marcona almonds, sweety drops, lemon zest, middle east spice
vegetarian
gluten-free
Brussels Sprouts
$16.95
crispy shallot, pumpkin seed, agrodolce
vegan
Pan-Roasted Romanesque Cauliflower
$16.95
house yogurt, local honey
vegetarian
gluten-free
Crispy Wild Mushrooms
$17.95
black lime, green chili crema, spiced honey, chive
vegetarian
gluten-free
Hot Mezze
Crispy Potatoes
$13.95
mizithra, rosemary, scallion crema
vegetarian
gluten-free
Green Falafel
$14.95
beet tzatziki, tahini, lemon zest
vegetarian
gluten-free
Mushroom "Escargot"
$16.95
garlic, parmesan, calabrian chili breadcrumb
vegetarian
Hot Honey Halloumi
$16.95
crispy garlic dukkah
vegetarian
Kebabs
served with basmati rice
Grilled Halloumi
$19.95
greek cheese, red onion, date, red zhoug
vegetarian
gluten-free
Chicken Kefta
$20.95
lemon, olive oil, tzatziki
gluten-free
Grilled Chicken
$22.95
yogurt marinade, sweet pepper, zhoug
gluten-free
Lamb & Beef Kefta*
$23.95
slagel family farms beef, lemon, olive oil, tzatziki
gluten-free
Faroe Islands Salmon*
$26.95
sweet pepper, red onion, lemon, olive oil, zhoug
gluten-free
Grilled Oishii Shrimp
$32.95
roasted tomato, souvlaki, lemon, zhoug
gluten-free
Seafood & Braises
Alaskan Halibut
$28.95
marinated peppers, walnut, garlic tahini, tomatillo & hatch chili chraime
gluten-free
Grilled Branzino
$42.95
pistachio aillade, brown butter, charred lemon
gluten-free
Spiced Chicken Thigh
$22.95
thai chili, garlic, charred lemon & mint yogurt
gluten-free
Slagel Family Farms Beef Short Rib
$36.95
corn polenta, parmesan, green bean, cherry tomato
gluten-free
Surcharge
As a way to offset rising costs, we have added a 3.5% surcharge to all checks. 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
Dessert
Frozen Greek Yogurt
vegetarian
california olive oil, sea salt$9.95
pistachio, candied orange$11.95
Warm Sticky Date Cake
$12.95
medjool dates, whiskey caramel, whipped cream
vegetarian
Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta
$12.95
orange blossom granita, rosemary meringue
gluten-free
HONEY CAKE
$14.95
burnt honey whipped cream, lemon zest
Vegan Coconut Crémeux
$13.95
pineapple, cashew, coconut streusel
vegan
gluten-free
Triple Chocolate Torte
$15.95
milk & white chocolate mousse, dark chocolate ganache
Coffee & Tea
proudly serving beatrix coffee roasters and rare tea cellars
Drip Coffee
$3.95
Espresso
$3.95
Americano
$3.95
Macchiato
$3.95
Cold Brew
$5.95
Cortado
$3.95
Latte
$4.95
Cappuccino
$4.95
Loose Leaf Tea
$5.95
Surcharge
As a way to offset rising costs, we have added a 3.5% surcharge to all checks. 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
kebabs served over basmati rice with house-made tzatziki and zhoug
Grilled Halloumi Kebab
Serves 8-10$89.95
Chicken Kefta
Serves 8-10$124.95
Grilled Chicken Kebab
Serves 8-10$124.95
Lamb & Beef Kefta*
Serves 8-10$129.95
Faroe Islands Salmon Kebab*
Serves 8-10$129.95
Grilled Oishii Shrimp Kebab
Serves 8-10$129.95
Braised Sumac Chicken
Serves 8-10$119.95
Braised Beef Short Rib
Serves 8-10$129.95
Sides & Additions
Extra Sauce
Serves 8-10$8.95
Gluten-Free Crackers
vegan
Serves 8-10$16.95
Our House Bread
vegetarian
Serves 8-10$16.95
Vegetable Crudités
vegan
Serves 8-10$24.95
Lemon Dill Basmati Rice
vegan
Serves 8-10$24.95
Desserts
Whole Sticky Date Cake
$79.95
Whole Honey Cake
$79.95
Chocolate Chunk Cookie
priced by the each
$5.95
Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie
priced by the each
$6.95
*These items are cooked-to-order. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness
Main
served with fresh fruit and choice of beverage
Hummus Bowl
