Chicago | Ema — The Mediterranean Gem I’ve Wanted to Try for 4 Years!

I’ve heard about Ema since undergrad—always on my foodie wish list. Now back in Chicago for grad school, I made it my first meal out! We went on a weekend noon—a bit crowded, waited about 10–15 minutes, and ended up at the bar counter. I used to struggle with Mediterranean flavors, but Ema completely changed my perspective! Must-Tries: 🥙 Hummus – The best I’ve ever had! Maybe it’s adapted to modern tastes, but there’s none of that “funky” flavor—just smooth, fragrant, and perfect with warm pita. 🥔 Fried Potatoes with Greek Yogurt – The yogurt is incredible! Paired with crispy potatoes—a potato lover’s dream come true. 🍢 Beef & Lamb Kebab – No gaminess at all! Even as someone who usually avoids lamb, I happily ate quite a bit. Juicy, well-seasoned, highly recommended. 🍯 Honey Pie – The texture was lovely, but a bit too sweet for me. Might skip if you’re not into super sweet desserts. Overall, I’d totally recommend Ema to anyone new to Mediterranean cuisine! The atmosphere is cozy and inviting—perfect for a relaxed weekend brunch. The dinner menu is more extensive, but brunch is lighter on the wallet—around $20–40 per person. #StudyInUSA #ChicagoEats #MediterraneanFood #GreekYogurt #BrunchGoals #FoodieFinds