvGlass 22Bottle 90
White
Sauvignon Blanc, Gilgal, Israel, 2021Glass 14Bottle 56
Assyrtiko, Mylonas, Greece, 2021Glass 14Bottle 56
Pigato, Bruna "majé", Liguria, Italy, 2019Glass 15Bottle 60
Moschofilero, Skouras, Pelopennese, Greece, 2021Glass 15Bottle 60
Riesling, Red Tail Ridge, Finger Lakes, New York, 2021Glass 15Bottle 60
Chardonnay, Tyler, Santa Barbara County, California, 2021Glass 16Bottle 64
Chardonnay, Maison Chanzy "les Fortunes", Burgundy, France, 2020Glass 18Bottle 72
Rosé
Cabernet Franc, "la Grande Cuvée" Dourthe Vineyards, Bordeaux, France, 2022Glass 13Bottle 52
Tempranillo, Ostatu Rosado, Rioja, Spain, 2022Glass 14Bottle 56
Red
Pinot Noir, Girasole, Mendocino, California, 2021Glass 15Bottle 60
Gamay Noir, Division "les Petits Fers", Oregon, 2021Glass 18Bottle 72
Nerello Mascalese, Tenuta Tascante "etna Rosso", Ghiaia Nera, Sicily, Italy, 2020Glass 14Bottle 56
Tempranillo, Seis De Luberri, Familia Monje Amestoy, Rioja, Spain, 2021Glass 16Bottle 64
Xinomavro, Kir-yianni "cuvée Villages", Naoussa, Greece, 2019Glass 14Bottle 56
Cabernet Sauvignon, No Fine Print, California, 2019Glass 15Bottle 60
Beer
Pear Ciderstem ciders, lafayette, colorado7
Aperitif Pilsnermoody tongue, chicago, il8
Ebel's Weiss Wheattwo brothers brewing, warrenville, il7
Lightbeam Hazy Ipahopewell brewing, chicago, il9
Le Tub Farmhouse Alewhiner beer co., chicago, il7
Daisy Cutter Pale Alehalf acre brewing, chicago, il8
Reserve Cocktails
classic cocktails with exceptional spirits
Triple Cask Old FashionedMilam & greene triple cask bourbon, caramelized fig, angostura. This extraordinary blended bourbon with ages up to 11 years comes from master blender Heather Greene. Rounded out by a decadent caramelized fig syrup from Austin, TX producer, Liber & Co., this classic old fashioned is a long, lingering sipper21
Highland MargaritaDon fulano reposado tequila, mandarine napoleon, lime. A barrel-rested tequila made by the Fonseca family - renowned growers of agave in Los Altos since the late 1800s; combined with an orange liqueur that was made exclusively for Napoleon22
Castelvetrano Vesper MartiniGrey goose vodka, stray dog gin, m&r riserva speciale ambrato, feta stuffed olive. A James Bond original - Grey Goose Ultra Premium Vodka paired with a unique gin made from wild foraged Greek botanicals - finished with our own house-made feta stuffed castelvetrano olives22
Wines by The Bottle
Feature
Les Parcellaires de Dourthe - Innovative plot by plot approach to grape selection which result in a collection of unique, exclusive wines that challenge the accepted view of Bordeaux as a region of blended wines
Semillon, '54', Dourthe Chateau Rahoul, Graves, France, 202080
Cabernet Franc, 'peykem', Dourthe Chateau Reysson, Haut-medoc, France, 202080
Cabernet Sauvignon, 'la Graviere', Dourthe Chateau Rahoul, Graves, France, 202080
Sparkling
Xinomavro, Kir-yianni "akakies" Sparkling Rosé, Amyndeon, Greece, 202052
Brut Nature, Valldolina Reserva, Cava, Spain, Nv62
Crémant De Bourgogne, Dame Jeanne Prémíces Blanc, Burgundy, France, Nv88
Brut Nature, Red Tail Ridge "perpétuelle Change 1st Edition", Finger Lakes, New York, Nv94
Malvasia, Bodegas Los Bermejos Brut Nature, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, 201899
Rosé
Nero D'avola, Cantine Barbera "la Bambina", Menfi, Sicily, 202154
Grenache/syrah/cinsault, Triennes Mediterranée Rosé, France, 202165
Grenache/cinsault/mourvedre, Railsback Frères "les Rascasses", Santa Barbara, California, 202176
Cinsault/mourvedre, Musar Jeune Rosé, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, 201980
Coastline Whites
Encruzado Et Al., Lagar De Darei "branco", Dão, Portugal, 201748
Chardonnay, Alpha Estate "tramonto Single Block", Amyndeon, Greece, 202078
Vermentinu, Railsback Frères "camp Four", Santa Barbara, California, 202080
Chardonnay, Sandhi "central Coast", California, 202088
Coastline Reds
Syrah, Galil Mountain, Israel, 202056
Xinomavro, Alpha Estate, Hedgehog Vineyard, Amyndeon, Greece, 201960
Agiorghitiko/cabernet Sauvignon, Domaine Skouras "megas Oenos", Peloponnese, Greece, 201880
Grenache/syrah/mourvedre, Railsback Frères "comme Vous Voulez", Santa Barbara, California, 201992
Xinomavro, Domaine Karydas, Naoussa, Greece, 201698
Merlot/cabernet Sauvignon, Chateau Belle-vue, Bhamdoun, Lebanon, 2012110
Syrah, Railsback Frères "nolan Ranch Cuvée Chloe", Santa Barbara, California, 2020120
Island Whites
Xynisteri/malaga, Tsiakkas "lemesos", Cyprus, 202160
Listan Blanco, Bodegas Tajinaste "blanco Seco", Tenerife, Canary Islands, 202068
Assyrtiko, Domaine Sigalas, Santorini, Greece, 202192
Etna Bianco, Frank Cornelissen "munjebel", Mt. Etna, Sicily, 2019134
Island Reds
Kotsifali/syrah, Alexakis, Crete, Greece, 201660
Carignano/cabernet Sauvignon/cabernet Franc, Agricola Punica "montessu", Sardegna, Italy, 202070
Cabernet Sauvignon/callet/mantonegro, Castell De Santueri Rouge, Mallorca, Spain, 201778
Mantonegro/callet/monastrell, Ca'n Verdura "supernova", Mallorca, Spain, 202188
Etna Rosso, Benanti "contrada Cavaliere", Mt. Etna, Sicily, 201990
Niellucciu, Domaine Antoine-marie Arena "morta Maio" Rouge, Patrimonio, Corsica, 2019140
Outlier Whites
Semillon, Brokenwood, Hunter Valley, Australia, 202164
Viognier, Penner-ash, Oregon, 202188
Chardonnay, Matthiasson "linda Vista Vineyard", Napa Valley, California, 2020100
Chardonnay, Domaine Vocoret "les Forets Vieilles Vignes", Chablis 1er Cru, France, 2019132
Altesse, Domaine Des Ardoisières "cuvee Quartz", Savoie, France, 2019287
Outlier Reds
Merlot/cabernet Franc, Chateau Reysson, Haut-medoc, France, 201670
Merlot, Rombauer, Napa Valley, California, 201996
Gamay/mondeuse/persan, Domaine Des Ardoisières "cuvée Argile", Savoie, France, 2019110
Gamay/mondeuse/persan, Domaine Des Ardoisières "cuvée Argile", Savoie, France, 2020120
Pinot Noir, Scherrer "russian River Valley", Sonoma County, California, 2014136
Tempranillo, Lopez De Heredia Viña Tondonia "bosconia" Riserva, Rioja, Spain, 201198
Zinfandel/petite Sirah, Ridge "lytton Springs", Dry Creek Valley, California, 2019104
Cabernet Sauvignon, Sinegal Estate, Napa Valley, California, 2019152
Pinot Noir, Domaine Henri Boillot "les Chevrets", Volnay 1er Cru, Burgundy, France, 2015198
Persan/mondeuse Noire, Domaine Des Ardoisières "cuvée Amethyste", Savoie, France, 2017233
As a way to offset rising costs associated with the restaurant (food, beverage, labor, benefits, supplies), we have added a 3% surcharge to all checks. We do this in lieu of increased menu prices. You may request to have this taken off your check, should you choose. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness. All items are subject to availability
Brunch
Brunch
Halva Toastsumac, halva butter, mixed berries, mint13.95
Blueberry Clafoutisalmond pancake, sweetened yogurt, lemon, pistachios13.95