$8.95
carrot, cucumber, house bread
BUTTERED NOODLES
$8.95
parmesan cheese
Grilled Chicken Kebab
$8.95
french fries or basmati rice
CRISPY CHICKEN TENDERS
$8.95
served with french fries
Surcharge
As a way to offset rising costs, we have added a 3.5% surcharge to all checks. 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
Hummus
Classic
$13.95
za'atar, vegetable crudite, california olive oil
vegetarian
"Bhel" Hummus
$15.95
pineapple, avocado, pomegranate, tamarind, crispy rice, mint chutney
vegetarian
Sweet Corn
$16.95
aleppo, chive, black lime
vegetarian
Lamb Ragu
$21.95
slow braised lamb, spicy harissa
Spreads
Charred Eggplant
$15.95
aleppo, mint, olive oil
vegetarian
Spicy Whipped Feta
$16.95
smoky morita chili & pistachio muhammara, pomegranate
slagel family farms beef, lemon, olive oil, tzatziki
gluten-free
Faroe Islands Salmon*
$26.95
sweet pepper, red onion, lemon, olive oil, zhoug
gluten-free
Grilled Oishii Shrimp
$32.95
roasted tomato, souvlaki, lemon, zhoug
gluten-free
Surcharge
As a way to offset rising costs, we have added a 3.5% surcharge to all checks. 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
Mezze - $7
Hummus
za'atar, vegetable crudité
vegetarian
Crispy Potatoes
mizithra, rosemary, scallion crema
vegetarian
gluten-free
TOASTED ALMOND & GARLIC
castelvetrano olives, fresh herbs
vegetarian
Charred Eggplant
aleppo, mint, olive oil
vegetarian
Crispy Brussels Sprouts
crispy shallots, pumpkin seeds, sherry glaze
vegan
Cocktail - $10
HOUSE MARGARITA
Craft Beer - $6
LIL BUDDY LAGER
hopewell brewing, chicago, il
APERTIF PILSNER
moody tongue brewing, chicago, il
Wine - $8
SOMMELIER SELECTION WHITE
SOMMELIER SELECTION RED
Surcharge
As a way to offset rising costs, we have added a 3.5% surcharge to all checks. 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
Mezze Dinner
$69.95 / person
Hummus & Spreads
select two (served with our house bread & gluten-free crackers)
Hummus
za'atar, olive oil, paprika
vegetarian
Sweet Corn
aleppo, chive, black lime
Lamb Ragu Hummus
braised lamb, spicy harissa (+$4)
Charred Eggplant
aleppo, mint, olive oil
vegetarian
Spicy Whipped Feta
smoky morita chili & pistachio muhammara, pomegranate
Toasted Almond & Garlic
castelvetrano olive, fresh herbs
vegetarian
House-Made Labneh
seasonal chef preparation
Mezze
select three
Salads & Raw
Lemon Caesar
piparra pepper, smoked almond, pecorino, calabrian chili
vegetarian
Greek Village
romaine, tomato, cucumber, kalamata olive, feta, red pepper, dijon vinaigrette
Sauvignon Blanc, Verdelia "Ema", Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara, California
Falanghina, Feudi di San Gregorio, Campania, Italy
Chardonnay, The Fableist, Edna Valley, California
Red
Grenache / Syrah / Mourvèdre, Le Souleil "Vin de Bonté", France
Pinot Noir, Au Bon Climat, Santa Barbara County, California
Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot / Cabernet Franc, Mount Hermon, Galilee, Israel
Cabernet Sauvignon, Donati, Paso Robles, California
Super Premium Bar Package
Premium Bar Package plus the addition of champagne $26 per person / hour
*These food items may be served raw or undercooked. consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness. Menu items subject to change seasonally
Cocktails
Cocktails
Prickly Pear Mule
$17.00
aspen vodka, prickly pear, key lime ginger soda
Cactus Queen
$16.00
gran centenario plata, strawberry, sarti rosa, honey
Pinot Noir, Failla, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2022
$80.00
Pinot Noir, Whitcraft, Sta. Rita Hills, California, 2022
$115.00
Tempranillo, Seis de Luberri, Rioja, Spain, 2022
$60.00
López de Heredia "Bosconia", Rioja Reserva, Spain, 2013Tempranillo,
$120.00
Syrah, Stolpman "More Better", Santa Barbara County, California, 2022
$80.00
Nebbiolo, Eraldo Viberti, Barolo, Italy, 2019
$135.00
Cabernet Franc, Lieu Dit, Santa Ynez Valley, California, 2023
$120.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, The Vice, Napa Valley, California, 2023
$92.00
Cabernet Sauvignon et Al., Château Belgrave, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France, 2015
$165.00
Spirits
Our focus on unique and rare finds extends into our spirits list, showcasing renowned whiskey and tequila selections
Bourbon Whiskey
Old Forester 86
$14.00
Blanton's
$26.00
Buffalo Trace
$14.00
Elijah Craig
$14.00
Eagle Rare 10
$18.00
EH Taylor Small Batch
$20.00
Koval "Ema Barrel" Bottled In Bond
$18.00
Very Old Barton
$12.00
Weller Antique 107
$23.00
Weller Reserve
$22.00
Woodford Reserve
$22.00
Maker's Mark
$16.00
Basil Hayden
$18.00
Rye Whiskey
Sazerac Rye
$16.00
Woodford Reserve Rye
$22.00
Knob Creek Rye
$18.00
Scotch
Famous Grouse
$14.00
Johnnie Walker Black Label
$16.00
Johnnie Walker Blue Label
$60.00
Ardbeg 10Yr
$24.00
Laphroaig 10
$24.00
Sheep Dip Blended
$22.00
Auchentoshan
$22.00
Highland Park 12Yr
$24.00
Macallan 12Yr
$26.00
Macallan 18Yr
$62.00
Talisker 10Yr
$26.00
Irish Whiskey
Natterjack
$14.00
Japanese Whiskey
Toki
$16.00
Vodka
Wheatly
$14.00
Belvedere
$18.00
Grey Goose
$16.00
Fieldnotes
$12.00
Ketel One
$16.00
Oka Yuzu
$14.00
Tito's
$14.00
Gin
Beefeater
$12.00
Bombay Saphire
$16.00
Fords
$14.00
Fieldnotes
$13.00
Hendrick's
$16.00
Nolet's Silver
$18.00
Plymouth Navy Strength
$28.00
Ransom Old Tom
$16.00
Stray Dog
$14.00
Rum
Appleton Estate Signature 80
$14.00
Cruzan Blackstrap
$12.00
Leblon Cachaca
$12.00
Planteray 3 Star
$12.00
Smith & Cross
$14.00
Tequila
Gran Centenario Plata
$14.00
Corazon Blanco
$12.00
Corazon Ema Reposado
$14.00
Don Fulano Reposado
$20.00
Dos Hombres Blanco
$17.00
Fortaleza Blanco
$26.00
Fortaleza Reposado
$28.00
Fortaleza Anejo
$30.00
Flecha Azul Blanco
$14.00
Flecha Azul Reposado
$15.00
Lalo Blanco
$18.00
Nosotros Blanco
$14.00
Tequila Ocho Blanco
$24.00
Tequila Ocho Reposado
$26.00
Tequila Ocho Anejo
$28.00
Mezcal
400 Conejos Espadin
$14.00
Dos Hombres Espadin
$20.00
Del Maguey Vida Espadin
$20.00
Cognac / Brandy
Merlet vs Cognac
$14.00
Laird's Apple Bottled in Bond
$14.00
Liqueurs
Massaya Arak
$14.00
Mastiha Antica
$14.00
Tentura Cinnamon Liqueur
$10.00
Two Stacks Double Irish Cream
$13.00
Scuppoz Amaretto
$14.00
Benedictine
$16.00
Chambord
$16.00
Chartreuse Green
$18.00
Chartreuse Yellow
$18.00
Grand Marnier 'Cuvee Louis-Alexandre'
$22.00
Licor 43
$18.00
Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao
$14.00
St. George Absinthe Verte
$20.00
St. Germain
$14.00
Amari
Amaro Nonino
$14.00
Aperol
$15.00
Campar
$14.00
Averna
$16.00
Cinpatrazzo
$12.00
Cynar
$14.00
Fernet
$14.00
Montenegro
$14.00
Ramazzotti
$12.00
Select Aperitivo
$14.00
Sfumato
$16.00
Varnelli Erborista
$18.00
As a way to offset rising costs, we have added a 3.5% surcharge to all checks. 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
Ēma is a Mediterranean restaurant in Chicago’s River North area showcasing Chef CJ Jacobson’s lighter California style of cooking. At the core of the menu are spreads, dips and mezze, Mediterranean small plates meant for sharing.
Signature dishes include Hummus w/ Lamb Ragu, Pan-Roasted Romanesque Cauliflower, House-made Stracciatella, Green Falafel with Tzatziki, Grilled Octopus with Fingerlings and Preserved Lemon Vinaigrette, and Lamb & Beef Kefta Kebabs.