Kefta & Eggschoice of: chicken or lamb & beef, fried eggs, cucumber & tomato salad, lemon dill rice18.95
Lamb Shakshukabaked egg, spicy harissa, house bread18.95
Spreads
served with our house bread


House-made Labnehspring pea & lentil salad, radish, mint, dill13.95
Charred Eggplantwalnuts, garden herbs, pomegranate molasses14.95
Ginger Turmeric Labnehspring onion salsa verde, sesame15.95
Cold Mezze
Feta & Olivesmarcona almonds, lemon zest, middle east spices13.95
Greek Saladromaine, tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, red peppers, dijon vinaigrette14.95
Ora King Salmon*japanese sesame, shaved asparagus, radish, crispy shallot16.95
Ahi Tuna And Pomegranate*israeli couscous, mint, nigella yuzu vinaigrette18.95
House-made Stracciatellamighty vine tomatoes, croutons, sherry shallot vinaigrette, basil18.95
Hot Mezze

Green Falafelbeet tzatziki, garlic tahini, dhania spice12.95

Pan-roasted Romanesque Cauliflowerhouse yogurt, local honey14.95
Kebabs
Grilled Halloumigreek cheese, red onion, date, red zhoug15.95
Chicken Kefta*lemon, olive oil, tzatziki17.95


Faroe Island Salmon*sweet peppers, red onions, lemon, olive oil, zhoug24.95
Surcharge
As a way to offset rising costs associated with the restaurant (food, beverage, labor, benefits, supplies), we have added a 3% surcharge to all checks. We do this in lieu of increased menu prices. You may request to have this taken off your check, should you choose.
*These items are cooked-to-order. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness
Events at Ema – River North

Father’s Day Specials
Special for Father’s Day dinner at Ema, enjoy the Lamb Shank with Moroccan [...]
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$1 Fro-Yo Friday At Rotisserie Ēma
Friday, 11AM - 3PM
The start to the weekend just got even sweeter! Enjoy $1 Frozen Greek Yogurt with [...]
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Rotisserie Ēma
Monday - Friday, 11AM-3PM
Rotisserie Ēma, our quick casual, self-serve experience sharing its kitchen with [...]
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